Tuesday, April 16, 2024
SITTING DUCKS
Mr. & Mrs. Duck enjoy the 80 degree warmth yesterday as they pose near the MHP complex. | photo by JACK BOYCE
Local Streets to be Repaved with State Grant Funds
The City of Shelbyville will use a $444,069 state Community Crossings Matching Grant to mill and overlay several local streets this summer, following recent announcement of the state award. The work will also include ADA sidewalk ramps, city engineer John Kuntz told the Shelbyville Common Council last night.
The following streets will be resurfaced: Elliot Street, from West Washington St. to River Rd.; Montgomery Street, from Hodell St. to West Washington St.; Noble Street, from Mechanic Street to Broadway St.; Jackson Street, from Noble Street to Vine Street; Progress Parkway, from McKay Road to Michigan Road; Pike Street, from East Washington Street to the railroad; Morris Ave., from Vine Street to Fair Ave.; Knightstown Road, from Morris Ave. to 240 feet north of the Coulston entrance; Maple Street, from West Washington St. to Franklin Street; Jackson Street, from Harrison Street to Pike Street; and Walker Street, from the transition to the railroad crossing.
The Shelbyville Common Council last night approved on second reading an ordinance requiring mobile food vendors to pay either an annual fee or equivalent donation to a local non-profit. “We’re not trying to be punitive to anybody,” Mayor Scott Furgeson said. “We’re just trying to make sure that people who come into our community and take money back out are actually supporting our community in some way.” The fee or donation will be $300 for a first vehicle and $20 for each additional vehicle. The farmers’ market vendor permit fee is $25. The ordinance contains exceptions for delivery drivers, children operating lemonade stands and those participating in special city events.
In new business, the council approved on first reading rezoning several lots in the first block of West Hendricks St., adjacent to the courthouse annex, to Institutional. Affected areas include two lots that the county recently purchased and demolished the homes. The land use will not change and the future use of the two residential lots will likely be for parking, Desiree Calderella, Shelby County Planning Director, said. There is still one house remaining on the block, which the county hopes to acquire.
The council also approved amending the Stratford Place Planned United Development, reducing the front-yard setbacks to 20 feet from 25 feet. Paul Carroll, representative with Davis Homes, said their plans had always included the 20-foot setbacks, and they discovered the issue when pulling permits. “(The 20-foot setbacks) would be consistent with the approved construction drawings,” Carroll said.
In miscellaneous business, Furgeson again thanked city employees and public safety personnel for outstanding work during last week’s solar eclipse. The mayor said he has received at least 10 emails from visitors speaking positively about their experience here.
Furgeson also said the city has received a $100,000 proposal from a firm for rebranding the city. He noted that the proposal includes a wide variety of services as part of the rebranding. The firm has recently worked with the cities of Greenwood and Noblesville. The matter will be presented at the next council meeting.
NOTEBOOK:
The Shelby County Historical Society is offering a one-hour Historic Walking Tour led by Kris Schwickrath, May 4, 2 p.m. Tickets are free for members, $10 for non-members. Register here. The tour begins at the Grover Center, 52 W. Broadway.
NATIONAL NEWS: Cats are having a moment in Hollywood, appearing in central roles in films like The Marvels, A Quiet Place: Day One and Argylle, as well as television shows and more. This is a bit of a sea change, as dogs have been somewhat notoriously more reliable on-screen presences than their feline counterparts. Historically, the reason should be obvious to anyone with even the faintest grasp of the temperaments of the respective beasts: Namely, cats do not have any respect for the will of humans, while dogs will do incredible feats for the vague promise of a little bit of hot dog. The reasons for the renaissance of cats on-screen are several, but two practicalities stand out. One, CG animation is now affordable enough to fix cats that are not good enough actors for a shot; two, animal handlers are getting better at working with cats. The state of the art has evolved substantially in the past several years, with one trainer needing 12 to 14 weeks to prepare a cat (and at least two understudies) for a film, lately to more reliable levels of success. (The Hollywood Reporter/Numlock)
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This Day in Shelby County History
2014: Officials of The Walker House, 2216 N. Riley Highway, changed its name to Walker Place. The change followed a recent rebranding of its parent company.
2004: Mary (Leiter) Peduto and Louis Peduto received a special anniversary gift from their children: a gift for the students at St. Joseph Catholic School. During a recent party to celebrate the Shelbyville couple’s 50th anniversary, their four children gave them their own scholarship fund. The Pedutos had told their kids not to buy any gifts. All four of the couple’s children had attended St. Joseph Catholic Church and school. The fund was set up through the Blue River Community Foundation.
1994: Waldron Elementary laid off three teachers due to declining enrollment: Tammy Orem, Gina Shugert and Tonya Wendling. They were on the recall list, to be used if enrollment improved by fall. Teachers Deb Dalley, Susan Wolf and Wendy Drake had been on leave, but would be returning.
1984: Members of Loper Blue’s city sixth-grade girls basketball tourney champions were Melinda Smith, Amy Debaun, Lisa Christian, Sharon Brotherton, Teaki Shepard, Kim Berry, Marijo Posz, Shellby Sosbe, Ronita Crisp, Wendy Hicks and Dee Ann Dennison. Nancy Moore was coach.
1974: A mountain of discarded tires and debris left on the municripal incinerator site, which had been abandoned north of Blue River from Sunset Drive, was disposed of, and the area was being graded and bulldozed. Street Commissioner Ray Evans said there were about 40,000 tires in the pile. The pile had been visible from Sunset Park. Mayor Jerry Higgins said the area could possibly be used for camping, if a suspension footbridge could be constructed across the river from the park.
1964: Annette Cavaness, 11, was named winner of the Pearson School Spelling Bee. Ellen Craig was alternate.
1954: The mayor announced a crackdown on those speeding downtown. He said all three police cars and two motorcycles would be used to enforce the matter at Harrison and Broadway. He said drivers going 21 miles an hour or more over the 30 mile per hour limit would be jailed. Mayor Banawitz also said the city parking lot between W. Washington St. and Jackson St. would open soon, and that none of the surrounding towns had so much free parking downtown.
1944: A fire at Aaron Leffler’s farm, near Geneva, destroyed two brooder houses and 500 chickens.
1934: Local beer retailers and city council agreed on operating hours. The establishments could be open at 5 a.m. and close at 1 a.m. daily.
William Mark, 20, suffered a concussion at the Shelby County Jail. Sheriff Elisha Crosby said Mark had been injured while “cutting up” with other prisoners in the bull pen in which he was detained.
1924: Members of the D.A. Bohlen architectural firm, Indianapolis, submitted a final report to city council on the recently finished Major Memorial Hospital building. The city issued a check for 85 percent of the work, with 15 percent to be held until any minor issues were resolved. City officials hoped the building could be opened by June 1.
1914: Plans were made for the first annual reading and oratorical contest, to be held at Shelbyville High School. Only boys could participate in the oratorical contest, and the reading contest would feature only girls.
OBITUARIES
Karen Sue Stieneker, 83, of Shelbyville, passed away Saturday April 13, 2024 at Franciscan Health of Indianapolis. She was born February 5, 1941 in Shelbyville, IN. to Victor Hirschauer and Lucille (Stader) Hirschauer.
Karen married her high school sweetheart, John Stieneker, on April 18, 1960. They were married almost 59 years when he preceded her in death on April 14, 2019.
She graduated from Shelbyville High School with the class of 1959. Karen worked as a paralegal for Peter DePrez for many years. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Joseph Social Club, Shelby County Democrats and a past regent of The Daughters of Isabella. She volunteered at Shelby Senior Services for the AARP tax program, as well as, Meals on Wheels. Karen was recognized in 2019 by the Chamber of Commerce as the “Outstanding Citizen of the Year”. She enjoyed tending to her hummingbird feeders, crossword puzzles and watching sports on TV. She especially enjoyed watching the Little League World Series. Karen was a loving mother, sister and friend to all. She was devoted to her family and her favorite times were spent making memories with them.
Karen is survived by her son, Troy (wife, Jill) Stieneker of Shelbyville; her daughter, Laura (husband, Bill) Stieneker-Taylor of Shelbyville; her grandsons, Dustin Stieneker of Arizona and Tyler Stieneker of Greenwood; her granddaughter, Lucy Ann Furiak-Taylor of Shelbyville; her step-grandson, Christopher (wife, Heather) Miller of Shelbyville; her step-granddaughter, Lindsey Bushfield of Shelbyville; her step-grandsons, Trenton Taylor of Indianapolis and Bradley (wife, Jennifer) Taylor of Milford, OH.; her great-granddaughter, Emery Jean Stieneker; 6 step- great-grandchildren; her sisters, Janet (husband, Aaron) Thornsbury of Shelbyville and Bonnie (husband, Charles) Oswald of Fairland; her brother, Dennis (wife, Julie) Hirschauer of Shelbyville; her sister-in-law, Louella Hirschauer of Waldron; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Tim Hirschauer.
A Rosary will be recited Thursday, April 18, 2024 at 3:30 p.m. at Murphy-Parks Funeral Services, 703 S. Harrison St., Shelbyville; visitation will follow from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, April 19, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Mike Keucher and Pastor Dennis Hirschauer officiating. Burial will be in St. Vincent Cemetery.
Funeral Directors Greg Parks, Sheila Parks, Stuart Parks, and Darin Schutt are honored to serve Karen’s family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Shelby Senior Services Inc. 2120 Intelliplex Dr. Ste, 101, Shelbyville, IN. 46176. Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com.
Brenda J. Knight, 76, of Shelbyville, passed away in her home on Saturday, April 13, 2024 surrounded by her husband, Terry, along with family and friends.
Brenda was born January 27, 1948 in Leitchfield, Kentucky to Tony & Winnie (Haycraft) Waddell. Her father died when Brenda was a young child, and she was raised by her mother and her life partner Bob Higgins.
Brenda graduated from Southwestern High School in 1966. She married Terry Knight in 1966 and this union was blessed with two sons, Gregory Knight and Michael Knight. Brenda was employed at Standard Register for 20 plus years, where she met and retained lifelong friends. She was also employed as a substitute teacher at Shelby County schools, also working at Trotter's Chase, and the local Century 21 office. She was also a full-time wife, mother, and friend, and a member of CCC for over 40 years.
Brenda's joy in life was her grandchildren, Joshua Knight and Ross Knight. Her greatest joy in life was her great-grandchild, Adalynn Knight. She enjoyed gardening, reading, shopping, and sitting with friends and family by the pool. Her great escape was time spent in Vevay at the property they shared on Plum Creek.
Brenda is survived by her husband of 57 years, Terry J. Knight, son Greg Knight (wife Amy) of Bradenton, Florida, son Mike Knight (wife Deena) of Vevay; grandsons Josh Knight (life partner Destiny), Ross Knight, who is serving in the US Navy; six step-grandchildren; great-granddaughter Adalynn Knight; brother Don Waddell (wife Kim) of Shelbyville; along with additional in-laws. She also leaves behind her beloved dog and companion, Lucy.
She was preceded in death by her parents Tony and Winnie Waddell, Bob Higgins, in-laws Robert & Hazel Knight, and sister-in-law Kathy Knight. Brenda was loved by many friends and family, and will be dearly missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made in Brenda's name to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN. 38105-9959. Online condolences may be shared at glennegeorgeandson.com.
Robert Louis “Bob” Esarey, 85, of Shelbyville, passed away Sunday, April 14, 2024, at Major Health Partner in Shelbyville. He was born December 16, 1938, the son of Theodore A. and Beatrice (Lynch) Esarey. On December 8, 1956, he married Janet Kay Webb, and she preceded him in death on November 17, 2018.
Bob is survived by his daughters, Janice Kay McDonnell of Shelbyville, and Deborah Ann Thompson and husband, Christopher, of Indianapolis; brother, John Esarey and wife, Gretchen, of Savannah, Georgia; grandsons, Brian Robert Wright and Daniel Steven Spall and wife, Courtney; great-grandchildren, William Wright, Elleanor Wright, Tate Spall and Colin Spall; a very dear friend, Sandra Colstock; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to Janet, Bob was preceded in death by his parents.
In 1956, Bob graduated from New Palestine High School and attended IUPUC for industrial engineering. He was a member of the New Life United Methodist Church. Bob was a retired veteran of the U.S. Army Reserve, with over 20 years of service. For over 25 years, Bob was a quality engineer manager at International Harvester/Navistar, retiring in 1985. He also owned a consulting firm, Bojan International, for over 20 years. Bob was a 50-plus year member of Free Masonry, with current memberships at Sugar Creek Lodge No. 279 F&AM, Franklin Lodge No. 439 F&AM and New Palestine Lodge No. 404 F&AM, where he was Worshipful Master. He was an honorary member of the Harmony Lodge No. 11 F&AM, Metamora Lodge No. 156 F&AM, Devol Lodge No. 766 F&AM, Branchville Lodge No. 496 F&AM, St. Luke Lodge No. 761 F&AM, Warren Lodge No. 15 F&AM, Franklin Lodge No. 107 F&AM, Shelby Lodge No. 28 F&AM, New Palestine Lodge No. 404 F&AM and Farmers Lodge No. 147 F&AM. By the Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons of Indiana, he was awarded the Order of Service to Masonry, and was Grand Lodge ritual instructor from 2014 to 2021. He was a Past Worthy Patron and 50 plus year member of the Fairland Order of the Eastern Star. Bob was also the Grand Representative for the Indiana Grand Chapter of Eastern Star, for the State of South Dakota, in 2021 and 2022.
Bob was also a 50-year member of the York Rite in Franklin. He was presented the Kentucky Colonel award by the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Bob was formerly the fire chief of the Fountaintown Volunteer Fire Department for several years. He also formerly served on the New Palestine Volunteer Fire Department.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Eastern Star services will begin at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday and will be followed by the Masonic service. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, April 18, 2024, at the funeral home. Interment will be at New Palestine Cemetery in New Palestine. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cancer Association of Shelby County, PO Box 844, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176. Online condolences may be shared with Bob’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.