Friday, March 14, 2025
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SCS Board Discusses Potential Facility Updates
Plans are in the works to update decades-old infrastructure at Shelbyville High School and Shelbyville Middle School.
Jeff Janicek, operations leader for BG Group, a construction management company, complimented Shelbyville Central Schools’ maintenance staff for an excellent deferred maintenance program, but mechanical, plumbing and electrical needs exist in both facilities.
“The existing conditions of the (SHS locker room) showers are outdated, the piping is antiquated…they have water pressure issues,” Janicek told the SCS School Board this week as he walked through identified needs.
A list of project possibilities presented to the board included some $6.5 million in updates at SHS and $14.5 million at SMS. SHS could see updates including upgraded doors and security at gym entrances; isolated locker room spaces for visiting teams; athletic offices and an officials’ room, in addition to the upgraded infrastructure, which includes replacing the original ductwork and air handlers.
“These aren’t things that were maintenance deficiencies,” Janicek said. “This is just end-of-life.”
SMS projects could include replacement of floor coverings, lighting and select furniture, as well as some band room, bathroom and locker room updates. Other projects include a range of items, from roofing and windows to improving classroom technology. The goal is to provide spaces that will serve the next generation, Janicek said.
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NOTEBOOK:
Long-time community volunteer and leader Don Collins received the Circle of Corydon Award yesterday from Reps. Jennifer Meltzer (R-73) and Robb Greene (R-47). The award is given from the Governor’s office to celebrate individuals who have significantly impacted their communities or the state at large. Rep. Meltzer, who nominated Collins for the award, also gave him a state flag that flew over the statehouse last year. Collins thanked the state legislators for their efforts and highlighted progress in services for those with disabilities. Collins got involved in 1972 advocating for school special education programs. “Back in those days, I can remember that a lot of the special ed classes were at the end of the hall or down in the basement or wherever room was available. So times have changed. They don't have separate classrooms for special ed kids anymore. They’re pretty much included in the rest of the school program.” He encouraged others to give their time to worthwhile causes. “There’s an old saying that goes, ‘Progressive improvement is better than postponed perfection,’ and you can take that one to the bank. Just make sure you're doing something good, at least every day for other people.”
First United Methodist Church in Shelbyville is preparing to celebrate its 200th anniversary this summer. The church is attempting to collect memories of weddings, baptisms and other church events from previous members. Memories can be shared with the Bicentennial Committee at 1umc34@att.net or by mail, 34 West Washington Street.
The trailer on a vehicle struck a bay wall at the Superwash on E. State Road 44, causing significant damage to the wall.
Revenue at Horseshoe Indianapolis Casino (Shelbyville) was up last month compared to January 2025 but down from February 2024. Adjusted Gross Revenue last month was $22.9 million, up from January’s $21.4 million, but down from $24.2 million in February 2024.
On or after Monday, March 24, State Road 9 will close for up to 18 days, through mid-April, between County Road 750 S and County Road 800 S for a structure replacement project in Shelby County. The structure is located approximately five miles north of the Bartholomew/Shelby County line at Amos Ditch. The official detour will follow State Road 44, I-65, and State Road 252 while work is in progress. Access will be maintained for local residents up to the point of closure. (Columbus Republic). An INDOT detour map is provided below.
County Road S 800 E, between E. Michigan Road and the Town of St. Paul, will be closed Monday through Wednesday, March 17, 18 and 19, to replace three culvert pipes and add extensions to a fourth one as part of a repaving project. The larger culvert will be done on Monday. The project will be closed from the south on Tuesday and Wednesday while a 15-inch pipe and a 30-inch catch basin are replaced.
HOOSIER NEWS: Emergency medical service providers primarily transport patients to emergency departments — even if that isn’t the most appropriate facility for care. That’s because it’s the only way they’re able to receive reimbursement. An Indiana House committee approved a bill that would change that. Senate Bill 505 would allow EMS providers to bring patients to non-emergency facilities, including urgent care and mental health facilities. It would also require providers establish protocols to determine the appropriate facility for each patient. (Indiana Public Radio)
NATIONAL NEWS: New York City’s implementation of a congestion fee to drive below 59th Street in Manhattan has been a fiscal and traffic success, and new data shows that it’s had an impact on quality of life as well. Complaints to 311 over motorists who honked way too much are down by 69 percent compared to the same period of 2024. (The City/Numlock)
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SHS Courier Archive Highlights
March 15, 1929, Part I
Mr. Frederick Crull, close friend of the late James Whitcomb Riley, spoke to the SHS Hi-Y Club. Crull had written piano accompaniments to many of Riley’s poems.
SHS had secured 100 tickets to the state finals, held at Butler Fieldhouse. The basketball team was invited, and the rest of the tickets were sold to students.
With office tasks increasing, the Commerce class was called upon to help. Students typed letters for Mr. Loper, oversaw the office while the clerk was on lunch break, and handled attendance tracking.
Courier business manager John C. DePrez and assistant business manager Betty White complimented the reporting and layout of the St. Paul school newspaper, the Quarrytown Blaster.
The inauguration of Herbert Hoover had been brought to the students of both the junior and senior high schools courtesy of Williams Music Store. The program began at 9 a.m. Students went to the assembly hall to listen to proceedings held in the Senate Chamber and Mr. Hoover’s speech. An account of the events was broadcast from an Army airplane.
Mr. and Mrs. George Kearney hosted a pie-eating contest for the basketball team. Team members took down several raspberry pies, but when raisin was brought out, Barnard, Robbins and Rottet were out of the race. Linville and Reimann were the last two left, with Billy Reimann winning. Paul Barnard accused Billy of not eating lunch. Kehrt claimed he would have won but he had eaten too much pie in practice trying to find out how much pie he could eat.
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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: Local chef Bill Moore, owner of Linne’s Pastry Shop, finished up a two-week stay aboard the Navy’s newest aircraft carrier, where he taught mess cooks better ways to make pastry items. Prior to his visit, ship personnel primarily ate cinnamon rolls. Moore taught them how to make pecan, Danish and fruit rolls, sticky buns and butterscotch squares.
1995: Electricity along the north side of East State Road 44 was out after a vehicle hit a wire leading to the ground behind the former Target store. Walmart and Kroger closed, but thanks to back-up systems, were able to check-out anyone in the store.
The John Heaton-coached Shelbyville High School basketball team won the regional and a trip to Semi-state by beating South Dearborn, 83-81, thanks to a game-winning shot by Derek Ricketts, who had taken a pass from Kyle Hobbs and buried a 7-footer from the left baseline with 2 second left for the win.
1985: The new Star View Satellite 10-foot dish could be obtained and installed for $1,495.
Jim Brown, Triton Central High School industrial arts teacher, was named high school athletic director.
1975: The Booketeria opened at 403 Miller Ave., adjacent to Five Points Speed Wash. Harlequin Romance novels were six for $1.15.
Hurriburger prices for the year at the A&W were 40 cents; with cheese, 45 cents. In other food news, JustRite, 350 E. Broadway, was offering a green shake in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.
1965: Members of Girl Scout Troop 1405, all Shelbyville Junior High School students, stuffed, sealed and bundled 2,000 envelopes for the Easter Seal campaign.
During a Southwestern band benefit show, a group pantomimed the famous Beatles. Group members were Principal Robert Wade, science teacher Ralph Bundy, gym teacher Jack Tindall, Vice Principal John Donnelly and social studies teacher Jamie Orem.
1955: Bids were accepted to build a new Women’s Building at the Shelby County Fairgrounds. The Fair Association would pay for construction, and the 20 Shelby County home demonstration clubs were raising funds for the roof and building decorations.
1945: A 42-year-old Chambers employee hanged himself from a ceiling rafter on the job. Although the man had been ill, co-workers said he had been conversing with others at lunch just before the incident.
Shelby County Agricultural Agent H.W.D. Brinson encouraged locals to plant Victory Gardens.
1935: City schools and the public library closed on Friday to allow locals to go to the Shelbyville-Logansport basketball game.
1925: Area residents reported that the abandoned Sand Hill school building in Sugar Creek was being used as a dance hall. The Sheriff went to investigate and found a drunk man in the school, who was arrested and charged with intoxication.
The first application for final citizenship papers ever filed in Shelby County by a woman were entered with the clerk by Margaret Hinschlaeger, widow of Fred Hinschlaeger. Margaret was a native of Germany. She lived in Shelbyville and worked in administration at the State School for the Blind in Indianapolis. Under a former law, woman of other countries who were not citizens of the U.S. became naturalized when their husbands completed their papers. Under an amendment to the Constitution, and under the provisions of an act of Congress in 1922, it had become necessary for women to go through the same course as men in obtaining citizenship. Fred had filed his own papers in October 1919, but he died in November, two months before his citizenship was granted. Margaret later decided to file her own papers, becoming the first woman in Shelby County to do so. (Fred and Margaret were the parents of Kate Hinschlaeger, who was a long-time organist in the community.)
1915: A mock trial, to be hosted at Shelby Circuit Court, was arranged by SHS faculty. Florence Corya, a senior at Shelbyville High School, was “arrested” on charges of gambling. She was accused of engaging in “matching pennies” during a field trip to Shelby Circuit Court.
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OBITUARIES
Brian L. Conner, 52, of Shelbyville, Indiana, passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at Our Hospice Inpatient Facility in Columbus, Ind. Born on August 26, 1972, in Shelbyville, Brian was the son of Wm. David Conner and Carole (Szymanski) Shanks. He is survived by his daughter, Anna Conner of Shelbyville, Ind., who was the light of his life; his parents, Wm. David Conner (Wendy) of Trafalgar, Indiana, and Carole Shanks (Brian) of Oak Ridge, Tenn.; and his five siblings: Kimberly Hieftje (Bernard Francois) of Guilford, Conn., David Joseph Conner (Marlyn) of Paragon, Ind., Jeremiah Conner (Maymi) of Shoreline, Wash., Crystal Roxanne of Paragon, Ind., and Andrew Parmerlee (Krystal) of Carthage, Ind. He was preceded in death by his grandparents and his nephew, Cody Crum-Hieftje.
A lifelong resident of Shelbyville, Brian graduated from Shelbyville High School. He was a dedicated member of the Manilla Volunteer Fire Department and worked as a lead heavy equipment maintenance technician for many years. He later went on to establish Conner Industries, Inc., where he successfully operated as a sheet metal fabricator and skilled CNC machinist for 15 years before retiring due to health issues.
Brian had a deep love for his family and was especially devoted to his daughter, Anna. He was a proud single parent, always showing his love for her in everything he did. Anna's sparkle and strength were a reflection of the deep bond they shared, and she carries that love and light with her every day. Brian was also known for his love of good food, particularly his favorite “pork chop in the bottle.” A lifelong car enthusiast, he cherished his 1968 Mustang Fastback, a car he acquired in high school and worked tirelessly to fully restore over the course of 11 months before his passing, a labor of love that symbolized his dedication and passion. In addition to his work and hobbies, Brian was an avid Harley rider who enjoyed the freedom of the open road. He was also passionate about fabricating metal, showcasing his craftsmanship in everything he created. Brian was a social person who enjoyed hosting gatherings at Conner’s Bar, where he shared many memories with close friends and loved ones.
A family member can be contacted for Celebration of Life details. Online condolences may be left at glennegeorgeandson.com.
Wilma J. McCray, 88, of Shelbyville, passed away Wednesday March 12, 2025 at Franciscan Health Indianapolis. She was born April 12, 1936, in Indianapolis, Ind., to Elbert Ralston and Pansy (Eggers) Ralston.
Wilma attended Washington High School in Indianapolis. She was a talented painting artist and loved expressing her creativity through her art. She also enjoyed her time outdoors, especially tending to her garden. Wilma was a member of Silent Unity of Indianapolis for several years and enjoyed seeking the truth. Family was the most important thing in her life and her favorite titles were Mom, Wife and Grandma.
She married Richard F. McCray on October 18, 1952 and he preceded her in death on September 7, 1984. She is survived by her daughter, Pam (husband, Greg) Pearson; her grandchildren, Scott, April, Amy, Doug, Craig, Mandy, Angie and Ashley; seven great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Joy (husband, Billy) Woodall; several nieces and nephews and her beloved cat, Mister. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her son, Mark McCray; her daughter, Jennifer Robinson and her son-in-law, Steve Robinson; her sister, Esther Nelson and her brother, Franklin Ralston.
A Private Family Graveside Service will be held at Fairland Cemetery. Funeral Directors Greg Parks, Sheila Parks and Stuart Parks are honored to serve Wilma’s family. Memorial contributions may be given to Shelby County Animal Shelter, 705 Hale Rd., Shelbyville, Ind., 46176. Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com.