Sunday, December 14, 2025
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: STEPHENSON RIFE ATTORNEYS
‘CITY SIDEWALKS, DRESSED IN HOLIDAY STYLE’
Shelbyville’s Public Square, viewed from the southeast corner, is decorated for the holidays. | photo by JOHN WALKER
Golden Bears Split Doubleheader with New Castle
The Shelbyville High School girls’ and boys’ basketball teams paired up for a doubleheader on Friday night, with the boys having more success against the New Castle Trojans. The girls built an early cushion and carried a lead into the fourth quarter, but New Castle’s efficiency proved decisive as the Trojans pulled out a 63–59 overtime win.
The difference came at the stripe. Shelbyville shot 9-of-18 on free throws, while New Castle converted 20-of-25, including several key makes in the final minutes and overtime. The loss dropped the Golden Bears to 5–4, while New Castle improved to 4–5.
Shelbyville opened the game with high energy, scoring the first five points and jumping out to a 16–7 first-quarter lead. Hannah Baker scored early and often, Jayla Ash attacked inside, and Savannah Collins created second chances with hustle plays on the glass. The Bears appeared in control through the opening eight minutes.
But New Castle shifted momentum in the second quarter by increasing ball pressure, forcing turnovers and turning them into quick baskets. The Trojans closed the gap steadily and took their first lead at the halftime buzzer on a Piper Arthur three-pointer, sending Shelbyville to the locker room trailing 25–23 following a quarter defined by stalled possessions and limited clean looks.
The Bears responded in the third quarter behind inside scoring from Reese Fortune and Ash, briefly regaining control with a balanced attack. Shelbyville led 39–35 entering the fourth after closing the period with a late Ash layup off a set play.
Shelbyville stretched the margin to eight early in the fourth, highlighted by a coast-to-coast basket from Collins, but New Castle answered with timely three-pointers from Alana Orr and a series of free throws from the Luce sisters. The lead changed hands repeatedly in the final minutes as Ash fouled out and the Trojans capitalized at the line.
A late Collins three put Shelbyville ahead 54–52, but New Castle tied the game on free throws in the closing seconds, and the game moved to overtime.
In the extra period, New Castle seized control behind senior Megan Luce, who hit multiple clutch shots and free throws. Emily Luce also continued a perfect night at the line in overtime, as the Trojans extended the lead to seven. Shelbyville made one last push, including a very late Baker three, but could not overcome the deficit.
Baker and Ash led Shelbyville with 16 points apiece, while Collins added 13 and Fortune scored nine. For New Castle, Megan Luce scored 18 points, Emily Luce added 14, and Piper Arthur finished with 12. The Luce sisters combined to shoot 19-of-23 from the free-throw line.
The Golden Bears boys fared better. The John Hartnett-coached team set the tone early and pulled away steadily in the second game, cruising to a 62–38 win over New Castle to remain unbeaten at 4–0.
The Golden Bears’ defense dictated the game from the opening tip. Shelbyville forced turnovers on New Castle’s first two possessions and quickly converted them into points, opening the scoring with a Caden Claxton three-pointer and never trailing. Early baskets from Brody Runnebohm and Cole Schene helped Shelbyville build momentum, while consistent rebounding limited New Castle to one-and-done possessions.
Shelbyville led 17–9 after the first quarter, with its pressure defense disrupting New Castle’s rhythm and generating transition opportunities. The Bears extended the lead in the second quarter as Claxton, Gavin Reed and Mar Nicholson connected from the perimeter and on second-chance looks. A late Claxton three capped the half, sending Shelbyville into the locker room with a 32–21 advantage.
The Golden Bears put the game out of reach in the third quarter. Runnebohm sparked the run with a steal and layup, Claxton attacked the lane for multiple scores and Nicholson finished through contact as Shelbyville pushed the margin to 44–28 entering the fourth.
With the outcome largely decided, Shelbyville continued to control the pace in the final period. The Thoman brothers provided energy off the bench, combining for strong defensive plays and efficient scoring, while Claxton continued to impact the game on both ends before checking out late in the quarter. Shelbyville went deep into the bench in the closing minutes and dribbled out the clock to seal the win.
The Bears were led by Claxton’s 22 points. Nicholson scored 14, Runnebohm added 8; Camden Thoman, 8; Cole Schene, 6; Nick Fischer, 6; Gavin Hall, 4; Cooper Thoman, 3; and Gavin Reed, 3.
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: FULL CANOPY REAL ESTATE
NOTEBOOK:
According to the Precip app, Shelbyville received 5.6 inches of snow yesterday.
Six Indiana counties, including Shelby County, will see local income tax increases take effect Jan. 1, 2026, as the state income tax rate continues a gradual decline. According to the Indiana Department of Revenue, Shelby County’s local income tax rate will rise from 1.6% to 1.7%, joining Carroll, Grant, Greene, Howard and Union counties in approving increases to support county services. In Shelby County, local officials have tied the increase primarily to public safety needs. As previously reported by The Addison Times, the Shelby County Council unanimously approved raising the public safety portion of the local income tax from 0.35% to 0.40%, with the additional revenue dedicated to supporting volunteer fire departments. The council also approved an increase to the jail tax rate. The increases come amid broader statewide tax changes approved earlier this year, including modest property tax relief and continued reductions to the state income tax rate.
As debate grows over relocating a southeastern Indiana casino license, Gov. Mike Braun said Thursday that moving a casino to Allen County makes the most sense, arguing northeast Indiana is underserved. A recent study showed that a downtown Indianapolis casino could hurt existing operations in Anderson and Shelbyville, but also found an Indianapolis casino would generate more revenue. (IBJ)
Editor’s Note: Thank you so much to each donor who has generously contributed to our $100,000 campaign. The following are among our recent donors: Tim & Diane Barrick, Bill & Vera Murphy, Steve & Debbie Mathies, Mark & Laura Scott, Samuel Thurston, Vicki Franklin, Thomas Dierckman and Nisa Hensley. (Many of these are on behalf of families.) Reaching our fundraising goal for 2026 will allow us to expand high-quality coverage countywide. Donors of $100 or more receive a commemorative January print edition and donors of $500 or more will be recognized in that edition. 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. Again, thank you so much for your loyal support of this endeavor. - Kristiaan Rawlings
HOOSIER NEWS: After more than five years of disruption, central Indiana’s office market is showing early signs of long-term recovery, with increased leasing activity in areas such as Keystone, Carmel and north Indianapolis helping stabilize vacancy rates. The region’s overall office vacancy remains high at 21.5%, but brokers say recent investments and tenant reevaluations of downsized space have driven momentum, including new and planned office developments at Bottleworks District and The Stutz downtown. (IBJ)
NATIONAL NEWS: An analysis of the New York’s flagship classic rock radio station Q104.3 and its annual and evolving list of the top 1,043 classic rock songs of all time revealed that songs released in the 1990s have gone from 6.3 percent of the list as of 2005 to fully 11.2 percent of the list. That is now within striking distance of the 14.9 percent of the list that is derived from the 1960s. Furthermore, there are now six songs released since the year 2000 on the list of the greatest classic rock songs, including “It’s My Life” by Bon Jovi, “Dani California” by Red Hot Chili Peppers, “Kryptonite” by 3 Doors Down and three Green Day songs: “Holiday,” “Wake Me Up When September Ends” and “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” at No. 293 on the list. (Can’t Get Much Higher/Numlock)
The Addison Times is pleased to offer free milestone announcements. Forms are available here: Engagement Announcement, Wedding Announcement and Anniversary Announcement.
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!
This Week in Shelby County Archive
by GEORGE L. STUBBS
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.
2005: An initiative called Experience Works was pairing unemployed seniors with part-time positions at local nonprofit agencies, The Shelbyville News reported. The article highlighted Annette Cornpropst, who worked clerical hours at the Rural Development office on Amos Road, and noted similar placements with organizations such as the Salvation Army.
1995: A new footbridge in Kennedy Park was dedicated in a ceremony led by Mayor Bob Williams. The new bridge, which improved pedestrian access across the Little Blue River in Walkerville, replaced a bridge washed out in 1994 and was built higher and without abutments to reduce the risk of future flooding.
1985: Morristown’s A-team Bantam football squad completed an undefeated regular season, capturing the Western Division championship of the Mid-Southern Youth Football League. Team members included Kasy Ketchum, Matt Geryak, Josh Conder, Brandon Meltzer, Jason Houz, Jason Theobald, Brent Ralston, Pat Essex, Brad Mahin, Tom Moore, Jeremy Woosley, Jason Smith and Brad Plessinger, with Tony Putty and Paul Conder serving as coaches. Also associated with the team but not present at the final game were Rusty Hoover, Chuck Early, Dave Purcell, Jay Walters and Scott Brockman.
1975: The Friends of the Library organization was formed to support the Shelbyville–Shelby County Public Library, with more than 30 residents attending an organizational meeting. The group was established as a volunteer organization to encourage donations, assist with children’s programs, support local history collections and help fund library improvements. Officers elected included Dohn Sipe as president, Graham Lemmon as vice president, Paul Woodmansee as secretary and Bernard Vaught as treasurer, with B.C. Williams presiding over the meeting.
1965: Bill Karnowsky provided an update on junior high holiday activities to The Shelbyville News. The History Club had organized a Christmas party and proposed a theme of early American dress suggested by Melina Fox and Jann Beck. The Student Council Project Committee, including Jerrel DeWitt, Patty Owens, Bob Pittman, Doug Adams and Jann Beck, met to review project ideas submitted by students. The Sunshine Society met under the direction of Vice President Ann Zeller, with Mrs. Evelyn Day presenting materials for decorating the health room, and voted to collect canned food and toys for the Salvation Army, with contributions from students and faculty invited. Barbara Hokenson read a Christmas story at the meeting, and Jerrel DeWitt gave a Christmas poem. Mary Newton closed the meeting with a prayer.
1955: Letters to Santa: “Dear Santa - I am a boy nine years old. I go to Major school and would like to have some school clothes, long-sleeved shirts and some overalls. I have taken good care of the toys I got last year. I do not want any toys this year but I do want some good school shoes, a suit to wear to Sunday school and some neckties. Also, some more school socks. I want you to bring my father some new shoes, socks and long-sleeved shirts. I also want some long underwear. I want some gloves too. Don’t forget my two sisters and mother and the other little boys and girls. Thank you. - Jimmie James, 820 LaBelle St. P.S. Bring me a few surprises also.” And, “Dear Santa - Hope you’re feeling fine. I’m a little girl three years old, and my mommy and daddy say I’ve been pretty good. So would you bring me cowboy boots, a kitchen outfit, one dolly and a ‘Mouseketeer’ outfit. Don’t forget the other kiddies Santa and don’t forget to drink your milk and eat the cookies I will leave for you. Merry Christmas. Love,
Christy M. Meloy, 15½ W. Broadway.”
1945: Temperatures fell to a new seasonal low as the mercury dropped to 11 degrees during the night, marking the coldest reading of the season. The local weather station recorded 12 degrees at 6 a.m., before temperatures climbed to 20 degrees by noon.
1935: A newspaper advertisement promoted “Superior Coal” as a practical Christmas purchase, suggesting it would make a better present than traditional gifts by keeping homes warm and comfortable. The ad encouraged readers to order at money-saving prices from Daniel DePrez Mfg. Co.
1925: The local post office was experiencing a heavy Christmas rush, prompting the use of extra staff and Sunday parcel deliveries to help manage the volume of mail. The post office remained open until 8 p.m. during the week to accommodate residents.
1915: A newspaper article titled “Ed on Rampage” noted that a local man named Ed Henry had caused a disturbance after pretending he had taken poison, collapsed on East Jackson Street and prompted police and medical intervention. Police Chief George M. Haehl took Henry to jail, and Dr. B. G. Koeney later determined there was no poison in his system after using a stomach pump. The article suggested Henry staged the incident to create excitement, noting he recovered quickly once the pump was in use.
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: Freeman Family Funeral Homes & Crematory
OBITUARIES
None today.