Carmel in brief — November 10, 2026

Recycle campaign signs – Carmel Utilities is partnering with the Hamilton County Household Hazardous Waste Center and Recycle Force to recycle campaign signs from the 2026 election season. This recycling initiative prevents an abundance of yard signs going to a local landfill, as they cannot be recycled in regular curbside pickup. Through Nov. 21, Carmel residents are encouraged to bring their campaign signs and metal stands to the Carmel Household Hazardous Waste Site at 901 N. Range Line Rd. Signs may be dropped off between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays. It will be closed on Veterans Day.

CHS boys second in state cross country meet — The Carmel High School boys team placed second Oct. 31 in the IHSAA boys cross country state finals in Terre Haute. Top finishers for the Greyhounds were senior Lucas Bartlett in fifth and senior Jonah Kaul in eighth. The Greyhounds were third in the girls portion of the state finals. Senior Annabel Pollert was fourth individually.

CCS director receives award — David Woodward, Carmel Clay Schools director of student services, was awarded the Indiana University School of Education’s Distinguished Alumni Award in October. The award recognizes alumni who have given significant contributions at local, state and nation levels. Before working for CCS, Woodward worked for 13 years as the director of the Indiana Department of Education’s Division of School Building Physical Security and Safety and collaborated with state and federal agencies.

Hamilton County leadership fellows selected — The Mitch Daniels Leadership Foundation announced its Class IX Fellowship cohort, which consists of eight Hamilton County residents. The two-year fellowship includes traveling, coursework and Socratic seminars at Liberty Fund. Hamilton County’s Class IX fellows are Melissa Beuc, Chad Bills, Tyler Coward, Matthew Gebbie, Chris Greisl, Dustin Mikesell, Jesse Sherman and Cassandra Williams.

CPD Chief named to IACP 40 Under 40 list — Carmel Police Department Chief Drake Sterling was formally recognized as one of the International Association of Chiefs of Police’s 40 Under 40 Oct. 26 at its annual convention. The recognition is given based on leadership, innovation and commitment to their communities. Chief Sterling was appointed in 2024 and is a FBI National Academy graduate. He serves as director-at-large on the Indiana Association of Chiefs of Police.

Merchants Square infrastructure – Work to improve water and sewer networks in Merchants Square is set to begin Nov. 13 and continue in 13 rolling phases through mid-2027. The first phase will upgrade infrastructure under Keystone Way just west of Keystone Parkway. Subsequent phases will include the rest of Keystone Way and move west toward AAA Way and the roundabout at 116th Street. Other impacted roadways are Merchants Square Drive, Medical Drive and Range Line Road. Learn more by calling Carmel Utilities Customer Service at 317-571-2442.

A Salute to Veterans — The Hamilton County Historical Society is presenting A Salute to Veterans now through Nov. 14, showcasing military uniforms from throughout the nation’s 250 years. The exhibit displays uniforms worn or owned by Hamilton County residents and is presented in conjunction with the Clay Township Military Library and Museum in Carmel and other veterans throughout the county. The Hamilton County Historical Society Museum is free for tours and open to the public Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It also will be open Nov. 11, in honor of Veterans Day. For more, visit hamiltoncoinhs.com.

Campaign sign placement rules — INDOT reminds Hoosiers to place political campaign and other signs outside state right-of-way. Campaign and other types of advertising are prohibited on state-owned or state-maintained property, regardless of the time of year. Areas that should remain sign-free include intersections, interchanges and rights-of-way that run parallel to highways, including medians, shoulders and roadside areas. INDOT personnel may remove signs from a right-of-way or if they present an immediate safety risk, such as being too close to the roadway or obstructing line of sight.

Princess program applications — The 500 Festival is accepting applications for the 2027 Princess Program through Jan. 10, 2027, at 500Festival.com/Princess. Presented by The National Bank of Indianapolis, the program recognizes college-age women statewide for leadership, service and academic excellence, offering mentorship and a $1,500 scholarship. Top applicants will interview Jan. 23 in Indianapolis, with 66 advancing to a second round before 33 are selected as 2027 Princesses. Selected Princesses will serve as ambassadors from February through May, taking part in community outreach and 500 Festival events statewide.

Winter Market — The Carmel Farmers Market will host its Winter Market every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon through March 27, 2027. Attendees can shop from more than 60 vendors, including first-time Winter Market vendors Elevation Produce, Happy Little Pineapple Shop, FDG!, Moore’s Pie Shop, The Dirt Bar and Skillington Elderberries. The Winter Market is held inside the 611 building at 611 3rd Ave. SW in Carmel. For more information, visit carmelfarmersmarket.com/wm-home.

The Stratford earns Great Place to Work certification — For the seventh consecutive year, the retirement community The Stratford has been certified by Great Place to Work. The certification is given based on workplace culture, leadership practices and employees’ experience.

Live Your Dream scholarships available — Women who serve as the primary wage earners and would benefit from financial assistance to continue their education or receive training can apply through Nov. 15 for the Soroptimist Live Your Dream: Education and Training Awards for Women. Soroptimist International of Hamilton County will provide three cash awards: $2,000, $1,000 and $500. The top recipient will advance to the Soroptimist Midwest Region level and could receive up to an additional $5,000. The program culminates with three finalist $10,000 awards. To apply, visit sihamiltonco.com, or contact Jan Michelsen at 317-430-9714 or [email protected].

Indianapolis college launches respiratory therapy program — South College Indianapolis is launching a hybrid Associate of Science program in respiratory therapy. The program will be online and in-person beginning with a winter 2027 cohort. Students will complete simulations and clinical rotations for hands-on experience. For more, visit south.edu/program/associate-of-science-in-respiratory-therapy.

Carmel in brief — November 10, 2026

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