Good morning, Carmel.

On August 8, a federal judge ruled that Carmel contractor Jeffrey Rothbard committed fraud and must pay a $254,073 judgment after misusing investor funds for personal expenses.

The ruling confirmed that money meant for construction projects was used improperly, leaving several projects unfinished.

Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts named seven local community leaders to its board of directors on Aug.

13 — the new appointees will serve three-year volunteer terms while current officers remain in place. The board includes professionals from law, finance, medicine, and cultural sectors.

Indiana third graders achieved nearly a five percentage point increase in literacy rates with over 87% reading proficiently statewide on Aug.

13, according to the Indiana Department of Education. The results mark the largest single-year gain since IREAD began in 2013 and the first time every student group improved—officials said historic investments after the pandemic helped drive the change.

The Carmel Clay Schools board of trustees voted Aug.

11 to name the featured tennis court at the high school after alumnus Rajeev Ram—an Olympic silver medalist and state champion. The school will honor the renaming in September—Ram sent a thank-you video while competing in Cincinnati.

Mayor Sue Finkam explained that west Carmel residents have been under a boil-water advisory since August 11 after a fire hydrant was blown off a water line—she said a chain of small failures, known as the Swiss cheese effect, caused water pressure to drop below 20 psi while utility teams acted swiftly to manage the situation.

Hamilton County officials are considering replacing 111 traditional polling locations with 52 vote centers—an effort to lower costs and improve voting convenience.

Registered voters can cast ballots at any center on Election Day and have 30 days to submit feedback before the change goes into effect for the 2026 elections.

The Carmel Fire Department is reporting an increase in calls where children show anxiety and high heart rates from too much caffeine—officials said kids often consume several hundred milligrams from energy drinks early in the day.

Dr. Kristine Nañagas warned that excess caffeine over time can affect long-term health and urged families to check labels and choose safer alternatives.

Color Me Plainfield 5K

9 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Al and Jan Barker Sports Complex — $25-$40 — Experience a fun-filled 5K run with color explosions, music zones, and a lively after-party.

Aura Ray Live Performance

6 PM – 12 AM — Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse — Ticket prices vary — Experience the captivating sounds of local singer/songwriter Aura Ray in an inviting setting.

Indianapolis Cars & Coffee

8-11 a.m. — Meridian Mark — Free entry — Explore a vast array of stunning cars with family-friendly vibes in Carmel's largest lot.

Broadway Sings

1-2:30 p.m. — Feinstein's at Hotel Carmichael — $10 cover charge — Sing along to your favorite Broadway tunes at an open mic event.

Indiana Fever vs. Seattle Storm

7-8:30 p.m. — Gainbridge Fieldhouse — Single game tickets available — Experience the excitement of WNBA action with a thrilling matchup between the Fever and Storm.

Brand Distillery: Preview Workshop

10 AM – 12 PM — Industrious — Registration includes beverages and breakfast — A focused workshop to refine brand messaging for leaders and marketers.

Indiana Women's Running Festival Pasta Night

5-10 p.m. — Renaissance Indianapolis North Hotel — Cost varies — Enjoy a carb-loading buffet with fellow female runners before the festival.

Indy Women's Half Marathon & 5K

7:30 AM - 6:00 PM — Carmel Gazebo — Check website for fees — Experience the largest women’s-only half marathon in Indiana filled with camaraderie and inspiration.

Noblesville Bouquet Crawl

11 AM – 4 PM — Just Lagom — Free entry — Experience Noblesville's first bouquet crawl with local florists and an enchanting community vibe.

Adagio Live Music: The 78's

7-10 p.m. — Adagio Lounge at Hotel Carmichael — Cost varies — Enjoy an evening of curated live music paired with fine cocktails and small plates in a stylish lounge setting.