Saturday, October 19, 2024

Oct 19, 2024

Natural and artificial lights combine on a beautiful fall evening last night, as the Golden Bears take the field. SHS lost to Pendleton Heights, 42-14. | photo by KRISTA KETCHUM

County Candidates Answer Questions at Community Forum

Editor’s note: The following series will include transcripts from the recent Northwest Shelby County Concerned Citizens Coalition’s Question and Answer Forum. The following candidates are for three open County Council At-Large seats. Responses are lightly edited for clarity.

What do you believe is the single most compelling financial issue affecting Shelbyville County?

Chase Yanzer, Democrat: Regular working folks are not making enough money. Without a doubt, this is the biggest financial issue facing our county. People are working hard, and yet financially, they are still struggling, and many find themselves shut out from the American dream. We know that everyone benefits when workers earn more, because when you earn more, you spend more. If we are going to attract the types of businesses we all want to our area, we have to prioritize getting more money into the pockets of hardworking, regular people. Local government can do its part by studying the salaries and wages of county workers and prioritizing living wages for all county employees. If we are going to encourage private industry to pay workers a living wage, then county government should lead by example to do the same by paying all county workers a living wage as soon as possible. Currently, the living wage in Shelbyville County is $20.70 an hour, or $43,056.

Jeremy Ruble, Republican: What I can see with the county, the inflation rates that we have right now…and the biggest one that I see is the cost of public services. So as all these inflation rates are going up, the cost of these public services are, too. If our wages aren’t going up at the same rate, which they’re not, like the tax revenue coming into the county, it’s taking a bigger chunk of that to pay for those different services, so such as fire, police and EMS. To me, the fire departments, particularly volunteer departments, which certainly are the majority of us here in the county, are really struggling. And I know there’s some options out there. Fire Districts have been talked about. I don't feel any of these are really solid options.

Charity Mohr, Republican: I took this a little bit differently. I took it as a financial issue for budget, which is what we will oversee. From my understanding, and I think from everyone you ask, you may have a different perspective to what they see as the biggest financial issue. I do know just from being a part of these meetings and what my husband does for a living, working for the city, I know that the county ambulance is a huge issue, and the budget for what the county spends; that is really city money. And I know the jail is another issue. And back to education and things like that, where we can have better programs, and hopefully, maybe put less people in jail. I don’t know the answer for the ambulance service yet. I think those are two huge issues.

Troy Merrick, Republican: I know that we need to make sure that we have good checks and balances. I know that the county hired Greg Guerrettaz from Financial Solutions Group a few years back, and he has really helped the county as far as the process of the money situation. I think the county is doing better now with the money situation than they ever have before. And then we also need to be very strategic with future project investments.

What are your thoughts on budgeting for future technology needs as technology develops?

Troy Merrick, Republican: I find it essential to allocate funds for technology continually, given the rapid pace of technology evolution: what your budget is, what you might do your budget for today might change tomorrow, therefore maintaining a technology budget at all times is crucial. Technology plays an integral role in today's world, and we know how fast stuff changes from one minute to the next.

Charity Mohr, Republican: I would agree. I think it is ever-changing and ever-evolving. We want to be ahead of it, and not behind it, (which is) kind of maybe where we find ourselves right now. So we do need to prioritize budgeting for future technology. It applies to everything, including housing. We sold our home a few years ago, and we tried to tell (the buyers) there was fiber optics being run right in front of it, but they couldn’t get confirmation of it. After we already had an accepted offer, they confirmed it, and they tried to offer us $25,000 above asking price because they confirmed. That’s how that’s how much it is. There's so many people that work from home, and if kids ever need to do schooling from home, if we ever find ourselves in that position, especially in the rural areas, it definitely needs to be a priority. I think we all agree on that.

Jeremy Ruble, Republican: I come from an industry, and with an industry, we have capital projects. To me, this falls under those capital improvements, and I feel like we as a county lack standard operating procedures when it comes to those things. I feel like we need to develop procedures in order for our department heads to come to the council, submit those projects that they’re requesting that they feel are good investments for us long term, and from there, we need to make sure that we do a cost-benefit analysis and look at that and see what is it going to give to the community: What kind of cost saving issues will that project give to open up potential future funding?

Chase Yanzer, Democrat: We all know that technology will continue to evolve and change as time passes. I can remember my dad buying our first home computer from Best Buy on Black Friday. It was an eMachines, and it used dial-up internet. I’m sure many of us remember that. You used to have to type in a web address and put your head down on the table while the web page loaded. I can remember typing a paper in fifth grade, and I had to hit “print” the night before just so it’d be done in time in the morning. It is kind of hard to believe that was the reality just 20 years ago, and the truth is, the technology of the future can hardly be imagined. We should plan for and anticipate the need to change and adapt. If we had started saving for broadband expansion 30 years ago, we would already have 100% internet coverage in our county. We should research and discuss the idea of creating a county funded technology account that will help us address the technological needs of tomorrow.

NOTEBOOK:

HOOSIER NEWS: The number of Indiana lawmakers who are also moms of minor-aged children has boosted significantly since 2022, but family and women’s advocates maintain there’s still plenty of room for improvement. That’s according to the second annual Politics of Parenthood: Representation in State Legislatures report published last month by the Vote Mama Foundation, a national nonprofit that tracks data on representation of moms in politics. The first report was published in 2022 and indicated less than 1% of Hoosier state legislators were moms with children under 18 years old. At the time, Indiana was ranked 49th in the nation. As of February, 6.67% of Indiana’s state lawmakers were moms of minors, according to the new report. Indiana now ranks 33rd in the nation for its concentration of moms of minors in the latest Vote Mama analysis. Currently, 10 serve in the General Assembly. (Indiana Public Media/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 $30 one-time) receive the two remaining quarterly Addison Times magazines for 2024 as an appreciation gift. Support The Addison Times here!
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!

SHS Courier Archive Highlights:

Aug. 15 & Sept. 2, 2005

Former Assistant Principal Tom Zobel had been promoted to principal. Andy Hensley was selected to fill Zobel’s former position. Hensley told The Courier his hobbies were “farming, basketball, baseball, NASCAR, country music and reading Harry Potter books.”
Construction was underway. Principal Zobel said the new parking area would be for seniors. Other students could park on the old asphalt. There would be temporary changes to lunch, which would primarily consist of cold sandwiches and chips, with food lines opened in the tunnel areas underneath the bleachers.
Members of the Senior Homecoming Court and escorts were Mindy Brouhard, Lindsay Callahan, Krista Cole, Karly Huffman, Momoko Sano, Krissy Winslow, Devin Huesman, Sam Monton, Adam Hedrick, James Douglas, Ross Green and Kyle DeWitt.
Few girls had expressed interest in the PowderPuff football games for Homecoming week. “Girls will not go out for the team because they are afraid to break a nail,” junior Chelsea Baugher said.
An article said some students had objected to Punk Rock Spirit Day the prior year. “Last year, signs were made and fights were started because of students calling the people who were dressed up for the spirit day, ‘posers.’' Sophomore Kyle Walton added, ‘Last year, I saw a lot of people during Punk/Rock Day who normally wear stuff like Hollister and Aeropostale wearing black and punk clothes.’”
The school was using E-Board for teachers to post homework and STI to post students’ grades. “I don’t think it’s fair, because parents can ground you before you can get a chance to raise your grades,” sophomore Josh Branson said.
Several bands had performed at the Vans Warped Tour on the Blue River Bowl back lot, including Plane Crash Beloved, comprised of Luke Cord, Tyler Steineker, Ross Montgomery and Clark Cord, and On Hold, comprised of Dylan Saul, Scott Hanneman, Jon Dusenbury and Zack “Zip” Lock.

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: Editor’s note: Due to a microfilm processing error, the 2014 section for the next couple of weeks will serve to memorialize a local individual who passed away that year.) Seth Martin, 78, passed away March 3. He graduated from Morristown High School in 1955 had married Carolyn in 1956. He was a custodial supervisor for Shelbyville Central Schools, retiring in 1997 after 37 years of service. He had also worked at General Electric for 10 years.

2004: Ashford Place held their grand opening event at 2200 N. Riley Highway.

1994: Kuntry Konnection opened at 613 E. State Road 44. The club, in a former motorcycle shop, had a dance floor, disc jockey and offered line dancing sessions. The night club was open 6 to 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursdays and 4 to 6 p.m. until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Shelbyville also had The Getaway, a teen club at the Boys Club, open on weekends.

1984: After beating ninth-rated Martinsville on the road, 20-0, Shelbyville claimed its first outright South Central Conference football championship. The Bears were 9-0.

Dennis Alyea was named top gun after obtaining the top score in the annual Emmert Trophy Shoot for local law enforcement. Those who had top scores in individual competitions were Scott Alvis, Mike Shaw, Robert Williams, David Wischmeyer, Bob Belles, Karl Kelley, Dennis Parks, Jeff Hammond, Jeff Wells, Harry McFatridge, Wes Thurston and Bob Brinkman.

1974: More than 420 kids marched in Shelbyville’s March of Dimes Walkathon, led by Chief of Police Robert Williams, from City Hall to Little Marion and back, 15 miles in total.

1964: Shelco Chrysler-Plymouth announced plans to move from 34 E. Broadway, where it had been since 1953, into a new building on E. State Road 44, at the northwest corner of Progress Road and State Road 44.

The city rented two school buses to replace condemned buses, giving kids from Wellington Heights and Rolling Ridge transportation to school again.

1954: Tommy Dean Gardners, 2, fell into Big Sugar Creek, which ran in front of his home. Thanks to the quick action of Nancy Calloway, 12, also of Camp Joy, Tommy was saved. Hearing Tommy’s friends cry out, Nancy got into the river and saved him. Tommy suffered from shock and had quite a bit of water in his lungs, doctors said. Nancy was recommended for the Girl Scout Life Saving Award.

For the first time in Shelby Circuit Court history, the Fifth Amendment clause was invoked by a witness, admittedly to avoid incriminating himself. The question was in regards to alleged perjury by the witness.

1944: A familiar number on a U.S. Army tank in France had led to the reunion of two Shelby County brothers - their first in 18 months. The brothers were Gene Purcell and Edwin Purcell, of near Morristown. As a number of tanks were brought into a repair station, Gene recognized the number on one of them as being the one to which his brother was assigned. He then began looking for him, and after a two-hour search, located Edwin in a large woods near the base. The two spent several hours together before returning to duty.

1934: The new Fountaintown M.E. Church, located at the east edge of Fountaintown on the north side of U.S. 52, was dedicated.

Over 800 local Republicans gathered to hear Raymond Springer, their 1932 candidate for governor, speak.

1924: An out-of-town driver looking for a sign for the Indianapolis Road, struck and broke the traffic post at Broadway and Harrison.

The hospital superintendent submitted her resignation upon arriving to work. She said she would resign at noon.

1914: The I & C Light and Power Company continued to expand, providing street lighting in Morristown, Fairland, Acton and Prescott.

OBITUARIES

Michael Allen Roger Farquer, 31, of Shelbyville, passed away Monday, October 14, 2024. He was born January 27, 1993, in Connersville, Ind., to Donnie Farquer and Christy (Donoghue) Turner.

Michael enjoyed working on cars. He took pride in detailing cars and his aftermarket stereo systems. He also enjoyed being outdoors and going fishing. His favorite times were spent with his family and friends.

Michael attended Beacon Baptist Church in Shelbyville. He had a positive outlook on life and strived to meet his personal goals to achieve greatness in life and leave his failures behind.

He is survived by his father; his uncles, Terry Warrick Jr., Robert Donoghue, Rusty (wife, Doris) Hankins and Jerry Farquer; his aunts, Connie Coffee and Martina Thackery and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his Nan and Pop, Terry and Cheri Warrick; his paternal grandparents, Jerry and Jo Farquer; his stillborn twin brothers; four great-uncles and one great-aunt.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 3 p.m. at Kennedy Park in Shelbyville, Ind. Memorial contributions may be made to the Michael Farquer Memorial Fund, in care of the funeral home. Funeral Directors Greg Parks, Sheila Parks and Stuart Parks are honored to serve Michael’s family. Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com.

Rex E. Beckley, 85, of Shelbyville, passed away Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at Ashford Health Campus. Born July 18, 1939, in Shelbyville, he was the son of Bernard Beckley and Mary (Durbin) Beckley. He married Louise (Cramer) Beckley on May 17, 1958, and she survives. Other survivors include son, Rhet (Mary) Beckley of Shelbyville; daughter, Kay (Brian) Buckley of Fishers, Ind.; sister, Vicki Emerick of Shelbyville; four grandchildren, Ryan (Anibal) Beckley, Austin Buckley, Mandy (Tyler) Lockridge; Misty (Doug) Shoemaker; and several great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Sharon Humphries; daughter, Cathy Phillips; and a grandson, Brandon Beckley.

Rex lived in this area most of his life and graduated from Shelbyville High School. He was employed by the U.S. Postal Service for 27 years as a mail handler, having retired in 2002. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police and the American Postal workers Union. Rex served in the US Army for three years. He was a Vietnam veteran, and also served in the US Air Force for 17 years, retiring as an E7, Master Sargeant. Rex enjoyed fishing, playing ball with his kids, but most of all loved spending time with his family.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at Glenn E. George & Son Funeral Home, 437 Amos Road, Shelbyville, With Rev. Warren Robinson officiating. Military graveside rites will follow the service. Friends may call on Wednesday from noon until the time of the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at glennegeorgeandson.com.

Donna Jean Foster, 74, of Shelbyville, passed away Thursday, October 17, 2024, at her home. She was born February 13, 1950, in Princeton, the daughter of Charles and Betty (Roberts) Campbell. On September 11, 1971, she married her husband of 53 years, Walter Thomas “Tom” Foster, and he survives. In addition to Tom, Donna is survived by her mother, Betty, of Owensville; children, Amanda Graham and husband, Kelby, of Shelbyville, Joseph Foster and wife, Mallory, of Fishers, and Jillian Kendall and husband, Brandon, of Columbus; brother, Scott Campbell and wife, Yuganda, of Owensville; grandchildren, Olivia Graham, Charlie Graham, Colton Foster, Will Foster, Jack Kendall and Jed Kendall; sister-in-law, Christy Foster; nephews, Kyle Foster and Eric Campbell and wife, Krystal; and niece, Stacey Glisson and husband, Greg. Donna was preceded in death by her father, Charles; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Walter and Naomi Foster; and brother-in-law, Greg Foster.

In 1968, Donna graduated from Owensville High School. She received her Bachelors degree in education from Indiana State University in 1972, followed by her Masters degree from the University of Evansville. She began her career by teaching for eight years at Owensville Elementary. Donna taught third grade at Morristown Elementary, retiring in December of 2013, with over 25 years of service.

Donna was a member of the Retired Teachers Association. She enjoyed reading and playing hand and foot, bridge and dominos. She also leaves behind her dog, Dexter.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Monday, October 21, 2024, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at the funeral home. Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery. Donna had many friends that have battled cancer and memorial contributions may be made to the Cancer Association of Shelby County, PO Box 844, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176. Online condolences may be shared with Donna’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

The Addison Times