Saturday, July 19, 2025
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: STEPHENSON RIFE ATTORNEYS
SUMMER WORK
Shelbyville High School cheerleaders Braelyn Grant, Emily Kiefer and Amaya Horner participate in early morning practice, led by coach Jennie Claxton this week. | photos by KRISTIAAN RAWLINGS
Shelby Materials Prepares to Celebrate 75 Years of Growth, Generational Leadership
Top: Shelby Materials leadership celebrated the company’s 70th anniversary four years ago, (L to R) Aaron Haehl, Robert Haehl, Philip Haehl, John Haehl, Richard Haehl, Matt Haehl and Parker Haehl. Lower left: John D. Haehl. Right: The recognizable Golden Bear Mixer is the newest addition that pays homage to the city where Shelby Materials started on Veterans Day 1951.
In a world often marked by short-term thinking, Shelby Materials stands out. As the company prepares to mark its 75th anniversary in 2026, its story is one of steady expansion and family leadership.
“Somebody asked me once what advice my dad gave me when I first started,” said Philip Haehl, retired owner and longtime board member. “He said, ‘Show up.’ If you show up every day, you're going to solve most of the problems.”
The concrete and aggregates company, headquartered in Shelbyville, has grown from a handful of employees in the 1950s to nearly 300 today, with operations in more than a dozen locations across Indiana. It’s still family-run, with third-generation leaders Matt Haehl and Aaron Haehl, along with cousin Parker Haehl, serving as principals. Philip, who began working at Shelby Materials in the 1970s, remains a key part of the story.
“Most of my brothers ended up in the business,” Philip recalled. “Everyone but the doctor (Dr. Bill Haehl).”
Founded in 1951 as Shelby Gravel, the company traces its entrepreneurial roots even earlier—to 1946, when Philip’s father and uncle entered the crushed stone business with a G.I. loan and a lot of grit. The company evolved into ready-mix concrete five years later and has remained a family enterprise ever since.
“Growing up, we were around the trucks and climbing sand piles,” Matt said. “I don’t think there was ever really a question (about staying with the business here). It’s a good town to grow up in, a good town to raise a family. I went to Purdue and came back ready to start right away.”
The Purdue connection runs deep. Philip Haehl’s mother graduated from the university in the 1930s before teaching homemakers how to use electric ranges—back when that was cutting-edge technology.
That mix of legacy and adaptability defines Shelby Materials today. The company has kept pace with technological shifts in an industry where precision and quality are everything.
“When I started, we were loading trucks manually, using beam scales,” said Philip. “Now, it’s all automated. A truck that used to take 20 minutes to load can be ready in under three.”
“Technology just helps good people do their jobs better,” Matt added. “Our dispatchers have four monitors now. We can track trucks, share orders between locations—it all makes us more responsive.”
Despite the use of technology, the owners say their most important investments are in people. The company recently honored multiple employees with 40 and 50 years of service.
“They treat it like it’s their own,” said Aaron. “Our drivers are the ones seeing customers every day, and they care. We’ve grown because our people care.”
He also agreed with Matt’s reasoning on staying in the business. “I don't remember when I first started working here in the summers, but it was before I got my driver's license. The work ethic was instilled early. You want to come back and watch (the business) grow.”
With a new location opening soon in Tipton County and plans for future expansion in Lebanon, the company continues to expand.
“We try to operate the same way in every community: treat people well, take care of the customer base, be present,” said Matt. “When you enjoy going to work every day, it definitely helps.”
Family remains at the center of that equation. The fourth generation is already on deck, with Matt’s children expressing interest and working summer jobs in the office. Even the company’s marketing has a personal touch: a concrete truck wrapped in Shelbyville High School’s Golden Bear colors catches local attention. A few years ago, several trucks decked out for SCUFFY’s annual drive made the rounds in Shelby County as a rolling reminder to give back.
As for what the founders might think of today’s industrial operation?
“My father and uncle would probably be stunned,” Philip said with a smile. “They started with very little experience and built a pretty good business. I think they’d be impressed with what’s become of it.”
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: FULL CANOPY REAL ESTATE
NOTEBOOK:
The Shelbyville Central Schools board this week approved hiring Felicity Yaney as a new Coulston Elementary ELL teacher. The board approved the resignations of teachers Holly Boswell (Loper), Justin Stenger (SMS) and Sirina Cassidy (SHS).
Shelbyville High School alumni and community members are invited to explore the revitalized Ecology Lab and Biology Pond during open house events on Tuesday, July 22, from 2 - 7 p.m. and Saturday, July 26, from 1 - 5 p.m. Guests can fish at the pond, walk the trails, and view recent improvements including a new bridge, boardwalk, benches, and blooming wildflowers. Learn how you can support ongoing environmental education efforts.
HOOSIER NEWS: The Muncie parks board will permanently close trails on Prairie Creek Reservoir’s west side to ATV and horse riders on August 1. The closure was requested by the property’s owner, Indiana American Water. In May, Indiana American Water requested the trails be closed by the end of this year, to keep Muncie’s drinking water supply healthy. The company owns the reservoir and leases it to the city. The Muncie parks board approved the horse trails in 1990. The board acknowledge that both the city and water company have taken a “hands-off” approach to the lease over the years, and haven’t always documented city-led changes and additions, or had them approved by the water company. Indiana American Water also says it’s seen increased algae blooms and cyanotoxins in the water at Prairie Creek, which contributes heavily to Muncie’s drinking water supply. Before the July 4 weekend, it closed the water and beach to swimming for a few days to get those levels under control. (Indiana Public Radio)
NATIONAL NEWS: The London Underground’s average temperatures are rather bad right now, with temperatures on the Tube regularly exceeding 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit). All told, temperatures among all lines are up 1 to 3 degrees over the past 10 years, according to Transport for London. London’s system — the oldest in the world, originally laid down in 1863 — is struggling to keep up. As it stands, there is air conditioning in only 40 percent of the Underground stations. (Wall Street Journal/Numlock)
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ANNIVERSARY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Steven and Carol (Berry) Bullard, Shelbyville, Ind., celebrate 50 years of marriage today. They were married July 19, 1975, at the home of the bride’s sister, Judy Purtlebaugh, by Mayor Jerry Higgins. They have two children, David Shane of Marathon, Fla., and Steven Bradley of Waldron; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Mrs. Bullard worked in home health care and is the retired founder of Healing Hands. Mr. Bullard retired from Murphy Parks Funeral Service and Whispering Hope Cemetery. He is a member of American Legion Post #70. Happy Anniversary!
Mickey and Jane (Hobbs) Pile, Shelbyville, Ind., celebrate 50 years of marriage today. They were married July 19, 1975, at the Hobbs Farm. They have three children, Isaac (Janice) Pile, Ben (TJ) Pile and Jed Pile; and three grandchildren, Kennedy, Andrew and Colton. Mrs. Pile worked 10 years as cafeteria manager for Shelbyville Central Schools, three years as cafeteria manager for Southwestern Consolidated Schools and as a farmer. She also drove for the Shelby County Cancer Society and was a Red Cross volunteer. Mr. Pile worked at Cummins, Labors Union 741 and as a farmer. They are celebrating by taking an Alaskan cruise. Happy Anniversary!
SHS Courier Archive Highlights
March 1974, Part I
SHS Physics students took a half-day field trip to the Countryside Inn to hear a lecture from IUPUI professor Bonnie Keller. Some students treated themselves to lunch after about two hours of the lecture.
Fifteen percent of staff at the Girls Club were SHS students. The Club, under the direction of Miss Reel, had opened February 1973.
Christie Linne, Barbara Pickett and Kim Williams had lead roles in “The Miracle Worker”. It was the first SHS play to have different levels of the stage, The Courier reported.
Pat Gallagher wrote an article predicting that with soaring food prices and Watergate scandals, those born in the 70s would grow up “mistrusting your government.” Pat also predicted an escalation in allergies.
Graduating seniors who had participated in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade sponsored by WSVL were Steve Schoentrup, Jeanne Sexton, Dan Wickizer, Pam Wolsiefer, Mary Ann Laughlin, Christi Orem, Laura Amidon and Jayne Agler.
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: Storms continued to sweep through Shelby County. Tornadic activity was reported 16 miles west of Shelbyville, two cars were struck by lightning and a tree fell on a house in Gwynneville.
1995: Society Bank announced plans to close its branch offices in Fairland and Waldron. Society had recently spent $230,000 remodeling its Shelbyville and Pleasant View branches.
1985: Lorraine Ewick would be back at the Bears of Blue River Festival operating her Teddy Bear Repair Clinic, The Shelbyville News reported. Mrs. Ewick had been repairing teddy bears and making dolls and toys for many years. More than 2,700 of her toys had been made as gifts for children in the hospital. People could bring in their favorite teddy bear for mending and stuffing at no cost.
1975: Local pilots Bill and Myron Boring and their wives took off from the Shelbyville airport en route to Purdue University for the 25th annual International Flying Farmers convention. The gathering was expected to attract more than 400 aircraft from across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
1965: Groundbreaking took place for the new IPC plant in Shelbyville. President David S. Williams turned the first shovel of earth, joined by company executives including Charles Dinkel and Walter Johnson, who would manage the local facility.
1955: The Farm Bureau Co-Operative elevator, a Shelbyville landmark destroyed by fire on July 14, was set to be rebuilt in a new location, board members announced. The board reported that total losses from the fire slightly exceeded $100,000, with most losses covered by insurance. While grain and supplies were fully insured, the building itself was only partially covered. Cleanup efforts and salvage operations began promptly, and plans were in motion to combine all Co-op operations under one roof at a new site. President Millard Eck of Moral Township stated they were already in the process of reestablishing business and thanked firemen, police, and volunteers for their help during and after the fire. Co-op board members included: Millard Eck (president), Eugene Boring (VanBuren Township), Wallace Theobald (Brandywine), Harry Montgomery (Noble), Myron Emerick (Washington), Paul Main (Addison), and Carl Henke (Union).
1945: Twenty-three men, including one transferred from a Chicago board, underwent pre-induction physical exams arranged by the Shelby County Selective Service Board. Those examined were John M. Banawitz, Donald Harold Atkins, Joseph A. Beyer, Chester C. Kehrt, Henry T. Sturgeon, Fred Dickson, Morris R. Hughes, John B. Harrell, Harry Edwin Swift, Raymond H. Isley, George Comstock, Eugene T. Kremer, Charles F. Beyer, Harold T. Hurt, John E. Davis, Elmer Spencer, Samuel Spencer, William Van Lee, Paul E. Kelley, Thomas W. Ratliff, Mark C. Rick, Charles Forrest Nicholson and George Frost.
1935: A 106-year-old sheepskin deed signed by President Andrew Jackson in 1829 was found in Shelby Township. The deed, discovered by Lucella Lee during a property investigation, had granted land to her ancestor John Hughbanks of Franklin County, Kentucky. Despite its age, the document was still in excellent condition.
1925: A mysterious woman caused a stir in Shelbyville after arriving barefoot over the Big Four railroad bridge, wearing only a fancy dress and silver ankle bracelets. Described as elegant but eccentric, she briefly visited a local telephone booth to place a call to New York City and demanded privacy. Locals speculated she was part of a publicity stunt or theatrical act, as she vanished just as suddenly as she appeared.
1915: Shelby County residents and threshing crews were enjoying unusually cool, “summer resort” weather, with temperatures dipping as low as 50 degrees, The Republican reported. The U.S. weather bureau reported a high of just 77, a welcome break for farmers working through harvest. Warmer weather was expected to return later in the week.
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: Freeman Family Funeral Homes & Crematory
OBITUARIES
Sandra Sue Wooldridge, 79, passed away Monday, July 14, 2025, in Indianapolis. Born April 16, 1946, Sandra dedicated more than 35 years of her life working as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) in the Shelby County area, where she was loved and respected by her colleagues and those she cared for.
Sandra is survived by her daughter, Carol Taylor (Jonathan) of Waldron; her grandchildren, Joshua Fletcher (Emily) of Shelbyville, Colton Coon (Cinda) of Greensburg, and Cheyenne Coon of Franklin; and four great-grandsons, Jacoby Fletcher, Xavier Coon, Charlie Nolley and Braxton Wicker. She was preceded in death by her parents and her son, Timmy Wooldridge.
Her family will celebrate her life in a private ceremony. Sandra's dedication to her community and her lasting impact on those around her will not be forgotten.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Shelby County Cancer Association, in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be shared at glennegeorgeandson.com.
Zachary Andrew Niebel, 35, of Edinburgh, passed away Thursday, July 17, 2025, at his residence. He was born Feb. 5, 1990, in Indianapolis to Curt A. Niebel and Stefanie D. (Allen) Niebel.
Zach graduated from Southwestern Junior/Senior High School with the Class of 2008. He was a professional chef and took great pride in culinary arts through the years. His love for cooking allowed him to experience many different restaurants and styles of preparing meals. He was also an HVAC specialist.
He had a love for the outdoors. Zach spent a great amount of time enjoying nature through fishing, hiking, camping and gardening. He had a passion for music that spanned many different genres. Spending time with his friends was always important to him. He cherished the friendships he maintained from childhood through his adult life. His greatest joy came from spending time with those friends and his family.
He is survived by his parents; his maternal grandmother, Cheryl Goodrich; his maternal grandfather, Tom (wife, Marlene) Allen; his paternal grandmother, Margarete Heuer; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his maternal step-grandfather, Tom Goodrich, and paternal great-grandmother, Mildred McDonald.
Funeral directors Greg Parks, Sheila Parks and Stuart Parks are honored to serve Zachary’s family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Zachary Niebel Memorial Fund, in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com.
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