Saturday, July 13, 2024

Trail Extension Underway

Ground was recently broken for Shelbyville’s Southwest Connector Trail, an extension of the 3.5-mile Blue River Trail. The trail will extend from its current terminus on the city’s west side, head south and across State Road 44, pass through the local middle school and high school properties, and reach the incoming Miller and McKay roundabout. It will then continue east along McKay Road until it intersects with the old railroad corridor, turn north and lead to the Meridian Park Aquatic Center. The project is scheduled for completion next year. | photo by KRISTIAAN RAWLINGS

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NOTEBOOK:

• The Accelerate Rural Indiana Development Board has approved a request to accelerate state READI 1.0 funding for Shelbyville’s Blue River Park amphitheater and Shelby County Players Civic Theater projects, originally slated for READI 2.0 funding. “We are not done with this (sports complex) project, but at this time we have not came to an agreement, but hope to in the future,” Mayor Scott Furgeson said in response to a question from The Addison Times. Rather, the reallocation, which is pending approval from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, puts the local regional project on track to become the first in the state to reach a 65 percent milestone of disbursed funding. “The project order was reallocated because 65% of the READI 1.0 funds need to be utilized before any READI 2.0 funds can be released for projects in the region,” Jenna Martin, City of Shelbyville Public Relations Director, said.

• An Indianapolis man drove his Toyota Camry into a retention pond after leaving the Pilot gas station and attempting to turn onto County Road 400 N near the Fairland I-74 exit. The man was able to swim out of the pond uninjured. Although the man said his car brakes had failed, police determined he was impaired by alcohol, and a DUI investigation was completed. Emergency personnel retrieved the submerged car.

• Although homes sales fell throughout the Indianapolis metro area in June compared to the previous month, Shelby County was an anomaly. Forty-two home sales were closed locally last month compared to 33 in May, and the total was nearly equal to the 44 homes sales reported June 2023. Several nearby counties, including Marion, Decatur, Johnson and Hancock, reported slower sales in June compared to the previous month.

• Adjusted gross revenue at Indianapolis Horseshoe Casino (Shelbyville) dipped a bit last month, from $24.4 million in May to $22.9 million in June. The casino reported $23.6 million AGR in June 2023.

• Pre-leasing has started at The Mill, 425 N. Harrison St., a new apartment development behind the Porter Center and encompassing the former Coca-Cola building. The developer’s website has renderings and floor plans (prices are not listed since rates are income-based), and allows potential residents to contact them for more information. While Birge & Held, the developer, is working to establish a temporary leasing office until the facility opens, the website allows for the pre-leasing phase to begin, with the first move-ins planned for late October.

• NATIONAL NEWS: On July 17, the fossilized skeletal remains of a 161-million-year-old stegosaurus will go up for auction at Sotheby’s during an event the company calls “Geek Week.” The fossil was discovered in 2022 in Colorado, stands 11 feet tall and 27 feet long, and is expected to sell for an estimated $4 million to $6 million. However, given the size and quality of the specimen, the value is actually somewhat unclear as there hasn’t really been a skeleton on the market like this before. (Associated Press/Numlock)

• The Addison Times publishes essential news and historical content to build our Shelby County community, and is free thanks to the generosity of supporters. Those who donate a minimum of $5 a month (or $45 one-time) receive the three remaining quarterly Addison Times magazines for 2024 as an appreciation gift.

• 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!

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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 from the Shelby County Public Library Genealogy Department.

2014: The schedule was filling up at the new Blue River Cross Country Course at Blue River Memorial Park. Several area meets would be moving to Shelbyville, and Franklin College had expressed interest in using the course.

2004: The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce office opened in the restored Porter Center. The Shelby County Development Corporation had initially planned to move into the space, but SCDC’s board had decided to remain at 16 Public Square. Two years prior, SCDC had split off from the Chamber of Commerce because the two groups sometimes worked at odds with each other, The Shelbyville News reported. The Chamber strived to promote existing businesses, while SCDC worked to attract new businesses.

1994: Eric Hilt, owner of H & H Zenith TV & Appliance on St. Joseph St. was issued a permit to build a bowling alley at 1416 Miller Ave., beside Western Supermarket. Hilt had purchased almost 1 acre of land from Thomas Markets Inc. in the name of 44 Bowl. It would be the city’s second bowling alley.

National City Bank announced it would close two branches in Shelbyville, at Marsh Supermarket and Western Supermarket. Branches in Mickey’s T-Mart and the east side branch on E. State Road 44 would remain open, as well as the bank’s main office at 102 S. Harrison St.

1984: SCAT, Shelbyville Citizens Against Toxics, began circulating a petition to city residents asking the Indiana Public Service Commission to investigate Indiana Cities Water Corp.’s efforts to remedy the questionable quality of Shelbyville’s water.

1974: Two new firms opened on U.S. 52 in Morristown: B & J Flower Shop, operated by Donald and Betty Smith of Rushville, and Certified Homes of Indianapolis.

1964: Officials at Fairland National Bank announced plans to establish a branch in the town of Pleasant View. R.W. Barger, bank vice president and cashier, said he hoped to start construction on the new branch at the north edge of the town late in the year.

1954: Mrs. Clifford Newton, 1107 Elm St., wife of the veteran local justice of peace, had saved 100 silver dollars over the course of 15 years while operating a concession stand at the courthouse. She planned to use the money to buy a $100 U.S. savings bond.

1944: S/Sgt. Paul Hoban, a turret gunner on a B-24 Liberator, was awarded the Air medal and a presidential citation for participation in missions over enemy-held territory in Europe. Sgt. Hoban had lived in St. Paul, where his wife, Jean, remained during his service.

1934: Porter Pool lifeguards gave demonstrations in rescue work at the Flatrock Cave resort. The lifeguards were Paul Collins, Frank Coffin, Jay Campbell, Don Snapp, Robert Stadtmiller and Frank Rehme.

1924: Camp Merry, located on Blue River, a short distance from Marietta, was booming, The Republican reported. Numerous cottages had been constructed there by families from Shelbyville and Indianapolis. Boating and fishing and a swimming pool were all featured attractions.

1914: City officials met to identify local properties that had excessive weeds. They decided to have city staff cut the weeds and to assess the costs to the homeowners.

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OBITUARIES

Norman Edwin Warfield, 78, of Morristown, passed away July 10, 2024 at his home surrounded by his family. 

He was born March 5, 1946 in Rushville, IN to Edwin Warfield and Mildred (Smith) Warfield. He married Joyce E (Cochran) Warfield on April 7, 1967, and she survives.

He is survived by his children: Darla Warfield, Shelbyville; Shannon (David) Stauffer, Orrville, OH; Todd Warfield, Morristown; and Doug (Andrea) Warfield, Gwynneville, IN; sisters: Rosie Nichols and Linda Smith; grandchildren: Danae (Nick) Rodriguez; Wesley (Sapphire) Stauffer, Aleah Stauffer, Owen (fiance, Jamie) Stauffer, Phillip (Sierra) Stauffer, Nicholas Warfield, Nathaniel Warfield and Allison Warfield, and a great-granddaughter Zamora Stauffer. He also leaves behind his loving pets, Dixie and Pearl. He is proceeded in death by his parents.

Norm attended Rushville Consolidated Schools and graduated from Scecina High School in 1964. He served in the Army Reserves for four years. He worked at Ford Motor company for 35 years and retired in 2002. After retirement, he spent time doing his favorite things—John Deere tractors, RC airplanes, Long Rifle Club and spending time with his family and friends. Norman was not one to sit still. He would help farm with his buddies, hang out with his tractor buddies and go to tractor shows. He loved his sports and followed the Cincinnati Reds, Indiana Hoosiers and the Morristown Yellow Jackets. He coached his children in softball and baseball at one time or another and would take any opportunity to teach them even when he was not the coach.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his honor to the American Cancer Society. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, July 19, 2024, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 124 E. North St., in Morristown. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at the funeral home. Interment will be at Hanover Cemetery in Shelby County. Online condolences may be shared with Norman's family at www.freemanfamily funeralhomes.com.