Thursday, November 14, 2024

Nov 14, 2024

ABOVE: A fence on N 350 W was a topic of conversation at Tuesday’s Shelby County Board of Zoning Appeals meeting. | photo provided

by KRISTIAAN RAWLINGS & ANNA TUNGATE

Good fences may make good neighbors, but ugly ones bring out your enemies. Such was the case at Tuesday’s Shelby County Board of Zoning Appeals meeting, in which the board mediated a dispute regarding a fence at 657 N 350 W, Shelbyville, just south of W. Boggstown Road.

The fence in question was built on Anthony and Emma Jean Stewart’s property, about five feet in from the property line and replaced a 20-year-old fence that partially blew down in a storm. Some neighbors were less than thrilled with the result.

“I’m sure the Stewarts did the best job they could. They’re not builders, and you can tell by the pictures,” neighbor Devin Kanouse said, pointing out posts that were skipped. “I watched them build this. I didn’t see it all, but I never saw them use a scrape or a tape measure. They didn’t even measure when they put the slats up. They just stuck them up.”

According to county code implemented in 2008, the “mechanical side” of the fence must face inward. The resulting complaint after construction of the new fence, completed over a year ago, is the latest disagreement among neighbors, which each side detailed.

The BZA ultimately determined to give the Stewarts until Dec. 1 to make solid the side of the fence closest to the Kanouses. The rest of the fence must be fixed by May 1, 2025, with the possibility of a $500 fine on the line.

In other business, the BZA voted against allowing Adam Miller a special exception to operate Miller’s Lawn & Landscaping out of his home at 4580 W 300 N, Fairland.

The business had been a tenant at the same commercial address for nine years, but that place was sold on short notice, and Miller moved the operation and nine employees to his residential property, storing trucks, trailers and equipment outside, and business items in a large pole barn. Employees parked on a gravel surface in the rear.

Mike Nelson, a neighbor, complained that it was “not a run-of-the-mill-type home business,” but instead offered a variety of services, including snow removal and home remodeling.

After discussion, the board denied the request on a 3-2 vote, with Kevin Carson, Jim Douglas and Dave Klene voting against, and Megan Hart and Terry Knudson voting in favor.

The BZA approved the following petitions:

Approved a request to allow Trailer Sales of Indiana, 4324 East State Road 244, Shelbyville, to establish a parking lot within the 40-foot front setback requirements of the road. The property is located on 244 between I-74 and E. Michigan Road. A stipulation notes that widening of SR 244 would void the variance. However, it appears plans only call for widening the road on the east side at this time.
Approved Wesley Todd, 6292 E. Phares, Shelbyville, to install a dwelling unit in a pole barn for his parents. Brian Conner, a neighbor, raised concerns about adding more people and traffic to the area, which is located near East State Road 44, near the Shelby County Co-op and Ray’s Crossing Christian Union Church. “This is turning into I-65 throughout the day,” he said. The approval came with stipulations that the living space cannot exceed 900 square feet, cannot be rented and must only be occupied by Todd’s parents. The variance will expire when the homeowners move. BZA members noted that traffic issues should be directed to the County Commissioners.
Approved Mike and Lisa Delaney, 11395 N 600 W, Fountaintown, to build a pole barn on their property while their new home is under construction.

Addison Times Fundraising Efforts Underway

by KRISTIAAN RAWLINGS, Editor

Tim Barrick spoke at last night’s Shelby County Players event about “quality of place,” calling the establishment of the theater a matter of economic development. (More on that initiative in an upcoming edition.) The same applies to community news. That’s why The Addison Times has been steadfast in its mission to build the Shelby County community through quality, informative coverage and focus on both our youth and local history.

With the recent move to form a board of directors and not-for-profit community-supported news organization, The Addison Times is launching fundraising efforts for 2025, with a goal of reaching $44,500. Donors of at least $500 will receive recognition in the upcoming Winter magazine, to be mailed to supporters and distributed at the Shelbyville Holiday Parade. If you are willing and able to support the organization at that level to help us provide non-profit news to the entire community, please respond to this email and list how you would like to be recognized (business or family name) by Friday, Nov. 22. (We will continue individual fundraising over the next few weeks. Thanks to all of our supporters for your generosity!)

Those who have achieved that status this year and/or committed to that level of support (or more) for 2025 include: Stephenson Rife, Attorneys; Jordan & Brooke Caldwell; (Anonymous, Addison Times Board Member); Cagney’s Pizza King; Ryan & Jennie Claxton; John C. DePrez Jr. & Lee Marks; Matt & Jenni Haehl; Joe & Theresa Harlan; Chris, Kylie, Alaina, Everett & Vinn King; Runnebohm Construction; Mike & Wendy Stephenson; Bob & Susie Claxton; McGowan Insurance Group; MHP; Kristiaan Rawlings; Sandman Bros.; Shelby County Development Corporation; and Tony & Teresa Titus.

Giving can be facilitated either online or via a check to The Addison Times, 54 W. Broadway, #13, Shelbyville, Ind., 46176. Thank you for your continued support of daily local news and history!

NOTEBOOK:

The City of Shelbyville received a $15,470 grant through the Railroad Grade Crossing Fund to enhance safety at the railroad-highway intersections. Such passive crossings rely on non-train activated devices such as crossbucks and stop signs, as opposed to train-activated systems, which are typically funded through federal programs. The grant-funded enhancements will include upgrades such as signage and other warning devices to increase awareness and improve driver safety at these critical intersections.
NATIONAL NEWS: Manufacturers of toilet paper get needlessly clever with equivalences, claiming, for instance, that a sheet is some sort of consistent or fungible unity, and that double- or triple-ply tissue constitutes a savings. Indeed, a “roll” is not even a reliable unit; Charmin’s regular roll has 55 two-ply sheets, but good luck finding it in stores, as it’s more of a conceptual, Platonic idea of a roll rather than a legitimate product, with the mega roll being the one you actually get in stores. By the same logic, the Platonic Quilted Northern roll has 73.75 sheets, Angel Soft has 80 sheets, and Cottonelle has 61 sheets. (Vox/Numlock)
The Addison Times publishes essential news and historical content to build our Shelby County community, and is free thanks to the generosity of supporters. Those who donate $15 minimum one-time receive the remaining quarterly Addison Times magazine for 2024 as an appreciation gift. Support The Addison Times here!
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!

SHS Courier Archive Highlights:

May 18, 2008

Reporter Alaina Hauk asked teachers random questions. When asked to describe his alter ego, Vince Bradburn said “Todd McCullough” (fellow faculty member). Enough said.” Jenny Ramsey said, “A chain-smoking European who lives in a 400-year-old flat and eats three-hour lunches with her ridiculously fashionable friends.” Worst encounter with a student? Karen Bowman said, “A student went after another by grabbing their hair, while I was trying to separate them.” Dream career? “A stand-up comic,” Bowman said.
The eight seniors on The Courier staff were ready to move on. Tyler Hankins and Sarah Memarian had been co-editors as seniors and on staff for three years. Chase Yanzer said his favorite memories from the year had been hanging out with Ben Moffett-Apsley and joking around with Mrs. Schmidt. Ashley Rowland said the toughest part of the experience had been meeting deadlines. Kayla Bridgers and Katy Preidt said they would not miss when “no one (Yanzer, Moffett-Apsley and Hankins) brings food on Deadline Day.” Alaina Hauk said, “The boys always make my day with their craziness.”
Other staff members were Zach Bogue, Taylor Greye, Danielle Hunt, Kailyn Jonas, Stephenny Logan, Caitlin Moore, Cheryl Palmer, Caityln Purvis, Gabby Reed, Emily Scott, Jana Sneed and Jordan Stanley.

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 by The Addison Times from Shelby County Public Library Genealogy Department materials.

2014: Shelbyville Middle School music teacher and band director Patrick Horton received a McDonald’s of Central Indiana grant to purchase a new iPad and Smart Music app to help students learn to read music. McDonald’s owners/operators Paul and Karen Wojtowicz presented the check.

2004: Blake Sandman was invited on stage by John Mellenkamp during the song “Hurt So Good” during a televised concert in Bloomington. Sandman said his phone rang non-stop the next day, with calls coming in from friends throughout the country.

1994: Billy D. Cole, 50, a former Shelbyville police officer, was named town marshal in Prince’s Lake in southern Johnson County near Camp Atterbury. Cole had run against Mayor Dan Theobald twice in the 1980s.

1984: Several TRW Cinch Connectors employees were recognized with five-year service pins on the company’s 38th anniversary: Tom Skinner (plant manager), Ollie Sweet, Sherrie Yoder, Shirley Barngrover, Randy Northrup, Micki Pickett, Betty Covalt, Rocky Peters, Raymond Weintraut and Jeannette Lewis.

Following a three-year debate, County Commissioners voted, 2-1, to purchase a computer system for the courthouse. Auditor Tom Duvelius, a long-time advocate for computers, said he was hopeful to have it installed by early 1985.

1974: Twelve Shelby County high school students visited the courthouse as part of Youth Appreciation Week, sponsored by the Optimist Club. Participants were Debbie Terrell, Jeff Rouse and Patsy Roberts (Morristown); Brian Haehl, Mike Jester and Sabrine Wetzel (Waldron); Debbie Gray, Margo Whitley and Cheryl Hertzer (Triton Central); and Mark Hall, Terri Miller and Karen Siebert (Southwestern)

1964: Gov. Welsh issued an emergency order that halted leaf-burning and tossing cigarettes out of cars due to the driest autumn in 93 years.

A newspaper photo showed the Shelbyville High School cheerleading squad in formal attire at the Fall Wind-up Dance, held at the Elks Club. Cheer members were Nancy Coers, Rita Mitchell, Sally Vaught, Terry Koch and Pam Adams.

1954: Local mailmen were given caddy carts to help lighten the load. A photo was taken of the mailmen with their new carts, which included David Teal, Harold Baker, John McKenney, James Jones, Bill Briley, Harry Pence, Postmaster Louie Neu, Dale Howard, Kenneth Knight, Carl Riser, Dick VanCleve and Ted Lettelleir.

1944: Mr. and Mrs. Warren Allender, of Morristown, received notice that their son, First Lt. Warren Allender, would receive the Purple Heart and Air Medal posthumously. Lt. Allender had been killed while on a mission over Belgium as pilot of a B-24 Flying Fortress. Of Allen’s crew, four had been killed, four were German prisoners and two listed as missing in action.

1934: A local woman who had destroyed the interior of her home on Mausoleum Road had been also been arrested multiple times on public intoxication charges. Her attorney and the prosecutor worked out a deal that in lieu of going to women’s prison, the woman would leave Shelby County and never come back.

Fourteen new members were initiated into Shelbyville High School’s “S” Club. They were John Buell, Walter Stiers, Roy Anderson, Glen Murphy, Norman Drybread, Frank Blackburn, Claude Hendricks, Carol Trees, Kenneth Anspaugh, Earl Snider, Fred Smith, Edward Page, Fred Wagner and Vaughn Drake.

1924: After several locals had been arrested and charged with violating state game laws, some local farmers posted “No Game or Fish Commissioners Allowed to Trespass on This Farm Without a Warrant” signs. State officials said the placement of such signs would lead to increased surveillance of those farms.

There were 10 gas stations on Harrison Street between Franklin St. and the Blue River bridge, The Republican reported.

1914: Mayor Schoelch announced plans to install the city’s first municipal Christmas tree. Plans were also in the works for needy children to receive gifts at City Hall on Christmas morning.

OBITUARIES

Robert K. Silbert, MD, died peacefully on November 10, 2024. Bob was born on June 29, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Dr. David and Sylvia Silbert. Bob was raised in Shelbyville, Indiana. He was a graduate of Shelbyville High School, Indiana University and Indiana University School of Medicine.

Bob was in private practice for 45 years, practicing Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and founded PM&R Associates. During his last five years of practice Bob practiced Interventional Management and Regenerative Pain Management.

During his free time, Bob loved to play golf, sail, ski and spend time with his family. Bob was a long-time member of Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, Broadmoor Country Club and numerous medical societies.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Denise Lefkowitz Silbert; his daughters, Sarah Silbert (Richard Welsh); Lisa Silbert MD (Robert Geistwhite MD) and Abby Silbert (Josh Bjork); grandchildren, Campbell B.D. Welsh, and Ruby Geistwhite. His brother, Michael Silbert MD preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 11 a.m. in Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Funeral Home, 11411 N. Michigan Road. Shiva will be held on Wednesday, at 7 p.m. at Broadmoor Country Club, 2155 Kessler Blvd West Drive. Memorial contributions may be made to Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation or to the Hooverwood Guild.

Janet K. Keske Martinez, 78, of Shelbyville, passed away November 12, 2024, at MHP Medical Center. She was born April 6, 1946 in Indianapolis, IN, to Jay Keske and Betty (McGraw) Keske. Soon after baby Jan was born she had an accident on her Uncle Bob and was known as Poo-Poo most of her life.

Jan was a lifetime student of the arts from grade school at St. Patrick’s Church to Manual High School studying piano and visual arts. She and her third husband, Robert Crawford, an Indiana Artist, maintained a small art studio before Jan returned to IU Indy to pursue studies in literature and creative writing. Jan won a short story writing prize in 1986 at IU Indy that led to a career publishing short stories.

Jan moved to Shelbyville to be near grandchildren and rivers and create a body of work, living there for over 30 years. While there, Jan wrote many books of fiction over the years, which are now being published at https://amazon.com/author/jkmartinez. Jan spent time as a Spiritualist medium, healer, and ordained minister who trained and practiced at the Camp Chesterfield Spiritual Center. Jan also owned and operated stores with New Age and spiritual items and her famous healing teas in Metamora and Bloomington, Ind. She did these things while working and ultimately retiring as a director of group homes for special needs individuals.

Janet is survived by her sons, Brent Andrews and Kyle Andrews (wife, Denise); grandchildren, Amanda Bever, Alexa May, Blake Newkirk, Anthony Lugenbeal, and Andrew Lugenbeal; great-grandchildren, Elijah, Ellanor, Isabella, Allister, Mason, Lucas, Phoenix and Hailey; her sisters, Julia Voorhies and Charee Jones, along with several nieces and nephews including Beth Nicholson. She was preceded in death by her parents, her son, Scott Andrews, her sister, Deborah Henderson, and former husbands, William Andrews, David Ferguson and Robert Crawford.

Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, November 16, 2024 at Murphy-Parks Funeral Service, 703 S. Harrison Street, Shelbyville, IN, 46176. Funeral services will follow at 3 p.m. at the funeral home with her nephew, Stephen Michael Werner officiating and a reception will follow for family at Cagney’s in Shelbyville. Funeral Directors Greg Parks, Sheila Parks and Stuart Parks are honored to serve Janet’s family. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the IU Simon Cancer Center GI Cancer Research Fund at Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com.

Dennis D. Richardson, 67, of Waldron, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at Waldron Health and Rehabilitation. He was born November 23, 1956, in Shelbyville, the son of Ernest J. and Janet Sue (Andis) Richardson. Dennis is survived by his sons, Jimmy Richardson of Shelbyville, Jamey Richardson of Boggstown, Jacob Richardson of Greenwood and John Brown; brothers, Bill Richardson and wife, Laura, Doug Richardson and Charles Richardson and wife, Molly, all of Shelbyville, and Richard Richardson and wife, Missy, of Shelby County; granddaughter, Myah Marie Crist; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Jennie Richardson; infant brother, Jimmy Dean Richardson and his dog, Little Bear.

He worked at Detroit Steel for 25 years as a fork lift operator. In his free time, Dennis loved to be with his sons, cracking jokes with his one-of-a-kind sense of humor. He cared deeply for others and had a heart of gold. Dennis loved to make people laugh and had a passion for cars and racing. He also enjoyed going camping, watching westerns and Yellowstone, and playing bowling on the Wii. He will live on forever in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know him.

Visitation will be from 2 to 3:30 p.m., Friday, November 15, 2024, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Funeral services will follow at 3:30 p.m., Friday, at the funeral home, with Rev. Dr. Steve Bohall officiating. Interment will be at Van Pelt Cemetery in Shelby County. Online condolences may be shared with Dennis’ family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

The Addison Times