Saturday, February 1, 2025
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: STEPHENSON RIFE ATTORNEYS
Mayor, City Leaders Give State of the City
Shelbyville Mayor Scott Furgeson delivers the State of the City address yesterday at the Knights of Columbus. | photo by ANNA TUNGATE
Shelbyville Mayor Scott Furgeson and city leaders provided a “State of the City” address yesterday at the Knights of Columbus. Provided are excerpts from the presentation:
Mayor Furgeson:
Lauded the incoming Non-Profit Center. Last year, the City of Shelbyville received 174 (Crisis In Training) calls from those needing social services, an increase over the 42 CIT calls received in 2023.
“I think sometime this spring we're going to tear down the building on the corner of Broadway and Harrison, the old Adams building.”
“We had a 12% increase in our assessed value last year. We only raised our budget 4%. We actually cut our budget last year to this year by 3%, so we're fiscally responsible.”
“(New Indiana Governor Mike Braun) is wanting to cut property taxes…The majority of our money comes from property taxes. I was on a conference call this morning and heard we may lose $1.7 million of our $22 million budget next year. How do we make those things up? Well, the state is going to force us to pass a local option income tax (LOIT), and one of the big things they're hanging over our head now is a wheel tax. The county has a wheel tax; the city doesn’t have a wheel tax…We're going to lose our CCMG (Community Crossings Matching Grant) money, which we use to pave our roads and do all of our repavement every spring and fall. So that's over $1 million. So, they're going to force our hand, because they're not going to give us the $1 million unless we pass the $25 (vehicle registration) wheel tax. So that game is going to be played for a long time. I hope all the things the governor is wanting don't come to truth. But because property tax is truly the way we're funded, it's going to be a bigger hit on the schools…”
“With the new (pedestrian) trail we built, there will be three new bike stations on that trail.”
Working on N. Riley Highway upgrades, including installing a median with plants.
Working on Tom Hession II, which includes extending the road from CR W 300 N to Walser Road. “Someday, maybe not my lifetime, but it's supposed to go all the way down to State Road 44 on the west side of town. And I believe that's a key thing to getting our community on the west side growing.”
Planning to hire an airport manager rather than employing a third-party contractor. “We believe that the airport is one of our most underutilized assets in our community. We're looking to try to get a flight school out there.”
The mayor’s office oversees 13 departments and 213 employees.
On the recent snow removal process: “I think only three of our guys that pushed snow out of nine had ever pushed snow before.”
A roundabout will be installed over the summer at Miller and McKay roads.
Currently looking for land to build a new police station.
Clerk-Treasurer Scott Asher: “Our investments for 2024 were $2.51 million in interest in one year. It's not going to be an ongoing thing. It's special circumstances of what 2024 brought us in the financial world, but we are obviously going to keep doing our best to keep bringing these funds in.”
Shelby County Development Corporation Executive Director Brian Asher:
SCDC fielded 109 requests for information from businesses last year.
“We're working on a master plan for some land near Miller Avenue and (State Road) 44, heading towards Franklin.” Work is underway on a master plan that would bring retail in conjunction with multi-family and single-family homes and walking trails.
Upcoming development includes Simplot, a cold storage warehouse distribution facility that employs 90 to be located off the new phase of Tom Hession Drive and a currently-confidential $97 million investment to include 150 jobs. Asher said the jobs will pay well over $25 an hour goal the City has promoted.
The city and county are receiving numerous requests regarding construction of data centers. “These companies utilize a huge amount of electric, huge amount of water, but they also have huge investments as well…I'm talking billions, not millions.” Those companies typically take 14 to 18 months to determine locations.
Fire Chief Doug Lutes noted that his department employs 70, including 63 firefighters and paramedics and seven in the administrative offices. “We do over 6,000 calls a year. Our ambulances run the whole county. Seventy-four percent of the calls are EMS, and 26% are fire-related. We had 128 actual fires last year, 25 building fires…”
Police Chief Dr. Bill Dwenger said his staff is at 48 with two officers recently trained for bicycle patrol, which helps with community relations.
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: FULL CANOPY REAL ESTATE
NOTEBOOK:
The following building permits were filed in Shelbyville last month: replace roof due to fire damage at 58 W. Franklin St.; remodel Waffle House on N. Riley Highway; remodel 106 St. Mary Street; and construction of six new homes.
PMS Smart Resolutions, Miller Ave., is planning to invest $186,000 in equipment to prepare for $6 million of new medical product work over the years two years, a company official told members of the Common Council Tax Abatement Committee this week.
Juan Ongay was announced as the new Unit Director for the Shelbyville Boys & Girls Club. He will succeed Jennifer Huesman, who is stepping into the new Director of Operations role for all Shelby County clubs.
The Strand Theatre is hosting a work session today, 9 a.m. to noon.
HOOSIER NEWS: Indiana would fully legalize online gambling — and online lottery — under legislation approved by a House committee Tuesday. The state’s casinos are split on whether to support the online gaming expansion. HB 1432 would allow Indiana’s existing casinos and racinos to offer casino-style games online and on mobile devices. Casino Association of Indiana President Matt Bell said online gaming is important to the industry’s ability to grow its market. (Indiana Public Media)
NATIONAL NEWS: A new study found that people who were facially expressive were more liked by social partners, which may be one reason why people produce on average 101 facial movements per minute during a given social interaction. (Scientific American/Numlock)
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SHS Courier Archive Highlights
October 1993
A column covered what was “in” and what was “out”. In: Converse All-Stars, Levis’s grungy, Beavis and Butthead quotes, such as “Uh, huh, uh, that was cool.” Out: L.A. Gear, Voit, too-tight acid wash jeans, silk shirts, the saying “for sure” and “mall bangs” for girls’ hair.
Spanish Club officers were Eric Haehl, Leslie Lux, Laura Haehl and Kim Garnder.
New drama teacher Mr. Michael Woods announced “Carousel” would be the first production.
Students were surveyed on their weekend activities. Amity Leary: “Listen to Elvis records and long for the King’s return. Seriously!”; Mr. Murphy: “Go to IU football games, and, of course, work, work, work, and go to church.”; Shawn Lane: “Sit, because I’m grounded.”; and Emily Wheeler: “Sleep, go to games and lose people in the country.”
Tennis player Kyle Linville advanced to regionals.
The girls golf team advanced to state. They were led by seniors Kim Gardner and Julie Meyerholtz. Sophomores Lauren Allen and Erica Caplinger and freshman Deirdre Wildman rounded out the team. They were coached by Kathy Morrow.
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: Shelby County Prosecutor Kent Apsley laid down the law at Shelbyville Middle School after numerous threatening notes had been found, necessitating tightened security measures. Apsley, who was there at the invitation of Principal Denny Ramsey, explained to students that the issue had become a criminal matter.
1995: Rep. Jeffrey Linder asked the state legislature to provide $3 million for a new vocational school. A project had been in the works for a new center, but the state had halted the plans.
1985: Computers arrived at the Shelby County Courthouse. The $156,000 worth of equipment would computerize the auditor’s, clerk’s, treasurer’s and assessor’s offices.
“Nobody will accuse Larry Parmer of running up the score against Southwestern in Thursday’s IHSAA Morristown sectional semifinals even though his Golden Bears beat the Spartans, 100-31. Not only did he substitute early on for his starters, he even subbed for himself,” The Shelbyville News reported of the girls sectional action outcome. Parmer put in several JV players and even turned over coaching responsibility to JV coach Jim Kent in the final quarter. The last two baskets came in the final five seconds, each after a Shelby steal. Missy Collins hit the shot putting the Bears at 100 as the final horn sounded. Players in double figures were Valerie Morrison (23 points), Kristi Barnard (18), Shelly Caplinger (16) and Collins (15).
1975: The A & W Root Beer Drive-in opened for its 21st season.
1965: Community merit awards were presented at the Flat Rock Citizens Committee to Alta West, Loren Sampson, Roy Endicott, Norma Beall, Robert Wade and Allen Blades. The awards were presented by Henrietta Oliphant, president of the Committee.
G. Donald Campbell, the first manager of the Shelbyville fiber glass plant of PPG, was honored by company employees when he and his wife came to visit from Pennsylvania. Campbell had been manager from 1952 to 1958.
1955: U.S. Sen. William Jenner would be the main speaker at the upcoming Shelby County Lincoln Day Dinner, to be held at the St. Joseph gymnasium. Mayor Phillip Banawitz would be toastmaster.
Indiana Bell installer Larry Spalding was going house-to-house installing dial telephones. He told users not to spin the dial while using the phone until the system change-over was made later in the year.
1945: The Church of the Nazarene, on the corner of Jackson and Noble streets, observed “Kentucky Day”. Special services were held to honor families who had moved from Kentucky to Shelbyville. “The Kentucky people attending the service will be seated in a special section and will be ushered to their places by Kentucky ushers,” The Republican said.
1935: Vehicles driven by Ephraim Wortman, Morristown, and John Brown, Shelbyville, collided on Public Square. No injuries occurred.
A man’s 1922 motorcycle burst into flames as he tried to start it in front of the Pearson Radio Store on North Harrison St.
1925: Mahenda, advertised as “India’s Greatest Star and Crystal Gazer,” opened a five-day show at The Alhambra Theatre.
1915: Wes Ivie, of Walkerville, was jailed on account of being “liquored up.” Thirty minutes later, “Wes decided that he would rather sleep at home and began to yell and cry. The officers were informed by Wes that he had fallen and broken his leg. The kind policemen called the jail physician, who after making an examination of poor Wes’s leg stated that although he could find nothing the matter with it that it was possible for him to be injured in some way. The police then ordered a cab and send Wes to his home,” The Republican said.
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: Freeman Family Funeral Homes & Crematory
OBITUARIES
Jerry L. Woosley, 68, of Waldron, passed away on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at Waldron Health and Rehabilitation in Waldron. He was born May 1, 1956, in Shelbyville, the son of Paul Leon and Wanda (Bratcher) Woosley. Jerry is survived by his brothers, Leon Woosley and wife, Kathy, Eugene Woosley and Larry Woosley; sister, Sue Drake and husband, Steve; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Jeremy David Woosley; and brothers, James Tarrance, Barney Woosley, Jack Tarrance and Don Tarrance.
In 1974, he graduated from Morristown High School. He received his associates degree from Purdue University. Jerry formerly worked as a maintenance supervisor for Perry in Indianapolis, with over 20 years of service. He enjoyed working on farm equipment and lawn mowers.
Private services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 124 E. North St. in Morristown. Online condolences may be shared with Jerry’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
Gloria Jane Collins, 79, of Shelbyville, passed away Thursday, January 30, 2025 at her residence. She was born November 27, 1945, in Pound, Va., to Novella Powers and was raised by her grandparents, Rufus, and Oshie Mullins.
Gloria worked in manufacturing for Williams Industries for many years before retiring. She was a former member of Victory Fellowship Church of God. She was also a member of the Alan Jackson fan club. She had a love for his music and enjoyed many of his concerts at different venues through the years. Gloria also enjoyed shopping any chance she could get out and go. She had a deep-rooted love for her family, especially making memories and sharing stories with her grandchildren.
She married Troy Allen “Johnny” Collins on May 18, 1963, and he preceded her in death on July 19, 2023. They shared 60 loving years of marriage.
She is survived by her daughter, Marlene Hauk; her grandchildren, Stacia Winkler, Colt (wife, Emily) Mullins, Britta (husband, Nick) Pierce, Chrissi (husband, Josh) Ronan, Tiffany (husband, Luke) Walker and Olivia (husband, Drew) Long; several great-grandchildren; her sisters, Trevia Powers, Peggy Dean-Branham and Kay Sturgill; and her brother, Larry Mullins. She was preceded in death by her husband; her son, John F. Collins, her parents, her granddaughter, Candice Gilles, her sisters, Evelyn Branham, Belvey Shortt, Edel Mullins and Joyce Stanley; her brothers, Roddy Powers, Phillip Shortt, Virgil Mullins, and Joe Mullins.
Visitation will be held Monday, February 3, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Murphy-Parks Funeral Service, 703 S. Harrison Street, Shelbyville, IN 46176. Funeral services will follow at 7 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Jose Rivera officiating. Burial will be in Miller Cemetery at a later date. Funeral Directors Greg Parks, Sheila Parks, and Stuart Parks are honored to serve Gloria’s family. Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com.
Jonathon A. Crider, 40, of Shelbyville, passed away Thursday, January 30, 2025 at his residence. He was born May 30, 1984 in Chambersburg, PA to LeaAnn (Freet) Crider.
Jonathon had a love for technology. He worked for Apple as a cell phone technician specialist. He was able to diagnose and fix the many hardware and software issues that his customers would have with their Apple products. Jonathon enjoyed sports, especially football. His favorite team to watch was the Dallas Cowboys. He also had a love for cars. More specifically, the Ford Mustang always peaked his interest. He even owed a brand new 2005 Ford Mustang that was his pride and joy. Jonathon’s family was the most important thing to him. He took great pride in being a good big brother and a fun uncle.
He is survived by his mother and father, LeaAnn and Michael Crider Sr.; his brother, Michael A. (wife, Ashley) Crider Jr.; his sister, Kassandra (husband, Jacob) Beegle; his nephews, Miles Crider, Thomas Sheele, Jr., Ehtan Sheele, and Cory A. Freet; his nieces, Elizabeth Crider and Jesime Freet; his half-sister, Candace Snyder and his uncle, Larry A. Freet.
Funeral Directors Greg Parks, Sheila Parks and Stuart Parks are honored to serve Jonathon’s family. Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com.
Ricky Tindall, of Flat Rock, passed away Friday, January 31, 2025 at his residence. He was born August 19, 1952, in Edinburgh, Ind., to Richard Tindall and Wilma Jean (Moore) Tindall.
He was a lineman for the Edinburgh Utilities for 40 years. Ricky also was a volunteer fireman for the Flat Rock Fire Department. He was an avid NASCAR fan.
He married Sharon Erwin-Tindall on December 25, 2018 and she survives. He is also survived by his sister, Elva Marie Wilkins; his step-sons, Shawn Erwin and Jeremy Erwin. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Sandra Kay Mann; and his brother, Dean Allan Tindall.
Visitation will be Tuesday, February 4, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Murphy-Parks Funeral Service, 703 S. Harrison Street, Shelbyville, Ind., 46176. There will be no funeral services at this time. Private burial will be at Flat Rock Cemetery. Funeral Directors Greg Parks, Sheila Parks and Stuart Parks are honored to serve Ricky’s family. Memorial contributions may be given to OUR Hospice of South Central Indiana, 2626 17th St., Columbus, IN 47201. Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com.