Thursday, January 11, 2024
Three Local Candidates File on First Day of Election Season
Shelby County Commissioner candidates David Lawson, Tom Rogers and Nathan Runnebohm file election paperwork with county election deputy Jeff Sponsel yesterday. | submitted photos
One day into the 2024 election season and Shelby County already has its first contested race, with two Republican candidates filing for the Shelby County Commissioner Center District spot and a Republican filing for Commissioner in the South District. David Lawson and Tom Rogers filed paperwork with Jeff Sponsel, county election deputy, yesterday to succeed Commissioner Kevin Nigh, who is not running again after five full terms, not including serving part of a term on appointment (2001-2004 and 2009-present). Nathan Runnebohm filed to succeed Commissioner Don Parker, who also is not running for reelection after serving since 2013. Commissioner Jason Abel’s seat is not up for grabs this cycle.
With the deadline to file a declaration of candidacy set for February 9, more candidates are expected for a host of available offices.
Shelby County Democrat party chairman Denny Ramsey said the local party has several people on the line. “I have a lengthy list of potential candidates for commissioner and county council, but we do not have anybody committed to running yet,” he said. “Our goal is to have all five of those positions filled.”
Sponsel said much of the first day was spent accepting signatures for major candidates from their respective county coordinators, such as to place President Biden and former President Donald Trump on the local ballot. Most of the gubernatorial candidates’ coordinators also filed signatures yesterday. The local candidates also visited with Sponsel, taking photos as they turned in their forms.
Commissioner candidate David Lawson, a current member of the Shelby County Plan Commission, is a lifelong resident of Shelby County and graduated from Shelbyville High School in 1985. He is a full-time farmer, and his family was awarded the Farm Family of the Year by the Shelby County Farm Bureau Young Farmers. He and Anne (Havely) have been married 30 years and have four children: Katie, 26, a student at Indiana University School of Medicine; Kennedy, agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at Hauser High School; and Kellen, 20, and Karlin, 19, students at Purdue University. Lawson is also a member of Mt. Gilead Baptist Church, on the 4-H Advisory Council and a Shelby County Fair stockholder.
Tom Rogers, also running for the Center District Commissioner slot, said in a recent interview that he was approached by neighbors four years ago about running. With Nigh stepping aside, he felt it was time to answer the call. Rogers graduated from Waldron High School in 1970, attended Ball State and then enlisted in the Army. He met Inge, his wife, while stationed in Germany serving as military police. He, his wife and son returned to the U.S., where he continued serving in several states and eventually in Egypt before he retired from military service. The family lived in Carmel for 22 years, and he continued his law enforcement career.
The only candidate so far to file for the Commissioner South District seat is Nathan Runnebohm. He graduated from Waldron High School in 1998 and Purdue University in 2002, where he received a bachelor’s degree in organization leadership and supervision with a minor in sales and marketing. He has been the owner and broker of Runnebohm Realty since 2010, and involved in numerous local organization boards, such as the MIBOR appointee for the Shelby County Development Corporation board and Shelby County Chamber of Commerce board president, a SCUFFY ambassador and member of the Blue River Community Foundation Impact Committee. He currently serves on the Redevelopment Council for the Pleasant View area TIF district and has been the Shelby County Realtor of the Year twice. Runnebohm has two children.
Although major party filings are underway, minor party, independent, and write-in candidates can file declarations of candidacy for the November general election later in the year, after the May primary election is held.
NOTEBOOK:
The Shelbyville Central Schools board last night approved the retirement of middle school teacher Scott Harper, effective this summer. Harper has taught in Shelbyville for 40 years. Board member Curt Johnson thanked Harper for his service and recalled having him as a football coach and shop teacher. “His whole family has had a really positive impact on our schools,” Johnson said. Mr. Harper’s wife, Mary, retired as superintendent in 2022 after 37 years with the district.
Homes sales in Shelby County in December were slightly down but close to on par with November sales. There were 35 closed home sales in Shelby County in December 2023 compared to 32 in November 2023 and 38 in December 2022. Local home listings, however, were significantly down, from 50 in November 2023 to 22 in December 2023.
Horseshoe Indianapolis Casino, in Shelbyville, reported $85.6 million in total taxes paid last year, up from $81.7 million in 2022. That was in spite of a statewide drop in wagering and supplemental taxes paid, from $660 million in 2022 to $645.8 million last year.
A vehicle struck a deer on East State Road 44 at the intersection of East Woodland Village Park.
NATIONAL NEWS: The pandemic caused a serious increase in the national rate of chronic absenteeism among American students; that is, when a student misses more than 10 percent of school days in a given year. The rate almost doubled from the 2018-19 to the 2021-22 school year, when 28 percent of students are chronically absent and miss more than 18 days a year of school. Some cities have rates higher than 40 percent. (ProPublica / Numlock)
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This Day in Shelby County History
2014: Kent Apsley, serving his fourth term as Shelby County Prosecutor, announced he would be running for Superior Court Judge. Judge Jack Tandy had previously announced his retirement.
2004: A hearing was set to discuss obtaining a new water tower in Waldron. A smaller water tower would help reduce a proposed water rate increase, a local advocacy group said. However, the Waldron Conservancy District, the town’s water utility, said the larger tower was the better option.
1994: Officials at Personnel Management, Inc., 16 Public Square, announced plans to go public. The Shelbyville-based company that provided temporary help services to businesses planned to offer 735,000 shares of stock for sale with an initial asking price between $7 and $9. Company president Don Taylor was a former personnel manager at Shelby Steel Inc. He left in 1986 to start Personnel Management. He was the winner of the Indiana Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 1991.
1984: The steel frame for a shell building on Mausoleum Road was constructed. The 30,000 square foot building was being built by Blue River Industrial Inc. to attract new industry to the Shelby County area.
Shelbyville Central Schools officials announced a projected budget deficit in 1983 had not occurred due to closing the Major Kindergarten and Marion Elementary buildings. The SCS board re-elected Robert Leming as president and Irene Brunner as treasurer.
1974: Rev. Archer Shirley retired as minister of the Pleasant View Baptist Church. He had been in the ministry for 41 years. He had served as minister of the Fairland Baptist Church from 1933 to 1947 and then full-time pastor at Pleasant View Baptist Church since 1947. During his ministry there, membership grew from 0 to 479. A new church building was built in 1958 and a wing added in 1970. He and his wife, Grace (Hicks), were moving to Sarasota, Fla.
The Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts starting offering skating classes at the Roller Palace of Shelbyville, 940 W. Washington St.
1964: Films on at The Strand were “Elvis Presley: Fun in Acapulco” in technicolor, John Wayne in “Commancheros” and “Gorgo.”
Lana Dee Carmony of Union Township was selected Shelby County Corn Queen. She was a junior at Manilla High School. Other candidates for the honor were Linda Rund, Pamela Eck, Mary Alice Phares, Joyce Cole, Carolyn Alvis, Shannon Daily and Linda Sawyer.
1954: Applications were being accepted for two male officers and a police matron at the Shelbyville Police department. The officers had to be at least five feet, nine inches and weigh at least 165 pounds. The matron position was multi-faceted. “In addition to police woman work, the woman to be hired will do the police department filing, typing and keep traffic ticket records,” the posting said. The men would be paid $3,350 annually (about $38,000 in today’s money) and the woman $2,400 (about $27,000 in today’s money).
The Shelbyville Fire Department’s new 750-gallon-per-minute pumper arrived. The truck had a two-stage centrifugal Hale pump, a 500 gallon water storage tank and was powered by a 155 horsepower V-8 engine.
1944: The War Production Board announced that “sweets” - actually strawberry jelly, marmalade and raspberry jelly - would return soon to local grocery store shelves. Also, the board announced, “local druggists and other dealers will no longer require customers to turn in old tubes when they purchase new tubes of toothpaste and shaving cream.”
Priscilla Leffler, whose husband, Sgt. William Leffler, had been killed in action, received his Purple Heart decoration and an air medal with two oak leaf clusters.
1934: Ralph Kolkmeier, of Liberty Township, was crowned Hoosier Corn King.
Morristown men Carter Ross and John Nigh thought they had a raccoon treed when Johnny’s dog started barking viciously. “But upon throwing the rays of the flash light upon the limb where that coon was to be found sat a wee, tiny mouse, calmly looking on and wondering what all the noise was about,” The Republican reported.
A birthday party held for Kenneth Thomas, employee of the S.B. Morris store, had featured games such as “Kiss the pillow” and “Spin the bottle,” the paper reported.
1924: A five gallon still was discovered in a woods west of Wilson by land owner Tom Wilson. Investigating officers believed the owner of the still had dumped it there. It was taken to the county jail for disposal.
A woman at 139 W. Jackson St. filed assault and battery charges against her husband after they had argued at breakfast over a lamp. The man had been reading a book, and his wife, needing the reading lamp to prepare breakfast for their two children, moved it without asking. The man “objected, and his wife took the book, throwing it into the fire, when he struck her,” an officer’s report said. The man was fined $5.
1914: The Shelbyville High School basketball team lost at Richmond, 24-11. The Republican said the team was “unused to playing on the large floor.” Things were looking up, though. “The locals do not expect a hard game from the Rushville lads,” the paper said.
OBITUARIES
Steven Charles “Chuck” Miller, 67, of Shelbyville, passed away Sunday, January 7, 2024, at his home, after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer. He was born September 2, 1956, in Rushville, the son of Jarold W. and Patricia (Cole) Miller. On August 1, 1976, he married his wife of 47 years, Kathleen Smith, and she survives.
In addition to “Kathy”, Chuck is survived by his son, Jeremy W. Miller (Angela) daughter Tiffany Wilson (Ed); grandchildren Jacen Lands (fiancé Molly Seed), Jaxson W. Miller (fiancé, Maia Harris) Gracie Mae Miller, Steven Wilson, Lorelei Wilson; and great-grandchild Tycen Lands. He also leaves siblings Bob W. Miller (Peggy), Mickey Beck (Rev. Mike Beck), Bruce Miller (Karen) and Leesa Sanidas (Tim). He was “favorite” uncle to his many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother David Miller (Rita) and sister, Ruth Ann Miller.
Chuck had a passion for farming. From the time he was old enough to climb up and reach the tractor pedals, he was helping his brother Bob on the farm. After graduating from Triton Central in 1974, he went to work for a dairy farmer in Clayton, Indiana, before moving back to Shelby County where he farmed with Tom and Pauline Meloy. One of Chuck’s greatest joys in life was farming with Jeremy and Jaxson, who are carrying on the legacy today.
In 1987, Chuck started driving a bus for Triton Schools. Chuck ended up driving nearly every bus trip to events that his children had over the years, from marching band and show choir competitions to football and basketball games, he was always there. That part-time job grew into the position of Director of Maintenance, where he was blessed to go everyday and work with his best friends for a school system he loved.
He enjoyed playing tuba in the Shelby County Community Band and the Dixie Cats Dixie Band. He loved his trips to Myrtle Beach with his brothers and golf buddies, and cruises with his work friends. He was Kathy’s biggest fan, attending as many of her musical productions as he could and always willing to “stay with the kids” so she could take a gig. He was a selfless, loving, kind husband, father, brother and friend. He truly was one of the “good guys.”
He was a 50-plus year member of New Life United Methodist Church, where he served in many roles, from Sunday School teacher to sound man to Trustee. He was a man of God and an example to many.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday January 13, 2024, at the Triton Central High School Gymnasium, 4774 W 600 N, in Fairland. A Celebration of Life Service will follow the visitation at 2 p.m. Interment will be at London Cemetery in Shelby County. Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Memorial contributions may be made to the “Chuck Miller Scholarship Fund” or to “Our Hospice of South Central IN” in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be shared with Chuck’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
Mary Michelle “Shelly” Olinger, 36, of Shelbyville, passed away Sunday, January 7, 2024 at her residence. She was born December 7, 1987 in Shelbyville, IN. to Pete Olinger and LouAnn (Elliott) Dorman.
Shelly graduated from Shelbyville High School in 2005. She worked in Home Health Care. Shelly was a loving mother and daughter. Sophie was her life, and loved spending every minute with her. She loved to read and take care of people and would always put them first.
Shelly is survived by her parents; her daughter, Sophie AnnMarie West; her brother, Cole (wife Moonstar) Olinger; her sister, Tera Jones; and her step-grandmother, Shirley Olinger; her nieces, Nashaea Contreras, Aleah Contreras, Mia Contreras and Ava Ramos. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Charles and Susie Olinger and Willard and Mary Elliott.
Visitation will be Sunday, January 14, 2024 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Murphy-Parks Funeral Service, 703 S. Harrison Street, Shelbyville, IN 46176. Funeral services will follow at 6 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Ralph Botte officiating. Burial will be at a later date in Forest Hill Cemetery. Funeral Directors Greg Parks, Sheila Parks, Stuart Parks, and Darin Schutt are honored to serve Shelly’s family. Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com.
Joseph R. Bailey, 95, of Shelbyville, passed away, Sunday, January 7, 2024, at Ashford Place Health Campus in Shelbyville. He was born March 25, 1928, in Converse, the son of Donald and Roberta (Botkin) Bailey. Joseph is survived by his cousins, Betty Ardery of Shelbyville, Sam Ardery and wife, Patty, of Bloomington, Kirk Ardery of Indianapolis, and Jean McGair of Rhode Island. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Barbara Bailey.
In 1946, Joseph graduated from Muncie Central High School, and received his bachelor’s degree from Ball State University. Joseph was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving as Chief clerk finance office 43rd infantry Division, from 1950-1952. He was a member of the Methodist Church. Joseph retired in 1988, from IBM, with 30 years of service. He enjoyed playing tennis and was a member of the Innisbrook Men’s Tennis Group in Florida. Joseph was also a member of the American Legion Post No. 70.
Inurnment will be at a later date at Greenlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Fort Wayne. Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranches Inc., PO Box 2000, Boys Ranch, Florida 32064-9984. Online condolences may be shared with Joseph’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
Linda Joyce Thurston, 76, of Shelbyville, passed away, Sunday, January 7, 2024, at Franciscan St. Francis Health in Indianapolis. She was born April 28, 1947, in Shelbyville, the daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Marksbury) Carroll. On September 28, 1963, she married Joseph Dwain Thurston, and he preceded her in death on January 31, 2022. Linda is survived by her sons, Gregory Scott Thurston of Shelbyville, Jonathan Dwain Thurston and wife, Janna, of Rushville, and Bradley Aaron Thurston and wife, Mindy, of Greensburg; sisters, Shirley Axsom and husband, Ron, of Columbus, Diana Reed of Shelbyville, Teresa Greiber and husband, Randy, of South Carolina; brother, Robert Carroll and wife, Wilma, of Jeffersonville, Mike Carroll, Tim Carroll and wife, Theresa, David Carroll and wife, Cheryl, all of Shelbyville, and Tony Carroll of South Carolina; grandchildren, Morgan Hirschauer and husband, Keith, McKenzie Thurston, Marie Thurston, Hyatt Thurston, Riley Thurston, Jordan Thurston and JoLeigh Thurston; great-grandchildren, Lilli Dusenbury, Layla Hirschauer, Sawyer Thurston and Grayson Martin; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to Joseph, Linda was preceded in death by her parents; and sister, Mary Martin.
In 1970, Linda graduated from Shelbyville High School. She attended IUPUI and studied English and creative writing. She was a member of Blue Ridge Christian Union Church. She was also a member of the Christian Union Women’s Fellowship, where she served as local and state president. Linda worked in retail, until retiring in 2000.
Visitation will be from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Saturday, January 13, 2024, at the Blue Ridge Christian Union Church, 466 SCR 775 E, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176
Funeral services will follow at 11:30 am, Saturday, at the church. Interment will be at Blue Ridge Cemetery. Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Memorial contributions may be made to Blue Ridge Christian Union Church. Online condolences may be shared with Linda’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
Robert Jeffery “Jeff” Kermode, 63, of Fairland, passed away Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at Franciscan St. Francis Health in Indianapolis. He was born November 29, 1960, the son of Robert W. and Velma Marie (Kleiman) Kermode. Jeff and Athena “Tina”, spent 26 years together and were married on March 3, 2018. In addition to Tina, Jeff is survived by his son, Robert Jarrett Kermode of Pleasantview; step-daughter, Amy Beaver and husband, Chad, of Fairland; brothers, Steven Kermode and wife, Andrea, and Todd Kermode and wife, Brenda, both of Fairland; sister, Beth Riggs of Fairland; grandchildren, Drayton Kermode, Madison Beaver, Hayden Beaver and Corbin Beaver; uncle, Art Kermode of Spearsville; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
In 1979, Jeff graduated from Triton Central High School. He attended Rock Lane Christian Church. Jeff liked construction and enjoyed working, he owned and operated Hard Times Construction since the 1980s. He loved life, and also enjoyed skiing, boating, hunting and riding his motorcycle.
Visitation will be from 2 to 4 pm, Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Funeral services will follow at 4 pm, Wednesday, at the funeral home, with Pastor Carson Root. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692 or the Cancer Association of Shelby County, PO Box 844, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176. Online condolences may be shared with Jeff’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.