Friday, July 18, 2025
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: STEPHENSON RIFE ATTORNEYS
NEXT STEPS
With demolition equipment cleared from the Broadway and Harrison site, only a smooth layer of sand-like gravel remains where several dilapidated structures once stood. | photos by JOHN WALKER
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: FULL CANOPY REAL ESTATE
Residents Weigh In on Arts and Culture Vision
Several local residents participated Tuesday in a community input session at the Intelliplex Conference Center on the future of arts, culture and creative placemaking in Shelby County. The session, hosted by the Indiana University Center for Rural Engagement and Accelerate Rural Indiana (ARI), aimed to shape a regional strategy that leverages creative assets and attracts state funding for quality-of-place initiatives.
“This is about identifying what makes your community unique and what you want it to become over the next 10 years,” Nicole Vasconi, with the Center for Rural Engagement, said.
Vasconi introduced frameworks for creative placemaking and asset-based development and challenged attendees to think beyond their own towns and toward the broader region, including Shelby, Rush and Decatur counties, along with the City of Batesville, all connected by the I-74 corridor.
One recurring theme: the lack of a central organization to champion local arts and cultural efforts.
“There needs to be one organization that becomes the primary leader,” John DePrez Jr. said, emphasizing the need for someone to coordinate events, advocate for funding and maintain a shared regional calendar. “It’s the worst job in the world,” DePrez Jr. joked, “but technically easy. Getting people to do it is what’s hard.”
Participants voiced concern over fragmented communication, a lack of consistent branding, and a need for marketing expertise that goes beyond social media. Some advocated using the term “creative” instead of “arts” to include makers, designers, chefs and entrepreneurs.
“We need a brand,” Lee Marks said. “Something that shows the depth and diversity of creativity here.”
The conversation also surfaced long-standing challenges in reaching audiences, especially as traditional local media has declined.
“There’s no single newspaper, no shared TV stations, just little pockets of information,” Gary Nolley said. “You can’t rely on Facebook algorithms to keep people informed.”
(The nonprofit Addison Times did receive praise for its accessibility. “I read it every morning,” one audience member said, with another noting its reliable 12:01 a.m. email arrival time.)
Others echoed support for public investment in community media, calling it essential for civic life and cultural awareness.
Residents identified numerous strengths across the county: a walkable downtown, civic theatre, riverfront trails, active senior groups in Fairland, and events like Brewfest and Arts in the Parks. Suggestions for improvement included:
Expanding access to the river and public event spaces
Building a teen center or youth-focused venue
Creating interactive art spaces and larger venues for exhibits or performances
Increasing non-alcoholic, family-friendly events
Developing a “bingo card” tourism initiative that spans all towns in the county
Enhancing historic preservation efforts, such as activating the round barn or installing gateway signage along I-74
Vasconi encouraged attendees to rank their top priorities for ARI’s strategic plan. Marketing and promotion topped many lists, followed closely by creative entrepreneurship, historic site activation, and regional branding.
She said input would be compiled into a report for the ARI steering committee.
“This is about building a plan that reflects your ideas, and making sure it’s actionable when new funding becomes available,” Vasconi said.
Three more sessions will follow, in Greensburg, Rushville and Batesville. For those who missed the meeting, a link to the community survey is available.
NOTEBOOK:
The Shelby County Coroner’s Office reported a significant increase in suicide deaths across the county so far this year. As of mid-July, 12 suicides have been confirmed. By comparison, at this time last year, there were 5 suicide deaths, representing a 140% increase year-over-year. The total number of suicide deaths in 2024 was 11, meaning Shelby County has already surpassed last year’s total in just over six months. “This upward trend is alarming and demands immediate attention,” said Shelby County Coroner Brad Rund. “We’ve spoken with neighboring counties, and none are reporting a similar increase. This indicates a uniquely urgent issue here in Shelby County that must be addressed through awareness, outreach, and accessible support.” The Coroner’s Office stressed that these statistics reflect only suicide deaths that occurred within the county, not residents who may have died by suicide outside its borders. To anyone who may be struggling or knows someone who is — help is available. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a free, confidential service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. By calling or texting 988, individuals can connect with trained crisis counselors who provide support for suicidal thoughts, mental health struggles, substance use concerns, or emotional distress. 988 is for anyone, anytime—whether you're in crisis or concerned about a loved one. In addition to 988, Shelby County residents can access local resources for support and connection, including:
Buddies Helping Buddies – A local peer support group focused on mental wellness and community connection.
AFSP Indiana Chapter (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention) – Providing education, advocacy, and survivor support across Indiana.
Choices Coordinated Care Solutions – Offering trauma-informed behavioral health services and crisis intervention programs.
The Shelbyville Board of Zoning Appeals in a special meeting Wednesday approved a variance request from Knauf Fiberglass, 400 Industrial Park Dr., to add six additional parking spaces at the corner of Industrial and North Michigan Road. Represented by Jacob Brattain of McNeely Law, Knauf cited increased business and additional employees as the reason for the request. “Luckily, Knauf has had an uptick in business, and has added some employees, which is a good thing for the city, but we need some place to safely put them,” Brattain said. The approval was unanimous.
Shelbyville Central Schools will host its annual registration event on Monday, July 21, and Tuesday, July 22, from 12 to 7 p.m. at Shelbyville Middle School. Families who need assistance with the enrollment and registration process are encouraged to attend the Help Sessions during these times. Online registration opens Monday morning for returning students. Those interested in the new virtual school option can visit this link at the SCS website for additional information or attend the registration event. As part of the event, a Community Fair will be held in the SMS Auxiliary Gym, offering a wide range of free resources for students. These include backpacks and trapper keepers (donated by Knauf), new kids’ shoes (donated by Hope’s Point), new socks (donated by Radius), and dental care provided by Emhardt. Free haircuts will be available, and gently used hoodies and coats will also be distributed. Local organizations will also be on hand to provide information and support, and staff from across the district will assist with technology, enrollment paperwork, and student scheduling.
A driver mistakenly hit the gas instead of the brake while attempting to park and crashed into the west wall of the White Castle restaurant. Fortunately, no one was in the dining area at the time. The vehicle sustained only minor damage and was driven from the scene. Building inspectors were called, and White Castle management was notified.
The Shelby Accessing Social Supports (SASS) group is hosting its annual back-to-school supply drive today, Friday, July 18, at Walmart, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Now in its fourth year, the drive collects donations and supplies to distribute directly to students in need across Shelby County. With help from local partners and the Shelby County Health Department, SASS tailors supplies by grade level and school, serving over 600 students last year.
HOOSIER NEWS: “Good Morning America” is coming to downtown Indianapolis to celebrate WNBA All-Star Weekend. ABC News’ daily morning show will air live from the Morris Bicentennial Plaza, 117 S. Pennsylvania St., today. According to a network release, co-anchor Robin Roberts will be joined by various WNBA stars, ESPN personalities and musical performers. The show airs daily, beginning at 7 a.m. ET, on ABC. Indiana Fever All-Stars Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell are among the WNBA players scheduled to appear. Also on the list are Paige Bueckers of the Dallas Wings, Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx, Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty, and Allisha Gray of the Atlanta Dream. It’s the first time "Good Morning America" has broadcast live from WNBA All-Star Weekend. (IndyStar)
INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Mori Trust projects that Japan will host 43 to 45 million tourists this year, which would be up 17 percent from 2024. That in and of itself is remarkable, because last year saw an explosion of tourism to Japan, with the final count coming in at 36,869,900 visitors. That number was already up a remarkable 47 percent year over year. In May 2025 alone, visitors reached 3,693,300, which was a 21.5 percent increase year over year and easily a record. In the first quarter of the year, travel expenditure from foreign tourists was up 28.8 percent year over year. (Nikkei Asia/Numlock)
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SHS Courier Archive Highlights
Oct. 1974, Part II
Miss Myers, Mrs. Parker and Mr. Myers were trying a new team teaching approach with freshman English classes. Mrs. Parker said the project was working “okay” but went on to explain the need for better organization.
The newly decorated Rec was open for the season at 38 W. Franklin Street. Hours were Tuesday through Saturday, weeknights, 7 to 9:30 p.m., and weekends 7 to 10:30 p.m.
Antonio Palamo was an exchange student from Guatemala. He said his home school hours were 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. He was staying with Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Kuhn.
The new Half-Time Honeys at the junior high included Robin Hadley, Lisa Rutherford, Mary Rady, Lori Gessling, Joan Harlan, Connie Elkins, Jane Brinson, Carrie Everhart, Linda Richardson, Natalie Agler, Rene Snyder, Lisa Knapp, Sara Metz, Mary Adams, Tami Ruschhaupt, Rita Stadtmiller, Nyla Appleby, Jennie Hession, Kim Ayers, Cindy Riggs, Tracey Cramer, Natalie Kuhn, Kim Whitten, and Liz Kendall.
The new ESP Club was looking for a sponsor. Students wanting to join the group were to contact Joe Hurst.
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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: Straight-line winds took down the grain-leg assembly on John C. Fox’s farm, 4190 N 100 W.
1995: Golfers from the Elks Blue River Country Club had been wondering why their results were not appearing in The Shelbyville News. Mace Hungerford, club pro, was confused, too, since he had been sending the results with a staff member to the paper. It turned out the results were being dropped off at the post office rather than the newspaper office. “Fore-getful,” The News headline read.
1985: Assistant Superintendent Dr. Donald Strobel was named new SCS superintendent, replacing Conrad Galloway, who had stepped down. Dr. Strobel had been with the district since 1974. The school board also promoted John Heaton to athletic director at Shelbyville High School, where he had been the varsity basketball coach for two years. He would remain in his role as coach.
1975: SHS senior Daniel G. Mewborn was featured in a Shelbyville News photo for participating in “Operation Catapult,” a three-week engineering program at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Mewborn and his teammates from Ohio and Iowa had developed a project titled “Human Kinetics.”
1965: John Alexander and Larry Phares took top honors in the Blue River Country Club golf tournament. Defending champion Don Graves, hampered by a 74 on the first day, finished third in net. Also performing well were locals Ted Griffin, who tied for fourth in gross; Ray Lackey, always competitive, this time with a 77; and Fred Krebs and Dave Wilkinson, usual standout local finishers.
1955: Twenty-one boys, including returning champion Les Spencer, were entered in the ninth annual Cub Scout Coaster Race in Morristown, scheduled for Saturday, July 30. Sponsored by several community organizations, including the Morristown Lions Club and the American Legion, the event coincided with a two-day fish fry and featured concessions and entertainment. Participants included Les Spencer, Paul Dugger, Robert Clapp, Steven Justus, Kenny Cullen, Kay Layden, Billy Callahan, Tommy Mann, Marvin Bass, Rod Layden, William Dean Everhart, Robert Hauk, Jan Boring, Dick Hauk, Ronnie Corbin, John Russon, Stephen Bush, Ricky Sipe, Donald Lee Waggoner, Bobby Scott, and John VanRanst.
1945: Facing a critical labor shortage in Indianapolis, the U.S. Army sought railroad workers from Shelby County and the surrounding area to help move troops and supplies across the country. Representatives would be sent to recruit skilled laborers, including trackmen and machinists, for essential war transport efforts.
1935: A straw stack on Loren Harcourt’s farm east of Shelbyville was struck by lightning and burned, but nearby buildings were not damaged.
1925: Eleven-year-old Charles Bowman was injured after falling from a warehouse roof while hunting pigeons in Shelbyville. Bowman, son of Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Bowman of East Locust Street, suffered a broken arm and was taken to Riley Hospital in Indianapolis. He had been on the roof with a friend, Charles Mullen, when he slipped and rolled off.
1915: Twelve men, including John Ruff, went on trial in Shelby Circuit Court after being indicted on riot-related charges. The case was expected to continue through the week, with police officers among the first witnesses called.
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OBITUARIES
Kenneth L. “Kenny” Smith, 80, of Shelbyville, died Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at Franciscan Health. He was born April 13, 1945, in Fairland, the son of Jesse Smith and Josephine (Settles) Smith. He married Linda (Davidson) Smith on March 13, 1970, and she survives. Other survivors include four children: Robby Smith (Randi) of Shelbyville, Lesley Clouse of Shelbyville, Heather Daniels (Quinton) of Shelbyville, and Curtis Smith (Christina) of Shelbyville; sister-in-law, Earlene Smith of Indianapolis; 14 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Donnie and Lewis Smith; a sister, Susie Wray; and a grandson, Jaylan Smith.
Mr. Smith was a lifelong resident of the area and graduated from Morristown High School. He grew up on a farm, worked for General Electric for 40 years, and later worked with track maintenance at Horseshoe Race Track for 20 years. Kenny played basketball and baseball in high school and continued playing softball until age 70. He was an accomplished drummer who loved playing music. He loved working, was a devoted provider, and dearly loved his family. He was well loved by all who knew him.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Glenn E. George & Son Funeral Home, 437 Amos Road, with Pastor Seth Taylor officiating. Burial will be in Whispering Hope Cemetery. Friends may call Saturday from noon until the time of service. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in care of the funeral home.
On Monday, July 14, 2025, our baby, Wyatt Gene Massing, stopped by to say hi before he went home to be with Jesus. He was born July 14, 2025, in Indianapolis to Juston “JT” Massing and Katherine “Katie” N. (Larrison) Massing. Wyatt is survived by his parents, JT and Katie Massing; his siblings, Thomas Massing, Megan Massing, Nicholas Rush, Juston Massing, Tony Massing and Kylia Brenamen; and his maternal grandmother, Ruth Larrison. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Gregg Larrison; and his paternal grandparents, Donald Massing and Pamela Lovell.
Today it would be wonderful to see you play or smile, but heaven lent you to this world for just a little while. In that short but precious time, you brought along much love—and all that love is with you now in heaven above. Your leaving caused so many tears and such a lot of pain, but God needed one more angel, so He took you back again.
A gathering of friends will be Sunday, July 20, 2025, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Murphy-Parks Funeral Service, 703 S. Harrison St., Shelbyville, Ind., 46176. A celebration of his life will follow at 3 p.m. at the funeral home, with Pastor Merry Poppewell officiating. A private family graveside service will be held in Whispering Hope Memorial Gardens. Funeral directors Greg Parks, Sheila Parks and Stuart Parks are honored to serve Wyatt’s family. Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com.