Carmel honored by magazine
For Current in Carmel

The City of Carmel was named 2010 Owner of the Year by Midwest Construction magazine. The annual designation recognizes an owner’s excellence in the Midwest. Carmel was selected from nominations received from Midwest Construction readers. Criteria included volume of work, commitment to community need, innovation and vision, sustainability program and reputation within the industry.

A release issued by Midwest Construction magazine last month (click here to read release) highlighted numerous accomplishments including Carmel’s investment in rebuilding an existing network of recently incorporated county roads into fully functional parkways complete with new curb and gutter streets, underground storm sewer systems, and roundabout intersections. It also mentioned that with each road reconstruction project, the city has gone to great lengths to make it “fit” within the natural environment.

The release also referred to the Carmel Redevelopment Commission’s redevelopment of the core of the city and the accomplishments made by using public-private partnerships. Midwest Construction magazine also described Carmel as a progressive city in which designers and contractors understand that a high-level quality of work is expected. It also sees Carmel as a city where new and innovative devices are constantly studied and used.

Closing of Keystone Parkway at Main Street postponed
For Current in Carmel

The closing of Main Street at Keystone Parkway has been postponed until the first week of May, 2010. Then, approximately one week later, Keystone Parkway will close for 45 days between 126^th Street and 136^th Street.

Because construction has progressed at a steady pace, the two separate closures can begin more simultaneously which helps shorten the overall closure period.  Ongoing utility relocations have also been a factor in determining the closure schedule.

Motorists are asked to use extreme caution in this area for their safety and the safety of construction workers.  A 40 mile-per-hour speed limit is in effect and will be enforced in this construction zone and along the entire Keystone Parkway corridor from 96^thStreet to US 31. Daily short term lane restrictions are expected as construction crews work immediately adjacent to the Keystone Parkway travel lanes. 

The Main Street interchange is part of the final phase of a three-year project to lower the grade of Keystone Parkway under six major intersections creating new interchanges and free-flow traffic at these locations making Carmel’s five-mile stretch of Keystone a much safer and more efficient roadway. When completed, the north-south traffic on Keystone Parkway will be free-flowing with no traffic lights between 98th Street and 146th Street, and tear-drop shaped roundabouts interchanges will manage the east-west traffic flow. 

For more information on the project log on to www.CarmelLink.org.

Hamilton County Leadership Academy hires new executive director
For Current in Carmel

The Hamilton County Leadership Academy’s (HCLA) Board President, Brad Little, announced the hiring of Jill Doyle for the position of executive director for the HCLA.  Jill will begin as executive director this week and will be replacing Kristi Williams, who served as HCLA’s executive director for seven years.  
 
The HCLA offers a 10-month program that develops, educates and motivates future leaders to create positive change in our government, businesses and community.   Through the comprehensive curriculum and study of local issues, HCLA prepares graduates to assume active roles in promoting awareness of critical issues facing Hamilton County. 
 
Jill comes to the HCLA from The Faurote Group, a professional development and human capital consulting company, where she worked since May 2007.  During her tenure she managed all office operations and marketing for the organization.  “Jill has an extensive background in leadership and marketing,” says Brad Little.  “Her expertise and knowledge will undoubtedly be a huge asset to the organization.”  
 
Jill earned a Bachelors of Science degree from Butler University in Public & Corporate Communications and has also completed a certificate program in Public Management through Indiana University.  She earned her CAE designation through ASAE in May 1999.  In July of 2000, she completed a curriculum in association management through the Institute for Organizational Management in Charleston. 
 
Jill and her husband, Dan, have two daughters and live in Westfield, IN. 

Police chase results in fatalities
For Current in Carmel

On April 9^th, 2010 at approximately 10:50pm a Carmel Police Officer on routine patrol attempted to stop a vehicle for a speeding violation in the area of 126^th and River Road. The vehicle the officer was attempting to stop traveled north on River Road from 126^th Street and quickly turned into the Prairie View subdivision near 131^st and River Road. The vehicle refused to stop and continued to drive through the addition and then drove onto the Prairie View Golf Course property. The vehicle quickly accelerated and then drove back through the subdivision towards River Road. The Police Officer told Police Dispatchers that he was in pursuit of the vehicle and the vehicle turned out of the subdivision onto River Road and headed north. The vehicle continued north on River Road at a high rate of speed and lost control in a curve around the 14,400 block of North River Road, left the roadway and collided into a utility pole. The vehicle flipped over and immediately caught on fire. The officer saw that the driver was able to exit the vehicle and then the driver began yelling that his friends were in the car. Officers at the scene attempted to approach the vehicle to look for the occupants, however, the heat from the flames prevented the officers from doing so. When the Fire Department arrived at the scene, firefighters were able to extinguish the fire. Two passengers in the vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene.

Carmel Police Accident Investigators and Detectives conducted a further investigation at the scene, and are continuing to gather all the facts and circumstances involved in this incident.

The initial investigation determined that the driver of the vehicle, and the two passengers killed in the crash, are believed to be 15 year old boys from the Carmel area.

Identification of the deceased passengers is pending until positive identification is made by the Hamilton County Coroner’s Office and notification to the families has been completed.

Once the investigation is completed, Detectives will consult with the Prosecutors Office to determine the filing of any criminal charges.

Kiwanis Club collecting items through April 9
By Haley Vannarsdall
Current in Carmel

The Carmel Kiwanis Club is having a fundraiser food pantry drive specifically collecting children’s food items until April 9th. The Carmel Golden K Kiwanis club is partnering up with the Good Samaritan Networks in Hamilton County for the first time to collect for children in need.

Since local pantries cater more towards adults, the Kiwanis Club thought it was necessary to collect children’s food.

“Rarely is food for kids included in food drives and one of the main Kiwanis objective is to help with kids,” said Bob Chance, president of the Carmel Kiwanis Club.

There are seven drop off areas with large red collection bins in Carmel including the fire station, M & I banks, Old National banks, the library, Kenzi Chiropractic and the American Legion. They are also taking donations and checks can be made out to Carmel Golden K Kiwanis and sent to Don Fields 121 1st Ave. N.W. Carmel, IN 46032.