Carmel Police Promote Vacation Check Program
Deputy Chief Brad Myers of the Carmel Police Department discussed the city’s commitment to safety during WISH-TV’s “WISH You Were Here” broadcast. Myers highlighted the department’s long-running vacation check program, which allows residents to register their homes for officer check-ins while they are away. He credited Carmel’s supportive community and local government for helping the department grow by more than 50% in his 25 years on the force. Myers also encouraged residents to act as “eyes and ears” in their neighborhoods to maintain Carmel’s reputation as one of the safest cities in the nation.

World-Class Swimming Event Coming to Carmel
Maggie Mestrich, director of business development for Carmel Swim Club and Carmel Swim Academy, joined WISH-TV to preview the city’s upcoming World Cup of Swimming event, set for Oct. 10-12 at the new Carmel High School Natatorium. Mestrich said the expanded facility will double capacity, allowing more residents to become water safe. She credited Carmel’s community support for its success as “Swim City USA” and shared how the Swim Academy offers lessons from infancy through adulthood. Mestrich also discussed balancing swimming with other youth sports, noting that the program accommodates multi-sport athletes while fostering lifelong engagement in the sport.

Carmel Police Chief Stresses Community Partnership in Safety
Carmel Police Chief John Leonard told WISH-TV that the city’s reputation as one of the safest in the nation comes from a strong partnership between residents, officers and local government. Leonard, who has served in the department for more than 30 years, credited community involvement, the city’s vacation check program and proactive policing for maintaining low crime rates. He encouraged residents to stay alert, report suspicious activity and take advantage of programs designed to keep neighborhoods secure.

Hotel Carmichael marks five years, plans expansion
Jamie Hopwood of Hotel Carmichael says the boutique property is celebrating its fifth anniversary with major upgrades in the heart of Carmel. The Autograph Collection hotel will add 60 guest rooms next door, about 2,000 square feet of new ballroom space, and convert a library and boardroom into an intimate speakeasy inspired by the winter pop-up Prancer’s Parlor. The Adagio lobby bar will expand from one to three wells starting Jan. 1, a four to six week project. Hopwood credited the city’s arts corridor for making the hotel a staycation favorite and highlighted ties to music programming across the district.

Family-owned Godby Furnishings turns 51
Jeff Godby shared how his father launched Godby Furnishings in Sheridan 51 years ago with a $5,000 loan, growing the family business into stores in Carmel, Avon and Noblesville. He said the retailer focuses on middle to upper-middle quality brands, including La-Z-Boy and Serta, offering “real furniture” without decorator pricing. The founder remains active in the company, and Godby praised Carmel’s downtown for drawing big crowds to community events.

Helping Hands adds nursing to personalized in-home care
Helping Hands Home Management outlined its expanded services for seniors in Carmel, emphasizing faith-based, personalized support as an alternative to facility care. Leaders introduced their director of nursing, who oversees the home health side alongside nonmedical assistance. Each client receives an individual care plan, and the team says ongoing check-ins and small touches help strengthen connections with families.

Firefighter Tim spotlights car seat ID sticker, heat safety
Firefighter Tim joined WISH-TV to promote a new car seat ID sticker that lets first responders quickly reach a child’s emergency contacts after a crash. He urged concertgoers to stay hydrated during hot evenings and noted that heat-related calls often rise the day after extreme temperatures. Tim said he is on light duty while recovering from an Achilles injury, and he praised the city’s Wednesday night concerts that the nearby firehouse enjoys between runs.

Carmel councilor highlights senior resource initiative
Carmel City Councilor Rich Taylor discussed the city’s growth and upcoming efforts to better serve older residents. Taylor, who moved to Carmel in 2005 and is serving his first term, said he has long volunteered in the community, including work with Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation and the Center for the Performing Arts. On Oct. 10, the Mayor’s Advisory Commission on Senior Living will host a conference and trade show at the Carmel Clay Public Library, featuring more than 26 booths and speakers on topics such as fall prevention, financial fraud protection, and caregiver support.

Mayor Sue Finkham outlines Carmel’s future growth
Carmel Mayor Sue Finkham said her first year and a half in office has focused on listening to residents and preserving the city’s top priorities — safety, schools, walkability and parks. Having served 12 years on the city council, Finkham said future development will center on strategic infill and redevelopment, as Carmel is nearing full build-out. She emphasized partnerships with the community for events and a continued focus on keeping the city “safe, clean and beautiful.”

Game Show Battle Rooms brings interactive fun to central Indiana
Jordan Gould of Game Show Battle Rooms showcased the interactive entertainment venue’s “spin and solve” game during the event. The Castleton location features six different games, accommodating groups of eight to 72 people for corporate events, parties and family outings. Gould said the venue offers both kid-friendly and adult-focused content, along with food and beverage options, creating a lively, arena-style experience.

Fork and Ale House owner praises community support
Jeff Blair, owner of Fork and Ale House in Carmel, said the city’s support has been key to the restaurant’s success. The menu features coastal-inspired cuisine, including fresh seafood, pizzas and burgers. Blair highlighted Carmel’s new Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, which allows customers to take alcoholic drinks to go in marked, recyclable aluminum cups. He said the program has encouraged visitors to explore more of the Arts & Design District while supporting local businesses.

Fans Flock Early for 45 RPM at Carmel Gazebo
Colin Baillie caught up with Doug Wilson, drummer for 45 RPM, ahead of the band’s performance at the Carmel Gazebo. Wilson showed off his Ludwig drum set, built to the exact specs of Ringo Starr’s kit from the Beatles’ 1964 “Ed Sullivan Show” appearance. He shared the band’s love for the Carmel concert, their devoted following — including fans who’ve seen them more than 50 times — and their setlist of British Invasion and American classics. Wilson also introduced his fellow band members and reflected on the joy of performing timeless hits for enthusiastic crowds.

PorchFest Brings Live Music to Carmel Porches
Josh Kirsh stopped by to highlight PorchFest, a 12-year tradition bringing live music to front porches across the city. Josh Kirsh joined Colin Baillie to talk about the festival, which features 62 bands on 22 porches and offers a new app to help visitors navigate performances by genre. PorchFest also supports local youth through a grant program for musical arts, making it a full afternoon of community fun and live entertainment.