July 18th, 2019
On a Positive Note, the Grocery Shelves are FULL of Milk and Bread …
Everyone together, “We’re havin’ a heat wave, a tropical heat wave …” And, feel free to make your own drinking game every time someone says the words “heat index” during the next four days. Appropriately enough, we have some news hot off the press for you.
No Smokin’ (or Vapin’) in the Boys Room. This week, the Carmel City Council unanimously voted to prohibit e-cigarettes everywhere smoking is already prohibited. In addition, the ban was extended to all trails, parks and bars  except for the establishments that had chosen to allow smoking under the 2006 smoking ordinance that left it up to the businesses (Nipper's Grill & Tap, Old Town Tavern and Jimmy B's Pub were the only three public bars in Carmel that still allowed smoking. Private clubs -- Crooked Stick, Woodland Country Club and the VFW will also remain exempt.) Meanwhile, this might be a good time to QUIT smoking to avoid the hassle and improve your health. Happily, the Indiana Health Commissioner has issued a standing order that as of August 1, individuals no longer need a prescription for smoking cessation products. 
More than Pocket Change . In what must have been an epic game of “checking the couch cushions for extra change” at the Indiana State House, the State Auditor’s reports that there is a $410 million dollar surplus, bringing reserves up to $2.27 billion, or nearly 14% of current-year expenditures. Indiana's fiscal year ended June 30. This, despite the woe-is-me bemoaning in the spring regarding a budget short fall. Cue Crabby Lucy and her football, we fell for it again. Meanwhile, Gov. Eric Holcomb has suggested using those funds for five major capital projects, including:
·       $50 million for a new swine barn at the Indiana State Fairgrounds;
·       $73 million for the Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine teaching hospital;
·       $60 million for the Ball State University STEM and Health Professions facilities;
·       $30 million for the Ivy Tech Columbus main building replacement;
·       $78 million to finish upgrading U.S. 31 to interstate standards from Indianapolis to
South Bend.
Details will be worked out over the next six months. 
The Ol’ Swimmin’ Hole . Recounting the quaint prose of Hoosier poet James Whitcomb Riley : “Oh! the old swimmin'-hole! whare the crick so still and deep; Looked like a baby-river that was laying half asleep …” Of course no parent in their right mind is letting their kid swim in any still and deep creek (aka crick). However, Fishers residents have their own swimming hole to look forward to as construction on a public beach and park begins this summer at Geist. Called the Cove, it will be near 109th Street and Olio Road. Mayor Scott Fadness calls the development a “legacy opportunity” to ensure residents of Fishers have access to one of Central Indiana’s great assets. Meanwhile, if you’re still longing for the swimmin’ holes of yesteryear, check out the exhibit at the Carmel Clay Historical Museum featuring a swim down memory lane with A Good Ol’ Carmel Summertime: Northern Beach Nostalgia. The exhibit is open now through September 1.