Sunday, January 4, 2026
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: STEPHENSON RIFE ATTORNEYS
Shelbyville American Legion introduces electronic pull tabs
New electronic pull tab machines are already a hit at American Legion Post No. 70, 1125 Miller Ave., Shelbyville. | photo by ANNA TUNGATE
Shelbyville American Legion Post No. 70 has introduced electronic pull tab machines as part of a statewide charity gaming initiative designed to help veteran service organizations generate additional revenue for programs and community outreach.
The machines, which went live on New Year’s Eve, resemble slot machines but operate under a different model and are not casino gaming. Instead, they are electronic versions of traditional pull tabs and fall under Indiana’s charity gaming rules.
American Legion officer Roger Clark explained that recent legislation allows organizations such as the American Legion, VFW, Eagles and similar service clubs to operate the machines, while bars, truck stops and other for-profit venues are excluded. Proceeds must largely be directed toward charitable purposes, though a limited portion may be used for approved operational expenses.
“The idea was to help generate more revenue for our charity side,” Clark said. “We’ve had legal charity gaming for years with traditional pull tabs, and this is just an updated version.”
While the gaming technology is new, Post No. 70 remains a private club. Guests are permitted to play the electronic pull tab machines, but only under specific conditions.
“Someone can’t just walk in off the street and start playing like they can at a casino,” Clark said. “Guests have to come in with a member and be signed in.”
Gaming conducted behind the bar remains restricted to members only.
Post Commander Chris Ryhal noted that the machines are only one part of the Legion’s work in Shelby County. Funds raised help support a wide range of youth- and veteran-focused programs.
Among them are Hoosier Boys State and Hoosier Girls State, weeklong leadership programs that teach high school students about government and civic responsibility, as well as the Indiana Youth Cadet Law Enforcement Academy, which introduces students to careers in public safety.
The post also recently launched a fourth-grade flag education program, working with local schools to teach students about flag etiquette and symbolism. Student essay submissions advance from the local post level to district competition.
In addition, Post No. 70 is participating in the national American Legion’s “250 Challenge” ahead of the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026. Locally, that effort includes fitness, wellness and community service challenges.
“It could be 250 of anything,” Ryhal said. “You can put 250 wreaths on veterans’ graves, ride 250 miles on a bike, or whatever, just as long as you get it done within that year. For example, we’re doing a blood drive every two months, and we’re trying to get 250 pints of blood.”
The post also supports the Legion’s “Be the One” initiative, which focuses on veteran mental health and suicide prevention. Members can receive training on how to recognize warning signs and assist veterans who may be struggling.
As interest in the new machines continues, Legion leaders say their purpose remains unchanged.
“This is about supporting veterans, youth programs and the community,” Clark said. “The machines are just one more tool to help us do that.”
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: FULL CANOPY REAL ESTATE
NOTEBOOK:
The following couples applied for marriage permits this week at the Shelby County Clerk’s office: Matthew W. Harker, 48, and Amy M. Grundemann, 45; Reynaldo Bramasco, 21, and Karen Y Cortes Rodriguez, 19; Connie K. Garner, 58, and Brett R. Ewing, 62; and Sarah J. Everhart, 31, and Scotty E. Cameron, 34.
Highlighted reader comment regarding HB 1055, covered in Friday’s edition: “House Bill 1055 has some disadvantages. As an election official, it is difficult enough to explain to county residents outside the city limits why they cannot vote in municipal elections. This would make it worse. Secondly, voters tend to know local officials and vote for the person rather than party. A much longer and confusing ballot would make straight ticket voting even more likely, encouraging one-party control across the entire state.” - Vera Murphy
Editor’s Note: Thank you so much to each donor who has generously contributed to our campaign to expand countywide reporting. The following are among campaign donors: Susan Coers, Warren & Carol McDaniel, Roger & Barbara Blocks, Warren & Margaret Beglin, Stephan & Judy Kuhn, and Henry & Janet Godby. 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, Ph.D.
HOOSIER NEWS: Westfield officials have unveiled a long-term downtown redevelopment blueprint designed to transform the area around State Road 32 into a walkable, mixed-use destination over the next 20 to 25 years. The plan, developed with Indianapolis-based Browning Day, envisions new housing, retail, offices, structured parking, trails and public spaces that complement growth near Grand Park while creating a downtown identity distinct from neighboring Carmel and Fishers. (IBJ)
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.
2006: A car club started by local teenagers organized a car show to benefit the Roland Stine Scholarship Fund. The Golden Bear Cruisers, created by Shelbyville High School sophomore David Drake, announced plans to hold the event in the parking lot of Especially Kidz on South Miller Street. Drake and club member Dustin Chaney noted that the Shelby Shifters, described in The Shelbyville News as “a local car club with much older members,” had helped the Cruisers raise funds.
1996: Despite six inches of snow on the ground and a forecast calling for 2 to 4 more inches, county high school officials said every effort would be made to pull off the upcoming Shelby County basketball tournament in Morristown.
1986: The Shelbyville News noted that singer Rick Nelson, who had died in an airplane crash New Year’s Eve, had performed at Garrett Gymnasium in the summer of 1984. Nelson and his band had played in front of a large audience followed by a performance of a reunited local band, The Kandells. Mayor Dan Theobald was the group’s drummer for the show.
1976: A fire gutted the Taco Junction Restaurant, 1012 Miller Ave. (the approximate location of the present Brazeway plant).
1966: The Shelby County Council decided to hold monthly meetings in addition to the annual budget meeting. Council members were Russell Cortelyou, Dan Hey, Clyde McNamara, George Swinford, David Wilson, Russell Moore and Orris Kepley.
The Shelbyville Common Council approved a rezone at the southeast corner of Colescott and Meridian streets to allow for an apartment building. The two lots in question had previously been owned by Ethel Neal and Myrtle Craig.
1956: With the state only requiring one license plate per vehicle, Shelby County Jaycees were working at the BMV trying to tell special plates promoting Shelbyville, to be placed on the front bumper. The plate said “Shelbyville: City of Progress.”
1946: More than 200 people had attended a New Year’s Eve service at the Pilgrim Holiness Church. The service included an altar call at midnight.
1936: A new state law mandated high school students take a 20-lesson course in safe automobile driving. The state would distribute the lessons to local schools.
1926: A film version of “The Phantom of the Opera” was on at Alhambra Theatre.
1916: Billy Webb, a local tailor, moved his store from the Neal building on North Harrison Street to the Strand Theatre in the Dorsey block on South Harrison Street.
Police raided Ballard Morton’s home on East Locust Street on suspicion that craps was being played. However, the men and women at the home appeared to only be playing cards. Morton, however, was arrested on a charge of carrying a concealed weapon.
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: Freeman Family Funeral Homes & Crematory
OBITUARIES
Hal David Holbrook, 73, of Greenwood, passed away Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, at his residence. Born Aug. 28, 1952, in Shelbyville, he was the son of Wray D. Holbrook and Pauline (Anderson) Holbrook. He married Sharon Lynn (Henning) Holbrook on April 12, 1996, and she survives. Other survivors include children Matt Holbrook (Jill) of Bargersville and Emily Harvey of Whiteland; stepson Matt Patterson (Danielle) of Greenwood; stepdaughter Lori Patterson (fiance Bobby) of Lawrence; and six grandchildren, Ethan Holbrook, Katherine Holbrook, Joseph Harvey, Grayson Harvey, Delanie Patterson and Quinn Patterson. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Holbrook was a lifetime Shelby County resident and graduated from Waldron High School in 1970. He was employed with Raytheon as a cost estimator for several years, retiring in 2010. He enjoyed watching basketball and golf, collecting coins, reading books about the Civil War, traveling to Civil War battle sites, and spending time with his grandchildren.
Private funeral services will be held with the Rev. John Wessic officiating. Burial will be in Van Pelt Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Shelby County Animal Shelter in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be shared at glennegeorgeandson.com.
Linda May Powers, 81, of Shelbyville, passed away on Friday, January 2, 2026, at her home. She was born on June 29, 1944, in Shelby County, the daughter of William E. and Dora E. (Beasley) Sorrell. On November 7, 1981, she married Clyde H. Powers, and he preceded her in death on February 17, 1993. Linda is survived by her daughters, Tabitha Savage and husband, Kevin, and Barbara Phillips and husband, Matt, both of Shelbyville; several grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her dog, Shyshy. In addition to Clyde, Linda was preceded in death by her parents; son, William Lee Jones; daughter, Lyndora Dow; brothers, Jack Sorrell and Raymond Sorrell; and sister, Mary Ann Palmer.
Linda graduated from Shelbyville High School in 1962. She was a member of Faith Baptist Church. Linda had formerly worked at Walmart, Heritage Manor, TRW Cinch, TransMed, Pinkertons Security Systems, Village Pantry, Speedway, The Haven Center, and Sunrise Christian Academy. She loved listening to gospel music and enjoyed dog grooming.
Visitation will be from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St., in Shelbyville. Funeral service will follow at the funeral home, with Pastor Seth Taylor officiating.
Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in Shelbyville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cancer Association of Shelby County, PO Box 844, Shelbyville, IN 46176. Online condolences may be shared with Linda’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
Gregory L. “Buck” Pettis, 72, of Shelbyville, passed away on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Ashford Place Health Campus in Shelbyville. As per Buck’s wishes, there will be no public services. Arrangements entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St., in Shelbyville. Online condolences may be shared with Buck’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.