Friday, February 7, 2025
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: STEPHENSON RIFE ATTORNEYS
Annual Shelby County Luncheon in the Books
Attendees at this week’s Shelby County luncheon included Barbara Anderson, Jon and Nancy Bausback, David and Patricia Bird, John Boyle, Meredith Brokering, Steve Carwein, Sheryl DeJonge, Jim and Arlene Dile, Jennifer Earl, Kate East, Denis and Linda Harris, Dr. Bill and Elaine Haehl, John and Nancy Haehl, Bob Hoban, Kay Koenig, Debbie and Tom Kremer, Brad Lackey, Truus Moss, Charles and Brenda O'Connor, Pat Pallikan, Mary Jo Phares, Jeananne Porter, Cecil Rhoades, Don and Rhonda Roell, Suzanne and Don Rosborough, Sue Rudicel, Leann Secrest, Mike and Patty Shaw, Carol Showers, Jim and Liana Skinner, Doug Stephenson, Jim and Dinah Vassar, Steve and Lynette Waltz, and Debbie Westermann. | SUBMITTED
by PAT PALLIKAN
About 50 Shelby County natives attended the Shelby County Luncheon on Wednesday at Beef ‘O Brady’s in Punta Gorda, Fla. Some called it “another fabulous time.” Nancy Bausback graduated from Waldron High School in 1957 and became a Shelbyville High School teacher from 1961-63, teaching English and Spanish to sophomores. Some of her former students attending the luncheon gathered around her and said, “Miss Cuskaden is alive!” Their exuberance in welcoming her made the 60-mile trip from Bradenton worthwhile! There were eight members of the SHS Class of '64: Lynette Poe Waltz, John Heahl, Denis Harris, Jim Vassar, Charles O'Connor, David Bird and Steve Carwein. Jim Dile would have been in the SHS '64 graduating class, but was drafted when he was in the 11th grade and joined the Navy. Elaine Heahl said she didn't expect to see so many friends since she didn't grow up in Shelby County, but living in Shelbyville for 47 years must count! Jim Skinner represented the Class of '53; he and Liana have been in Punta Gorda for 20 years. He said, "A great time to see all the people from Shelby County every year. We can never forget Shelby County, thank God.” Pat Stine Pallikan has been organizing the luncheon for 18 years and said that everyone always enjoys being together. The luncheons will continue as long as everyone will gather to share old times.
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: FULL CANOPY REAL ESTATE
NOTEBOOK:
Several Shelbyville High School FFA students earned proficiency through the National FFA Proficiency Application. Those earning first place were Bella Cole, Mea McDuffey, Morgan Justus, Cora Flynn, Collin Maulden and Ethan Coffey. Maddie Huntsman finished second, and Logan Bassett, third.
The Masonic Lodge, 519 S. Harrison St., is hosting a $10 all-you-can-eat breakfast tomorrow, Saturday, 8 - 11 a.m.
HOOSIER NEWS: After years of surging tax bills for Hoosier homeowners, Gov. Mike Braun is pushing to cut property taxes and set caps on annual increases. But local school districts would feel the sting of his proposed limits because they rely on that money to fund transportation, debt service and capital projects. Property taxes are the largest source of revenue for local governments. Braun’s plan – currently defined in Senate Bill 1 – would reduce property taxes through a cap on tax increases at 3% and increase the state’s homestead exemption. Taxes would be capped at 2% for seniors, low-income families and families with non-adult children. Caps on property taxes, which are nationally used to stabilize bills for homeowners amid soaring home values, force school districts to find new funds or cut back budgets. Braun’s plan would cost Indiana school districts about $1.9 billion across three years, according to an estimate from the nonpartisan Legislative Services Agency. Shelbyville Central Schools would lose $872,200 next year, $1.1 million in 2027 and $1.3 million in 2028. Shelby Eastern Schools would lose an approximate $485,600, $575,00 and $600,000, respectively, over the next three years. Southwestern would lose approximately $212,000, $270,000 and $300,000. Northwestern Consolidated School Corp. would lose $585,500, $670,000 and $725,000. School districts rely on local property taxes to fund transportation and facility expenses. (Indiana Public Media)
NATIONAL NEWS: “Peak TV”—the buzzword for Hollywood’s glut of original TV series in the late 2010s—is over, according to a new report from the insights firm Luminate. The TV industry released 7% fewer shows and 20% fewer episodes in 2024 than in the year before. Comedy has been hit the hardest: The number of comedies produced in the US and Canada was down 39% at the end of last year compared to 2019. One explanation is that short-form content on TikTok has taken the place of sitcoms for some viewers. (Morning Brew)
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Shelby Senior Services: Baja Cruise Journal
Local travelers on a recent Baja California Cruise were Sherry Ponsler, Linda and Paul Otts, Betty Hinman, Veanna Kessler, Jerrel Fair, Beverly and Jerry McIntire, Patricia Roberts, Cynthia Thompson, Mary Lou Hilderbrand, Beverly Carson, Lois and Jerry Thomas, Elizabeth and Dale Wire, Betty Blackburn, Beth Schoentrup, and Camilla and John Ruble. | SUBMITTED
by Carol McDaniel, Travel Coordinator
The Baja California Cruise was a trip that interested me from the first time I saw the itinerary. Our Shelby Senior Services group travels have taken us to the Pacific Northwest from Seattle to San Francisco, but Southern California was not included in that trip. So, when I saw that San Diego, Catalina Island and Ensenada were the destinations, I said “Sign us up!”
San Diego is a sprawling metropolis with about 1.5 million people. I was surprised that it had so much to offer in the way of experiences. The charming Old Town district became our hub to see the famous San Diego Zoo, the USS Midway Museum, Balboa Park and Coronado Island.
Highlights for me included the Hotel del Coronado where famous celebrities and world leaders entertained guests from all over the world. In keeping with the theme, the elegant decor of the interior was topped off, literally, with hand-crafted crown chandeliers.
Of course, the USS Midway ship, decommissioned in 1992, fascinated us with veteran volunteers sharing their WWII details of service. Launched in 1945 just as the war was winding down, it is best known for the Battle of Midway, the U.S. Navy’s greatest victory, which is documented in a film shown in the theater on the ship. The ship housed 4,500 crew, is 1,001 feet long, has 18 decks and was the flight deck for war planes, many of those on display permanently.
When going over the itinerary, I wondered why we were going to the zoo. Weren’t we a little mature for that experience? When we arrived, I wondered no more! Located in Balboa Park, the 100-acre zoo, founded by Dr. Harry Wegeforth in 1916, allows guests to come within feet of the more than 4,000 individual animals. We were shuttled on double decker buses around the entire park up and down steep hills to view species in their “natural” habitats.
A male and female lion slept on their sides just a few feet from the bus as we passed. The male lion glanced our way briefly as if to say “I’m resting here, go away!” then stretched out, closed his eyes and continued his nap.
Most fascinating for me were the two Pandas, each in its own part of the exhibit. The male was sitting curled up in a ball snoozing beside the pond. The female decided to perch on its back, feet in the air, on top of a bush-like bed, just enjoying the sunshine. What a life!
Life on a cruise ship is pretty spectacular, too. Gourmet meals, entertainment, a casino, special music and comedy in the restaurants and bars all day long comprise a pretty nice experience.
We boarded the Carnival Radiance after a morning bus tour of Los Angeles. Our guide made it possible to make several stops around Los Angeles to see places such as Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, home to the Academy Awards, made famous with the celebrities’ stars, handprints and signatures on Hollywood Boulevard. I had wondered if we would see any of the devastation left by the recent fires, but we did not see that.
Sailing to Catalina Island was next on the agenda. Only 24 miles off the coast of Los Angeles, its main town is Avalon. Its harbor is horseshoe-shaped with quaint shops featuring local crafts, upscale dress shops, souvenir shops, and at its far point, a round, picturesque casino still in use as a community gathering place. Many of the prominent homes on the steep hillsides surrounding the town are owned by prominent business people. The Wrigleys of Wrigley Field fame, part of the wealthy jet-setters from around the globe, still own homes and support the arts and community there. I guess it’s OK to chew gum in Avalon!
Beaches are beautiful, and buffalo, brought to the island during a film being shot there, were left to roam the interior land.
The last destination on the itinerary was Ensenada, Mexico. It was a hard choice to make when deciding what to do. Our choices were going to the beach, experiencing La Bufadora, where a natural geyser erupts and sprays water about 50 feet high, or leisurely strolling through outdoor charming boutiques and shops selling local crafts and clothing and silver jewelry.
All in all, the Baja California Cruise was an enjoyable trip. Come and travel with us; we would love to have you join us! Call 317-398-0127 for more information.
SHS Courier Archive Highlights
March 3, 1927
The SHS Camels basketball team finished 11-9 on the regular season. Players were Alfred Campbell, Carl Mahaffey, Richard Cook, Ernest Mozingo, Henry Wheeler, Herman Spurlin, Emerson Kuhn, Larel Ewick and Ray Hinshaw. Tom Campbell was the coach.
Shelbyville would be host of the sectional tourney. The school published a list of guidelines for home fans, which included, “Be absolutely quiet when a foul goal is being attempted…,”; “Do not criticize the referee….”; “Do not smoke in the gymnasium at the beginning or closing of sessions; it may cause injury to the players’ lungs.”; and “Do not throw chewing gum or paper on the playing floor.”
The Courier recognized George Washington and Abraham Lincoln as “the founder, and the savior of our country.” The paper added, “The historians who wish to tear down the character of Washington by speaking of him drinking, gambling, etc. may be termed as pea-shooters trying to tear down a granite statue with their pea-shooters.”
“S stands for Shelby and also for smallpox.” In another section of the paper, it was noted Kuhn and Mozingo had smallpox. “Jolly good news for Columbus, isn’t it?”
Miss Newton received a “bouquet of sweet peas” every year in February, but she had no idea who sent them.
Two students at New Castle High School had been punished for smoking within one block of the building. They were sentenced to remain at school every evening for 25 minutes.
This Day in Shelby County History
News around Shelbyville and the surrounding area as reported on or about this date in history. Selections are curated by The Addison Times from Shelby County Public Library Genealogy Department materials.
2005: Sandy Allen, 49, spoke at Loper Elementary about her life as the world’s tallest woman. She talked about the importance of differences. “God made me this way for a reason,” she said. “Donald Trump may be rich, but I have more friends. And to me that’s what’s important.” One third-grade girl, Leigh Durphey, was so impressed by Allen she just had to have an autograph. Luckily, she happened to have a copy of the 2004 Guinness Book of World Records opened to Allen’s page.
1995: The library board decided to get public input on which words would go on the front of the library. During renovations, the words “Shelby County” had been left off the lettering above the door. The board wasn’t certain in what order the final name should be listed.
1985: The Cambridge Inn offered a special on cherry jubilee, which could be in the form of a muffin or cobbler. A full meal with the cherry jubilee as dessert was $4.25.
1975: Jack Boyce, WSVL sports director, advised five amateur broadcasters before they taped the “Voice of SCUFFY.” The local school representatives were Danny Powers, Hendricks; Matt Miller, Marion; Todd Benner, St. Joseph; Bruce Carpenter, Loper; and Steve Sipes, Addison.
1965: A 22-year-old local man facing charges of armed robbery escaped from the Shelby County jail, but later turned himself in, hoping to exonerate his sister, who had been arrested for being an accomplice. The man had turned himself in by making a collect call from White Castle at Oriental and Washington streets in Indianapolis after seeing news of his sister’s arrest in the newspaper.
1955: Delmar Wilson purchased Richard Fish’s interest in Shelby Recreation Alleys on W. Franklin St., which offered bowling, food and games. The other partner was Earl Goodwin. Wilson also operated Wilson’s Market at 1312 S. Harrison.
1945: Two carloads of coal arrived for distribution to local residents, providing needed relief from the coal shortage.
1935: The Shelbyville police car had traveled 743 miles in a month, using 61 gallons of gas, Police Chief Earl Trees reported to the Board of Works.
1925: All Shelby County poultry was placed under strict quarantine because of a “European fowl pest,” County Agent H.D. Jackson reported. Farmers were advised to hold all pountry and eggs until an investigation could be made.
1915: Cornelius Cayton, sexton of the Fairland Cemetery, died while filling the grave of the late Isaac Sexton. Cayton, 70, was a military veteran.
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: Freeman Family Funeral Homes & Crematory
OBITUARIES
Barbara L. Waterman, 82, of Charlottesville, passed away Thursday, February 6, 2025, at Morristown Manor in Morristown. She was born February 21, 1942, in Indianapolis, the daughter of Robert and Mary (Calzia) Grant. On July 28, 1961, Barbara married Robert L. Waterman, and he preceded her in death on November 30, 2016.
Barbara is survived by her sons, John Waterman and wife, Becky, of Shelbyville, Joe Waterman and wife, Marsha, Jay Waterman and wife, Tammy, Jeff Waterman and Jim Waterman, all of Carthage; brothers, Jack Grant and wife, Patricia, Tom Grant and wife, Jodie, Richard Grant and wife, Gerri, Eddie Grant, all of Indianapolis, and Joe Grant and wife, Lynda, of Beech Grove; grandchildren, Josh, Justin, Elli, Jared, Abby, Krissy and Dani; great-grandchildren, Jaxson, Evelyn and Harrison; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to Robert, Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Donnie Grant; granddaughter, Heather Waterman Huneycutt; and great-grandson, Jensen Waterman.
In 1960, Barbara graduated from Manual High School in Indianapolis. She was a member of the Faith Lutheran Church in Greenfield. Barbara worked as a meat wrapper at Kroger, retiring after 20 years of service. She enjoyed sewing, quilting and making clothes for newborns in need. Barbara also enjoyed tole painting, making doll clothes and crafting. She collected dolls, teddy bears and Raggedy Ann and Andy’s.
Graveside services will be observed at Hanover Cemetery in Shelby County. Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 124 E. North Street in Morristown. Memorial contributions may be made to the Heather Waterman Huneycutt Memorial Scholarship Fund, at North Carolina, Veterinary Medical Foundation, 1060 William Moore Dr., Raleigh, NC 27607 or online at www.cvm.ncsu.edu or the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Indiana Chapter, 50 E. 91st St., Suite 100, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46240. Online condolences may be shared with Barbara’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
Richard “Richie” Terry Daniel Brown, 23, of Shelbyville passed away, Sunday, February 2, 2025. He was born on December 17, 2001, in Indianapolis. The son of Charles Brown II and Tammara (Skillman) Brown.
Richie graduated from Southwestern High School with the class of 2020. He went on to earn his associate degree in hydraulics and maintenance from Ivy Tech. After graduating from college, he began working at Ryobi Die Casting as a Machine Maintenance Apprentice. Richie was a dedicated employee and was always known to work hard. In fact, it could be said that he worked hard and played even harder. He enjoyed working on cars, rebuilding stuff, and hanging out with his friends. Richie had a big heart so therefore he had many friends, and he was always willing to help them out. He was a member of Faith Baptist Church in Morristown, where he was baptized.
Richie is survived by his parents, his sisters, Sabryna Fuller (husband, Matthew) and Jada Roche, his brother, A.J. Roche, his maternal grandparents, Terry and Debra Skillman, his maternal great-grandmother, Helen Ulrey, several aunts, uncles, cousins, a niece, and a nephew. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Charles and Connie Brown, his great-grandfather, Richard Ulrey, and his maternal grandparents, Robert and Alverta Skillman.
A Gathering of Friends will be from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at Faith Baptist Church, 2795 E. US 52, Morristown, Ind. A Celebration of Life will follow at 4 p.m. at the church with Pastor Wayne Scott officiating. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Faith Baptist Church, 2795 E. US 52, Morristown, IN. www.fbcmorristown.org. Funeral Directors Greg Parks, Sheila Parks, and Stuart Parks are honored to serve Richie’s family. Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com.