Saturday, January 3, 2026
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: STEPHENSON RIFE ATTORNEYS
Proposed Data Center Tied to Annexation East of I-74
A preliminary design shows the layout of a data center campus proposed near the Interstate 74-State Road 44 interchange in Shelbyville.
by KRISTIAAN RAWLINGS
A proposed multi-phase data center campus that could bring hundreds of high-paying jobs to Shelbyville is driving a request to annex and rezone more than 400 acres adjacent to Interstate 74, Prologis company officials confirmed to The Addison Times yesterday.
The project, under evaluation by Prologis, a global company with a market presence in Indianapolis, could include up to 13 buildings constructed over three phases, with preliminary estimates projecting approximately 6,750 construction jobs over the life of the buildout and about 450 permanent full-time positions once the campus is complete. The estimated average annual salary for those permanent jobs is approximately $100,000, according to project materials.
The Shelbyville Plan Commission on Wednesday will consider a recommendation to annex and rezone approximately 429 acres of land east of the State Road 44–Interstate 74 interchange. The parcels, currently zoned Agricultural or Single-Family Residential, would be annexed into city limits and rezoned General Industrial. The request will also receive a first reading Monday, Jan. 5, at the Shelbyville Common Council meeting.
Project materials describe a data center campus with Prologis serving as both developer and owner. No tenant has been identified, and company representatives emphasized the project remains in early planning stages.
The site was selected, company officials said, because it includes some land already designated for industrial use and is located near existing high-voltage transmission infrastructure. Initial construction would begin near the interstate on land already zoned industrial, with additional phases occurring over multiple years.
JC Witt, representing Prologis, said the company views the project as a long-term investment in Shelbyville and emphasized that required infrastructure upgrades would be privately funded.
“Prologis would cover 100% of the power-system upgrades needed to serve the site,” Witt said. “Those improvements could also strengthen the broader utility network.”
Water use for the campus, Witt noted, would be comparable to that of a typical office building. The facility would rely on a closed-loop, non-evaporative cooling system, in which water is initially filled and then reused continuously for a year or more before being replaced, rather than consumed on an ongoing basis.
“This project is still in the early stages,” Witt said, “but we see an opportunity to use existing industrial land and infrastructure to support Shelbyville’s future, including the digital infrastructure that communities and businesses increasingly rely on.”
According to application materials submitted to the city, annexation would allow the site to access municipal utilities and public infrastructure while supporting continued industrial development near the interstate interchange. Attorney Eric Glasco, writing on behalf of the annexation applicant, cited the site’s proximity to major transportation corridors and described the request as a step toward “promoting contiguous economic development and generating new employment opportunities while expanding the community’s tax base.”
Mayor Scott Furgeson said the proposal aligns with the city’s long-term development goals.
“Shelbyville is focused on growing in a way that makes sense for our community over the long term,” Furgeson said in a statement.
At least five letters of opposition and supplemental documents have been submitted by residents ahead of the Plan Commission meeting, citing concerns about removing land from agricultural use, energy consumption and other potential issues.
A Wall Street Journal article this week cited federal data showing recent electricity price increases nationwide have derived from a variety of factors, such as inflation, fuel costs, storm damage, grid modernization and state renewable-energy mandates, with impacts varying by region. In some areas, analysts note, the addition of large industrial customers has helped spread infrastructure costs across a broader base of users.
The current hearings are limited to annexation and zoning. If approved, the project would return later this year for site plan review and additional approvals. Company representatives said they plan to continue engaging with local officials and the community as details evolve.
The proposed site, which is located on the south side of State Road 44, is the same general area previously discussed for other industrial uses, including two large developments that did not move forward. City and county officials have described the data center proposal as a long-term investment with substantially larger projected economic impact.
Public comment will be accepted at both the Common Council and Plan Commission meetings. The Common Council meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m., Monday, at City Hall, followed by the Plan Commission meeting on Wednesday, 7 p.m., at Shelbyville High School’s Breck Auditorium.
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: FULL CANOPY REAL ESTATE
NOTEBOOK:
Shelbyville police responded Dec. 22 to a report of an injured man on West Franklin Street and found a victim suffering from a gunshot wound. Following an investigation, police arrested Dakota Kent Rose yesterday and charged him with Level 3 felony aggravated battery, Level 5 felony battery with a deadly weapon and intimidation.
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: Ryan & Jennie Claxton, Gerald & Patricia Crafton, Kent Tresslar, Chester & Jane Bolls, Mary Sue Knoop, Lowell Williams, Robert & Beverly Gardner and Mary Knecht. 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. - Kristiaan Rawlings, Ph.D.
HOOSIER NEWS: Indiana lawmakers are moving toward what could be the state’s biggest gambling expansion since 2019, with proposals to allow the Hoosier Lottery to sell tickets online and to approve a new casino in the Fort Wayne area. Support is strongest for online lottery sales, which analysts project could boost revenue by hundreds of millions of dollars within a few years, while broader internet casino gaming and a downtown Indianapolis casino face more resistance. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
ANNIVERSARY ANNOUNCEMENT
Former Shelbyville Mayor Dan and Peggy Theobald celebrate 55 years of marriage today. They were married Jan. 3, 1969, at First Methodist Church in Shelbyville. They have four children, 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Happy anniversary!
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: Waldron Nursing Home celebrated the new year and the 40th anniversary of the facility with a visit from Bruce Borders, an Elvis impersonator. Borders, who was also an Indiana State Representative, had been impersonating Elvis since 1975.
1996: Shelby County was snowbound with at least 6 inches of snow dropped overnight and 25 mph winds causing drifts three feet deep. Given the emergency status, postal motor routes were not delivered. Some mail was being delivered by carriers on foot.
1986: The number of foster homes in Shelby County had dropped from 21 in recent years to nine. June Sanders, welfare director for Shelbyville, encouraged interested families to consider the program.
1976: Fairland National Bank gave out Libby glass replicas of the Liberty Bell to mark the country’s bicentennial.
1966: Dr. W.R. Tindall was reappointed as a member of the board of directors of W.S. Major Hospital. The other board members were Chap Minton, Judge Harold Barger, Mayor Ralph VanNatta, Russell Cherry, Martha Keith, Lowell Rudicel, John Grigsby and Jim Williams.
Shelbyville High School’s basketball team (9-1) won the New Year’s Tourney championship in Connersville. Team members were Greg Long, Doug Ash, Bill Higgins, Tom Dierckman, Dave Showalter, Bob Phillips, Pat McKenney, Gerry Elkins, Barry Shambach, Carl Brown, Steve Drake and Steve Breeding. Terry James, Mike Ross and Jim O’Neil were managers. Denny Blind was the coach, and Eugene McNew was the Assistant Coach. Cheerleaders were Rita Mitchell, Pam Beck, Terri Koch, Barbara Scott and Saundra Pyle.
1956: Police were called to Hamilton Street to attempt to get a pet monkey out of a tree. The monkey defied the rescue attempt, but an unidentified neighborhood boy climbed a roof and coaxed the monkey over with food.
1946: Marguerite Ellen Tyner, daughter of Frank and Frances Tyner, was the first Shelby County baby of the year. Technical Sergeant Frank Tyner was awaiting transportation home from Heidelberg, Germany. Monte Page McPherson, whose parents lived on John Street, was the second baby of the year.
1936: A schoolwide smallpox vaccination campaign was set to begin Jan. 9. The local American Legion was sponsoring the drive. Grace Ewing, the county health nurse, was in charge of the initiative.
1926: James Emmert, Republican, had succeeded Lee Hoop as mayor of Shelbyville. Emmert appointed Wilbur Israel as city attorney and Walter McFadden, Dr. Frank Ray and Oscar Williams as members of the city board of health. Robert Hale succeeded Pleas Greenlee as city clerk.
1916: Lemon M. Stratton, veteran of the Spanish-American War and a prominent resident in Waldron, died. His sister was Gene (Geneva) Stratton Porter, a successful author who often visited her brother at his home.
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: Freeman Family Funeral Homes & Crematory
OBITUARIES
Hazel R. “Rosie” O’Dell, 91, of Waldron, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, at her residence. Born March 25, 1934, in Clay County, Indiana, she was the daughter of Theodore R. Baysinger and Dorothy E. (McMurray) Baysinger. She married Ralph L. O’Dell on April 25, 1959, and he preceded her in death June 25, 2002. She is survived by John “Jack” Nelson, her life partner, of Brazil, Indiana; children Gregory O’Dell of Waldron, Susan M. Lee (Steven) of Morristown, Timothy A. O’Dell (Linda) of Shelbyville, Teresa D. Wade (Roger) of Waldron; daughter-in-law Christy O’Dell of Greensburg; sister Bonnie Hutchison; brothers Wayne Baysinger of Brazil and Ted Baysinger of Oklahoma; nine grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph L. O’Dell; her parents; sisters Pat Powell, Shirley Linder and Betty Welch; brother Bill Baysinger; and great-granddaughter Tessa Beyer.
Mrs. O’Dell had lived in the area since 1970, after moving from Brazil, Indiana. She was an active member of Mount Pisgah Baptist Church. She was a former member of the Stitching Sisters and had been employed at Kmart Corp. for more than 20 years. She enjoyed traveling, cooking and quilting, and spending time with her family.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, at Glenn E. George & Son Funeral Home, 437 Amos Road, with Pastor Robb Barlow officiating. Burial will be in Van Pelt Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 5, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be shared at glennegeorgeandson.com.
Tammie Jo Heck, 67, of Morristown, passed away on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at Franciscan St. Francis Health in Indianapolis. She was born on June 10, 1958, in Shelbyville, the daughter of Dennis and Jenny (Talbert) Cory. Tammie is survived by her sons, Eric Thompson and Jeremi Thompson and wife, Jennifer, both of Morristown; daughter, Christian Hanson and husband, Brandon, of Gwynneville; sisters, SaVonna Croxton and husband, Mark, Margretta Cole and husband, Kent, Tinna Kirkham, all of Shelbyville, Joy Clark and husband, Brian, of New Palestine, Melissa Seifert and husband, Joe, of Morristown; sister-in-law, Debbie Cory of Shelbyville; grandchildren, Russell, Reece and Addi; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Tammie was preceded in death by her brother, Dennis Cory.
Tammie graduated from Morristown High School in 1976. She was a domestic engineer, owning and operating her own cleaning business. Tammie had a green thumb and enjoyed tending to her gardens. She loved to bake and spend time creating memories with her grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon, Monday, January 5, 2026, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 124 E. North St. in Morristown, funeral services will follow at noon. Interment will be at Bennett Cemetery at Ray’s Crossing. Online condolences may be shared with Tammie’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
Susan Jane Bard, 67, of Shelbyville, passed away Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, at the Richard L. Roudebush VA Hospital in Indianapolis. Born Aug. 4, 1958, in Columbus, she was the daughter of Donald and Janet (Short) Daum. She married Duane Curtis Bard on Jan. 30, 1993, and he survives. Survivors include her husband, Duane Bard of Shelbyville; daughter Amanda Bard of Shelbyville; granddaughter Raina Bard of Shelbyville; sister Teresa Daum Pifer of Brown County; brother Steven Daum (Wendy) of Bremington, Washington; mother-in-law Ruth Bard of Cloverdale; brother-in-law David Bard (Renea); sister-in-law Dana Hess (Tom); nephews Titan Daum, Joshua Bard and David Murphy; nieces Erin Marshall (Jason Sutton), Naomi Daum, Nicole Groves and Amanda Wilson; one great-nephew, Zack; and great-nieces Rushi and Vanessa. She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Judith Daum. She also is survived by her dogs, Buddy, Bentley, Delilah, Millie and Bella.
Bard graduated from Crystal Lake High School in Crystal Lake, Illinois, in 1976. She was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and a member of American Legion Post No. 70. She was actively involved in her granddaughter’s school activities and served as co-band manager of the Twisted Tiaras. She enjoyed music and theater, performed in numerous groups over the years, and was a longtime fan of the Monkees and music of the 1960s.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St., Shelbyville. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will be at Mount Zion Cemetery in Brown County. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be shared at freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
Brenda C. Randolph, 73, of Shelbyville, passed away on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at Major Health Partners in Shelbyville. She was born April 5, 1952, in Shelbyville, the daughter of Flamel and Elsie (Mahuron) LeBrun. Brenda is survived by children, Deanna Hess and husband, John, of Springfield, Missouri, Troy Creech and wife, Tonia, of Camby, and Kim Roberts of Shelbyville; sister, Linda Shadley of Shelbyville; brothers, Jerry LeBrun and wife, Nancy, of Linton, Gene LeBrun of Pendleton, Ed LeBrun of Azalia, and Mike LeBrun and wife, Karen, of Shelbyville; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Brenda formerly worked at Cunningham Gardens, Cambridge Inn and National Automotive Lines. She was a devoted member of the First Church of God.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Monday, January 5, 2026, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St., in Shelbyville. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the funeral home, with Pastor Bryan Justice officiating. Interment will be at Winchester Cemetery in Shelby County. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cancer Association of Shelby County, P.O. Box 844, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176. Online condolences may be shared with Brenda’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
Really apprecaite the depth here - especially calling out the non-evaporative cooling specs. That distinciton matters way more than most people realize when you're trying to figure out real water impacts. I worked near a facility in Ohio that used evaporative systems and the diffrence in actual consumption vs. what was promised upfront was pretty wild. The closed-loop approach makes the infrastructure math totally different, though I still wonder about those peak load scenarios when you're cycling through replacement water annually across 13 buildings.
Interesting since WISH tv just reported an 8% increase across the state of Indiana due to data centers. Most data centers claim to bring in a certain number of jobs but typically it’s half. Who will monitor the impact of electrical use, water use/disposal, and noise levels???