Friday, January 13, 2023
TRAIN OF THOUGHT
The CSX train that serves customers here in Shelbyville leaves the “Yard” while CSX MOW (maintenance of way) crews work to remove old siding tracks no longer in use, which have long been buried in weeds. Years ago, local companies without direct rail access would unload their merchandise from freight cars that had been spotted on these sidings. There were two or three sidings there along with a fourth siding servicing the old Parrish Lumber Co. The “Yard” was located just east of the Hendricks Street crossing. | photo & caption information by JOHN WALKER
NOTEBOOK:
Local casino revenue remains strong. Horseshoe Indianapolis (Shelbyville), reported a haul of $24.3 million last month, above the $23.8 million in adjusted gross revenue reported November 2022 and the $23.9 million in December 2021.
Shelby County Democrats will hold a caucus to elect a new chairman Jan. 24, 7 p.m. in the Shelby County Public Library Annex, Room A. All precinct chairs and vice chairs are invited to attend and vote for the new chair and vice chair. Denny Ramsey has thrown his hat into the ring for party chair. “We would like to personally thank Bob Williams for his dedicated service since 2016 and encourage Democrats as well as Republicans to come and thank Bob for his service,” a party media release said. “Let us lead by example by this quote from JFK, ‘Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democrat answer, but the right answer; Let us accept our own responsibility for the future.’” Cake and refreshments will be served. The new party chair, vice chair, treasurer and secretary will be sworn in.
A free National Weather Service Weather Spotters class will be held Monday, Feb. 27, 6 p.m., at the Shelbyville FOP Lodge 84, 1237 N. Knightstown Road, sponsored by the Shelby County Emergency Management Agency. Pre-registration is required; go to the Shelby County Emergency Management Agency-Indiana Facebook Page to register. The deadline for registration is 4 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 22. Contact Shelby County EMA, 317-392-6308 or scema@co.shelby.in.us, with questions.
HOOSIER NEWS: Touting it as the highest raise for any group of city employees in recent memory, Mishawaka officials recently approved raises for city police officers in an effort to keep up with a fiercely competitive law enforcement market and put more cops in the field. The raises were approved unanimously by the Mishawaka Common Council last month and will see officers receive a 7% raise in 2023 along with a 5% raise in 2024. Though city attorneys are still working with the Fraternal Order of Police on the final language of the full contract, council member Mike Compton said the raises will go toward accomplishing the city’s goal of attracting officers. (South Bend Tribune)
NATIONAL NEWS: Disney is cutting some prices on its U.S. theme parks, which has become eye-wateringly expensive. The cheapest one-day one-park ticket in a given year is $104, and Disney will now offer two months’ worth of those days per year, a 40 percent increase in the number of days when it’s cheapest to go to Disney. They’re also once again waiving the $15 to $25 per night parking fees logged in their Florida resorts, park hopping in California will start at 11 a.m., two hours earlier than it is currently, and ride photos will now be free for Genie Plus system buyers. (The Washington Post)
SHELBY COUNTY HISTORY: Mayoral Race 1938
from the files of DAVID CRAIG
The first major election to be contested in Shelbyville was the Mayoral contest of 1938. The nail-biting race was between Edward Shook, a Republican, and J. Edward Evans, running as a Democrat.
Shelbyville in 1938 was still suffering from the Depression. A 1938 survey listed 610 unemployed Shelbyville residents. A total of 470 people were working on a part-time basis. There were 158 workers employed by government work projects. The total population of Shelbyville during this period was just over 10,500.
Local labor unrest had occurred just prior to the 1938 election. The Kennedy Car Liner and the Home Laundry were embroiled in strikes. By the end of 1937, many hoped the corner had been turned on the Depression. However, the economy went into a recession in 1938.
This was the local and national economic climate during the Shelbyville Mayoral campaign in 1938, but the national trend of Democratic majority did not necessarily apply to Shelbyville politics. Lou Webb, a Republican, had served as Shelbyville Mayor from 1931 until 1939.
Everyone expected a tight mayoral race between Mr. Shook and Mr. Evans. When the polls closed on November 8, 1938, the count showed nearly a dead heat. The original tally of the ballots gave the Republican, Ed Shook, a 31-vote majority.
Naturally, Democrat Ed Evans requested a recount. The election board had finished recounting the ballots by December 10, 1938. In the new tally, the 31-vote majority for Shook had been reduced to 19 votes.
On the morning of December 10, 1938, a meeting was held between Mr. Evans, Mr. Shook and their attorneys. At this meeting Ed Evans expressed his satisfaction with the recount and conceded the election to Edward Shook.
The Shook administration would cover some tumultuous years in Shelby County history. He would guide the city through the last of the Depression years into the beginning of World War II.
The Addison Township Trustee race was even closer. This squeaker was between Maurice Moberly, a Republican, and Clark McKenney, the incumbent Democrat. On election night, November 8, 1938, both candidates finished in a tie. According to Indiana election law, a coin was tossed to determine the winner. Mr. Moberly won the coin toss and was considered the Trustee-elect of Addison Township.
A recount was requested by Mr. McKenney. A recount board consisting of A.E. Lisher, Wilbur W. Israel and Warren Brown began their task on December 12, 1938. This was the same board that had settled the mayoral race.
By December 13, 1938, the recount had shown a gain for the Republican. Moberly gained one vote in both the First Ward in Shelbyville and the southwest precinct of Addison Township. The recount board completed its work on December 15, 1938. The final tabulation gave Maurice Moberly a three-vote plurality. The recount was immediately contested by Clark McKenney.
A special judge, John B. Hinchman, was appointed to hear the trustee case. On January 19, Judge Hinchman, decided Clark D. McKenney had won the election. Since Moberly had won the coin toss and the recount, the judge's decision was a surprise to local Republicans.
This Week in Shelby County" works by George L. Stubbs Sr. are owned by the Shelby County Historical Society (Grover Center) and used with permission.
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 from the Shelby County Public Library Genealogy Department.
20 YEARS AGO: 2003
The Shelby County GIS website had been published on the web in November, and had drawn about 300 site visits, Jim Brown, county GIS administrator said. “We’ve had users in Hawaii and Detroit.” Shelbyville Plan Commission Director Tom DeBaun said his office used the website daily. “Anytime we get a nuisance complaint,” he said.
Southwestern boys basketball defeated Waldron for their first county title in seven years. Ryan Rooks, who became Southwestern’s all-time leading scorer in the process, scored 27 points in the championship game of the 78th Shelby County boys’ basketball tournament. Rooks had needed just 11 points to break Travis Kuhn’s career scoring record at Southwestern. Stacy Meyer was Southwestern’s coach.
30 YEARS AGO: 1993
Morristown residents discovered that “toll free” to Indianapolis wasn’t exactly going to be free. Basic telephone service would be almost double, utility officials told Morristown residents in a meeting at Dodds Memorial Town Hall.
40 YEARS AGO: 1983
The Morristown girls basketball team won the Shelby County championship. Norm Morris and Ilene Bailey were coaches and Kim White, Ruth Morris and Tonya Adams were managers. Team members were Donna Cook, Linda Lenning, Kathy Hauk, Karla Romine, Marci Hulman, Lisa Everhart, Andrea Sarks, Melina Shepherdson, Kristi Schnofner and Kelli Jo Fort.
50 YEARS AGO: 1973
Shelbyville Police began a new “6-2” work schedule on a trial basis. Officers previously had one day off per week, and one weekend off per month. Police Chief Bob Williams had proposed a straight schedule of six days on duty followed by two days off duty for each officer. All 24 members of the force had signed a petition backing the new plan.
60 YEARS AGO: 1963
The first giant v-shaped towers for power transmission lines in Shelby County were erected by the Indiana-Michigan Power Co. Several were placed near State Road 9, nine miles north of Shelbyville.
70 YEARS AGO: 1953
School was out and a holiday atmosphere prevailed in the small Shelby County town of Flat Rock as residents of the community celebrated their team’s victory and the school’s first county tourney championship in history. Flat Rock’s Cardinals, directed by Coach Bob Wade, grabbed the 30th tourney title and the coveted Victory Bell by defeating Moral, 42-35. Team members were Bob Markley, Bob Van Gorden, Larry Sweany, Dick Wertz, Harold Gearhart, Bill Markley, Bill Bruner, Bob Christian, Robert Rigdon and Si Christian. “Nucky” Meal was student manager. Bill Markley was named most valuable player.
80 YEARS AGO: 1943
County Health Commissioner Dr. J.E. Keeling and City Board of Health Secretary Dr. Fred Inlow announced local measles cases were nearing the epidemic stage. “Carelessness in permitting children to go to school when they have symptoms of the disease is thought to be a factor in spreading the illness,” The Republican said. Washington and Hanover townships appeared to be the hardest hit, authorities said.
90 YEARS AGO: 1933
Rex Phares, talented young artist in the Vine Street M.P. Church, drew a picture depicting Christ praying during service while Mrs. Paul Hall and Mrs. Arville Owens sang “Sweet Hour of Prayer.” Phares had completed a two-year course in commercial illustrating in Chicago.
100 YEARS AGO: 1923
A state legislator introduced a bill to regulate, modify, revamp and revise the marriage laws of the state. The law “would not permit insane persons, imbeciles, idiots, feeble-minded or those suffering from venereal diseases and tuberculosis to get married,” The Republican reported. Under the bill, couples would need to apply for a marriage license two weeks in advance. Also included: following a divorce, the divorcee could not remarry for a year.
INCIDENTS
Battery was reported in the 200 block of West South Street, Shelbyville.
Thefts were reported in the 800 block of Meridian Street, Shelbyville, and 400 block of Creekside Park, Fairland.
JAIL BOOK-INS: Branden Brownfield, 31, theft; Amber K. Ditchley, 37, probation violation, hold for another jurisdiction; Dylan R. Drake, 35, OVWI; Jeremy D. Frizeell, 31, theft; Tony L. Gibbs, disorderly conduct, minor consumption; Stephany R. Knight, 36, possession of narcotic drug, hold for another jurisdiction; Chelsea J. Nicholson, 29, aggravated battery, battery with a deadly weapon; Sue A. Richey, 58, OVWI; Andrew J. Wells, 18, minor consumption; Phillip J. Wilburn, 34, failure to appear.
OBITUARIES
Thomas Clifford “Tom” Bubar, 94, of Shelbyville, passed away Friday, January 6, 2023, at his home. He was born August 1, 1928, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Victor Bubar and Jewell (Davis) Swiercz. On July 25, 1953, he married his wife of 69 years, Joanne Hurlburt, and she survives. In addition to Joanne, Tom is survived by his children, Cheryl Bubar of Shelbyville, Gary Bubar and wife Mary Ann, of Grayling, Michigan, Lorri Knauss of Erlanger, Kentucky, Diana Poledna and husband Jack, of Noblesville, Amanda Wood and husband Steven, of Indianapolis, and Thomas P. Bubar and wife, Diana of Greenfield; sister, Mary Jane O’Neill, of Washington, Michigan; grandchildren, Amy and husband Matthew, Gary, Emily and husband Scott, Andrew, Rebecca and husband Carl, Morgan, J. T. and Shelby; great-grandchildren, Lily, Noah, London and Jay; and several nieces and nephews. Tom was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Richard Knauss; and sister, Doris Whetter.
He graduated in 1946 from Bad Axe High School in Michigan. Tom was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, where he served as a deacon and an elder. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving during the Korean War. Tom was a baker in Bad Axe for 15 years, prior to being a factory foreman for Spenax, for over 20 years. He was a member of the Kiwanis for 20 years. Tom loved sports and was an avid golfer. He also enjoyed bowling in various leagues. He was a model train enthusiast and was also a small plane pilot.
A Gathering of Tom’s Family and Friends will be from 11 am to Noon, Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at the First Presbyterian Church, 124 w. Broadway St., in Shelbyville.
The Celebration of Tom’s life will follow at Noon at the church, with Rev. Mark Morningstar officiating. Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Memorial contributions may be made to Riley Children’s Hospital, 500 N. Meridian St., Suite 200, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204. Online condolences may be shared with Tom’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
James Alfred “Jim” Apple, 77, of Shelbyville, passed away Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at Major Hospital in Shelbyville. He was born August 27, 1945, in Waldron, the son of George Alfred Apple and Rose Ellen (Newton) Apple Berauer. On November 26, 1966, he married his wife of 56 years, Judith “Judy” Hurst, and she survives. In addition to Judy, Jim is survived by his daughters, Jennifer Apple of Interlochen, Michigan, and Kristi Richards and fiance’, Chuck Myers, of Shelbyville; sisters, Joyce Tilford of Shelbyville and Charlene “Dolly” Berauer of Avon; brother, Robert Berauer and wife, Sue, of Shelbyville; brother-in-law, John Hurst and wife, Donna, of Manilla; granddaughters, Kaitlyn, Madison and Karaline Richards; and several nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Jack Berauer; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Stanley and Betty Hurst.
He graduated in 1963 from Waldron High School and received his bachelor’s degree in business from Ball State University in 1966. Jim was a member of the Waldron United Methodist Church, where he served as a trustee and chairman of the board. He formerly worked at Purex for over 25 years. Jim also owned and operated the Westside Video and Tanning, for over 15 years. Jim was formerly at member of the Eagles Aerie Lodge No. 766 and the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed being in the Men’s Golf League. Jim enjoyed watching sports, especially Indiana University basketball. He loved his family and enjoyed the time they spent creating lasting memories.
Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, January 15, 2023, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville; and from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, January 16, 2023 at the Waldron United Methodist Church, 202 W. Washington St., in Waldron. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the church, with Pastors Bruce Banister and Dave Galbraith officiating. Inurnment will be at Van Pelt Cemetery in Shelby County at a later date Memorial contributions may be made to the Waldron United Methodist Church; Cancer Association of Shelby County, PO Box 844, Shelbyville, IN 46176 or Lemon Bay Conservancy, 1765 Manor Road, Unit A, Englewood, Florida 34223. Online condolences may be shared with Jim’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.