Thursday, February 2, 2023

Feb 02, 2023

One of two seventh grade Honors English Language Arts classes pose for a photo during a fall Spirit Week. (L to R): Mellie Ballast, Zane Campbell, Caleb Wilhere, Khloe Ford, Eli Slusser, Dekatur Smith, Hunter Richards, Malaki Sutton, Darron Jones, Zachary Lakes, Sophia Cunningham, Chloe Higdon, Corinne Aldridge, Yoselin Martinez Villafuerte, Chloe Claxton, Kaylan McIntire, Ella Breedlove, Areli Cadena Moreno and Abby Huntsman. | photo by KRISTIAAN RAWLINGS

FLORIDA LUNCH BUNCH

While Hoosiers suffered in the cold yesterday, the annual Shelby County Luncheon in Punta Gorda, Fla. once again drew a crowd. The event is organized by Patricia (Stine) Pallikan with assistance from others. Carol McDaniel previously reported in The Addison Times the event started in the early 1990s when local businessmen Lowell Rudicel, Dwight Brinson, Jack Worland, Arthur Thurston and Carlos Cravens got together for a luncheon. The last remaining “founder” of the group, Carlos Cravens, passed away Dec. 7, 2019. Those interested in participating next year can email Pallikan at ppallikan@yahoo.com.

NOTEBOOK:

The following building permits were issued last month in Shelbyville: in-ground swimming pool at 1236 Pebble Point Dr.; upstairs bathroom addition at 217 E. Mechanic St.; remove five walls and install two headers at 31 Public Square, the Cancer Association of Shelbyville; replace floor joists at 757 Third Street; move a wall to extend the kitchen at 18 Public Square, Pudder’s; remodel 2158 Intelliplex Dr. #200 for VA Clinic; remodel 903 Meridian St.; install new shelves at 4301 N 125 W; remodel third floor for two dialysis stations at 2451 Intelliplex Dr., Major Hospital; remodel adult area of office, 1818 N. Riley Highway Suite A, Blue River Dental Care; and new home construction on Delacorte Circle and Kensington Court.
The following couples applied for marriage licenses last week: David A. Carroll, 26, and Kayle D. Farless, 30; and Gregory G. Johnson, 53, and Crysal L. Wooldridge, 41.
The Shelbyville Street Department will be crack sealing today, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Harrison Street, from Broadway to Mechanic, and Washington St., from Tompkins to Pike. Lane restrictions will be in place and traffic control will be present for downtown asphalt maintenance.
The Grover Center re-opened yesterday. In related news, today marks Alex Krach’s 7th anniversary serving as director of the Grover Center: Museum and Historical Society. His anniversary date coincides with Groundhog Day, important because Krach hails from Punxsutawney, Pa., home of Punxsutawney Phil, the groundhog who will make an important weather prediction this morning.
HOOSIER NEWS: Indiana lawmakers are trying again to pass a Republican-backed proposal to make school board elections partisan despite opposition from school board members and education advocates from across the state. Candidates running for school boards would be required to identify as a Republican, Democrat or Independent, according to the legislation. Currently, Indiana is among 41 states where local school board elections are held without any party identification on the ballot for candidates. Last year, a similar bill got a hearing in a House committee but never received a vote. Nearly two dozen education advocates testified against the previous bill and no one spoke in favor. The measure did not advance from the House elections committee Monday. The committee chairman, Sen. Jon Ford, R-Terre Haute, said the proposal would be held and that lawmakers will “continue to work on it in the future.” (Indiana Capital Chronicle)

SHELBY COUNTY PEOPLE & PLACES: REV. WILLIAM E. BURKHER

Editor’s note: In the mid- to late 1940s, The Shelbyville Republican published a series of articles by Ave Lewis and Hortense Montgomery covering community people and places. Below is one of those features.

Listening to Rev. William E. Burkher reminisce about the early days of the furniture business here is interesting and entertaining even when you're sitting on a pile of boards on the floor of a building that smells like baby chickens - with the temperature around 100.

In going to Rev. Burkher's home at 601 North Pike Street, his wife told me I'd find him at the Carney Hatchery. I did, with his sleeves rolled up and face dripping. He was repairing equipment, which will house future egg producers. Work, which he says he shouldn't take time to do but, “It's hard to turn anyone down when they need something done.”

Although he's very much interested in ministerial work, Rev. Burkher has been a furniture man almost all of his life, for 61 years, to be exact, and his gospel work didn't begin until about 30 years ago.

He went to work in 1886 to learn wood carving at the Conrey-Davis factory, and his weekly salary was $1.50. The factory, located in the old woolen mills on the Franklin Pike, was in its infancy, and because it was such a small, one-horse, ill-equipped establishment, it soon was dubbed "The Dinkey." The name stuck as long as the factory was in operation. Unions et cetera didn't seem to bother labor and management much in those days from the tales Rev. Burkher brings out of his “memory box.” He recalls that since the plant was alongside the river, some of the men now and then took time out in the midst of production to go fishing in the side - and that it wasn't above the “bosses” to filch the catch they brought in. He also recalls that it was a pretty poor grade of furniture that was made in those days. The oak used often was so worm eaten that it “looked like it had been shot with a gun.” But old-fashioned shoe pegs pounded into the holes and sanded over took care of that, and the unfinished pieces, tables mostly, soon were on their way, via dray horse and wagon, to a room downtown, where they were finished for market.

Rev. Burkher's immediate boss during those days was the late Charles Birely - who incidentally as foreman earned a weekly stipend of $12. He chuckles as he remembers that he had to act as “interpreter” between Mr. Birely and a Swedish worker in the factory. His German heritage helped him understand the man from the cold country while the boss “couldn't make heads nor tails of what the Swede said.”

After the Dinkey was enlarged and moved into the city, Mr. Burkher served as a cabinet maker and inspector and then was foreman for 35 years - until the plant was closed. Since that time he has kept up his woodworking in a completely equipped shop immediately behind his home. Over its door is a sign announcing the place as the “Little Dinky.” He could have enough work to keep several men busy, he says, but he prefers to maintain an independent shop. However, for a while he did have another man working for him - the man, no longer living, was his superintendent at The Dinkey. Restoring antique furniture is one of his specialties, and according to him, that field is almost endless.

And now for the "the side" of this man who in looks and manner belies his more than three score and 10 years. He became especially interested in ministerial work when a mission was established by the late J. Fran Orebaugh and Sam Knisley, with the aid of Mr. Birely, where the present Salvation Army citidel is located. Rev. Burkher preached at the mission for four years, and during this time he was asked by the Methodist district superintendent to serve as a supply minister at the Winchester, Geneva and Ray churches. He has had no formal training in the ministry but through the years has presented innumerable sermons at many churches throughout the city and county.

During his time at the mission he remembers taking home scraps of leather from the factory to resole and repair the shoes of children attending services at the little building. And it was with quite a bit of personal satisfaction that recently while filling the pulpit of a downtown church a woman came to him and introduced herself as “one of the children whom you used to help at the old mission on South Noble Street.”

A gleam of the quality which makes him a “personality worth mentioning” is visible in his eyes too as he speaks of the services which he conducts on alternate Sunday afternoons at the Shelby County Home. For several years he had made frequent visits to the Home, talking with and presenting Christian messages to the residents in their rooms. But five years ago, largely through his influence, a chapel was established in the institution and now he holds sermons for the residents in a church-like atmosphere.

Rev. Burkher married Miss Emma C. Clemenz, of Batesville community on April 7, 1890, and they have one daughter, Mrs. Hazel Hamblen. In the Burkher home are several tables, a buffet and other articles, which he has made, and they, the home and the “Little Dinky” bear evidence that a man who appreciates good furniture lives there. Rev. Burkher was born just two blocks from his present residence. He hasn't “traveled much,” he says.

This Week in Shelby County" works by George L. Stubbs Sr. are owned by the Shelby County Historical Society (Grover Center) and used with permission.

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.

20 YEARS AGO: 2003
For the second time in the season, Ryan Rooks set a Southwestern school record against the Waldron Mohawks. Rooks scored 44 points, eclipsing the school’s single-game scoring record of 39 set by Van McQueen against Brown County in the 1966 season and tied three years later by Ray Hamilton against Whiteland. Three weeks prior, Rooks scored 27 points in the Shelby County Tourney championship game to break the career scoring record at Southwestern.

30 YEARS AGO: 1993
Fairland resident J.C. Bartley was chosen as a contestant for an upcoming “Hoosier Millionaire” lottery television show.

40 YEARS AGO: 1983
Deputy Prosecutors R. Robert Yeager, Robert Arnold and Jonathan Palmer all joined Prosecutor Jim Lisher’s staff. Yeager, 43, had been a deputy prosecutor before, under former Prosecutors Jerry Lux and Jeff Linder. Arnold, 26, and Palmer, 29, had been attorneys at Gary L. Boring & Associates in Fountaintown.

50 YEARS AGO: 1973
Mrs. Harvey Greensburg’s champion Borzois, “Korki,” gained champion rank at a dog show in Florida.

Country Fare Restaurant opened in Homer, Ind.

60 YEARS AGO: 1963
Velma Wortman, in company with a number of other people throughout the country, had been privileged to spend time the previous August with Robert Frost, the great American poet who had died Jan. 29. Mrs. Wortman, who had been at a conference in Vermont, had purchased anthologies of his poems for a few friends and her family, which Frost graciously inscribed. In a book for her father, Frost wrote, “To Horatio Davis, his children, his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren from Velma Wortman and me, Robert Frost, Breadloaf, August 1962.” A highlight of the conference for Wortman had been a hike down the mountain road for about a mile, then up a path about two miles to Frost’s cabin in company with Marian Gleason, New England poet, and Marjorie Adams, teacher of French at Burlington High School.

70 YEARS AGO: 1953
Several officials and customers met to discuss how to continue operations of Blue River Creamery. Local attorney Paul Barnard had been appointed receiver of the organization. The Blue River firm had been a large processor of powdered milk and bottled milk but had encountered cash flow problems.

80 YEARS AGO: 1943
A new federal order said men ages 18 to 45 must carry both their registration and classification cards with them at all times, affecting nearly 4,000 Shelby County selective service registrants. “The classification card indicates that a man has lived up to his responsibility,” the paper said.

90 YEARS AGO: 1933
The Addison Township Commissary supplied local needy families with food and fuel oil, which cost the Township $1.47 per week per family. The commissary issued 2,000 gallons of fuel oil in the first three weeks, serving 560 families per week.

100 YEARS AGO: 1923
There were three births in the city, all baby boys. Two weighed 10 pounds, the other eight pounds.

A farmer living east of Shelbyville filed for divorce from his wife, claiming she refused to cook his meals and often called him names.

INCIDENTS

Theft was reported in the 400 block of W. Main St., Morristown.
JAIL BOOK-INS: Robert M. Faulkner, 25, failure to appear; Juan Benites-Zayala, 25, OVWI, operating never receiving.

OBITUARIES

Joshua D. Church, 44, of Indianapolis, passed away Monday, January 30, 2023 at his residence. Born November 9, 1978 in Indianapolis, he was the son of Mark Church and Ruth (Baugh) Church. He married Kimberly (Lewis) Church on August 23, 2021, and she survives. Other survivors include three children, Zebadiah Church, Jacob Church, Cassandra Church; three step children, Michael Dover, Brandon Dover, Ronnie Redden; two brothers, Mark Church and Brodi Church; a sister, Marci Church; mother-in-law Deb Engle, father-in-law Robin (Jill )Lewis, and he is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mr. Church was a lifelong resident of this area and graduated from Arlington High School in 1997. He was employed as a millwright with Underwood Industrial Contractors of Indianapolis for several years. He was a member of One Body Ministries in Indianapolis. Joshua was known for his bear hugs and his sense of humor. He was the Rock of his family and would give the shirt off his back to anyone, if needed.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at One Body Ministries, 3132 Carson Avenue, Indianapolis, with Pastor Chris Dunn officiating. Friends may call on Saturday morning, at the church, from noon until the time of the service. Memorial contributions can be made to Wheeler Mission, in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be shared at glennegeorgeandson.com.

Tom F. McAdams, 81, passed away after a lengthy illness Tuesday, January 31 at his cherished rural Morristown home with his loving wife by his side. Tom was born July 16th, 1941 in Troy, Ohio, the fourth son of Verlynne I. McAdams and Flora Lee (Stowe) McAdams. He lived in Tipp City, Ohio before moving to Shelbyville to join KCL Corporation in 1973. He was a devoted and loving husband of 44 years to Carol S. (Pierson) McAdams. The couple was married June 18, 1978 at the First Christian Church in Shelbyville by the Rev. James Horner.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife Carol, daughters Aleka McAdams formerly of Morristown, Melea McAdams (husband Jake McAdams) of Valparaiso, sister-in-law Alberta McAdams of Greenville, OH, nephews Tim McAdams, Chicago, IL, Kevin McAdams and Lee McAdams of Ohio, nieces Pamela McAdams-Belgar and Melinda Tipton, also of Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Larry McAdams, Ronald McAdams, and Gary McAdams, and father-in-law and mother-in-law Clyde and Lucy Pierson who dearly loved him.

Tom was a 1959 graduate of Tippecanoe High School, Tipp City, OH and the Dayton Barber College, Dayton, OH where he was a professional barber before attending college at McPherson College of the Brethren, McPherson KS. There he barbered many of his school buddies while completing his BS in Business Administration in 1967. He also received his Real Estate License later in life. Upon his college graduation, Tom worked for esteemed NCR Dayton as a Computer Programmer Analyst where he was a team member who designed and implemented NCR software for Sears and JC Penny companies. He moved to Shelbyville in 1973 to serve in positions of Programmer Analyst and Information Systems Manager for KCL Corporation for 25 years. Prior to retirement, he specialized in Y2K software conversions for Asset Management Systems in Greenwood, IN.

Singing was a favorite pastime of Tom’s. He was a member of the former Blue River Singers, where he met his wife Carol. He valued multiple opportunities to perform with Community Choirs, various A Cappella and Barbershop Groups, as well as guest invitations to feature sing at multiple churches. As he was spiritually dedicated to his Brethren upbringing, he was also a long time member of the First Christian Church of Shelbyville, where he was a devoted member of the church choir. His lovely tenor voice, quiet personality, gentle heart, dry humor, and warm smile were memorable to nearly everyone he met.

Additionally, he and his family were active with International Adoptive Families of America and OURS of Indiana. Tom was a dedicated father to his daughters. He enjoyed traveling, working on home projects, working out at the gym, was an avid reader, and was especially happy just to live a simple life of spending time at home.

A Special Remembrance will be held at Shelbyville First Christian Church, Saturday, February 4 at 11 a.m., with the Reverends Beth Crouch, Andy Wade and Arlene Whitfield. Friends may gather one-half hour prior to the service in the church sanctuary. A Lunch Gathering for Friends and Family will follow immediately after the service in the church’s Fellowship Hall. Graveside services will then proceed to Concord Cemetery in northern Shelby County. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church of Shelbyville, and the choice of research programs for the treatment and cure of Parkinson’s Disease. Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 South Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Online condolences may be shared with Tom’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Deborah Sue Denison, 67, of Shelbyville, passed away Tuesday, January 31, 2023, at her home. She was born April 10, 1955, in Alpena, Michigan, the daughter of Charles Hodgins and Ruth (Elliott) Wilder. Deborah is survived by her mother of Shelbyville; sons, Buddy Lockridge, James Dixon and Eric Clifton, all of Shelbyville; daughters, Jenny Gonzalez and husband, Humberto, and Shoshanna Garcia, both of Shelbyville, and Marilyn Nicole Christiansen of South Bend; brothers, Danny Hodgins and Matthew Wilder, both of Shelbyville; sisters, Joyce Knight, Elizabeth Williams, Patricia Hodgins and Gloria Goode, all of Shelbyville; 16 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father; brothers, Charles Hodgins and Gregg Hodgins; and sisters, Robin Nigh Short and Karen Corley.

Deborah formerly worked at Old Hickory Furniture for over ten years. She loved spending time with her family. Deborah enjoyed working crossword puzzles, playing computer games and sewing.

Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Online condolences may be shared with Deborah’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Teresa A. “Terry” Ramsey, 61, of Shelbyville, passed away, Tuesday, January 31, 2023, at MHP Medical Center in Shelbyville. She was born July 28, 1961, in Indianapolis, the daughter of James and Carolyn (Pacely) Westfall. On March 29, 1986, she married her husband of 36 years, Joseph T. “Todd” Ramsey, and he survives. In addition to Todd, Terry is survived by her son, Andy Ramsey and wife, LeAnne, of Edinburgh; daughter, Anna Ramsey and significant other, Cory Brand, of Shelbyville; sisters, Darla Groeninger and husband, Bud, of Evansville, and Tonya Philpott and husband, Eddie, of Greenwood; grandchildren, Maddilynn, Hunter, Jethro, Beau, Huxley, Olivia, Frankie, Corbyn, Max and Koda; brother-in-law, Gerald Redenbaugh; and numerous nieces and nephews. Terry was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Debbie Redenbaugh and Francie White; and brother, Billy Craig.

She was a member of Cornerstone Church in Trafalgar. Terry was formerly a home health aide with Advantage in Whiteland. She enjoyed her gardening and bird watching. Terry loved organizing family gatherings. She also loved to spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She also leaves behind her little dog, Mazie.

Graveside rites will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, February 4, 2023, at Miller Cemetery in Shelby County. A Gathering of Family and Friends will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, February 5, 2023, at Cornerstone Church, 1000 W 375 S in Trafalgar. Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cancer Association of Shelby County, PO Box 844, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176 or the Shelby County-Shelbyville Animal Shelter, 705 Hale Road, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176. Online condolences may be shared with Terry’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Martin James Scott, “Candy Man”, born February 28, 1963, was received into the arms of Jesus in the early morning hours of January 30, 2023, following a lengthy battle with lung cancer. He was the oldest of four siblings, born in Deming, New Mexico, to Rodney H. Scott and Carol J. Greater.

Upon his parent’s death, when he was approximately age 7, Martin and his siblings were raised by the Ohio Soldiers & Sailors Home in Xenia, Ohio. He attended the Wayne High School of Huber Heights, OH, completing the 11th grade and then receiving his GED one month later in April 1982.

Private Martin Scott served under honorable conditions in the United States Army as a Communications Specialist at Fort Lewis, Washington. While in the Army he was awarded an Army Service Ribbon and the Sharpshooter Qualifications Badge. Martin was an avid sports fan. He loved hockey, specifically, the San Jose Sharks and the Cincinnati Cyclones. In football, he loved the Seahawks. GO HAWKS! He also enjoyed playing golf. Animals loved Martin. He trained squirrels and cats to stay out of the road and had a special way with dogs. His cats French Fry, Ginger and B-Bop proceed him in death.

Martin was employed by The Salvation Army from 2008 - 2013 and later returned as a volunteer early 2020. He will be greatly missed by the team! Donations may be made in his honor to The Salvation Army of Shelbyville, Indiana, and mailed to 136 E. Washington Street. A memorial with military rites will be held at The Salvation Army on Wednesday, February 15, at 10 a.m.

The Addison Times