2017 Centered On Safety And Pride In Carmel And Zionsville

CARMEL, IN — It's been just over five months since Indianapolis, Carmel and Fishers Patch were launched to metro and suburban audiences. Depending on who you ask five months can seem like a short period of time, but for others they can seem like they were never-ending. Never-ending is a suitable way to describe the news myself and the Patch staff have brought you through these three Patches, while recently adding Noblesville and Zionsville Patches into our daily rhythm (if there is such thing as a 'rhythm' in news).

While you've gotten to know your local Patch these last few months, it's become a bit more evident what Carmel Patch readers and their neighbors, Zionsville Patch readers, enjoyed learning about the most. What's both special and interesting is readers from both towns kept a frequent eye on this year's pieces that were centered on keeping their community members safe, in addition to stories that highlighted the best of their town and community. Even as Zionsville Patch got its start just under three months ago, its top stories show the care and concerns of community members.

Local Pride

Carmel Christkindlmarket Named 'Best Christmas Market' In Indiana: As the popularity of German Christmas Markets have made their way into the U.S. and now Indiana, food media brand leader Taste of Home announced Carmel has the best Christmas market in the state. While there are only a few in Indiana, it's a market that's sure to gain traction across the state in the next few years, as crowds at Carmel's were constant and large.

Carmel, Fishers Among Best Small Cities With Lowest Poverty: This year the personal finance website WalletHub released the results of a study comparing 1,268 smaller cities with populations between 25,000 and 100,000, based on "33 key indicators of livability," including housing costs to school-system quality, education and health, economic health, restaurants and more. Carmel ranked in the 99th percentile, and 15th in terms of affordability, 61st for education and health and 31st for safety compared with the other cities on the list. This is certainly something Carmel Patch readers were proud to read.

Why Zionsville? What To Know, Where To Go In Newest Patch Town: Zionsville Patch launched in October, and with it came highlights and features of the Boone County town during its first few days. For some, Zionsville Patch came with a reminder of one of the biggest national cases in the last few years - Jared Fogle's (ex-Subway pitchman) child pornography case, but also a reminder and notice of the best the town has to offer. Thanks to those who shared their knowledge of their hometown.

Carmel Is America's Best City To Live In: 24/7 Wall St., a financial news and opinion guru website, named Carmel the nation's "Best" city to live in, after comparing more than three dozen socioeconomic aspects of American cities. Carmel received the same ranking in April from Niche, and a number of other top rankings recently through other sources. A big contributor to the top title from 24/7 Wall Street is Carmel's credit to being one of the safest places in the country, which is indeed something to be grateful for and proud about.

Public Safety

Carmel 2017 Halloween Sex Offender Safety Map: While Carmel's safety measures and statistics helped give the city the title of "Best" city to live in by 24/7 Wall Street, that doesn't mean former and current criminals and sex offenders are out of site. This map provided parents and families a deeper look into where local sex offenders live, allowing them to prepare better before trick-or-treating and other outdoor activities. Carmel currently has 16 registered sex offenders listed on the Indiana Sex and Violent Offender Registry. These addresses represent their home base, however a number of these individuals are still incarcerated in Hamilton County, a nearby county or outside Indiana. This happened to be the top piece of 2017 for Carmel Patch.

ASU Roundabout Study: More Crashes With 2-Lane Roundabouts: While a roundabout lawsuit centered on the construction of a major roundabout on the border of Indianapolis and Carmel this summer, a study out of Arizona State University showed up around the same time, more than 1,600 miles away. The study is based on the safety of roundabouts - those traffic circles at the center of a recent lawsuit between the City of Indianapolis and Carmel. ASU's study found although single-lane roundabouts have decreased the number of accidents and injuries, two-lane roundabouts actually increase the number of crashes, though less severe. This study and piece provided some extra food for thought to local motorists and community members in the wake of the lawsuit, and as more roundabouts are being constructed across the Indianapolis area.

Traffic Alert: Road Closed Due To Construction In Zionsville: Traffic and construction alerts and updates are consistent when it comes to local Patch websites, especially for those like this one in Zionsville. It was a short alert for Zionsville residents, but the shorter the better in this case as many readers took note. I am always happy to share any type of traffic or construction alert for your Patch, especially when it keeps readers safe and aware.

Let me know which pieces you liked best and would like to see more of in 2018. If you haven't yet, sign up for Patch's free daily newsletter and Like/follow the Carmel Patch and Zionsville Patch Facebook pages. It's your way to choose your news. I'd be happy to hear from you: rebecca.bream@patch.com

Thanks for an exciting 2017!

Photo credit: Kristin Borden