Tuesday, April 22, 2025
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: STEPHENSON RIFE ATTORNEYS
ACADEMIC ALL-STARS
Shelbyville High School students Mylez Clark, Everett Stegemiller and Brennan Haehl (left photo) and Shay Schiloski, Lucille Haacker and Kieran O’Connor (right) participate in a Quiz Bowl meet this Spring. All six are involved in Academic Super Bowl, which competes at home today. | photos by SHAY SCHILOSKI & JOY RIVERA
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: FULL CANOPY REAL ESTATE
NOTEBOOK:
Advantage Shelby County officials last night shared an update with the Shelbyville Common Council. Program director Amber Knopp reported that Shelby County students had a fall-to-spring retention rate of 82% in 2023, which was higher than the 76% retention rate in the Columbus service area.
Shelby County Commissioners accepted bids from HIS Constructors and Duncan Robertson Inc., respectively, yesterday for two bridge projects, bridges 128 (rehabilitation of historic bridge on CR 75 East, just south of CR 700 S) and 146 (full bridge replacement on CR 1100 S between CR 200 E and CR 275 E). Three-fourths of the project costs are covered by state Community Crossings grant funds. Mike Obergfell with USI Consultants noted that pending legislation, awaiting the governor’s signature, would cut the Community Crossings grants in half moving forward.
A vehicle stopped at a red light at North Michigan Road and State Road 9 was rear-ended by a black Chevy Equinox, injuring the driver stopped at the light. The Equinox then left the scene of the accident. The driver of the stopped car said the Equinox should have major front end damage.
HOOSIER NEWS: A bill passed by both the Indiana House and Senate increases the speed limit on I-465 from 55 to 65 miles per hour. The bill now heads to Gov. Braun’s desk. (IndyStar)
NATIONAL NEWS: Netflix reported revenues of $10.54 billion in the first quarter of the year, which was up 12.5 percent. Netflix has actually stopped relaying subscriber numbers, but the company did claim that membership growth and a price hike — $2.50 per month in the U.S., to $17.99 per month for the standard plan — was the reason behind the profit jump. Most research firms actually think that Netflix lost subscribers this quarter, estimating that subs dipped by 670,000 total in the U.S. and Canada. (Puck/Numlock)
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SHS Courier Archive Highlights
Jan. 13, 1954, Part II
Ana Lou Willis was the fastest typist in the school, at 88 words per minute. She was followed by Shirli Cole (70 words), Marge Clay (68), Darlene Clark (63) and Carolyn Rigsbee (58).
Tom Taylor, SHS class of 1953, had made the IU freshmen basketball team. Jim Plymate, also class of ‘53, was the only Indiana All-Star basketball player who didn’t enroll in an Indiana college. He was attending Michigan State.
Patch tests were given to eighth grade students. The test was a means of detecting tuberculosis. Out of the students who took the test, seven had positive reactions.
Several Golden Bears were working at the local FM station. Larry Schott, SHS sophomore, was serving as an announcer part-time for WSRK. Ronnie Biddle, a senior, was sports director, giving play-by-play at basketball games. Jan Stine was hostest of the Jan Stine Show. Other students - Darlene Clark, Bill Carney and Violet Strege - worked in administrative positions. James Barnett worked as the WSRK custodian.
Two alumni - David Andrews (‘49) and Norman Jenkins (‘54) had died in the service. Jenkins died at Camp Atterbury following wounds sustained in the gun shop. Andrews died from complications following an appendectomy.
Miss Eva Swanson, English teacher, was hospitalized due to a serious asthmatic condition. Mrs. Maurice Lemasters, was the long-term sub.
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: MAJOR HEALTH PARTNERS
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.
2005: MHP President and CEO Tony Lennen presented a plaque to Mary Kay Hart, manager of the hospital gift shop, in recognition of a new baby grand piano installed at the Benesse Oncology Center, purchased with funds from the shop. The piano was typically played by two volunteers, Jerry Wells and Mary Miller, providing music for those undergoing chemotherapy treatments.
1995: Shelby County Commissioners received 30 applications from people interested in renting the four-bedroom house and two-car garage on the Tindall farm. The county charged $475 a month in rent, and tenants had to pay utilities.
1985: Following multiple accidents at S. State Road 9 and McKay Road, Shelbyville police requested the state to install a stop light. The original design of the road had included a dip in the highway, so traffic going over 50 miles per hour wasn’t visible to motorists trying to cross. A flashing signal was later installed, but vehicles still crashed as drivers precariously stuck their vehicle fronts for a better look.
1975: Shelbyville High School’s Robed Choir, under the direction of Fred Prescott, captured first place honors at the ISMA audition. Choir members included John Davis, Steve Bowers, Wanda Wimmer, Tony Haggard, Jeff Horstman, Mark Biddle, Dan Fisher and Linda Lambert.
The Southwestern High School Art Club painted a “soft-sell” wall mural in the school concessions room under the gym bleachers. Carolyn Craig was the instructor. Students leading the project were Lesa Adkins, Ruthann Crosby, Robin Ray, Karen Gravely and Julee Davids.
1965: Prisoners from Indiana State Prison, Michigan City, shared their experiences of living in confinement to students at Shelbyville Junior High School. The program included having the prisoners behind simulated cell bars while they told their stories.
A three-way stop light was installed at Five Points as a test to see if it would improve safety for children crossing near Hendricks. The three-way light was in blinker operations during daylight hours. When children were coming and going from school, a patrol boy would flip a switch in a control box which caused all lights to go red for a full stop.
1955: Three hundred and seventy-two achievement certificates were distributed to Boy Scouts at Addison Township School. George L. Stubbs served as master of ceremonies at the event. W.F. Loper was the guest speaker. A tribute was made to Lester Mullins and James Brake for their service. Mullins then presented a plaque to Carl McNeely in appreciation for Admiral Corporation’s contributions to Scouts.
Local grocers met to discuss the possibility of closing on Sundays. Some said they would only close if everyone else did. No decision was made.
1945: Local appliance dealers met to discuss the development of FM radio post-war. They expected tremendous demand for FM radios following the war. “Such difficulties as static, interference, fading and tone limitations are eliminated in FM radio,” The Republican reported.
1935: Vending machines at Sexton’s Recreation Alleys on West Franklin St. were robbed overnight. Ray Sexton was the proprietor of the alleys, and he said both cash and cigarettes were missing.
1925: A local man was released from serving 40 days in the Shelby County jail on a charge of failing to support his children. A county farmer had agreed to employ the man and send a portion of his weekly ages to the clerk to be used for support of the children.
Schools in Smithland and Marietta closed for the year. Willard Day and Blanche Mount had been in charge in Smithland, with Eliza Becker and Jacob Conway teachers in Marietta.
1915: Elmer Woods, 11, was injured on North Harrison Street when he fell off a moving automobile. He and his friends had been “hopping” autos throughout the afternoon on the street, newspapers reported.
An art exhibit of reproductions of many famous paints closed after a successful run at the Elks Hall. Florence Morrison had organized the exhibit, which attracted numerous school children.
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: Freeman Family Funeral Homes & Crematory
OBITUARIES
Mary Kay Cortelyou, 73, of Shelbyville, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at her home. She was born May 18, 1951, in Shelbyville, the daughter of Raymond George and Mary Ann (Kappes) Zinser. On June 3, 1972, she married Paul E. Cortelyou, and he preceded her in death on September 3, 2021. Mary Kay is survived by her son, Anthony Cortelyou and wife, Lindsay; granddaughters, Taizly and Navy Cortelyou; very special partner and fiance’, Robert “Bob” Kelley; brother, Martin Zinser and wife, Tami; sister, Carole Rae Zinser Davis; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and special friends, Nancy Sanders Seeman, Ginny Hall Bogeman and Christie Miller. She was also preceded in death by her parents.
In 1969, Mary Kay graduated from Shelbyville High School and from IUPUI in 1971, as an x-ray technologist. She worked at Inlow Clinic as an x-ray technician from 1972 to 1984. Mary Kay was a member of Saint Joseph Catholic Church. She and Paul formerly owned Shadeland Tools in Indianapolis, in the 1980s. They also owned Cash and Carry Tools, until retiring in 2012.
Mary Kay was a very happy person and she loved all animals, especially her kitties, Cody, Carly and Hillary. She enjoyed watching all sports. Mary Kay also loved to travel and had been to all 50 states.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, April 25, 2025, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes, 819 South Harrison Street in Shelbyville, with the rosary recited at 10:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:30 p.m., Friday, at Saint Joseph Catholic Church, 125 East Broadway Street, in Shelbyville, with Father Mike Keucher officiating. Interment will be at Saint Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Shelbyville. Memorial contributions may be made to Shelbyville-Shelby County Animal Shelter, 705 Hale Road, Shelbyville, IN 46176 or Saint Joseph Catholic Church. Online condolences may be shared with Mary Kay’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
Robert Jonathon “Rob” Reynolds, 67, of Shelbyville, passed away on Wednesday, April, 9, 2025, at Ashford Place Health Campus in Shelbyville. He was born December 20, 1957, in Los Angeles, California, the son of Edward and Gertrude (Liekhus) Reynolds. Rob is survived by his wife, Angela Reynolds of Shelbyville; daughters, Kimberly Melancon of Morongo, California, Loreann Vickers, Stephanie Knight, Kieara Reynolds, Cassie Reynolds and Megan Reynolds, all of Shelbyville; brothers, Tom Reynolds of Arvada, Colorado, Rick Reynolds and Don Reynolds, both of California; sister, Susan Scouton of Colorado; grandchildren, Sylas, Eddie and Soren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
In 1976, Rob graduated from Redondo Beach Union High School and attended a junior college. Rob had lived in Shelbyville for over 20 years, and was a member of Saint Joseph Catholic Church.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 am, Monday, April 28, 2025, at Saint Joseph Catholic Church, 125 E. Broadway Street in Shelbyville, with Father Mike Keucher officiating. Friends may gather one-half hour prior to the Mass. Inurnment will follow in Saint Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Online condolences may be shared with Rob’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
Mark Edward Branson, 66, of Greenfield, IN passed away on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at his home. He was born July 24, 1958, in Shelbyville, IN, the son of John and Barbara (Gephart) Branson. Mark is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Mary Ann (Reed) Branson. In addition to Mary Ann, Mark is survived by his mother of Ray’s Crossing; brother, Mike (Diane) Branson of Ray’s Crossing; sons, Jeremy Wellman of Morristown; Cody Hunsinger (Morgan) of Syracuse, Utah; Heath Branson of Nashville, Ind.; and Cody (Wesley) Branson of Indianapolis; daughter-in-law, Malissa Hunsinger of Greenfield; grandchildren, Kayla (Austin) Hunsinger, Ella (Logan) Hunsinger, January Hunsinger, Grayson Hunsinger, Quinn Carranza, Reuben Branson, Hendrix Branson, and Reign Branson; sister-in-law, Donna Reed, of Arlington; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father; sister, Brenda (Branson) Cole; son, Sean Hunsinger; and brother-in-law, Randy Reed.
Mark graduated from Morristown High School in 1976. He was a man of many talents and even more stories. A retired engineer, he spent his later years enjoying life with his wife, Mary Ann, and his constant companion, his dog, Koop. He had a gift with animals—especially dogs—and anyone who knew him could attest to his calming presence and uncanny ability to connect with four-legged friends. He was, in every sense, an animal whisperer. There is nothing Mark wouldn’t do for his family, from building detailed dollhouses for his granddaughters to creating stories of his beloved friend, Smokey the Dragon, to keep them believing in magic. Mark’s hobbies reflected his curious and meticulous nature. He enjoyed collecting knives, savoring fine whiskey and cigars, and tending to his koi pond with great care. He loved nothing more than sharing good conversation, a drink, and a smoke with his sons—and lately, with his soon-to-be grandsons-in-law. His home was filled with warmth, laughter, and the smell of cigar smoke drifting from the back porch. A skilled builder and problem-solver, Mark was the person everyone called when something needed doing. He took pride in being the “go-to guy,” and even more pride in always being right (which he was—at least, according to him). He had a sharp wit, a heart full of stories from his travels, and a quiet strength that grounded those around him. Mark leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and loyalty. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the joy of knowing him.
A Celebration of Mark’s life will be held at a later date. Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St., Shelbyville, Ind., 46176. Memorial contributions may be made to Partners for Animal Welfare Society (P.A.W.S. Hancock).
Michael Wayne “Mike” Imel, Sr., 76, of Waldron, passed away on Sunday, April 20, 2025, at Major Hospital in Shelbyville. He was born June 6, 1948, in Shelbyville, the son of Wayne H. and Alfreda (Johnson) Imel. On December 12, 1969, he married his wife of 55 years, Judy (Hill Spitler) Imel, and she survives. In addition to Judy, Mike is survived by his daughter, Linda Imel of Waldron; son, Michael Wayne “Mike” Imel II of Knightstown; and grandchildren, Isaac, Donovan and Rachel. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Mike was a U.S. Army veteran, serving during the Vietnam war. He was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church. Mike retired from the United States Postal Service in 2009, with 38 years of service. After retirement, he became a “Walmart greeter”, and was affectionately known as the greeter that waved. He enjoyed going camping, fishing and playing euchre. Mike was an avid DVD collector of old westerns, he was especially fond of John Wayne movies. Mike liked Newfoundland dogs and horses. He loved the time he spent with his children and grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Monday, April 28, 2025, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St., in Shelbyville and from 11 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at the Zion Lutheran Church, 6513 West County Road 300 South, New Palestine. Funeral services will follow at the church, with Pastor Jason Taylor officiating. Interment will be at Zion Lutheran Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Zion Lutheran Church or Lutheran Hour Ministries, 660 Mason Ridge Center Drive, St. Louis, Mo., 63141. Online condolences may be shared with Mike’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.