Friday, July 4, 2025
Happy Independence Day!
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: STEPHENSON RIFE ATTORNEYS
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY
This home on S. Harrison St. is one of several in the community decked out for the Fourth. | photo by JACK BOYCE
TAKING SHAPE
A photo from yesterday shows significant progress on the McKay Road-Miller St. roundabout. | photo by JOHN WALKER
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: FULL CANOPY REAL ESTATE
NOTEBOOK:
Next week’s Shelby County Board of Zoning Appeals meeting will include consideration of both old and new business. The meeting is Tuesday, July 8, 7 p.m., in the courthouse annex. The BZA will discuss the following petitions:
A variance request to allow for a 900 square foot pole barn resulting in three accessory structures over 200 square feet and the total area of all accessory structures on the property to exceed half the size of the home’s footprint at 8977 N 700 W, Fountaintown.
A variance to allow for a 2,016 square foot barn that is 22 feet tall and exceeds half the size of the home’s footprint at 6086 W. Boggstown Road, Boggstown.
A variance to allow for a self-storage facility at 449 E. Brookville Road, Fountaintown. This is the third hearing on the request, with the BZA locking in a 2-2 tie in June. The petitioner has not made any changes to the request, although property owner Shawn Hart has assumed responsibility for the petition.
A variance to allow a building and outdoor containment areas associated with an existing commercial kennel less than 100 feet from the property lines at 5386 W 1100 N, Fountaintown.
A variance to waive the landscape buffer yard requirement along the side and rear property lines at 56 S 600 W, Shelbyville, for Shelby County Co-op, which uses the property for the sale and storage of agricultural fuels, chemicals and products. The Co-op has obtained site plan approval and permits for a new office and shop space at the southeast corner of the property.
A variance to allow a 5,000 square foot accessory structure resulting in three accessory structures on the property with the total area of all accessory structures exceeding two times the footprint of the home at 2596 W. Old Franklin Road, Shelbyville.
Ivy Tech Community College Columbus biology faculty are offering free local nature hikes. The next hike will begin at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 12, at Anderson Falls, 3699 N. 1140 County Road E., Hartsville, Ind., 47244, in parking lot 3201. Dr. Tom Sobat will lead the hike. Participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for river exploration, including boots or old shoes and shorts. The college will have some nets and collection supplies available for public use. For more information, contact Dr. Sobat, tsobat@ivytech.edu.
HOOSIER NEWS: While the vast majority of new laws passed each year take effect on July 1, some measures go into effect much later. Almost all of the new state budget, House Enrolled Act 1001, took effect July 1, 2025. But there are provisions that don’t go into effect the same time, including a new sales tax exemption. Companies building quantum computing research, advanced computing, and defense infrastructure network facilities in Indiana won’t have to pay sales tax on their equipment beginning in January. (Indiana Public Radio)
NATIONAL NEWS: Nearly 15,000 people were treated for fireworks-related injuries in hospital emergency rooms across the country last year, up 38 percent from the year before. Sparkler-related injuries alone cost 1,700 people a trip to the emergency room, according to an estimate by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. (IndyStar)
The Addison Times is pleased to offer free milestone announcements. Forms are available here: Engagement Announcement, Wedding Announcement and Anniversary Announcement.
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SHS Courier Archive Highlights
December 17, 1952, Part I
The Latvian Trio, who were members of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, presented a program during convocation. The group had previously performed at SHS in 1950.
The senior class announcement committee was appointed by Jim Plymate, class president. Members were Charles Bowlby, Pat Davitt, Spencer Toner, Nareta Shepard, Janice Bogeman, Donna Howison and Marlene Hungerford.
SHS students filled out family tree charts, an initiative sponsored by the Shelby County Historical Society.
The SHS band played for the Santa Claus parade. Santa was taken from the railroad station by pony cart. The parade was led by the fire truck.
Bob Weakley, 11B, was in charge of raising the flag each morning and lowering it each evening.
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: MAJOR HEALTH PARTNERS
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: Dia, a 1-year-old llama owned by Lauren Alayza, 13, won Overall Grand Champion in the Shelby County Fair llama competition.
1995: Numerous trees and limbs were down and power outages were frequent during a storm. Crystal Savage, S. West St., was injured when a tree limb fell across the top of her car.
1985: Waldron’s annual July 4 celebration attracted an estimated 6,500 people. John Walker was general chairman of the festival. There had been approximately 2,500 cars on site. Michelle Zeigler was crowned Miss Fourth of July. Kristie House was first runner-up.
1975: McKinley Saylor Jr., 17, St. Paul, drowned in the Flat Rock River under the bridge of the westbound lane of I-74. His friends had tried to rescue him but were unsuccessful.
1965: Marlene Beyer, 16, was crowned queen of the annual Waldron Kiddies Day celebration. Miss Beyer’s escort was Charles Pope.
1955: Nearly 500 children participated in the Kiddies Day parade in Waldron. Each kid was presented coupons for free food, soft drinks and prizes.
1945: Free swimming lessons were given by Leland Pruitt and Robert Pence throughout the day. Despite recent cool weather, the water temperature had remained comfortable, manager Charles Borchera said.
1935: A July 4 thunderstorm injured five in the county. Lightning struck four mules standing under a tree in Bengal on the William Yater farm.
1925: The body of William E. Porter was found in Michigan. Porter had wandered away from a cottage at the Battle Creek Sanitarium. A county-wide search had been underway for several days. Mr. and Mrs. Enos Porter, their daughter, Mrs. Parrish Fuller, and Mrs. William Porter left Shelbyville on the Big Four for Michigan. They were accompanied by Harry Sorden and Spencer Harrell. The Republican said William Porter had “made a wonderful success in business but in doing so he so undermined his physical strength that he broke under the strain.” He had attended local schools before going to Culver Military Academy. He then worked with his father at Porter Mirror Works before becoming a salesman for Pittsburg Plate Glass and moving away. He had also been a captain in World War I.
1915: The O.L. Means department store in the southwest corner of Public Square was robbed. Cash and jewelry were stolen.
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: Freeman Family Funeral Homes & Crematory
OBITUARIES
Edith Fay McGraw, 90, of Shelbyville, passed away Thursday, July 3, 2025, at her residence. She was born August 16, 1934, in Somerset, Ky. to Edd New and Cloa (Hughes) New.
Edith had worked at Hook’s Drug Store and Especially Kidz. She enjoyed playing bingo and was the ultimate Mom and Grandma. Family was most important to her.
She married Elmer “Mac” McGraw on April 3, 1951, and he survives. They spent 74 loving years together. She is also survived by her daughters, Debra Herdon and Kathryn (husband, Leon) Woosley; her son, Michael (wife, Chulan) McGraw; her daughters, Angel (husband, Chuck) Doremus and Patty (husband, Jim) Quaid; 13 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and 30 great-great grandchildren; her sister, Dorothy (husband, Sherman) Falgoust and brother, Howard “Bud” (wife, Rose) New. She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Janet McGraw; her sister, Lola Smith and brother, Earl New.
Visitation will be Monday, July 7, 2025, from noon to 1 p.m. at Murphy-Parks Funeral Service, 703 S. Harrison Street, Shelbyville, Ind., 46176. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Miller Cemetery. Funeral Directors Greg Parks, Sheila Parks and Stuart Parks are honored to serve Edith’s family. Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com.
In Loving Memory of Bryan Johnson, August 25, 1974 – July 1, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Bryan Johnson, a devoted husband, loving father, loyal brother, proud uncle, cousin and nephew. He left this world suddenly on July 1, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and determination.
Bryan was known for his stubborn streak—a trait that often came wrapped in fierce loyalty, strong convictions, and an even stronger love for those around him. If he believed in something (or someone), he believed with his whole heart. And if he didn’t? Well, you were going to hear about it. But beneath that tough shell was a deeply goofy soul who could light up a room with his antics, his wit, and the kind of laugh that made you laugh, too. He found joy and purpose in many places, but few meant as much to him as Pioneer Club and the Jefferson Proving Grounds, where he gave his time, his heart, and his energy to making others feel seen and loved. His faith and service were a guiding light in his life and a gift to all who knew him.
Bryan was incredibly proud to have earned his Master’s in Business Management, an achievement he worked hard for and never stopped celebrating. His perseverance was unmatched, and his family was proud to stand beside him every step of the way.
He leaves behind wife, Angie Johnson; his daughter, Kelcie Wright; brother, Jesse Johnson (wife Andrea Johnson); nephews, Greyson Land and Noah Johnson; and niece, Charrisa Johnson; cousins and countless friends and family members who will miss his humor, his hugs, and his big, stubborn heart.
In his memory, we encourage you to laugh a little louder, love a little deeper, follow your dreams and never give up on what matters most.
Visitation will be from 10 to noon, Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 124 E. North St., in Morristown, Ind. A celebration of Bryan’s life will follow at noon, with Mike Smith officiating. All are welcome to attend and share in honoring the life of a man who was unapologetically himself—and loved deeply because of it. Online condolences may be shared with Bryan’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
Marilyn June Schumake, 86, of Fairland, passed away Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at I.U. Methodist Hospital. She was born October 2, 1938, in Illinois, to Garnet Edward Taylor and Jane Lois Taylor.
Marilyn loved to read and do crossword puzzles. Her passion was raising plants and flowers. She was a homemaker and enjoyed sewing and knitting.
She married Robert E Schumake on June 6, 1956, and he preceded her in death on May 31, 2003. She is survived by her sons, Danny Lee Schumake, Robert E. Schumake, Jr. and Loren E. Schumake (Lynette Bickers); her grandchildren, Monica, Elizabeth, Courtney, Cara and Cheyenne. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her daughter, Julie P. Schumake, and granddaughter, Jordan Schumake.
A graveside service will be Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Pleasant View Cemetery, 10053 N. 850 W., Fairland, Ind., 46126, with Rev. Mark Kerns officiating. Funeral Directors Greg Parks, Sheila Parks and Stuart Parks are honored to serve Marilyn’s family. Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com.