Current in Carmel

08/18/2024

A $5.5 million plan that would help Hamilton County's low- and moderate-income residents was approved Aug. 12 during a Hamilton County Commissioners meeting. Community Development Program Manager Michelle Westermeier said the five-year plan maps out how the county would distribute federal Community Development Block Grant funds.

A $5.5 million plan that would help Hamilton County's low- and moderate-income residents was approved Aug. 12 during a Hamilton County Commissioners meeting in Noblesville. Community Development Program Manager Michelle Westermeier said the five-year plan maps out how the county would distribute fe

08/18/2024

Hamilton County has launched a new online tool to help outdoor enthusiasts explore trails throughout the county. Trail Finder provides details about trails throughout the area about trail distance, surface material and trailhead locations, making it easy to plan a hike, bike ride or nature walk

Hamilton County has launched a new online tool to help outdoor enthusiasts explore trails throughout the county. Trail Finder provides details about trail distance, surface material and trailhead locations, making it easy to plan a hike, bike ride or nature walk According to a news release, each p

08/17/2024

Young CSC swimmers and their families filled the Carmel High School cafeteria to congratulate siblings Aaron and Alex Shackell and CSC head coach Chris Plumb on their accomplishments at the games, held July 26 to Aug. 11 in Paris. The trio shared highlights and anecdotes during a Q&A session before taking group photos with CSC swimmers.

The Carmel Swim Club celebrated the return of two of its athletes and a coach from the Olympic games in Paris with a Welcome Home Party held Aug. 15 at Carmel High School. Young CSC swimmers and their families filled the cafeteria to congratulate siblings Aaron and Alex Shackell and CSC head coach

08/16/2024

A Courtyard by Marriott hotel is preparing to open in the summer of 2026 at 13285 Illinois St. The 102-room hotel will include an indoor pool, 4,000 square feet of meeting space and a fitness center. It is expected to employ 30 to 40 people.

By Samantha Kupiainen A Courtyard by Marriott hotel is preparing to open in the summer of 2026 in Carmel at 13285 Illinois St. The 102-room hotel will include an indoor pool, 4,000 square feet of meeting space and a fitness center. It is expected to employ 30 to 40 people. Hotel owners Sam Patel

08/16/2024

Todd Weber, co-owner of Brownsburg-based Weber Farms, aims to provide fresh, local produce to the Carmel community through a pop-up farmers market stand. For 13 years, the stand operated in the parking lot of the now-closed Vine & Table. Recently, it moved to a bigger and more visible parking lot at 160 W. Carmel Dr.

Todd Weber, co-owner of Brownsburg-based Weber Farms, sells fresh local produce to the Carmel community through a pop-up farmers market stand. For 13 years, the stand operated in the parking lot of the now-closed Vine & Table. Recently, it moved to a bigger and more visible parking lot at 160 W

08/16/2024

Lane restrictions are planned for the next several days on I-465 westbound and U.S. 31 for inspection of the beams of the Spring Mill Road bridge over the interstate.

Lane restrictions are planned for the next several days on I-465 westbound and U.S. 31 for inspection of the beams of the Spring Mill Road bridge over the interstate. The I-465 westbound double lane closure schedule is: 9 p.m. Aug. 16 to 11 a.m. Aug. 17 9 p.m. Aug. 17 to 11 a.m. Aug

08/15/2024

With the change, Hamilton County Democratic Party chair Jocelyn Vare said she expects voter turnout to be higher than if Biden had remained in the race. And the increased interest is good news for local Democratic candidates, she said. Across the aisle, county GOP chair Mario Massillamany said local Republican voters remain energized no matter who they face at the top of the ticket.

As chair of the Hamilton County Democratic Party, Jocelyn Vare spends much of her efforts focused on local politics. But she said that job got a bit easier last month after President Joe Biden announced he would drop his reelection bid, with Vice President Kamala Harris becoming the new Democ

08/15/2024

Hanami Sushi & Sake Bar celebrated its grand opening Aug. 9 at Carmel City Center, 703 Veterans Way. Along with sushi, it serves a variety of appetizers such as spring rolls, chicken karaage, crab rangoon and noodle dishes. The entrees include beef and chicken teriyaki.

A new traditional Japanese restaurant has made its home in Carmel. Hanami Sushi & Sake Bar had its grand opening Aug. 9 at Carmel City Center, 703 Veterans Way. The owners are Saowalux Fary, Dao Richmond, Nat Boutenet, Wilai Johnson and chef Nuttapol Suktad. Fary, Boutent and Johnson are from

08/15/2024

Bruce Oldham’s description of Terry Prather is echoed by many community leaders. “He truly was the embodiment of a public servant,” said Oldham, Hamilton County Parks and Recreation deputy director.Prather, a Carmel High School graduate who lived most of his life in Carmel, died July 11 at age 80. A Celebration of Life is set for 2 to 5 p.m. at Coxhall Mansion in Carmel.

Bruce Oldham’s description of Terry Prather is echoed by many community leaders. “He truly was the embodiment of a public servant,” said Oldham, Hamilton County Parks and Recreation deputy director. Prather, a Carmel High School graduate who lived most of his life in Carmel, died July 11 at

08/15/2024

Kristin Kouka, president of the Carmel Clay Schools board of trustees, will serve as the district’s next Indiana School Boards Association delegate and legislative liaison, two positions school board member Greg Brown was hoping to land.

Kristin Kouka, president of the Carmel Clay Schools board of trustees, will serve as the district’s next Indiana School Boards Association delegate and legislative liaison, two positions another board member wanted to land. Before the vote at the Aug. 12 school board meeting to appoint Kouka,

08/14/2024

Liam Hansen, who helped guide the Carmel Mayor’s Youth Council as part of Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam’s transition team, allegedly left a harassing voicemail on Phares’ wife’s cellphone the night of July 7 and another voicemail on Phares’ phone two minutes later, according to a probable cause affidavit.

A 2024 Carmel High School graduate and former member of the Carmel mayor’s transition team is facing two charges after reportedly leaving harassing voicemails for Carmel High School Principal Tim Phares. Liam Hansen, 18, who helped guide the Carmel Mayor’s Youth Council as part of Carmel Mayor S...

08/13/2024

Craig Thompson’s final stop came in June at Glacier Bay National Park outside of Juneau, Alaska. The journey began nine years ago right after he completed a quest to run a marathon in all 50 states, when he visited Hawaii Volcano National Park.

Craig Thompson enjoys making bucket list challenges. First, the 53-year-old Carmel resident completed a marathon in each of the 50 states, then he made it through 100 full marathons. His latest quest was to visit all 63 national parks. He finished that in June, nine years after he started. The jou

08/13/2024

The Carmel Clay Schools board of trustees spent the final 45 minutes of its Aug. 12 meeting discussing Policy 5522, which governs selection, review and removal of school library materials. Two board members expressed concern that students can still access and view materials in a library that they’re not permitted by their parents to check out, while others said they believe the policy is comprehensive and working as intended.

School board members in Carmel are split on whether the district’s policy for reviewing and removing books from campus libraries is adequate or should be tightened up. The Carmel Clay Schools board of trustees spent the final 45 minutes of its Aug. 12 meeting discussing Policy 5522, which governs ...

08/12/2024

Joel Thacker, executive director of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, has been selected as the next chief of the Carmel Fire Department. He will begin the new role Sept. 3. Thacker will replace David Haboush, who is retiring after 32 years with CFD. He has served as chief since 2015.

Joel Thacker, executive director of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, has been selected as the next chief of the Carmel Fire Department. He will begin the new role Sept. 3. “Joel has been repeatedly called upon at both local and state levels for his leadership and knowledge in pub

08/12/2024

SAVE THE DATE! 🗓️ Hear from Carmel Clay School Board candidates vying for the two at-large seats in a debate on September 30th at 7 PM at the Palladium. 📣 Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about the candidates and their platforms. Ticket info coming soon!

08/12/2024

A Carmel police officer fired shots into the windshield of a vehicle after the driver refused to exit the car and instead drove it into a police vehicle. The driver of the car, who was suspected of stalking and harassment, suffered a gunshot injury that is not believed to be life-threatening.

The Indiana State Police are investigating the shooting of a suspect in a parking garage by a Carmel Police Department officer. According to ISP, Carmel police responded at 7:48 p.m. Aug. 11 to an apartment complex in the 12800 block of Old Meridian Street after receiving a report of harassment and

08/09/2024

Carmel is home to two National Register of Historic Places listings, and the Carmel Historic Preservation Commission is offering a grant program to encourage more property owners to apply. The CHPC is offering grants up to $5,000 for individual properties and $10,000 for potential historic districts that would join a list that includes the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Empire State Building.

Carmel is home to two National Register of Historic Places listings, and the Carmel Historic Preservation Commission is offering a grant program to encourage more property owners to apply. “We feel like more (homes and districts) should be honored and show the historic nature of the city. An impor...

08/09/2024

This year, 91 Place will be the beneficiary of the Earl D. Hoover Memorial Tournament for Charities, set for Aug. 24 at Plum Creek Golf Club in Carmel. The Indianapolis nonprofit works to combat teen homelessness.

The Earl D. Hoover Memorial Tournament for Charities began with a unique concept. Its board members, all Carmel residents, would alternate picking charities for the golf tournament to support a new cause each year. This year, Loretta Ramsey selected 91 Place as the benefit of the Aug. 24 tournament

08/09/2024

MK Dermatology, owned by Dr. Melanie Kingsley, offers patients a variety of dermatologic and cosmetic treatments, including laser therapy, injectable treatments, skin resurfacing, skin tightening and treatments for acne, rosacea and scarring. Kingsley is also able to perform surgery and treat dermatologic diseases and skin cancer at her practice.

By Samantha Kupiainen After more than a year of planning, MK Dermatology relocated to Carmel in May. The practice had previously been in an office building in Noblesville since April 2023, but now it’s at at 12174 N. Meridian St., Suite 210. MK Dermatology is owned by Dr. Melanie Kingsley, a board

08/09/2024

The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill opened July 29 at 1352 S. Range Line Rd., Carmel. It’s the second franchise of the restaurant to open in Indiana.

Omar Usmani was researching business opportunities when The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill caught his interest. So, he made a trip to Crown Point, which has the only other Great Greek restaurant in Indiana. “We tried it out, and the food was fantastic,” Usmani said. “We thought this would be ...

08/09/2024

The Hamilton County Council held a regular meeting Aug. 8 at the Hamilton County Government and Judicial Center in Noblesville. It approved a resolution to continue moving forward with the public safety training facility to be built at River Road and 160th Street in Noblesville where a smaller-scale training facility exists.

The Hamilton County Council held a regular meeting Aug. 8 at the Hamilton County Government and Judicial Center in Noblesville. It approved a resolution to continue moving forward with the public safety raining facility to be built at River Road and 160th Street in Noblesville, where a smaller-scale

08/08/2024

The Carmel Community Players production of “The Woman in Black” is set for Aug. 16 to 25 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. There are only three actors in the horror show, which is set in the early 20th century.

Persistence paid off for Lori Raffel. Raffel has been wanting to direct “The Woman in Black” since she first proposed the play to Carmel Community Players five years ago. “The rights have been tied up by a Chicago theater for the past three years and after checking every morning for the past y...

08/08/2024

The 8-0 vote took place just before the council approved the creation of a designated outdoor refreshment area, in which alcoholic beverages from participating vendors may be carried in open containers. Councilor Matt Snyder, who sponsored the ordinance to remove the restrictions, said the city has not received any complaints about The GOAT since it reopened this spring and that businesses within the DORA should be operating under the same conditions.

The GOAT tavern in Midtown Carmel can now operate under the same rules as other bars and restaurants in the area after the Carmel City Council voted Aug. 5 to remove a lengthy list of restrictions placed on the establishment in 2022. The restrictions, which The GOAT was required to honor to remain

08/08/2024

Snapshot: Mayor swears in 7 new Carmel Police Department officers • Current Publishing

Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam, left, swears in seven new Carmel Police Department officers at the Aug. 5 Carmel City Council meeting. The new officers are, from left, Kaitlyn Colgate, Victoria Simmons, Bailey Boyd, Brian Vasquez, Andrew Gordon, Cameron Miller and Tawk Hnin Thang. (Photo by Ann Marie Shamb

08/07/2024

Drone inspections taking place in Boone and Hamilton counties in August are part of a Duke Energy program to inspect overhead power lines and electrical equipment across the region to improve power reliability and strengthen the electric grid.

Residents of Boone and Hamilton counties may notice drones inspecting power lines during August. The inspections are part of a Duke Energy program to inspect overhead power lines and electrical equipment across the region to improve power reliability and strengthen the electric grid. Drone inspect

08/06/2024

Rajeev Ram knows one day he will appreciate his Olympic silver medal in men’s doubles, but right now it still stings. The 2002 Carmel High School graduate and U.S. teammate Austin Krajicek lost to Australia’s Matthew Ebden and John Peers 6-7 (8-6), 7-6 (7-1), 10-8 in the Summer Olympics men’s doubles gold medal tennis match Aug. 3 in Paris after defeating Spain’s Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcarez in the quarterfinals.

Rajeev Ram knows one day he will appreciate his Olympic silver medal in men’s doubles, but right now it still stings. “We were gutted not to go one step further in the final,” the 2002 Carmel High School graduate said. “We played well enough to win, definitely had opportunities and just left...

08/06/2024

Nara Hibachi and Sushi opened for the first time in December 2021, then owners David Hsu and his wife, Yulia Oey, sold it in 2023 so they could pursue other opportunities. The new owner briefly converted the restaurant into a burger joint, but the couple bought the business earlier this year and converted it back to offering its original cuisine.

By Samantha Kupiainen Nara Hibachi and Sushi opened for the second time this spring after being closed for less than a year. It’s owned and operated by married couple David Hsu and Yulia Oey, who immigrated to the United States from Indonesia in 2001. Hsu was inspired to open his own restaurant ba

08/06/2024

The Hamilton County Veterans Corps works to assist military veterans in need. In July, the organization hosted a resource fair at the Noblesville Schools’ Community Center in Noblesville, bringing vital information to those veterans and their families.

The Hamilton County Veterans Corporation assists military veterans in need. In July, the organization hosted a resource fair at the Noblesville Schools’ Community Center in Noblesville, providing vital information to those veterans and their families. "We're here to bring resources to one place th...

08/06/2024

Good medicine: Carmel pharmacists help guide historical drug store at Indiana State Fair • Current Publishing

When guests walk into the Hook’s Historical Drugstore Museum near the 38th Street entrance of the Indiana State Fairgrounds, they step back in time in more ways than one. The museum, designed to replicate a late 19th-century drugstore, opened in 1966 as part of an effort to celebrate Indiana's ses...

08/06/2024

The Carmel City Council voted 7-1 to approve a designated outdoor refreshment area in which alcoholic beverages may be purchased at participating vendors and carried in a designated open container throughout the zone. The Indiana Alcohol and To***co Commission will have the final vote on approving the DORA. City attorney Sergey Grechukhin said it is unclear how long that process could take.

The Carmel City Council voted 7-1 to approve a designated outdoor refreshment area in which alcoholic beverages may be purchased at participating vendors and carried in a designated open container throughout the zone. The Indiana Alcohol and To***co Commission will have the final vote on approving