Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Doane Enters Commissioners Race
J.T. Doane files to run for Shelby County Commissioner - South District last week, pictured here with county election deputy Jeff Sponsel. | submitted
J.T. Doane filed last week to run for the Shelby County Commissioner South District seat. With current Commissioner Don Parker not seeking re-election, Doane will face Nathan Runnebohm in the Republican May primary.
Doane is a consultant serving as Community Development Director for the City of Delphi. He works with the Delphi Main Street program and is a Delphi Rotarian. He has a Master Citizen Planner Certificate through American Citizen Planner - Indiana, is a Leadership Carroll County graduate and a certified Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) grant administrator. He is a University of Southern Indiana graduate (Bachelor of Arts in Political Science) who played on the USI soccer team.
Doane said that while he is “newer” to Shelby County, he and his wife, Pamela, are proud Shelby County residents. They attend Fair Haven Christian Church and have five adult children in their blended family.
The candidate said he is “prepared and ready to serve Shelby County.”
“It is important to engage the public’s partiicpation and feedback in developing planning initatives,” Doane said in a press release. “It is essential to develop innovative ways to communicate and share information to the public. While it is important to continue to honor our heritage, it is imperative to be investing in our future in a strategic, fiscally responsible manner.”
Doane emphasized the need to develop a vision for the county’s future. “A plan without action is just a dream,” he said.
He can be reached at VoteDoaneForCommissioner@gmail.com.
(Following publication, Mr. Doane asked that additional information from his media release be included: “Serving as Delphi Rotary President. Member of Indiana Barn Foundation. Actively speaks at events to honor our Veterans and Armed Forces.”)
NOTEBOOK:
A Meet the Candidates event, hosted by the Northwest Shelby County Concerned Citizens Coalition, has been set for Tuesday, April 9, 7 p.m., at the Moral Township Volunteer Fire Department station.
Shelby County resident Mike Carpenter approached Shelby County Commissioners yesterday to ask about the Shelby County Broadband Task Force, the advisory board of unpaid community stakeholders who have been discussing expanding broadband access to the county. (With Indiana receiving $868 million in federal high-speed internet funding, counties are moving quickly to qualify for funds. The Broadband Task Force, headed by Linda Sanders, has spearheaded the efforts.) Commissioner Jason Abel said the group is open to input, and that “insinuations (on Facebook’s Let It Out Shelbyville) that we’re trying to keep secrets from the public or that we are trying to spend property tax dollars” were inaccurate.
Courtney Chapella was named new executive director of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce last week. Chapella has worked at the Chamber for over 13 years. She is a graduate of Morristown High School and University of Indianapolis.
NATIONAL NEWS: A 200-foot-tall AM radio tower belonging to the radio station WJLX 101.5 FM/1240 AM in Alabama has gone missing, and is believed to have been stolen. It's been there since the 1950s, and all that remains now is a pile of wires where otherwise a $200,000 structure once was. Replacement costs just to bring things back online are estimated to be $60,000. (Ars Technica/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 a minimum of $5 a month (or $60 one-time) receive an exclusive quarterly Addison Times magazine as an appreciation gift.
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!
This Day in Shelby County History
2014: While Shelbyville had not seen any measurable snow in a week, street department and city officials were faced with a new issue: snow mounds. The intersection of Meridian and Colescott was one area identified as potentially blocking traffic views. There were also some complaints of individuals plowing their driveways or parking lots and blocking sidewalks, city officials said.
2004: The Shelby County Sertoma Club issued annual awards. Scott Huber was named Sertoman of the Year; Jack Tandy, Service to Mankind Award; and Jake Williams, winner of the sixth grade essay contest.
Rep. Luke Messer introduced a concurrent resolution to the Indiana House urging the Indiana Department of Transportation to rename a section of State Road 44 between Shelbyville and I-65 after the late Rep. W. Roland Stine. Stine had been killed April 24, 2003 after being struck by a drunk driver while on his way home from his work in the Indiana General Assembly. Stine’s daughter Susanne, wife Carole and son Jason were present during the resolution’s presentation.
1994: A long-awaited pump station was placed in the ground at the new Shelby County jail. The police department, which had already moved into the building, used the restrooms in the courthouse while the sewer lines were disconnected for a day and a half.
1984: Shelbyville Mayor Dan Theobald said Indiana Cities Water Corp. should drill new water wells to prevent future problems with chemical contamination in the city’s water. A state report had said that PPG Industries in the 1950s through early 1970s had pumped phenol-contaminated water into the Blue River at levels 229 times greater than the level considered potentially harmful to plants and animal life. (The incident led to a series of popular Dee Bonner cartoons featuring “Phreddie Phenol,” a few of which are posted below.)
1974: Shelby County received funds to begin administering the federal food stamp program here.
First place winners in the Shelbyville Optimist Club’s Pass, Dribble and Shoot Contest held at the Boys Club were honored at a Chicken and Steak Restaurant banquet. They were Bobby Knecht, 9, Loper; David Crafton, 8, Marion; Dennis Fahnestock, 13, Union Middle School; Danny Beaty, 11, Triton West; Jeff Knecht, 10, Loper; and Mark Craft, 12, Marion. John Thomas was the contest chairman.
1964: Triton Central High School queen candidates were named: Betty Asher, senior; Carol Ollis, junior; Chris Rickard, sophomore; and Sara Woodall, freshman.
A former Shelbyville resident, Sgt. Grover “Happy” Comstock, was honored as Outstanding Soldier of the Year by officials of his base and the adjacent Texas community. Comstock was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Kelley, Shelbyville.
1954: Students of the 5A and 6B classes at Colescott school presented a play under the direction of Mrs. Howard, Mrs. Scott and Mrs. Hey. Those with leading roles in the production were Timmy Pope, Bobby Silbert, Trudy Haley, Linda Lawrence, Judy Weingarth, Tim Douglas, Kenneth Cawood and Larry Brokering.
1944: A man involved in an auto accident at St. Marys and Franklin streets was arrested and charged with being an Army deserter.
A heavy snowfall led The Republican newspaper to complain about the Street Department. “In the past, a heavy snowfall such as occurred Thursday night would have found the snowplows out with the first crack of daylight, but not now. The equipment appears to have been lost in the shuffle somewhere - or maybe it’s buried in snow, too,” the paper said.
1934: Local needy families received eggs, flour, canned beef, butter and salt pork from the federal government. Approximately 300 families in Addison Township received the relief.
The remodeled Booker T. Washington School on S. Harrison St. was dedicated and plans were announced for “Negro History Week.” Dr. A.E. Cowley gave a speech on “The Ideals of Lincoln.” Shelbyville school superintendent W.F. Loper also spoke.
1924: D. Wray DePrez received a radio-gram from his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.G. DePrez, who were aboard the steamship Equador in the Pacific Ocean en route to California. They reported they were “enjoying the voyage to the fullest extent.”
Members of the Shelbyville High School basketball team were presented with sweaters bearing the school letter. The presentations were made in private after school. “The boys did not care to parade before the entire school and be made over, they informed the teachers,” The Republican said. The sweaters were black with a black letter “s” trimmed in gold. Boys receiving sweaters were Hodges, Barnett, Green, Applas, McComas, Fix, Dunigan, Swick, Latshaw, Ayres, Keeney, Antle and Kendall.
1914: The Shelbyville High School senior class elected to put on Jane Austin’s “Pride and Prejudice” as their senior play. Dancing would be included, leading to the newspaper sub-head, “Question of dancing: pupils of school believe that dancing would increase the spirit of the school - but would it?”
OBITUARIES
After 95 wonderful years, Elmer Harlan Brattain passed away Sunday, February 11, 2024, at Cypress Run, Morristown Manor in Morristown.
A lifelong resident, Elmer was born in Shelbyville on January 3, 1929, the son of Floyd Brattain and Geraldine (Jones) Crosby. On November 14, 1953, he married Elsie “Mickey” Kreiger, and she preceded him in death on March 17, 1996. He married Sharon Coers Hebbe on May 12, 1999, and she survives.
Elmer is survived by his son, William “Scott” Brattain and favorite daughter-in-law, Mary Brattain, of Shelbyville; daughter, Pamela Brattain of Greensburg; his beloved grandson, Jake Brattain, of Shelbyville; and several nieces, nephews, and friends.
In addition to Mickey, Elmer was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Kay McBroom, Carolyn Schnieder, and Beverly Sue Mitchko; and brother, Floyd Dale Brattain.
Post-graduation from Shelbyville High School in 1947, Elmer worked in construction before entering the U.S. Army and serving during the Korean Conflict. He spoke proudly of his service, being discharged on September 10, 1953, as a Master Sergeant.
Elmer spent many years in the construction industry, working for Geupel DeMars, Inc., managing projects such as the restoration of the Soldiers & Sailors Monument and construction of the Indiana School for the Deaf, and with his own company Brattain Company, Inc.
After his retirement, Elmer continued to serve his community and live life to the fullest – he held a private pilot’s license and was President of the Shelbyville Aviation Board for many years, he volunteered at Major Hospital, he was a member of Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, he deep sea fished with his son in Florida, and he frequently helped on his grandson’s construction projects. He loved spending time with his family and friends, sharing stories and offering encouragement with a smile.
The family would like to thank the staff at Cypress Run for their care and compassion over Elmer’s last few months.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 pm, Friday, February 16, 2024, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Funeral services will be at 11 am, Saturday, February 17, 2024, at the funeral home, with Rev. Dr. Robb Barlow officiating. Interment will be a private family ceremony at Forest Hill Cemetery. Online condolences may be shared with Elmer's family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
David L. Bontrager, 70, of Shelbyville passed away Thursday, February 8, 2024 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born March 29, 1953 in Elkhart, IN to Levi E and Ada Mae (Eash) Bontrager. David married Cheri Micchia on July 14, 1990 and the following year they welcomed a new addition when son Elijah joined big brother, Adam.
David was a proud Union Carpenter and a member of the Carpenters Union Local 301. He loved spending time with his family, and his dog, Johnny. David also enjoyed going to the casino with his wife, fishing, gardening, and riding his Harley Davidson
David is survived by his wife, Cheri, his sons Elijah (wife, Jessie) Bontrager and Adam (wife, Gabriella) Klos, 3 grandsons, Caleb, Nolan, and Luis, his brothers, Daniel (wife, Anna) Bontrager, Samuel (wife, Rhonda) Bontrager, Ervin (wife, Linda) Bontrager, Melvin (wife, Ann) Bontrager, Ray (wife, Regina) Bontrager, and Earl (wife, Angela) Bontrager, his sisters, Esther (husband, Lamar) Hochstetler, Freda (husband, David) Zehr, Wilma (husband, Galen) Miller, Mary Sue (husband, Aden) Chupp and Irene (husband, Vernon) Schmucker, 56 nephews and nieces, plus at least 96 great- nephews and nieces. David was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Perry L. Bontrager, his great niece, Taylor and great nephew, Elijah.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, February 15, 2024 at Murphy-Parks Funeral Service, 703 S. Harrison Street, Shelbyville, IN 46176. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Whispering Hope Memorial Gardens and Crematory. Funeral Directors Greg Parks, Sheila Parks, Stuart Parks, and Darin Schutt are honored to serve David’s family. Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com.
Stephen Mitchell, 80, of Shelbyville, passed away Friday February 9, 2024 at his residence. He was born February 23, 1943 in Blue Ridge, Ind., to William Mitchell and Wilma (Sullivan) Mitchell.
Stephen graduated from Waldron High School. He served in the United States Army. Stephen was a member of the VFW, American Legion and NRA.
He married Mary (Leap) Mitchell in 1978, and she preceded him in death on May 12, 2007.
Stephen is survived by his sister, Patricia Mercer; his children, Keith Kuhn, Angela Miles, Ann Ashcraft, Todd Kuhn, Eva Carter and Melissa Kuhn ; his grandchildren, Brooke Allen, Ryan Kuhn, Brandon Kuhn, Kory Kuhn, Chrystain Kuhn, Careressa Gaines, Collin Mitchell, Kinsey Taylor, Jessica Taylor, Sarah Pogue, Sharon Pogue, Dylan Post, Sandra Salazar, Yesenia Rivera, Osiel Rivera, Valyncia Carter, Eleisha Carter, Julie Carter, Tammara Carter and Devin Carter; several great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; his sister, Ruth Mitchell; his brothers, Fred Mitchell, Tom Mitchell and Charles Mitchell
Visitation will be Saturday, February 17, 2024 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Murphy-Parks Funeral Service, 703 S. Harrison Street, Shelbyville, IN 46176. Funeral services will be Sunday, February, 18, 2024 at noon with Pastor Jose Rivera officiating, with military rites conducted by our local Veteran Organization. Burial will be in Blue Ridge Cemetery at a later date. Funeral Directors Greg Parks, Sheila Parks, Stuart Parks, and Darin Schutt are honored to serve Stephen’s family. Memorial contributions may be given to American Legion, 1125 Miller Ave, Shelbyville, IN. 46176 or VFW, 1622 IN-44, Shelbyville, IN. 46176 or Shelbyville Animal Shelter, 705 Hale Rd, Shelbyville, IN. 46176 in care of Murphy-Parks Funeral Services, 703 S. Harrison St., Shelbyville, IN. 46176. Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com.
Crystal Lynn Ortel, 49, of Shelbyville, passed away Saturday, February 10, 2024.
She was born June 26, 1974, in Shelbyville, the daughter of Henry Cristofori Jr. and Beverly (Allen) Cristofori. On August 2, 1997, she married Chad Eugene Ortel, and he survives. In addition to Chad, Crystal is survived by her mother of Shelbyville; her children, Allyssa Marie Steele and husband, Caleb, of Indianapolis, Owen Ortel of Shelbyville, and Seth Ortel of Southport; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Larrry and Janice Ortel of Fairland; sister-in-law, Mandy Marie Fleming of Zionsville; nieces, Claire Fleming and Sylvie Fleming. She was preceded in death by her father.
In 1992, Crystal graduated from Shelbyville High School. She received an associates’ degree in Secretarial Science from Ivy Tech. She was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church, where she enjoyed helping with church dinners. Crystal was currently employed as the Office Business Manager for Bloom Senior Living. She had previously worked for Reed Enterprises from 1992 until December 31, 2007, then at Kent Property Group beginning in 2008. Crystal also worked very hard, at the family owned and operated business Cousins Tents and More from 2010 until 2021.
She enjoyed playing pool, exercising, reading, gardening, making family recipes, going on long walks and going for motorcycle rides with Chad. She also enjoyed hosting and attending family events, helping other people, and being a caretaker for family members and close friends. Crystal loved being a mother to her three children and spending time with them and Caleb and Kenzee. Some of her favorite times were the annual vacations in Florida and hanging by the pool hosting pool parties.
She was preceded in death by the beloved family dog of 17 years, Koda Bear.
Visitation will be from 10 am to 1 pm, Saturday, February 17, 2024, at Zion Lutheran Church, 6513 W 300 S, New Palestine, Indiana 46163. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m., Saturday, at the church, with Pastor Jason Taylor officiating. Interment will be at Zion Lutheran Cemetery. Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Zion Lutheran Counseling Center at Zion Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be shared with Crystal’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.