Monday, March 10, 2025
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: STEPHENSON RIFE ATTORNEYS
SETTING THE STAGE
The nearly finished Wortman Family Civic Theatre on Miller Ave. received some help from county students this week. Mrs. Elizabeth Peterson’s Waldron High School Theatre Tech class toured the facility and helped sort costumes and clean the dressing room. Mr. Jeff Wilson and students from the Triton Central High School Drama Club moved lumber and materials from a semi-trailer into the theater. | submitted
Shelbyville Schools Timeline: School No. 5
by GEORGE YOUNG
Many present-day Shelbyvillians may not immediately recognize the name or location of School No. 5, but its history is deeply woven into the fabric of the community. Known initially as the Hamilton School, it was built in the early 1890s at the corner of North Hamilton and Pennsylvania Street, near the Walkerville Bridge. The modest schoolhouse consisted of only four classrooms - three on the first floor and one on the second floor - yet it served as an essential institution for the children of Shelbyville.
In 1912, Kate Adams was appointed principal of Hamilton School. By 1914, the school had an enrollment of 158 students. The school's identity evolved once again in 1926 following the passing of Superintendent Alvin Cecil Kibbey. Kibbey, born on August 1, 1885, had joined the Shelbyville school system as high school principal in 1920. When longtime superintendent J.W. Holton died suddenly in 1924, Kibbey stepped into leadership. Though his tenure as superintendent was brief - ending with his untimely death at 41 - the community valued his contributions and honored his legacy by renaming School No. 5 after him.
Despite leadership changes, one issue persisted: overcrowding. Managing school capacity has long been a challenge for administrators and parents alike. In 1923, Superintendent Holton faced significant pushback when the school board proposed relocating fourth-grade students from School No. 5 to Charles Major School due to overcrowding. Concerned parents opposed the move, arguing that the distance was too far for young children to walk safely. Complicating matters further, the second floor of School No. 5 had been used for kindergarten classes in violation of state regulations. In response, the school board planned to house kindergarten through third grade at School No. 5 while transferring fourth-grade students to Franklin Street School. Parents, however, petitioned to modify the existing building to accommodate all students on-site. Though the board rejected the petition on the grounds of cost, they did approve funding for a fire escape, which the fire marshal had mandated.
As the Depression gripped the nation, further challenges arose. By 1931, the school board considered closing Alvin C. Kibbey School on East Pennsylvania Street and transferring all students to Charles Major Grade School. Proponents of the plan argued that closing the school would reduce the local tax rate by four or five cents, and they reassured the public that the school would reopen when the economy improved. However, Kibbey School never reopened. It remained shuttered throughout the Depression and was eventually demolished in 1949. The land where it once stood was later repurposed for residential development, with several houses built on the site.
BELOW: A plaque honoring Kibbey remains on display at Shelbyville Middle School.
The Growth of Catholic Education in Shelbyville
In addition to public schools, Shelbyville was home to a thriving Catholic education system. In 1906, a Catholic parochial school was established behind St. Joseph Church on Hendricks Street, serving students in grades one through six. The curriculum emphasized vocal and instrumental music, offering students a well-rounded education steeped in academics and the arts.
St. Joseph Parish expanded its educational efforts in 1921 by opening a Catholic high school. However, due to financial constraints, the high school portion of the institution closed in 1940, leading to the transfer of approximately 40 students to Shelbyville High School. Despite this setback, St. Joseph Parish remained committed to elementary education. In 1924, a new $70,000 school building - equivalent to about $1.3 million today - was constructed east of the church on East Broadway, providing an updated facility for the younger students.
By 1958, the parish recognized the need for expansion once more. A significant addition to the elementary school increased its capacity, ensuring that Catholic education in Shelbyville remained strong for future generations.
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: FULL CANOPY REAL ESTATE
NOTEBOOK:
The Class 2A Triton Central Tigers (16-9) won their sectional Saturday, beating Scecina, 37-30. They play Saturday, March 15, 1 p.m., in regionals against University (17-9), hosted at Lebanon. In Class A action, both Hauser (23-3) and North Decatur (14-13) advanced to regionals.
St. Joseph Catholic Church is offering free guided tours at both St. Joseph Catholic Church, 125 East Broadway, and St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 4218 East Michigan Road, on March 15 and March 29, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 2:30 p.m. The tours include historical information, art, and iconography. St. Vincent was the first Catholic church in Shelby County.
Several Shelbyville High School FFA students placed first in a weekend District meet and will advance to State: Bella Cole and Mea McDuffey, Food Science demo and Plant and Soil demo; Ethan Coffey, Wildlife; Morgan Justus, Beef Cattle; Cora Flynn, Specialty Animal; Collin Maulden, Ag Services; Mea McDuffey, Environmental; and Bella Cole, Plant and Soils. Finishing second in the District were Maddie Huntsman, Extemporaneous Speaking, and Cora Flynn, Wildlife demo. Finishing third in District action was Reagan Dillon, Freshman Extemporaneous Speaking.
Correction: A correction/clarification was made to yesterday’s edition, noting that the Blue River Community Foundation was the entity (rather than Love INC) that received a grant.
HOOSIER NEWS: A proposed development could see a new Chick-fil-A, Crew Carwash and Wawa in Franklin Township. In September 2024, a real estate lawyer requested variances from the Board of Zoning Appeals to accommodate the proposed redevelopment near the southeast corner of Emerson Avenue and Thompson Road. Developers with BT Investments seek to turn the site of the former K-Mart into four new businesses. Both Chick-fil-A and Crew Carwash requested variances that would allow the businesses to build drive-thru lanes that border the adjoining public street. Chick-fil-A also requested additional parking. The third spot will be occupied by multiple retail businesses. The attorney said plans for the fourth slot aren’t finalized, but investors think it will turn into a Wawa convenience store. Indianapolis’ first Wawa is under construction and expected to open later this year on East 96th Street. Juicy Seafood, which is located on the corner of the former K-Mart parking lot, is not affected by these redevelopment plans. (IndyStar)
NATIONAL NEWS: Thirty-three sled dog teams raced out of Fairbanks, Alaska last week onto the longest Iditarod trail in history. Last-minute plans to change the route went off without a hitch despite significant changes to the original trail. The race start was moved up to Fairbanks due to dismal snow on the normal route in Willow. Even still, it was a balmy 40 degrees at the front of Pike’s Waterfront Lodge for the start. (Alaska Public Media)
Thank you to every donor for your continued support of The Addison Times. Donors of $100 or more receive a quarterly print publication in the mail. Please consider a one-time or monthly donation to The Addison Times, either online or via a check to The Addison Times, 54 W. Broadway, #13, Shelbyville, Ind., 46176. Thank you for your continued support of daily local news and history. I appreciate each of you. - Kristiaan Rawlings, Editor
The Addison Times is pleased to offer free milestone announcements. Forms are available here: Engagement Announcement, Wedding Announcement and Anniversary Announcement.
Want the daily edition read to you? Struggling with your email provider filtering out your local news? The Addison Times Substack app will solve those challenges!
SHS Courier Archive Highlights
Nov. 20, 2009
Members of the class of 2009 who had enlisted in the Army included Josh Thurman, Bobby Redway and Adam Merrill.
“Flowers for Algernon” would be the fall production. Lead characters included Emily Scott, Chris Pease, Patrick Kuntz, Hillary Smith, Jeremy Crafton and Briana Gibson. The cast practiced four days a week for two hours, not including dress rehearsals.
Students were ready for the holiday shopping season. Sophomore Stephanie Munger said she went to Greenwood Park Mall for the sales. Senior Lauren Boring also liked Greenwood. She said Walmart at 3 a.m. was a good place to find deals. Senior Jessica Ragsdale was not a fan of spending Black Friday fighting crowds.
In “15 Minutes of Fame”, Zack Tompkins said his role model was Michael Jackson because “I love his dance moves.” Demi Eckles said Will Smith was her favorite celebrity.
Courier boosters were Duran Chiropractic, Three Sisters Books & Gifts, Hunt’s Learning Center and Sports Locker Room.
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: Triton Elementary School students raised more than $12,000 for the American Heart Association during the annual Jump Rope for Heart event. The following students raised more than $100 each: Kyle Goolsby, Katelyn Lingenfelter, Jacob Holzhausen, Cale Thomas, Olivia Jones, Kyle Tilley, Alex Cusson, Johnny Hollingsworth, Callie Wolsiffer, Jenna Webb, Cassity Stow, Derek Way, Cole Mackey, James Polston, Joe Renton, Alex Jones, Jessica Wayman, Colt Huffman, Jackie Hunter, Drake Wuttke, Zach Cooper, Alex Karmire and Searra Dill.
1995: Chad Adkins, who had scored 34 and 40 points in Shelbyville’s sectional wins, headed into regional play as the state’s 12th-leading scorer with a 25.5 average. He was the sixth-highest scorer among teams still alive in the IHSAA tournament.
Former Shelbyville coach Pat Rady became the 17th boys basketball coach to record 500 career wins in Indiana, with his Terre Haute South team beating Vincennes. Rady was in his 15th year at Terre Haute South and his 31st overall.
1985: In a conversation among county officials about the newly installed computers, County Auditor Tom Duvelius said a power outage would only result in the loss of information put into the computer that day. Office staff had begun work inputting assessment information previously stored on 17,000 file cards.
1975: The Shelby Community Band, represented by Carol Finkel, presented a $249 check, proceeds from a benefit performance, to St. Joseph Elementary School for the instrument band program. John Lux had been the winner of a ticket selling contest. Other top ticket sellers were Charles Reed, Mike Ault and Emily Hart. The check was presented to Principal Sister Noel Marie.
1965: The Mary Lou Shop and Schoelch’s Hub Shoes hosted a fashion show at the Elks Club. Models were Kathy Rosenfeld, Mary Alice Phares, Carol Bassett and Betty Meek.
Coulston avenged its only defeat of the season by beating Loper for the city grade school basketball championship at the Shelbyville High School gym. The players were Doug Heuer, Rick Westlake, Bob Buckley, Rick Keckler, Mike Stephenson, Rick McNeely, Don Amos, Jim Harley, Roger Garlitch, Rick Alexander, Terry Carmony and Steve Coach. Glenn Hilty was the coach.
1955: A Purdue University economist led two county discussions about how consolidation would help make schools more efficient. He said schools with enrollment of at least 300 were the most efficient in providing opportunities for the least per pupil cost.
1945: Sgt. Richard Fox, 20, whose parents lived at 820 Elm St., was reported missing in action over Germany. Sgt. Fox had been a gunner on an A-26 Invader aircraft. He was a Shelbyville High School graduate.
1935: R.P. Stine, 44, president of the Sta-Tite Snath Company in Shelbyville and treasurer of the Shelby County Republican Central Committee, died of heart disease at his home at 316 West Broadway. Stine had come to Shelbyville in 1925 to start manufacturing snaths (the long, wooden shaft of a scythe) in a factory building on East Washington Street, east of the Tindall-Wagner furniture plant. He was associated with D. Wray DePrez and Albert DePrez in designing a new patent for snaths.
1925: Officials at Main Street M.E. Church announced plans for a new building, to be built at the corner of Morris and Fair Ave.
The Gordon Orphans’ Home had placed 34 children in 1924, organizational officials said. There were 43 children in the home.
1915: Antiques were displayed in Waldron. James Haymond was the owner of an ox-yoke that was part of the exhibit. A Civil War gun, tongs, a fire shovel, a wooden pump, a bayonet and a spinning wheel were also part of the exhibit.
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: Freeman Family Funeral Homes & Crematory
OBITUARIES
Michael David Sager, 54, of Shelbyville, passed away on Friday, March 7, 2025.
He was born December 22, 1970, in Shelbyville, the son of Jerry and Andrea (Perifield) Sager. On February 8, 2020, he married Ann Kaster, and she survives. In addition to Ann, Michael is survived by his daughter, Emily Powell of Shelbyville; and granddaughter, Miracle Powell. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Michael was currently employed at Ryobi, as a machinist. He enjoyed going fishing.
A Celebration of Michael’s life will be held at a later date.
Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas, 66675-8516. Online condolences may be shared with Michael’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.