Friday, December 19, 2025
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: STEPHENSON RIFE ATTORNEYS
Horses Help Middle School Students Find Calm, Confidence
Shelbyville Middle School students prepare to work with horses earlier this semester alongside teacher Michaela Harris, guidance counselor Katie Beyer and staff from Harnessing Hope. | submitted
A new equine-assisted learning program at Shelbyville Middle School is helping students regulate emotions and build confidence in ways not often experienced in a traditional school setting.
The program, developed through a partnership with Morristown-based Harnessing Hope, placed a small group of SMS students in an experience working directly with horses, with lessons focused on co-regulation and self-advocacy. The impact has already been clear.
“We had a student who was very anxious about working with the horses, to the point he did not want to get on the bus, did not want to go near the barn or the pasture,” teacher Michaela Harris said. By the end of the program, he was petting the horses and asking for his picture to be taken. “Truly one of those success moments,” she said.
Guidance counselor Katie Beyer said she knew early on the experiment would work.
“When I saw the students who were dysregulated on the bus get to the horse farm, walk around, take in all the senses and then be so chill with the horses, I knew this experience was worth it,” Beyer said.
Each week, students traveled to Harnessing Hope to work in small groups, followed by school-based guidance lessons reinforcing the same themes. Much of the work focused on helping students recognize emotions before they escalate and identify coping strategies that work for them.
“My hope is that students are able to verbalize when they’re getting upset,” Beyer said. “I want them to show ownership of their emotions, because that is their first step of emotional intelligence.”
For Harris, the experience has been one of the most rewarding of her career. “Watching these kiddos start to feel valued, loved and advocated for is something special.”
She said the shift she saw after sessions was striking.
“Seeing them leave Harnessing Hope regulated and with an excitement we don’t typically see in the school setting gives me a lot of hope in what we’re trying to accomplish,” Harris said.
She also emphasized that the program’s success reflects a broader team effort.
“Being a part of SMS is truly so special to me, not just because of the kiddos I get to work with every day, but the adults too,” she said. “Our admin team, guidance team, support staff, Ms. Jen and the volunteers have all really banded together to create and be a part of something so special for this population of students.”
Beyer said the idea grew out of a personal goal.
“I set goals every year of things I want to accomplish at school the next year,” she said. “I really wanted to pour into this population and give them an opportunity to thrive.”
Her philosophy remains simple.
“My approach to counseling has always been, ‘If one person benefits, then it is worthwhile,’” Beyer said.
Both educators advocate for understanding the science behind the work.
“I would encourage the community to research a little bit about the polyvagal nervous system and co-regulation,” Harris said. “So they have a better understanding of what it is that we’re truly targeting with these kiddos and what tools we’re trying to provide so they can be successful in the educational setting.”
For Beyer, the takeaway comes back to something universal.
“Everyone wants to feel seen, valued and heard,” she said. “Sometimes you get that through something simple like horses.”
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: FULL CANOPY REAL ESTATE
NOTEBOOK:
The annual Shelby County Luncheon in Florida is set for Wednesday, February 4, 11:30 a.m. at Beef O’Brady’s in Punta Gorda. RSVPs should be sent to Pat Pallikan at ppallikan@yahoo.com.
A driver fell asleep at the wheel and struck a brick mailbox early Wednesday morning in the 1400 block of Bark Lane. The crash occurred on snow- and slush-covered roads and caused heavy front-end damage to the vehicle, which was towed from the scene. No injuries were reported, and the residents were notified of the damage.
Editor’s Note: Thank you so much to each donor who has generously contributed to our $100,000 campaign. The following are among our recent donors: Amy & Al Berthouex, Denise & Michael Coffey, Cathy Durbin, Paula Chappelow, Kurt Lockridge, Sherry Mohr, Diana Seals, Mark Beck, Barbara Rogers, Randee Miller, Linda Skillman, and Virginia Theobald. (Many of these are on behalf of families.) Reaching our fundraising goal for 2026 will allow us to expand high-quality coverage countywide. Donors of $100 or more receive a commemorative January print edition and donors of $500 or more will be recognized in that edition. Contributions can be made online through our donation form or by mailing a check to The Addison Times, 54 W. Broadway, Ste. 13, Shelbyville, IN, 46176. Again, thank you so much for your loyal support of this endeavor. - Kristiaan Rawlings
HOOSIER NEWS: The Chicago Bears said they are expanding their search for a new stadium site to include northwest Indiana after Illinois leaders signaled the project’s requested infrastructure support would not be a priority in 2026. In an open letter, CEO Kevin Warren said the team is prepared to invest more than $2 billion in a new stadium but needs commitments for roads, utilities and other site work, while Indiana Gov. Mike Braun said he is willing to work with the Bears on a Northwest Indiana option. (Reuters)
NATIONAL NEWS: Collectors paid millions for the final U.S. pennies produced after the government ended cent production in November, with the U.S. Mint selling 232 commemorative three-coin sets for a total of $16.76 million at auction. The final set, containing the last three pennies ever struck along with the dies used to make them, sold for $800,000. (IBJ)
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ANNIVERSARY ANNOUNCEMENT
Hank and Janet (McMillin) Godby, Shelby County, are celebrating 55 years of marriage this weekend. They were married Dec. 20, 1970, in Rush County. They are the parents of Suzanne Ingalsbe and Jennifer Reid, and they have three grandchildren. Mrs. Godby spent her career at Blue River Career Center and Shelbyville Central Schools, and Mr. Godby worked at United Telephone. The Godbys are celebrating with an open house tomorrow, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2-5 p.m., at the Fairland Fire Department Community Room.
This Week in Shelby County Archive
by GEORGE L. STUBBS
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: MAJOR HEALTH PARTNERS
This Day in Shelby County History
Local headlines reported on or around this date in Shelby County history. Selections are curated by The Addison Times from Shelby County Public Library Genealogy Department materials.
2005: Angela Gill was named executive director of the Major Hospital Foundation. Gill previously worked with the Shelby County United Fund, Blue River Community Foundation, Shelby Health Clinic and Shelby County Prenatal Clinic.
1995: Shelbyville Central Schools approved the purchase of 180 computers as part of a multi-year plan to integrate technology into daily classroom instruction across all six schools. The investment included computers, printers, software and wiring, with officials emphasizing computer literacy as essential for students’ future education and employment.
1985: Shelbyville officials faced mounting pressure over problems at the city’s sewage treatment plant, prompting the Common Council to schedule public discussion on renovation and expansion options. State environmental officials had delayed enforcement action while reviewing the city’s improvement plan, but warned that unresolved issues could lead to penalties or a sewer ban. The aging plant was cited for overflows during heavy rain, with untreated sewage occasionally discharging into the Big Blue River.
1975: More than 20 women participated in a sewing project at the Booker T. Washington Center, making warm gowns for patients at Heritage House Convalescent Center and clothing for shut-ins ahead of Christmas. Leaders of the initiative included Lucille Murray, Mary Barlow, Anna Byrd, Mamie Williams, and Katherdener Miller, who served as chairman of the project. The effort was coordinated by Earlene Smith, director of the Booker T. Washington Center, with donated and discounted materials used to create gowns, dresses, blouses and pantsuits.
1965: The Shelby County Junior Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of its Christmas Lighting Contest, with first place awarded to Wilford Andis of R.R. 1, Morristown, whose home was located at the intersection of U.S. Highway 52 and Freeport Road. Donald Oneal of 516 Roosevelt Drive placed second, and Danny Davis of 617 Amos Road finished third. Judges for the contest were Gene Koop of the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Co. and Carlos Alexander of Herb Williams & Sons, Inc., with Duane Garlitch serving as Jaycee chairman and Rod Shafer as co-chairman.
1955: Shelby County was selected to choose a “Corn Queen” to represent Indiana at the Junior Corn Growers Jamboree at Purdue University. The honor was awarded after the county led the state in participation in the Junior Five-Acre Corn Club project, with more than 100 members completing the program for the first time in contest history.
1945: Shelby County recorded its heaviest snowfall in six years, with five inches falling in a single storm and total accumulation reaching about nine inches. Snowdrifts of two to three feet made some rural roads nearly impassable, though most state highways remained open after overnight clearing efforts. A train-truck collision at the John Street crossing was attributed to the heavy snow, injuring a local driver but resulting in no reported broken bones.
1935: The sixth tuberculosis clinic of the year in Shelby County identified three additional patients in the early stages of the disease after examinations of 17 people. County health officials said two children exposed to an infected parent would be closely monitored.
1925: A Buff Orpington chicken with three legs was reported on the farm of James Deiwert in Washington Township, east of Flat Rock. The six-pound bird was described as healthy and active, with the extra leg rigid and bearing six claws; its only noted difficulty was occasionally catching the third leg on fences, The Republican reported.
1915: Materials needed to resume drilling at an oil well near Boggstown arrived, allowing work to restart after delays. Crews expected to remove several hundred feet of water from the well and drill deeper before attempting to “shoot” the well within a few days, as early assumptions about striking solid rock had proven incorrect.
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: Freeman Family Funeral Homes & Crematory
OBITUARIES
Hal D. Pike, 76, of Bargersville, a former St. Paul resident, died Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, at Franciscan Health, surrounded by family. Born Aug. 6, 1949, in Shelbyville, he was the son of Kay L. and Ruth (Hewitt) Pike. He married Linda (Favors) Pike, his high school sweetheart, on Sept. 26, 2015; she survives. Survivors include a daughter, Julie Ann Pike of Greenwood; stepdaughters Ashlee Williams (Brian) of Greensburg and Lindsey Black (Chris) of Noblesville; a brother, Dale Pike (Billylyn) of St. Paul; a sister, Pam Springmeier (Butch) of Shelbyville; and six grandchildren, Mason, Owen, Addi, Carter, Avery and Henry. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Ada Lou Dearinger and Ann Perry; and brothers Jack Pike and Bill Pike.
Pike lived in Bargersville for eight years after moving from Greenwood. He worked at Arco Electric in Shelbyville for 36 years, serving as manager from 1992 to 2017. After retiring in 2017, he continued working as a company representative and consultant until 2023. He was a member of St. Paul Christian Church and a 1967 graduate of St. Paul High School, where he held the county basketball record for most points scored (35) in a single game. He also attended Indiana College of Business and Technology in 1968.
Pike enjoyed spending time in Canada riding ATVs and visiting friends in Puerto Rico. He also enjoyed traveling, cruising, attending Indianapolis Colts games and spending time with family.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, at Glenn E. George & Son Funeral Home, 437 Amos Road, Shelbyville, with a service to follow at 4 p.m. Burial will be in Paul Hill Cemetery at a later date.
Laura Margaret Hinrichs, 94, of Shelbyville, died Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, at Ashford Place. Born June 14, 1931, in Lee County, Illinois, she was the daughter of Bowden Jessee and Nelta (Landaue) Jessee. She married Bert Hinrichs on April 30, 1964; he preceded her in death on Dec. 13, 2001. Survivors include two children, Barry Hinrichs of Shelbyville and Lisa Smith (Terry) of Edinburgh; and four grandchildren, Braxton Hinrichs, Sydney Biette (Leo), Abigail Leonard (Blake) and Megann Smith (James Wagner). She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and three sisters and three brothers.
Hinrichs lived in the area since 1964 after moving from Amboy, Illinois. She worked at Walmart for 21 years as a greeter, cashier and in the snack bar, retiring in 2007, and also kept the books for the family business, H & S Equipment & Supply. She attended First United Methodist Church and graduated from Amboy High School in 1949. Hinrichs enjoyed playing bingo, traveling, taking trips with friends at Ashford Place, and playing cards and euchre, but most of all cherished time spent with her family.
Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025, at Glenn E. George & Son Funeral Home, 437 Amos Road. Visitation will be from 2 p.m. until the time of the service Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Amboy, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be shared at glennegeorgeandson.com.