Thursday, January 8, 2026
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: STEPHENSON RIFE ATTORNEYS
Plan Commission Issues Unfavorable Recommendation on Zoning Request
photo by JACK BOYCE
The Shelbyville Plan Commission, at 11:46 p.m. last night, issued a unanimous unfavorable recommendation to the Common Council regarding the rezoning to IG-General Industrial of more than 400 acres east of the Interstate 74-State Road 44 interchange. The request is tied to a potential multiphase data center development. The Common Council will meet Jan. 21 to consider the matter.
POET Announces $200M Expansion, Doubling Bioethanol Production
POET Bioprocessing - Shelbyville yesterday announced a roughly $200 million expansion that will double the facility’s bioethanol production capacity and significantly increase demand for local corn. The project will expand annual output from 98 million gallons to 193 million gallons, add 20 full-time jobs, and increase local grain demand by 32 million bushels, translating to an estimated $176 million in annual corn procurement spending and a projected $0.17-per-bushel basis uplift for area farmers. Construction is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2026 and conclude in late 2027. Company officials said the expansion strengthens stable domestic markets for farmers amid low commodity prices while positioning the Shelbyville facility for emerging opportunities such as carbon capture, expanded feed products and growing national demand for E15 fuel. POET officials said the investment reflects long-term confidence in biofuels and Shelby County’s role in the future of American agriculture and domestic energy production.
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NOTEBOOK:
Alexis “Rev” Pickett, a 17-year-old Morristown Jr./Sr. High School senior, is being held at the Shelby County Jail after her mother alerted authorities to online behavior that investigators say revealed plans for a potential school shooting tied to the school’s May 2026 graduation, The Indianapolis Star reported. Court documents allege the teen, charged as an adult with attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder and intimidation, discussed the plot with others on Discord and Telegram, shared violent imagery and videos of the school, and participated in a countdown to the planned date, though she later told investigators the threats were “empty” and tied to mental health struggles. Prosecutors say evidence included messages about using firearms from the home, coordination with an out-of-state girlfriend and others identified as conspirators, and statements to medical staff acknowledging thoughts of mass violence; the teen has pleaded not guilty, is held on a $1 million cash bond, and is scheduled for trial in April 2026.
Sean Scott has filed to run as the Democratic candidate for the Shelby County Council’s Third District seat. A Shelbyville native, Scott was born June 14, 1970, and is a graduate of Jeffersonville High School. He served five years in the U.S. Army as a cannon crewman and military police officer, with assignments in the U.S., Germany and Panama. After his military service, Scott worked for UPS, Arvin Kayaba, Eli Lilly & Co. and FedEx before returning to Shelbyville in 2016, where he is currently employed as a quality control associate at Knauf Inc. Scott is a member and trustee of United Steelworkers Local 32M and has said he is seeking office to represent working-class residents and support labor issues in Shelby County.
The Shelbyville High School girls basketball team (8-7) defeated Southport last night, 61-26. Jayla Ash led the Golden Bears with 18 points, followed by Maddy Jones with 9, Hannah Baker and Melia Cartwright with 8 and Savannah Collins with 7. The Bears’ JV team also won, 34-19, against Southport, with Kiah Pandoli scoring 8 points and Nevaeh Cole scoring 7.
The January free Senior Movie is “Song Sung Blue,” showing Wednesday, Jan. 14, at Studio 10 Cinema. Doors open at 8:30 a.m., announcements at 8:45 a.m., and the movie begins at 9 a.m. The event is sponsored by Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory.
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: Dr. Jim & Marci Rees, Kim & Janet Stillabower, Jerry & Ann Garrett, Kevin & Terri Nigh, Donald & Paula McDaniel and Dr. Jon & Janet Orem. 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: Gov. Mike Braun’s administration has asked the Trump administration for federal approval to toll Interstate 70, with the Indiana Department of Transportation confirming it applied for a waiver last year but offering few details about potential locations or rates. State officials say tolling is being considered as gas tax revenue falls behind growing road and bridge needs, even as Indiana’s overall reserves continue to grow. Even if federal approval is granted, officials noted it could be years before drivers actually see tolls implemented on I-70. (IndyStar)
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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: After serving more than 13 years as both a member of the Northwestern Consolidated Schools board and on the Shelby County Board of Commissioners, Doug Warnecke announced he would not seek reelection. Candidates who announced they would be running for the North District Commissioner’s seat included Republican Chris King and Democrat David Mohr, who had served as a commissioner twice before being defeated by Warnecke in the 2002 election.
1996: The Waldron girls basketball team defeated Southwestern in the first round of the Shelby County Tournament in a wild finish, with Jennifer Grinstead hitting an arcing 3-pointer with just three seconds left on the clock.
1986: A film crew was in Gwynneville and Morristown to make a commercial for Walmart. The commercial was about a man who was reemployed because of Walmart’s commitment to buy American goods. The man, a Fortville resident, was employed at Frazier Engineering in Morristown, which made outdoor patio furniture.
1976: The senior class at Shelbyville High School met collectively with Counselor Tom Strawn to discuss graduation, student Mark Campbell reported for The Shelbyville News. In other school news, ring designs for the class of 1979 were decided by a committee of 11 freshmen who met with Jostens representative Gary Long. Committee members were Natalie Agler, Robin Hadley, Carla Miller, Bruce Van Cleve, Rick Moorhead, Lisa Knapp, Liz Sirkus, Matt Brown, Scott Disser, Keith Limpus and Nancy Hebbe. In Forum news, senior David Frank served as discussion leader as the group debated the issue of capital punishment.
1966: Structural steel was erected for the new wing to be built at Shelbyville High School, which would be near the new auditorium also under construction.
1956: The Shelbyville Toastmasters Club was formed. Initial officers were Richard Gehr, B. Ellis DeTreville, Jack Worland, William Gill, Kenneth Bowman and Harold Cowin.
1946: Chester Sandman, chair of the merchants committee, announced that stores in the downtown area would again be closed on Wednesday afternoons. Stores had temporarily remained open on Wednesdays during the holidays.
1936: Local officials announced plans to establish traffic patrols at street intersections near three local grade schools. Young men between the ages of 16 and 25 would be hired through the National Youth Administration for the task. Intersections to be guarded were Harrison and Colescott; Miller and Taylor streets and Miller Avenue; and points near the Major school.
An automatic sprinkler system at the Indiana Cash Drawer Company helped extinguish a blaze before the fire department arrived. Sparks flying from a metal saw had set fire to a sawdust pile.
1926: A Shelbyville City Council meeting turned disorderly when a large crowd, which had overflowed the council chamber and into the lobby, only calmed down after police restored order. Tensions had flared after Councilman Frank M. Carr defied rulings by Mayor James A. Emmert, prompting calls from the crowd for Democratic chairman Herbert C. Jones to be removed from the room, according to the Republican newspaper. After officers intervened and the mayor reaffirmed council procedure, the meeting continued under tighter control.
1916: Catherine Bassett, the last charter member of the First Baptist Church, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Lon Bowman in Van Buren Township. Bassett had been born in 1822 in Missouri, and had moved here when she was three years old. She married Jonah Bassett in 1837.
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: Freeman Family Funeral Homes & Crematory
OBITUARIES
Kathryn E. (Runnebohm) Marshall, 96, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, at her Shelbyville home of more than 60 years. She was born Feb. 2, 1929, in Waldron to Edward and Matilda (Miller) Runnebohm, one of seven siblings.
Kathryn married her high school sweetheart, Richard Marshall, on July 16, 1950. They built their home in sight of both the St. Vincent de Paul church steeple and her parents’ home. Kathryn worked as a telephone operator at Indiana Bell Telephone Co. from 1947 to 1956, leaving with the birth of the first of their three daughters. She later worked for many years in an administrative capacity for Richard’s business, Marshall Trucking.
Kathryn was a tireless helpmate and host to all who knew her. Her life centered on her Catholic faith and her family. Over the years, her home hosted countless gatherings as Richard and Kathryn opened their home and pool to neighbors, friends, and many nieces and nephews. Family and nonfamily alike called her “Aunt Kathryn.” Guests grew accustomed to her fretting over her “bad” pies and refusing to eat until everyone else had been served.
In her later years, Kathryn cherished her role as “Grams” to her seven grandchildren. Christmas celebrations and summers by the pool were much-anticipated reunions. Like her solid brick home on East Michigan Road, Kathryn preferred to be somewhat adjacent to the action. She especially enjoyed working in her flower beds, praying the rosary by the window, and watching birds with Richard. A devout Catholic, she attended daily Mass at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, washed purificators, hosted Fr. Paul Landwerlen, and faithfully prayed for her loved ones throughout her life. She spent her final hours watching the birds outside her living room window.
Kathryn was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Richard Marshall; her grandson, Ronald “Scotty” Scott Jr.; her parents; and her six siblings, Ruth Schaf, Glen Runnebohm, Paul Runnebohm, Thelma Kuhn, Ray Runnebohm and Eddie Runnebohm. She is survived by her daughters, Sheila Marshall, Sharon Scott and Susan (Michael) Lee; six granddaughters; 18 great-grandchildren; and the “adopted” Toumey-Jester family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 4218 E. Michigan Road, Shelbyville. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m., with a rosary service at 10:40 a.m. Interment will be at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Cemetery in Shelbyville. Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St., Shelbyville. Online condolences may be shared at freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.
Raymond L. Bennett, 86, of Shelbyville, passed away Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, at The Willows of Shelbyville. He was born Sept. 8, 1939, in Shelbyville, the son of Raymond H. Bennett and Lorena M. (Boudreau) Bennett. He married Terri (Bogue) Bennett on Sept. 3, 1989, and she survives. Other survivors include his children, Michael (Rhonda) Bennett of Franklin, Shelley (Gary) Cazzell of Shelbyville, Anthony “Tony” Bennett of Shelbyville, and Annette (Robby) Carpenter of Shelbyville. He also is survived by several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Chris Bennett.
Mr. Bennett was a lifelong Shelbyville resident and a graduate of Shelbyville High School. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1958 to 1962, serving aboard the USS Oriskany. He was self-employed in restaurant food service for several years and later worked as a subcontractor courier for R+L Trucking for 35 years, retiring in 2025. Raymond enjoyed watching football and boxing, golfing, hosting race day parties, and spending time at Uchi Lake Lodge in Canada, but most of all he cherished time with his family.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12, at Glenn E. George & Son Funeral Home, 437 Amos Road, Shelbyville, with Father Mike Keucher officiating. Burial will be at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to the Shelby County Animal Shelter, in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be shared at glennegeorgeandson.com.
Debra Kay Kingery, 67, of Shelbyville, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, at her home. She was born May 10, 1958, in Ocala, Florida, the daughter of James and Carol (Borgenhagen) Levesque. She married Mark William Kingery on April 15, 1977, and he survives. In addition to her husband of 48 years, Debra is survived by her daughter, Summer Kingery and husband David Kennedy of Raleigh, North Carolina; her sisters, Barbara Ennis of New Palestine, Lois Kingery and husband Fred of Wilkinson, and Genevieve Crabtree of Philadelphia, Indiana; and several nieces and nephews. Also surviving are her dogs, LuLuBug and Maxwell, and her cats, Lucy and Marmalade. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Debra graduated from New Palestine High School in 1976 and attended Mount Pisgah Baptist Church. She worked as a credit associate at MacAllister Machinery Inc., retiring in 2022 after more than 15 years of service. She previously worked as a veterinary technician at Shelbyville Animal Clinic for more than a decade. Debra was a talented artist who created arts and crafts including primitive rug hooking, sewing, quilting, knitting, embroidery and welded metal sculptures. She also was an avid 4-H dog club leader.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St., Shelbyville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cancer Association of Shelby County, P.O. Box 844, Shelbyville, IN 46176, or the Shelbyville-Shelby County Animal Shelter, 705 Hale Road, Shelbyville, IN 46176. Online condolences may be shared at freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.