Grand Junction Derby to be held Aug. 8

The second-annual Grand Junction Derby will be held August 8, 3 to 6 p.m. in downtown Westfield. Those interested in participating still have time to get involved. Registrations are due, with the $20 registration fee, by July 31. However, there is no registration or fee required for children under 10. Vehicles do not need to be completed at the time of registration.
For more information and a copy of the registration form, visit www.dwna.org.

New road to accompany Walmart expansion

The city of Westfield is planning to construct a new road near US 31 to help traffic flow in that area.
Public Relations Coordinator Carrie Cason confirmed last week that the Walmart at 151st Street is planning to expand. Traffic is already heavy in that area along US 31, so the city will build a road connecting 151st Street and Greyhound Pass which Cason said should ease traffic flow.

Westfield Farmer’s Market kicks off June 4th

The Westfield’s Farmer’s Market will be kicking off its third year June 4 in the Farmer’s Market Lot just east of Main and Union Streets. The Farmer’s Market will run every Friday from 4p.m. to 8p.m. through August 6^. 

Westfield partners with Village Park Plaza to host second annual family fair

The city of Westfield is partnering with Village Park Plaza to host Westfield’s second annual Family Fair at Village Park Plaza.  The fair will open on Wednesday, May 27 and close on Sunday, June

Westfield In Bloom kicks off

The city of Westfield’s community beautification program, Westfield in Bloom, kicks-off this month throughout Westfield.   The designated color for this year’s contest is red.   The deadline to register will be June 14^th and the winner will be announced at the July 15^th Westfield in Bloom celebration at Wood Wind Golf Club.  Judging will take place the last weekend in June so the City would like to encourage residents to get their planting completed as soon as possible. 

WFD sends three to PFT training

Westfield Fire Department recently sent three firefighters to a weeklong personal trainer certification workshop hosted by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Professional Firefighters Local 416. 

Correction: election candidates categorized incorrectly

In the election section of the May 4 issue of Current in Westfield, candidates for various districts in the Indiana House of Representatives were inaccurately listed as candidates for the State Senate. That includes Districts 29, 32, 35, 36, 38, 39, 86, 87 and 88. Also, the district with democrat Terry Jo Austin and repulbican Kim Builta running  was incorrectly labeled District 35. The correct district is 36. The district with republican Jerry Torr running was incorrectly labeled as Disctrict 38,  and his opponent, Gary Wobler, was omitted from the listing. The correct district is 39. Wobler, who is married with five children and lives in Carmel, is a business owner and contractor for Customs and Border Control. His Web site is: www.woblerfordistrict39.com.
We sincerely apologize for any confusion resulting from our mistakes.

Westfield community plant day May 1

The Westfield in Bloom committee is looking for volunteers to help with this year’s Community Plant Day, a City beautification project at Quaker Park located at 17501 Dartown Road in Westfield.  The Community Plant Day is scheduled for May 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Westfield to host heavy trash and bulk item drop-off day

The city of Westfield, in conjunction with Ray’s Trash Service, is hosting a Heavy Trash and Bulk Item Drop-off Day on Saturday, May 15.   The drop-off location will be at the City Services Center located at 2706 E. 171^st Street.  Citizens are encouraged to dispose of objects and materials not included in the weekly trash/recycling services.  Drop-off hours will be from 8am to 1pm.

HCLA hires new director

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.  

City begins fire hydrant maintenance

The Westfield Public Works Department (WPW) announced today that biannual fire hydrant flushing will get underway once again this year on April 11th and last approximately four weeks.  WPW is urging all residents to be aware of the flushing in their areas and that temporary water discoloration could be a possible result.  

Help wanted: Current Publishing seeks high school interns

Current Publishing is seeking a motivated high school student eager to learn more about working in community journalism through an internship. The company produces three weekly newspapers - Current in Carmel, Current in Westfield and Current in Noblesville - as well as a montly business publication, Carmel Business Leader, and can provide a wide range of valuable work experience. There are no specifications for age or previous experience, but a good attitude and reliable, independent transportation are required. Those interested should contact Assignments Editor Kevin Kane at kkane@currentincarmel.com.

Westfield is “Tree City USA” once more

The city of Westfield has been designated a “Tree City USA” once again this year by the Arbor Day Foundation.  This designation results in technical assistance, public attention and national recognition for urban and community forestry programs in thousands of towns and cities across the country.  Westfield also received Arbor Day Foundation’s Growth Award for the first time this year.

Westfield in Bloom presents 'Plant a Row for the Hungry' program

The city’s Westfield In Bloom committee has developed a program to help the needy during their Westfield In Bloom campaign this spring.  The Plant a Row for the Hungry Program is aimed at urging residents to plant an extra row of fruits, veggies or herbs to donate to the designated recipient food bank for 2010.

Westfield will serve as census assistance center

Westfield City Hall, located at 130 Penn Street in Westfield, will serve as a Hamilton County Census Questionnaire Assistance Center for the public.  This Assistance Center is open now and will be open through April 19.  Hours of operation are Mondays and Wednesdays 2pm to 4:30pm and Tuesdays and Thursdays 11am to 3pm. 

Westfield and Carmel partner for Google Fiber urging residents to submit YouTube videos

The cities of Carmel and Westfield have decided to join forces to pursue a partnership with Google to bring fiber-to-the home connection to both cities.  Google plans to select a community to test their unique high speed connection later this year.  Communities nationwide will apply for this partnership and the selected communities will be the pilot cities and receive the installation of the unique high speed fiber access at no cost.

Hamilton County cities and towns partner to celebrate Earth Day

Hamilton County together with its cities and towns are partnering next month to celebrate Earth Day and holding a community-wide event titled “Tidy-Up, Be Bitter About Litter.”  The event is geared toward gathering families, friends, community groups and neighbors to “tidy-up” up their community.  The event will be held, April 24 from 9 a.m. to noon. 

Westfield police receive donation from Laird family

Hamilton County residents Mike and Debbie Laird presented the Westfield Police Department with a generous donation to fund a Community Day to be held in Westfield July 31.  The Lairds are the parents of fallen Indianapolis Police Officer Jake Laird, who gave his life in the line of duty Aug. 18, 2004.  In his honor, the Westfield Police Department will pay tribute to Jake and promote the spirit of community by providing an afternoon of food and fun for the residents of Westfield. 

Westfield pursuing an opportunity with Google Fiber

The city of Westfield announced its intent to pursue a partnership with Google to bring fiber-to-the home connection to Westfield residents.  Google plans to select a community to test its unique high-speed connection later this year.  Communities nationwide will apply for this partnership and the selected community will be the pilot city and receive this unique high speed fiber access at no cost.

Westfield announces trash/recycling public survey results

The city of Westfield announced the results of its residential citywide public trash and recycling survey.  The city o created the survey so that both Ray’s Trash Service and the city can gather necessary feedback to improve services to the residents.  The citywide trash and recycling program was initiated Jan. 1.

Hamilton County Reads Begins March 1 - Special programs planned at the Westfield Washington Public

Once again, the Westfield Washington Public Library, in cooperation with the other county libraries, is participating in “Hamilton County Reads,” a countywide program, which begins March 1 and lasts until April 17, when everyone is asked to read the same book.  

This year’s title is “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. The story begins in January of 1946, when writer Juliet Ashton receives a letter from a stranger, a founding member of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. This is a remarkable tale of the island of Guernsey during the German occupation, and of a society as extraordinary as its name. Multiple copies of the book are available for check out at the library. 
 

Westfield Receives Excellence in GIS Award

The City of Westfield has been awarded the Excellence in GIS Award from the Indiana Geographic Information Council (IGIC).  The award was presented to the City of Westfield’s Eric Becker and Tammy Havard at the Indiana Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Conference yesterday in Bloomington, Indiana. 

Westfield hires three new police officers

Westfield Police Chief Joel Rush announced the hiring of three new officers.  The officers were officially sworn-in by Chief Rush earlier this year in a ceremony held at the Public Safety Building which was attended by co-workers, family, and friends.

First pair of Ben Vereen tickets awarded

Daniel Homan of Carmel has won the first pair of main floor tickets to "An Evening with Ben Vereen" being held at Carmel High School on March 7. Carmel Community Players and Current Publishing are giving away four pairs of main floor tickets with one winner being named each week. The winner of the VIP grand prize package will be selected March 2.
To register for one of these prizes or to learn more about the giveaway, visit http://carmelplayers.org/current-tickets-giveaway/ or simply click the ad on the right side of this page.

Westfield Police Received Donation for Fallen Heroes

On Feb. 4, the Westfield Lions Club presented the Westfield Police Department with a generous check for $5,000 for their locally sponsored “Hero’s Award” program.  The check was presented to Westfield Police Chief Joel Rush.

Tom Wood dies at 77

Well-known auto dealer Tom Wood died Thursday morning, one day before his 78th birthday. Wood, the chief executive officer of Tom Wood Automotive Group, had been battling lung cancer for three years.
Wood is survived by his wife Julie and sons Christopher and Jeffrey. Christopher is a resident of Carmel and Jeffrey is expected to take his father's place as the company's next CEO.

Dillinger: more cuts likely in 2011

As if dealing with a $5 million-plus budget cut for 2010 weren’t difficult enough, Hamilton County Commissioner Steve Dillinger expressed concern today during his State of the County address for what lies ahead in 2011 and 2012.

“Our financial advisor predicts we’re going to have to cut our budget again next year to cover a shortfall of about $4.5 million,”  Dillinger said in his 22nd State of the County address during the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce's monthly luncheon at the Oak Hill Mansion in Carmel. “That could mean cutting into basic services, and that is not good.”

Westfield in Bloom steps it up for 2010

The Westfield In Bloom Committee met for the first time last week to discuss details for this year’s Westfield In Bloom Program.  Because the program was such a success last year, the committee decided to expand the criteria of the program and hopefully receive even more community involvement.

Free ice skating open to public saturdays, now through February

Bringing back a bit of wintertime nostalgia, the Downtown Westfield Neighborhood Association and two Westfield Girl Scout Troops offer free, public ice skating on a temporary, outdoor rink in the city’s downtown, every Saturday from 4-7 p.m., now through February. The rink is located on Indiana 32 in the Red Man Lot, just east of Union and Main Streets, the same lot used for the Westfield Market during warmer months.

Messer files to run in primary

Republican Luke Messer today filed his paperwork to declare his candidacy for the Fifth District Congressional Primary. U.S. Congressman Dan Burton, who has announced he is seeking a 15th term, currently holds the seat. The district includes all of Miami, Wabash, Huntington, Grant, Tipton, Hamilton, and Hancock counties, as well as parts of Howard, Marion, Shelby, and Johnson. 
 

Hamilton County Leadership Academy exectuive director resigns

The Hamilton County Leadership Academy (HCLA) Board of Directors announced today that Kristi Williams, HCLA executive director, has resigned to become the Vice president of business development for Marketpro, Inc.  Williams has been the executive director for the HCLA for seven years.

IndyCar driver Milka Duno speaks at Carey Ridge Elementary

On Jan. 14, IndyCar driver Milka Duno spoke to a group of over 100 fourth graders at Carey Ridge Elementary School. Milka spoke to the students about the importance of education and read from her award-winning children’s book Go, Milka, Go! Milka also answered questions from the children, posed for photos and signed autographs.

Indy Health Expo to feature celebrity experts Jan. 23, 24

Indy Health Expo is a first-time two-day health, beauty and fitness event, taking place Saturday, January 23 and Sunday, January 24, 2010 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Indy’s only health expo is an exclusive event that will feature 200 exhibitors and a wide variety of demonstrations to inspire and encourage individuals to embrace a life of health, beauty, wellness and fitness. During the first-ever event nationally recognized figures in the areas of health, beauty and fitness will be in Indianapolis to discuss how to make the city and those in attendance aware of how to become a healthier society. 
 

US 31 project back on schedule

Last week, Current in Westfield reported that Mayor Andy Cook and Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard claimed they were both told during separate meetings with INDOT officials that significant portions of the project’s construction would be moved to 2017, two years after the Major Moves funding is scheduled to end. INDOT spokesman Will Wingfield admitted that some construction was tentatively scheduled for 2017 but stressed that nothing was definitive. On Jan. 12, though, both Cook and Brainard said they were assured that the project will be completed in full and on the original timeline.
 

Westfield Blvd, North River Rd closing

Starting Monday, January 18, the Indiana Department of Transportation is closing Westfield Boulevard and North River Road at I-465 on Indianapolis’ north side while the bridges over I-465 are demolished and reconstructed to accommodate the widening of the mainline underneath. The closures are expected to remain in place until June.

Westfield joins wellness challenge with Clarian North Medical Center

The city of Carmel, the Ccty of Westfield and Clarian North Medical Center are pleased to announce the “Make It Fit Now” wellness challenge, a program designed to help Carmel and Westfield residents and employees get fit and stay healthy. Launched in 2007 as the Carmel Mayor’s Wellness Challenge, the 2010 wellness challenge is being expanded to include the city of Westfield.

Carmel, Westfield mayors: US 31 project facing significant delays

Construction is scheduled to begin on U.S. 31 in 2011 as part of the Major Moves program, to improve traffic flow, decrease accidents and promote economic development. However, Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard said he was asked to participate in a special meeting with two INDOT officials in late 2009, during which he was told much of the road construction was suddenly pushed back to 2017.

Westfield City Council elects new president

At the first City Council meeting of the year, the Westfield City Council elected a new President and Vice president for 2010.  Councilman Tom Smith will serve as president and Councilman John Dippel will serve as vice president.   Their one year terms are effective immediately. 

Residents can now track snow removal in real time

On Dec. 21, Westfield Mayor Andy Cooked announced a new program that allows Westfield residents to track snow removal efforts in real time on the city's Web site.
Using applications on Google Earth, the city's informatics department created a way to display a map showing which streets are still covered in snow, which are completely clear and which are in the process of being plowed. These maps will be updated continuously by the leaders of each removal team.

Fill out your requester card!

Want to keep receiving Current in Carmel and/or Current in Westfield? Please take 20 seconds to fill out this card and help us secure a periodicals rate.