Saturday, July 12, 2025
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: STEPHENSON RIFE ATTORNEYS
NOTEBOOK:
The Shelby County Recycling District collected 3,254 tires at the June tire collection event. These were collected with the help of approximately 15 volunteers from NuCor Fastener. Residents can bring car and small truck tires to the transfer station on N. Michigan Road during business hours - up to six tires weekly - but tractor tires are only accepted at the special collection event.
The Shelby County Recycling District has shipped 13,580 pounds of food waste so far this year, 322 pounds of alkaline batteries and 60 pounds of printer cartridges.
Asphalt will soon be going in at county recycling collection sites in Waldron, Fairland and Boggstown. Those containers currently sit on gravel and have large holes that collect water. The Waldron site covers a lot of space, and the asphalt will be laid so residents can drive in and drive out, but not cover the entire site due to concerns about drainage.
The contractor for the Shelby County Highway Department will be closing
S 75 E between E 700 S and E 800 S beginning Monday, July 28, to renovate a small historical bridge structure over the South Fork of Lewis Creek, located
a little over 800 feet south of E 700 S. The only address accessible from the north is 7015 S 75 E. Addresses starting with 7175 S 75 E are only accessible from the south. This closure is scheduled to last until about October 3, but that is dependent on weather during construction work.
Shelby Senior Services will host a travel meeting, Thursday, July 24, 2025, 6:30 p.m., 2120 Intelliplex Drive, Suite 101, to discuss “bucket list” trips to: Panama/Panama Canal, Feb. 19-25, 2026, and Sedona, Ariz./Grand Canyon, Oct. 4-9, 2026. There are spots available for these trips, but reservations are limited. Call 317-398-0127 to reserve a seat.
HOOSIER NEWS: Indiana plans to strengthen and expand apprenticeship programs across the state through a $6 million federal grant. The Department of Workforce Development will use more than $1.2 million to expand existing apprenticeship programs — including at Ivy Tech, Vincennes University and WorkOne locations across Indiana. The remainder of the federal funding will support new apprenticeships in industries like technology and high-demand fields like health care. (Indiana Public Radio)
NATIONAL NEWS: A new study from the Pew Research Center found that in 2024, 46 percent of teens aged 13 to 17 reported they used the internet almost constantly. Another 47 percent said that they use the internet at least several times per day. All told, 51 percent of teens aged 15 to 17 use the internet almost constantly, and 95 percent reported having access with a phone. (Pew Research Center/Numlock)
The Addison Times is pleased to offer free milestone announcements. Forms are available here: Engagement Announcement, Wedding Announcement and Anniversary Announcement.
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ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: FULL CANOPY REAL ESTATE
Sandman Launches ‘Townify’ to Help Businesses Stand Out
Blake Sandman has been a familiar face in Shelby County’s business community for decades. As one of the third-generation owners of Sandman Brothers, he’s spent years adapting to changing consumer trends in the car industry. But now, he’s setting his sights on a new challenge: helping other small businesses survive and thrive in the digital age.
The new venture is called Townify, an interactive business directory that showcases Shelby County businesses without the interference of algorithms, fake reviews or out-of-town competition.
“Everybody talks about ‘shop local,’” Sandman said. “You see the T-shirts, the signs on doors, all of it. But nobody’s ever really built a tool that shows people how to actually do it.”
Townify was born out of frustration as well as experience. Sandman said that even a customer standing on his dealership lot searching “car dealers near me” wouldn’t show Sandman Brothers at the top.
“We now have to pay an exorbitant amount of money just to make sure we’re found in a search engine,” he said. “It’s kind of like being a realtor who’s not on Zillow; people won’t find you.”
Sandman envisions Townify as the Zillow for small towns. His team consists of two other partners he calls “the dream team,” while he pilots the Shelby County project. The goal is for the team to use the model to lay the groundwork for expansion across the state and eventually nationwide.
Unlike platforms like Yelp or Google, Townify excludes reviews, something Sandman said can hurt local businesses unfairly.
“In small towns, bad reviews can be devastating, and they don’t tell the whole story. We wanted testimonials and direct contact instead,” he said.
Townify is accessed by scanning a QR code, found on everything from restaurant tables, local hotels and the Blue River Memorial Park softball fields, or by visiting its web-based portal. Once inside, users can search by category or keyword and are shown only Shelby County businesses. Each listing includes photos, testimonials, directions, website links, and in many cases, current promotions.
For example, when Mathies Landscaping offers a deal in the Garden Center, they create a deal directly on their page. A built-in QR code lets employees track redemptions, and Townify provides real-time analytics to businesses on views, clicks, and conversions.
“It’s something trackable,” Sandman said. “Instead of spending $700 on a billboard you hope someone saw, you know how many people clicked and came in.”
Sandman and his team have built more than 370 local profiles using AI-assisted tools and custom photo curation.
“I drove street by street, took photos, looked for Facebook pages, whatever I could find to build each one,” he said.
Townify is free for customers. The business cost for a full-feature Townify listing is as low as $2.50 per day on annual or monthly contracts, making it appealing even for seasonal or low-margin businesses, Sandman said. A basic “banner only” presence with limited features will also be available, and there is no cost for nonprofits or community organizations.
Townify’s early success has drawn interest from local partners, including the Shelby County Visitors & Tourism Bureau and the Parks Department.
“We’re building this like a brand,” Sandman said. “It looks professional, whether you’re in Beverly Hills or Shelbyville.”
Long-term plans include expansion into other counties, an app version with geofencing, and tools like a master events calendar and blog features.
For Sandman, the project is both a business venture and a community mission.
“We’ve always said we wanted to get out in front of customers. Well, what better way than helping other local businesses?” he said.
SHS Courier Archive Highlights
March 31, 1970, Part I
SHS juniors were selling candy at noon in the gym lobby to raise money for prom. The salespeople were Mike Kolls, Norita Hirschauer, Connie Riggs, Kathy Cover, Ruth Richmond, Lynn LeClerc and Brooke Benefiel. “Juniors help cavities for prom,” The Courier headline read.
Two SHS graduates, Susan Holtel and Jo Ann Martin, would be contestants in upcoming the Miss Ball State University Pageant.
Sixty percent of the SHS student body had bought a yearbook. Squib needed to sell to 80 percent of the student body to make its goal.
Greg Jones won a portable color TV set through a contest sponsored by the Shelbyville Coca-Cola Bottling Co. He received the TV after picking the winner of the Indiana-Wisconsin basketball game with a perfect score in the Arm Chair Coaches’ Contest. The TV was presented by manager Frank Rehme.
Bill Towne, 14, represented SHS at the Central Indiana Council of Boy Scouts. Towne, a member of the St. Joseph Boy Scout Troop 203, had been in scouting five years.
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: Triumph Group, 1960 N. Michigan Road, announced plans to add 75 new jobs and build a 50,600 square foot plant addition.
1995: Morristown residents shared frustrations regarding phone service with The Shelbyville News. Don Runyon said he dreaded answering the phone at his auto service shop when it rained. “Every time it rings, you can’t hear because of the static,” he said. Conversations were also known to bleed over onto another line, and calls were often disconnected. “Most people in Morristown and Gwynneville find out sooner or later when not to make a phone call. Mornings and late afternoons on rainy days are not good times,” The News said. The sub-headline was “When it rains, phones poor.”
1985: A Shelbyville News editorial noted the poor condition of Belaire Shopping Center. The center’s asphalt parking lot was crumbling, along with the concrete divider at the main entrance. The two largest storefronts, which had previously housed Danners and the Garment Center, had been vacant for well over a year.
1975: Karen Gravely, Southwestern High School, was named Shelby County Fair Queen. Julie Everman was first runner-up, and Judy King was second runner-up. Carol Pierson, the 1974 fair queen, handled crowning duties for the new queen.
1965: Gary Dawson, 19, and Glen Scott, 21, were arrested for drag racing a day after Richard Kemple, 21, was arrested on the same road for the same charge. Sheriff Edghill Moore said he would be cracking down on “hot-rodding.”
Shelbyville Honda Sales, a new motorcycle sales store, had recently opened at 34 E. Broadway, in the location previously occupied by Shelco Motors.
1955: Local attorneys Emerson Brunner, Donald Brunner and Warren Brown purchased a two-story frame building on S. Harrison St., across from the county courthouse for use as a law office. Dallas Kennerly previously owned the building.
1945: Chief of Police Chester Moore issued a reminder that riding bicycles on city sidewalks was against the ordinance, and that he was going to start enforcing it. He also said riding double on a bicycle would be discouraged.
1935: An aerial photographer would be coming through Shelbyville in late July, airport officials announced. This was in conjunction with an upcoming aerial circus.
Ninety-two employees of the Goodman Department Store met for a picnic at Major Jester’s camp east of Shelbyville. There were 60 on hand from the Shelbyville store and 32 from Greenfield.
1925: A man who had filed for divorce, claming his wife had taken buggy rides with another man and accepted gifts from him, was granted the divorce by Judge Harry Morrison despite the wife not appearing in court. Given her refusal to appear, Judge Morrison had the man place an advertisement in the paper with his complaint before approval.
1915: A local man was declared insane and taken to an “insane hospital” in Indianapolis. Friends of the man told him he was going to see the Governor, so he willingly got in the car. “His many friends are hoping that he will soon be himself again,” The Republican said.
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: Freeman Family Funeral Homes & Crematory
OBITUARIES
Mervin L. Christian, 80, of Shelbyville, passed away Thursday, July 10, 2025, at his residence. He was born Oct. 16, 1944, in Rushville to Mervin E. Christian and Okle (Logsdon) Christian.
Mervin graduated from Shelbyville High School with the Class of 1966. He was a member of Hopes Point Church, American Legion Post 70 and VFW Post 2695. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army and served his country for 10 years. He enjoyed working on antique cars, watching sports and playing his guitar. He cherished time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Known for his big heart, Mervin often donated his time and money to support local programs and activities within his church and community.
Survivors include his daughters, LeeAnn Thurston, Lori L. Riley (Johnny Noel), Lisa Ann (Ron) Cameron and Lana M. (Rob) Rich; son, Chad (Jennifer) Christian; 16 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sisters, Jeanetta L. (Jack) McDaniel, Judy K. Davis and Susan (Mike) Gindling; and brothers, Sydney Christian and Rick Christian. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Carolyn Sue Christian; and brothers, Scott Christian and Steven Christian.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at Hopes Point Church, 1703 S. Miller Ave., Shelbyville, IN 46176. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m., with Pastor Greg Albert officiating. Burial will be in Whispering Hope Memorial Gardens, in the Heroes of Honor & Glory section, with military rites conducted by local veterans organizations and the active Military Honors Team. Funeral directors Greg Parks, Sheila Parks and Stuart Parks are honored to serve Mervin’s family. Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com.
Mark Bogue Sr., 68, of Fairland, passed away Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at his residence. He was born July 18, 1956, in Shelbyville to John Bogue and Carolyn (Elkins) Bogue.
Mark was a skilled carpenter with a love for woodworking and custom projects. Over the years, he helped build many homes. He also enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially fishing.
He married Angie (Rust) Bogue, and she preceded him in death in 2019. Survivors include his son, Mark Alan (Michelle) Bogue Jr.; daughter, Misty Bogue; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brothers, David (Diane) Bogue, Tim Bogue and Michael Bogue; and sisters, Terri (Ray) Bennett and Lisa (Jim) Byrd. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and sister, Kristi Paulsen.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date in the fall. Funeral directors Greg Parks, Sheila Parks and Stuart Parks are honored to serve Mark’s family. Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com.
Thelma Arlene Heppner, 89, of Williamston, Michigan, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2025, with her family and her loyal dog, Cody, by her side. Born June 28, 1936, in Shelbyville, Indiana, Thelma was the daughter of Juanita and William Aldridge. She was raised in Shelbyville by her mother and stepfather, Vergil Fallis.
On Nov. 14, 1954, she married the love of her life, Fredrick Paul Heppner, in their hometown. They shared 63 years of marriage until Fred’s passing in January 2018. Together they enjoyed traveling the U.S. and owned homes in Indiana, Michigan, Florida and Tennessee. Thelma enjoyed gardening, golf and reading. She especially loved spending time with her family, including her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include her children, Mark (Dr. Lynne Moseley) Heppner, Jay (Sandy Tibbs) Heppner and Jill (Steve) Quinlan; grandchildren, Jaimie Young, Josh Heppner, Autumn Heppner, Chelsey (Anthony) Sasinowski, Megan (Jack) Quinlan Kennedy, and Katelyn (Kyle) Brindza; and great-grandchildren, Niko, Quinn, Connor, Beckham, Arlo, Carter, Tucker, Savannah and Taytum. Also surviving are her siblings, Loretta Cox and Rick Fallis; in-laws, John and Elaine Heppner; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Heppner; granddaughter, Carli Heppner; brother, Wendell Aldridge and his wife, Kathy Aldridge; sister-in-law, Ruth Ann Bowman; brother-in-law, Lynn Cox; and her parents, Juanita and Vergil Fallis and William Aldridge.
The family would like to thank Hospice of Lansing for the compassionate care provided to Thelma in her final days.
A graveside committal will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025, at St. Joseph Cemetery in Shelbyville, where Thelma will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband. A family gathering to celebrate her life will follow. Funeral directors Greg Parks, Sheila Parks and Stuart Parks are honored to serve Thelma’s family. Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the charity of your choice.
Linda C. Sullivan, 74, of Shelbyville, passed away Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at MHP Medical Center. She was born Sept. 3, 1950, in Rushville to Mintford and Elsie (Dixon) Jones.
Linda graduated from Mays High School and took great pride in her career as a waitress. She had a caregiver’s heart and was deeply devoted to her family. She especially cherished time spent with her daughter, granddaughter and great-grandson.
Survivors include her daughter, Tisha Sullivan (Stephen Esters); granddaughter, Averhea Sullivan; great-grandson, Benjamin Stangle; and nephew, Jerry Loveall. She was preceded in death by her parents and 13 siblings.
Funeral directors Greg Parks, Sheila Parks and Stuart Parks are honored to serve Linda’s family. Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com.