Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Nov 20, 2024

MUSIC TO THE EARS

Sixteen Shelbyville Middle School students participated in the Indiana Bandmasters Association All Region Honor Band last weekend, hosted in Greensburg. Front (L to R): Mason Freytag, Viv McIntire, Harper Kinsey, Evin McMillen, Zoey Rowland, Oliver Thurston and Josie Moore. Back (L to R): Erin Rush, Abad Garcia-Moreno, Mia Mullen, Zach Bailey, Austin Addis, Elliot Wung, Cam Spinks, Elizabeth Washburn and Anthony Schlottman. | submitted

SHELBY COUNTY SUNSET

Nov. 18, 2024 | photo by JACK BOYCE

Addison Times Update

Thank you to Mike & Denise Coffey & Family; Bill & Cathy Collins; and Jack Horner for your $500+ contribution yesterday, and thank you so much to each supporter who gave various amounts toward our 2025 fundraising goal.

Of the $44,500 goal, we have raised $32,411.55. Last year, many readers donated a one-time gift for 2025. This will not automatically renew. You can, however, make another one-time donation for 2025 either online or via a check to The Addison Times, 54 W. Broadway, #13, Shelbyville, Ind., 46176. We will once again provide a quarterly publication with extra news and photos in 2025 as a gift for your support of $100 or more. Any amount raised above the goal will be placed in a rainy day fund for 2026 operations and beyond.

Thank you for your continued support of daily local news and history. I appreciate each of you.

- Kristiaan Rawlings, Editor

NOTEBOOK:

The Shelbyville Board of Public Works and Safety yesterday approved a joint resolution with Shelbyville Central Schools regarding a pedestrian trail through the middle school and high school properties. “What was expected to be a fairly small piece of concrete, kind of a triangle to conjoin our trail with their existing trail, actually grew substantially because of ADA compliance,” City Attorney Jenny Meltzer said. The City has also worked with SCS to place a bike share station on that section of trail.
The Board of Works gave the owner of 321 Howard Street an extension until Dec. 17 to clean up the property. “(The owner is) working on it slowly but surely,” Troy Merrick, code enforcement officer, said.
The Lions Club will be collecting money for The Salvation Army’s bell drive at various locations around Shelbyville, including at the intersections of Harrison and Mechanic streets and Progress Parkway and Lee Blvd., on Dec. 7.
Work began yesterday reconstructing part of Berwick Drive, reducing it to one lane. There will be no signaling or flagging at the site.
NATIONAL NEWS: The puppet Lamb Chop’s days as a beloved character for children have generally subsided given that the transformative kids show is long off the air, but the puppet lives on with a new set of fans: dogs. Dogs cannot get enough of Lamb Chop. Chewy, the pet superstore, said that Lamb Chop is the second-most popular dog toy of any kind, with over 20 iterations in existence and multiple sizes ranging from the 6-inch small to the 24-inch jumbo. The trademark for Lamb Chop has ended up in the hands of Dreamworks, and the plush’s popularity has spiked since its introduction to the pet store supplier Multipet in 2008. One reason for Lamb Chop’s popularity is its versatility: It can be cuddled with or destroyed, and dogs with high prey drive can hunt the small creature while dogs with softer play drives can just have a good time carrying it around. Chewy reports that many, many customers buy five Lamb Chops or more per year. (The Atlantic/Numlock)
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SHS Courier Archive Highlights:

November 19, 1953, Part II

Marilyn Cooper, sophomore, was the nurse’s aid. “Have you ever noticed the red-haired assistant of the school nurse, Mrs. Strait? Marilyn’s job is making sure that everyone with any ache or pain sees Mrs. Strait during nurse’s office hours third period every morning except Wednesday.”
JHS students Diana Page, Sandra Eddleman and Lee McNeely were all selected to lead yells during the basketball season.
Alonzo Bowers, who for several years had helped Major School students cross the busy intersection at Harrison and Mechanic, had passed away.
New JHS basketball coach Vaughn Drake oversaw the first practice, attended by 76 boys. Jerry Moore was student manager.
Paul Bevelheimer was the new freshman basketball coach. Those who made the team were Dan Bass, Jon Carr, Joe Davis, Jerry Heiniger, Ray Jones, Norman Jackman, William Knight, Russ Kelsay, Gary Long, Jim McMichael, Charles Cole, Paul Means, Frank Mullen, John Nauert, Dean Russell, Dan Ramsey, Larry Smith, Jim and Jack Tindall, Charles Thompson, Marlin Thomas, Steve Van Cleve and Dick Wilson.
New GAA officers were Joan Fields, Karen Thompson, Susanne Stine, Annette Dellekamp and Pat Lancaster. Mrs. Ramsey was the faculty sponsor.

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’s Odds and Ends Collectibles announced plans to participate in Record Store Day on Black Friday. Several releases had just come out on vinyl, including those from David Bowie, Green Day, Miles Davis and The Grateful Dead.

2004: Even with three fully operating food pantries, local supply was struggling to keep up with demand. First Christian Church had just opened a food pantry, and within two weeks had served 50 families.

1994: Former Shelbyville Mayor Dan Theobald was appointed as a member of the Enterprise Zone Board by Gov. Evan Bayh. Theobald was also executive vice president of the Greater Plainfield Chamber of Commerce.

Overhead Door’s plant on 801 St. Joseph St. would close in Spring 1995, company officials announced. The plant, which had been at the Shelbyville location since 1974, employed 300.

1984: A short video tape to be used to sell prospective industries on Shelby County was ready for use. The eight-minute tape would be shown at industry shows. Tom Hession narrated the film, which cost $5,100, covered by grants and Knauf Fiber Glass.

1974: Major Hospital board members heard a presentation from Physicians Placement Group, headquartered in St. Louis, Mo., about staffing the hospital’s emergency room with “outside” physicians, on hours or shifts where the directors might need coverage.

1964: Rotary Ladies held a program at the Durbin Hotel. Robert Hayes, owner of the Mary Lou Shop, brought in a “furrier” to explain the latest mink and fur fashions.

The temperature reached zero. “The wintry storm howled into the state with such fury that at times it stalled traffic completely by cutting visibility to zero and laying a treacherous coating of ice over highways and streets,” The Shelbyville News reported.

1954: Over 4,000 people jammed the Blue River Builders’ “Home for All America” in a public showing for a completely furnished new Riley Village residence.

Police investigated a brawl that occurred following the Shelbyville basketball game. Robert Amos, sophomore and son of Whildon Amos, music instructor for county schools, received head injuries when attacked, allegedly by Silver Creek high school students or fans from the Sellersburg community. The incident occurred on S. Harrison St. near the courthouse.

1944: Russell Eck reported he had been held up and robbed as he stepped from his car, which was parked on N. Tompkins St. between Washington and Franklin streets.

1934: A special meeting was held to commemorate the 36th anniversary of the Shelbyville Elks Lodge.

1924: A new street lighting system was installed in Flat Rock and turned on for the first time.

An Indianapolis woman came to Shelbyville officials to state that a slot machine recently confiscated in Waldron belonged to her. She asked the slot machine be returned to her instead of destroyed. Police arrested the woman on charges of “unlawful keep and exhibit of a gaming device” and destroyed the machine.

1914: Earl Sosbe, 18, was jailed for the night after being caught smoking a cigarette. He had been arrested before, but the mayor had given him a lecture in lieu of jail time.

OBITUARIES

Jerry Lee Bennett, 69, was taken home to God on November 17, 2024. He was baptized on April 13, 2024, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jerry passed peacefully at home, surrounded by his beloved wife and caregiver, Debi Bennett. The couple was inseparable from the very beginning of their journey together.

Born as one of nine siblings, Jerry relocated to Connersville, Indiana, during his high school years, where he was blessed with the joy of fatherhood through his daughter, Crystal (James) Coffey. He was known for his independence, strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a certain stubbornness that endeared him to those who knew him.

In his younger years, Jerry lived in California, where he worked as an auto mechanic for the Los Angeles Police Department. He had a passion for fitness, participating in marathons and enjoying basketball. Upon returning to Indiana, he found joy in winning dart, pool, and card tournaments and embraced his love for hunting and fishing until the very end.

Jerry eventually settled in Shelby County, where he worked for Knauf Fiberglass, ultimately retiring from this position after 37 years. It was there that he met his true love, Debi (Neice) Bennett, with whom he shared 34 wonderful years. Together, they united their families and raised four children, who brought them immense pride. Jerry had a special bond with his stepchildren, Jason (April) Theobald, Austin Theobald, and Toni Lynn (Bennett) Vaught, embracing them as his own. He cherished his role as a grandfather, reveling in the joy of his nine grandchildren- Mariah (Gabe) Kerber, Luke Fogle, Savannah Fogle and partner Austin Hamilton, Chase Theobald, Scarlett Willey, Evan Ensminger, Jackson Vaught, Chloe Theobald, Sam Vaught; and six great-grandchildren- Damon, Haddon, Sonny, & Ivan Kerber, Leilani Drake, and Amira Hamilton; three sisters, Lorraine (Joe) Asher, Joanie (Kenny) Bennett, Anna (Harry) Montgomery; brother- Stevie Bennett; half-sister, Lisa (Ronnie) Hubbard; and an overabundance of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Charles and JD Bennett; sister Ira Mae Cummins; and grandsons Cameron and Landon Fogle.

Jerry will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come, leaving behind a legacy of love and laughter.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. on Friday, November 22, 2024 at Glenn E. George & Son Funeral Home, 437 Amos Road, with Pastor Ken Morgan officiating. Burial will be in Bennett Cemetery. Friends may call on Friday morning from 11 a.m. until the time of the service, at the funeral home. Online condolences may be shared at glennegeorgeandson.com.

Kathleen (Galema) Colgate, whose family is from the Netherlands, was the first born of six children in Indianapolis to Margaret Lucille Galema and Maurice John Galema.

She graduated from St. Mary Academy in 1955, married Charles Kenton Colgate in April 1958, and later retired from Indiana National Bank. Her favorite things in life were her religion, her friends and family, son-in-law Sylvester Rogers, her "grand-cat" Claudia, Bowling (since 1970), basketball, ice skating, football, snapdragons, poinsettias, the American flag, crocheting, collecting figurines of monks, moose, the music of Glenn Campbell, Roy Orbison, and Dionne Warwick, celebrities such as Larry Byrd, Peter Falk, and Sean Connery, and she especially cherished her Bowling Friends.

Kathleen is survived by her daughter, Blithe Colgate (Sylvester Rogers), siblings Patricia Ann Daugherty (Curtis), John Galema (Barbara), Sharon Galema, Marie Collins (Richard Collins), Josephine Cleveland (Charles).

Visitation will be held on Monday, November 25, 2024, from 3 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Flanner Buchanan - Washington Park East (10722 East Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46229). Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at 11 a.m.

Bertha Louise Fisher, 98, of Fairland, passed away Monday, November 18, 2024, at the Franciscan Hospice House in Indianapolis. She was born July 30, 1926, in Shelby County, the daughter of Hubert and Mabel (Callahan) Mullen. On June 26, 1947, she married Ralph Edward Fisher, and he preceded her in death on August 19, 2022. Bertha is survived by her daughters, Michaelynn Trimble and husband, Jerry, of Fairland, and Janet Stucker of Fairland; sons, Mark Fisher and wife, Beverly, of Shelbyville, and David Fisher and wife, Michelle, of Indianapolis; brother, Harold “Sonny” Mullen and wife, Madelyn, of Shelbyville; sisters-in-law, Louise Mullen and Barbara Fisher; brother-in-law, Russell Schofner; 15 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; numerous great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to Ralph, Bertha was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Mary Dell Schofner; brother, Norman Mullen; son-in-law, Joe Allen Stucker Jr.; and daughter-in-law, Maureen Fisher.

Bertha was the last surviving member of the Fairland High School Class of 1944. After graduating she attended business college. She loved her family and enjoyed spending special moments creating lasting memories. Bertha also enjoyed working crossword puzzles.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to Noon, Monday, November 25, 2024, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. The funeral service will follow, with Pastor Roger McDaniel officiating. Interment will be at Fairland Cemetery in Fairland. Memorial contributions may be made to the Franciscan Health Foundation, 8778 Madison Avenue, Suite 100, Indianapolis, Indiana 46227 or Fairland Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 225, Fairland, Indiana 46126. Online condolences may be shared with Bertha’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Corasue Hatton, 72, of Waldron, passed away Thursday, November 14, 2024 at MHP Medical Center. She was born March 3, 1952 in Shelbyville, Ind., to Howard Ethan Cole and Mary Francis (Sturdivent” Petro.

She graduated from Shelbyville High School with the class of 1970 and attended IUPUC for 2 years. Corasue attended Wesley Chapel Weslyan Church. She worked for the Shelby County Public Library for 10 years and worked with the State Board of Genealogy. She taught Sunday school and volunteered in coaching the Indiana Special Olympics for 35 years. Corasue also volunteered with the Boys Scouts for 25 years and worked in the home economic group for the mentally handicapped adults.

She married Alonzo Hatton on March 6, 1971 and he survives. She is survived by her sons, Howard Hatton and Phillip (wife, Lisa) Hatton; her daughter, Cynthia (husband, David) Pickett; her grandsons, Wesley Hatton, Michael Pickett and Myles Pickett; her granddaughter, Malena Pickett; her step-brother, Tom (wife, Kay) Campbell; her half-sisters, Patricia (husband, Jim) Baker, Carol Cole and Holly Cole; her half-brothers, Michael Cole, Robert Cole, David Petro and Ronnie Petro and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; her half-sisters, Jackie and Brenda Cole.

Visitation will be Thursday, November 21, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Murphy-Parks Funeral Service, 703 S. Harrison Street, Shelbyville, IN, 46176. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Pam Loyd officiating. Funeral Directors Greg Parks, Sheila Parks and Stuart Parks are honored to serve Corasue’s family. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Shelby County Public Library Genealogy Department, 57 W. Broadway St., Shelbyville, IN 46176 or donor’s favorite charity. Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com.

Paul Edward Fair, 82, of Shelbyville, passed away Monday, November 18, 2024 at his residence. He was born December 19, 1941 in Shelbyville, Ind., to Leland Fair and Helen (Williams) Fair.

He worked as a salesman in many different professions. Paul loved his Lord and Savior. He had a passion for football, fishing, watching western movies and riding his motorcycle. Paul’s most precious joy was spending time with his family and especially his grandchildren.

He married Sandy Fair on August 4, 1972 and she preceded him in death on October 14, 2023. He is survived by his daughters, Melissa Stewart, Michelle (husband, John) Fuel and Amy (husband, David) Platt; his grandchildren, Isabelle, Landon, Mason, Brad, Kristen, Rachel and Katheryne; his great-grandchildren, Caden, Harrison and Evelyn. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; his daughter, Debbie Duesenbury; his son-in-laws, David Muth and James A. Stewart; his sisters, Joann Heck and Janet Treon; his brothers, Dale Fair and Larry Fair.

Visitation will be Saturday, November 23, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Murphy-Parks Funeral Service, 703 S. Harrison Street, Shelbyville, IN, 46176. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Pastor James Thurman and Pastor Brian Farnsley officiating. Burial will be in Whispering Hope Memorial Gardens. Funeral Directors Greg Parks, Sheila Parks and Stuart Parks are honored to serve Paul/s family. Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com.

The Addison Times