Saturday, January 10, 2026
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: STEPHENSON RIFE ATTORNEYS
FIREHOUSE FARE
On-duty Shelbyville firemen prepare breakfast for numerous retired firefighters yesterday at Fire Station No. 1. Four of the cooks are pictured above: from left, Ian Bunch, Brandon Ross, Carson Linville and Gabriel Wilson. | photo by JACK BOYCE
PEACH PERFECT
Mason and Lauren Wilson, children of Jared and Heather Wilson of Shelbyville, celebrate last night in Atlanta as the Indiana University Hoosiers wallop the Oregon Ducks, 56-22. The Wilsons were part of dozens, if not hundreds, of locals in attendance, including the children’s grandparents, Gary and Michelle Nolley. | submitted
Strong start for golf simulator business, alcohol permit on the way
From left, customers Austyn Farley and Tyler Mershon play a round at Pure Strike Golf Sim and Social alongside owners John Tindall and Ryan Turner. | photo by ANNA TUNGATE
Just two months after opening, Pure Strike Golf Sim and Social has already welcomed hundreds of customers through its doors, and owners say momentum is building as the business prepares to add beer and wine service.
The indoor golf simulator business, located near Rural King along State Road 44, opened Nov. 1 and has logged more than 580 unique players in its first two months of operation, according to co-owner John Tindall.
“That doesn’t account for everybody who’s just come in to take a look and ask, ‘What is this?’” Tindall said.
Earlier this week, the business received local approval from the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission for a beer and wine permit, a step the owners say will further enhance the social aspect of the space. State-level approval is expected later this month, with service anticipated shortly afterward.
Pure Strike Golf Sim and Social is owned by longtime friends Tindall and Ryan Turner, who said the idea grew out of years of golfing together and experimenting with simulator technology elsewhere.
“We always joked about who was going to put one in their house first,” Tindall said. “Then we kind of just got thinking, ‘Why not try to make money off of it?’ It’s a passion of ours.”
Finding the right location proved to be the longest part of the process. The owners began working on the space in early 2025, navigating a building sale and landlord change before finally securing the lease. Once that hurdle was cleared, the build-out moved quickly.
“It was about a six- to seven-month process to get into this location,” he said. “And then two months we turned it around and opened.”
The business features three simulator bays that can be rented by the hour. Pricing is based on time, not the number of players, making it more affordable for groups.
During weekday hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., bays rent for $40 per hour, increasing to $50 per hour in the evenings. Up to four players can share a bay, splitting the cost.
Players can warm up on a virtual driving range, then transition into full courses, par-3 layouts or skills challenges, all within the same session. The system also allows for “gimme” putting, meaning short putts are automatically counted to keep play moving.
“It’s very video-game-ish,” Tindall said, “but you can definitely use it for training, or you can just come in and have fun.”
Customers are encouraged to bring their own clubs, though the business also provides adult and youth clubs at no charge.
“We can service real golfers who want to hone in on their skills,” Tindall said. “But we can also just service people who are looking for entertainment.”
The business has already hosted birthday parties, anniversaries, diaper parties and a New Year’s event. The entire facility can be rented for private gatherings, similar to booking lanes at a bowling alley.
“It’s kind of like a mix between a bowling alley and golf,” said manager Kris Mills.
Youth programming has also been part of the early focus. In November, the owners hosted a two-night youth golf camp for children ages 6 to early teens, working on fundamentals such as full swing, chipping and putting.
“We’re just trying to get youth in here,” Tindall said. “It gives kids opportunities to swing the club and see if they enjoy it.”
Pure Strike is launching both individual and two-person leagues this winter. The leagues run 10 weeks, followed by a three-week playoff, with a $100 buy-in per player that goes directly into prize payouts.
Courses used in league play will mirror PGA Tour courses being played that same week, with playoffs concluding during Masters Week, Tindall said.
The business is also beginning to host community and business events. Next week, Pure Strike will host the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce’s networking social hour.
“They’ve done luncheons in the past, but this is the first networking social hour they’re going to have,” Tindall said. “We’re really excited they gave us that opportunity just being open a couple of months.”
As winter continues and outdoor golf remains limited, the owners believe the simulators will continue drawing interest.
“It can be entertainment,” Tindall said, “or it can be golf. Or both.”
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: FULL CANOPY REAL ESTATE
NOTEBOOK:
Kelly Johnson, with First Bank Shelbyville, has been announced as the incoming board president of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce. The board also welcomes new member Stephen Black. Wrapping up their terms on the board are Joshua Georgen, president, and Andrea Lee, vice president. Other members of the board include Bill Poland, Ashley Martin, Dr. Todd Hitchcock, Hollie Cook, Brian Asher, Stephanie Amos, James Baker, Aaron Boggs, Eric Glasco, Julie Lynch, Jenna Martin, Gina Max, Kent McNeely, Jeremy Powers and Amy Spegal.
Editor’s Note: Thank you so much to each donor who has generously contributed to our campaign to expand countywide reporting. The following are among campaign donors: Jordan & Brooke Caldwell, John & Mary DePrez, Steve & Jerrel Fair, Wayne & Susan Coil, Becky Bishopp, and Mark & Virginia Clawson. Reaching our fundraising goal for 2026 will allow us to expand high-quality coverage countywide. Donors of $100 or more receive a commemorative January print edition and donors of $500 or more will be recognized in that edition. Contributions can be made online through our donation form or by mailing a check to The Addison Times, 54 W. Broadway, Ste. 13, Shelbyville, IN, 46176. Again, thank you so much for your loyal support of this endeavor. - Kristiaan Rawlings, Ph.D.
HOOSIER NEWS: The federal government has designated Indiana as one of two new national drone test sites, a move expected to attract jobs and private investment to the state, state officials said. Sen. Todd Young said the designation will expand drone research and advanced manufacturing opportunities, and leverage assets such as Purdue University and Camp Atterbury. Oklahoma was selected as the other new test site as the FAA expands its national drone testing program. (IBJ)
The Addison Times is pleased to offer free milestone announcements. Forms are available here: Engagement Announcement, Wedding Announcement and Anniversary Announcement.
This Week in Shelby County Archive
by GEORGE L. STUBBS
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: MAJOR HEALTH PARTNERS
This Day in Shelby County History
Local headlines reported on or around this date in Shelby County history. Selections are curated by The Addison Times from Shelby County Public Library Genealogy Department materials.
2006: The Shelbyville Board of Zoning Appeals rejected a request for a special exception to operate the former Flat Rock Cave area as a recreational facility. Eight remonstrators had come forward with concerns about the noise generated from concerts and the availability of alcohol at the facility. Rick Sandefur had been the developer.
1996: After several days out of school, Shelbyville Central Schools Superintendent Jim Peck announced a plan to return. Peck had asked 15 bus drivers to drive their routes to confirm road conditions were suitable. About 1,200 SCS students rode buses.
1986: The Shelbyville Lions Club donated $5,000 to W.S. Major Hospital for the purchase of emergency telephone calling units and the cancer treatment fund. Elmer DeWitt and Paul Weber presented the money on behalf of the Lions.
1976: Southwestern won its third straight Shelby County Tourney championship by beating Triton Central, 82-80. Southwestern team members were Larry Caudill, tourney MVP Jeff Lee, Dan DeWitt, Gary McClintic, Ron Hamilton, Joe Krise, Tim Tennell, Vic Smith, Rick Culver and Jim Fisher. Marty Echelbarger was the coach and Bill Golden was assistant coach.
1966: Mrs. Gardner of Pearson Elementary and student teacher Jim Swails led a Future Teachers club program at Shelbyville High School.
1956: Mayor John Anderson announced he would begin holding office hours at City Hall from 9 a.m. to noon so local citizens could speak with him.
1946: Pfc. Wallace Harrell, who had been injured in the service, called his parents on the telephone from the military hospital in Virginia. Harrell had been in an Army vehicle that crashed into a power pole, injuring all 14 riders.
1936: Demolition began on the old Shelby County Courthouse to make way for a new one.
1926: J.G. DePrez Co. hosted demonstrations on Chambers fireless gas ranges, which were on sale for $15.
1916: Rev. Hamilton’s revival services at the tabernacle structure continued. More than 2,000 attendees went to hear his sermon on “Booze and Boozers.” The Republican reported that Hamilton said, “If I wanted to find the worst specimens of manhood - the dirtiest, puking, debauched and degraded - I’d come to old Shelbyville.” A song service included renditions of “You Need a Little More Religion” and “De Brewer’s Big Horses.”
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: Freeman Family Funeral Homes & Crematory
OBITUARIES
Douglas Anthony Bordenkircher, 62, of Charlottesville, died Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, at his home. He was born June 3, 1963, in Crookston, Minnesota, to Earl J. and Sharon R. (Gilbert) Bordenkircher. Survivors include his son, Douglas Anthony Bordenkircher Jr. of Charlottesville; brother Brian Bordenkircher (Wendy) of Greenfield; sisters Brenda Conn of Greenfield, Rhonda Pifer of Charlottesville, and Diana Lacy of New Castle; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law, Jaime Conn.
He graduated from Greenfield High School in 1981. He worked as an electrician, over-the-road driver and for the City of Greenfield, retiring in 2010. Bordenkircher was a member of DeMolay and a lifetime member of the Riders Club. He enjoyed riding motorcycles and tinkering, but most of all, he enjoyed helping others.
Arrangements are entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 124 E. North St., Morristown. Services will be announced at a later date. Online condolences may be shared at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
Kris Alan Martin, 54, of Shelbyville, died Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, at his home. He was born Jan. 24, 1971, in Rushville, to Lawrence “Larry” Keith Martin and Paula Kay (Jeffries) Martin.
Martin attended Shelbyville High School. He was a member of Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church and the Indiana Volunteer Fire Association. Earlier in life, he worked for Indiana Underground installing fiber optics. He later spent 11 years with the City of Shelbyville and another 11 years with the Shelby County Highway Department. He was skilled as a heavy equipment operator and welder and also did plumbing work. His greatest passion was firefighting. His call number was 60-71, and he served a total of 27 years with the Manilla Volunteer Fire Department and the St. Paul Volunteer Fire Department. He enjoyed fishing, boating, scuba diving, flying RC planes and was a novice ultralight pilot.
He married Doris (Clark) Martin on Nov. 30, 1996, and she survives. They shared 29 years of marriage. Survivors also include his stepdaughters, Tiffany Junken (Christopher), Jessica Fisher and Katelynn Pogue; daughters Kristy Snyder (Michael) and Kathryn Barnes (Paul); brother Brian Martin; grandchildren Alexa Durham, Phoenix Junken, Brooke Dodson, Ethan Harpring, Allyson Icenogle, Wyatt Pogue and Addison Jones; several nieces and nephews; and his dog, Rusty Alan. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Devin Martin, Tony Ray Martin and Lewis Dean “Dino” Martin; and a dog, Roger Alan.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon Monday, Jan. 12, at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, 3718 E. Blue Ridge Road, Shelbyville. Funeral services will follow at noon at the church, with Dr. Robb Barlow officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Pisgah Baptist Cemetery. Funeral directors Greg Parks, Sheila Parks and Stuart Parks are serving the family. Memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, 3718 E. Blue Ridge Road, Shelbyville, IN 46176. Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com.