Tuesday, February 14, 2023
24 Hours in Addison Township: 10:13 p.m.
Shelbyville High School students, including exchange students, enjoy the fall homecoming dance last September. (L to R) Layana Al Baba (Lebanon), Hailey Schermerhorn, Jaci Zuniga, Azhar Arystanova (Kazakhstan), Cora Flynn, Zagorka Panova (North Macedonia) and Talia Edwards. | photo by KRISTIAAN RAWLINGS
NOTEBOOK:
Cam James, Shelby County Veterans Service Officer, told Shelby County Commissioners yesterday he is hoping to install a plaque at the courthouse honoring those who served in the War on Terror. Plaques recognizing locals who served from World War I through Desert Storm are already on display. James said he was in the early stages of research regarding costs and would revisit the matter.
ShelbyGo, which provides local public transportation, made over 8,000 trips last year, and half of those riders were seniors, Kim Koehl, executive director at Shelby Senior Services, told County Commissioners yesterday. Those over 60 years old can ride for a donation; those under 60 pay $4 within city limits and $7 for county trips. The Commissioners approved a ShelbyGo invoice, which will be submitted to the state for payment.
Jarrod Procell, 43, of Waldron, has been booked into the Shelby County Jail as part of an investigation regarding a deceased female found in a driveway in the 5000 block south of Smithland Road. Procell has been charged with leaving the scene of a fatal accident. The identity of the woman has not yet been released.
HOOSIER NEWS: Last year was the worst year for hospital finances since before the pandemic and 2023 will be another challenging year, said Erik Swanson, of the data and analytics firm Kaufman Hall. Woodlawn Hospital in Rochester is no exception. CEO Alan Fisher told press conference attendees from across Indiana that Woodlawn, with its five clinics, suffered a $4.5 million operating losses in 2021. Estimated 2022 loss is $6.3 million. The goal for the community-owned critical access hospital this year is $1.5 million loss. But that would only be possible because $2.5 million of cost reductions have been enacted. Cash on hand at Woodlawn dropped in half last year. (Rochester Sentinel)
SHELBY COUNTY PEOPLE & PLACES: FRED JOHNSON
Editor’s note: In the mid- to late 1940s, The Shelbyville Republican published a series of articles by Ave Lewis and Hortense Montgomery covering community people and places. Below is one of those features.
A lot of horse flesh trots past the memory eye of Fred Johnson as he reminisces on the days since he trained and raced his first horse back in 1908, when he was 17 years old. Born and reared on a farm in Rush County, he grew up "horse minded" since his neighboring county was widely known as a racing center around the turn of the century. There were 26 tracks in the county during that era and "more horses than in the state of Kentucky." Besides that, he had a natural love for man's "next-to-best" friend (it would be hard to convince him that horses don't rate above dogs in that title) and it was after an Army stint in World War I that he came to Shelbyville in 1919 to begin training and racing horses as his choice occupation
That first horse he trained was named "Annie N" and was owned by Ethan Inlow, father of Drs. W.D. Fred and Herbert of the Clinic. He raced her at the Rush County fair and he came in for second place. About this time in our talk, which was held in the office at his stables at the fairgrounds, I asked him "how come" some of the fancy names given racing horses. That he said is done by various and sundry methods. He knew one family who chose names from a dictionary, a banker named one of his steeds from a word he heard over the radio, a Calumet family always prefaced their names with letters of the alphabet, and so on.
Two of the better horses that came to his mind from his early days are Fet National, who was owned by the late Jim Graeber, of Arlington, and Billy J.K., who was owned by his uncle Brack Johnson. The first named was in the $26,000 winning bracket in 1924 with a trotting record of 2:01. Later horses of which he was pretty proud were Eddie D, who was sired by the famed Frisco Dale and held a record of two minutes flat, and Betty Grattan, who held a 2:04 record. Eddie D, formerly owned by L.V. Hauk, now is in Canada and Mr. Hauk still owns Betty Grattan
In all his years on the track, Fred has been thrown but four times and only once suffered serious injuries. That was at Lawrenceburg three years ago when his shoulder was broken. He's raced in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and Ohio, and his biggest racing purse was in the rich Hoosier Futurity at Indianapolis last year.
Mr. Johnson is training five of the 50 horses quartered at the local track now. Taken on a tour of the stables, where in snug stalls the horses were contently munching on hay in knee-deep straw, he brought out his special pride and joy, Bess Abbey Dale, a 20-month-old shiny black filly owned by John Hinchman, of Greenfield. Bess Abbey, who will race here next season, responded to gentle patting on the head with dampish muzzling, but not so her next stable neighbor, Pay Mac. His answer to amateur "horse talk" was a bared mouthful of teeth and laid flat ears.
Mr. Johnson says he has broken colts as early as the age of seven months but the average age is around 18 to 20 months. His usual procedure is to leave them in their stalls with harness on for a day or so, then lead them until they're accustomed to the feel of harness on the track, then drive them without the training cart for an approximate two-week period, and next, the final step of starting them through their paces with the cart attached. These carts weigh in the range of 35 to 40 pounds but the average racing sulky weighs 27 pounds. Fred's racing technique is mostly with lines. He isn't much for using a whip. If one tap of a whip doesn't bring an extra surge of speed, then he's pretty sure the horse is giving its best. And he says that instead of keeping the "eye on the ball," racing is mostly watching the other fellow and his horse.
A race horse's diet consists of oats and hay as the main and preferred "dishes," and bran and corn. They're fed three times daily ordinarily but an extra meal is added during racing season. In especially hot weather they're frequently treated to ice packs on the head and loins between heats and the after-race treatment is mighty important. They're walked until they're "cooled out," rubbed down, have their legs bound and given longed-for drinks of water slowly at 20-minute intervals before being stabled.
Getting back to the trainer and driver, Mr. Johnson married Mae Ogdon 11 years ago and is fortunate in having a wife who also is a horse enthusiast. They reside at 805 Fair Avenue, just a short trot from the race track. Where else would you find a man like Fred Johnson living?
This Week in Shelby County" works by George L. Stubbs Sr. are owned by the Shelby County Historical Society (Grover Center) and used with permission.
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 from the Shelby County Public Library Genealogy Department.
20 YEARS AGO: 2003
U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft increased the threat condition designation to orange, a high-risk category. Shelby County Emergency Management director Jack Boyce told media that while there was always cause for concern, “orange is just a color in a box of crayons.”
30 YEARS AGO: 1993
Shelby County and the Town of Edinburgh tentatively agreed to an interlocal agreement regarding annexation of land near I-65 following a dispute about a proposed golf course. Shelby County Attorney Stephen C. Moberly said Shelby County would get final say over future annexing as dictated by state law.
40 YEARS AGO: 1983
Barbara Cover, of Edgewood Dr. in Shelbyville, bought the Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio in Columbus.
50 YEARS AGO: 1973
M*A*S*H* was on at the Cinema, with color by deluxe panavision.
60 YEARS AGO: 1963
The County Board of Zoning Appeals granted a special use permit to Hartman Bros., a local road contracting firm, approving plans of the company to establish a gravel plant operation at the edge of Brookfield in Moral Township.
70 YEARS AGO: 1953
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Eck were named King Rex and Queen of a Mardi Gras ball held at the Elks Club. Approximately 100 couples attended the affair and music was provided by Charlie Bowers and his orchestra.
80 YEARS AGO: 1943
The latest contingent left for induction into the United States Army, including Leo Shaw, Marvin Cousins, Forrest David Priddy, Cecil Nichols, Frank Carpenter, Paul Fix (acting corporal), Grant Davis, William Lyons, Charles Dungan, Harry Scott, Morris Palmer, Charles Weintraut, Forrest Colee, James Ross, and Arthur Blocher.
90 YEARS AGO: 1933
Sheriff Elisha Crosby’s vehicle, going over 60 miles per hour, ran over a pig that that jumped into the road between Shelbyville and London. “The sheriff, a conscientious and tender-hearted man, if there ever was one, tried to avoid the potential football, which threw him for a loss when it ran smack into his front wheels,” The Republican said. “The pig, which didn’t seem to mind the jolt, got up, brushed itself and thumbed its nose derisively at the law.”
100 YEARS AGO: 1923
Maple syrup season was upon Shelby County, and several camps were being operated. The recent moderate weather had opened up the flow of sap. The syrup was sold at $2.50 per gallon. Approximately 50 gallons of maple sap were required to make one gallon of maple syrup, The Shelbyville Republican reported.
INCIDENTS
Thefts were reported at Teal and S. Miller Streets and in the 1100 block of Summer Way Court, Shelbyville.
A driver struck a deer on North Riley Highway, Shelbyville. The collision caused major damage to the vehicle and killed the deer.
A driver struck an unoccupied parked vehicle on Meridian St. at the intersection with Colescott Street. The driver said she was looking down to answer her phone when the accident occurred.
Residential entry was reported in the first block of Habig Street, Shelbyville.
JAIL BOOK-INS: Andrew F. Haehl, 32, OVWI-prior; Ryan S. Wright, 37, house arrest violation; Sarah G. Helmuth, 29, possession of meth, theft of vehicle, possession of marijuana; Kimberly D. Bellmore, 37, probation hold, possession of meth, paraphernalia; Kevin Davidson, 44, OVWI-endangerment; Nicholas A. Veneri, 39, possession of marijuana, OVWI, leaving the scene; Michael A. Matthews, 32, possession of meth, paraphernalia; Nasir R. Coe, 29, false informing, HTV-lifetime, probation violation; Ethan D. Howell, 21, battery, intimidation; Delbert A. Vawter, 76, intimiation.
OBITUARIES
James P. Slater, 76, was born on January 23, 1947 to the late James P. Slater and Mary Ann (Miller) Slater in Alameda, California. He died on Sunday, February 12, 2023 at Marion Health Hospital. He attended College Park High School in Concord, California and then graduated from Jefferson Township (Eastbrook) High School class of 1965. James continued his education at Indiana University where he got his bachelors and masters degree in education. As part of lifelong learning, James would sit in at Taylor University in a variety of classes. James married the love of his life, LaRea (Lawvere) Slater on June 7, 1969.
James was an 8th grade science teacher for 34 years at Shelbyville Middle School in Shelbyville, Indiana. He would teach special needs all the way to the gifted and talented and everywhere in between, making an impact in everyone’s lives. James was a swim coach at the middle school and Elk Lodge during the summer.
After retirement the couple moved back to LaRea’s hometown, a mile north of Matthews, and made their home on the family farm. James loved to raise flowers, gardening, and had a passion for his daylilies. He loved bird watching, especially hummingbirds. James was involved in Epworth United Methodist Church, the Upland Lions Club, Upland Historical Society, the Upland Garden Club, and the Indiana State Teachers Association. He also helped establish the Upland Greenway.
James is survived by his wife, LaRea Slater of Matthews, IN; siblings, Sandy Slater Cooper of Castleberry, FL, Linda Slater Zinser of St. Paul, IN, and Jack Slater of Winterhaven, FL; cousins, Becky Swathwood of Matthews, IN, Ruth (Jim) Botkin of Indianapolis, IN, Dick (Kay) Kibbey of Marion, IN; beloved aunt, Kay Carrol Faye of Media, PA; Special nephew Steve Bartels of Eckerty, Indiana; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. James is preceded in passing by parents; aunt and uncle Doyle and Mary Kibbey.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Jones-Smith Chapel of Armes-Hunt Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 259 North Main Street, Upland, IN 46989. A visitation will be on Friday, February 17, 2023 from 1 - 3 p.m. and a service to follow at 3 p.m. A burial will immediately follow the service at Matthews Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made out to Epworth United Methodist Church, 105 W. 8th Street, Matthews, IN 46957 or to Eastbrook High School 560 S. 900 E., Marion, IN 46953 for a Scholastic Scholarship in remembrance of James.
Estelle M. Kalata, 84, of Shelbyville, passed away Friday, February 10, 2023 at Ashford Place. Born November 3, 1938 in Blue Island, Illinois, she was the daughter of Stanley Pyka and Julie (Marshalek) Pyka. She married Frank Kalata on October 8, 1960 and he preceded her on December 3, 2002. Survivors include a daughter, Lisa Kreish (husband Ken) of Shelbyville; a brother, Stanley Pyka (wife Elizabeth) of Grapevine, Texas; five grandchildren, Amanda Sia (husband Arniel), Dustin James Kreish (wife Madison), Tiffany Hunt (husband Reminton), Korban Kreish, and Izaak Kreish; and three great-grandchildren, Kaylie, Jayden, and Coletta. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her spouse.
Mrs. Kalata had lived in this area since 2006 after moving from Illinois. She graduated from Maria High School in Chicago in 1957 and had been employed for many years as a bank manager for Advance Bank in Lansing, Illinois. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, and was a member of St. Joe Women's Auxilliary, and Daughter's of Isabella of St. Vincent de Paul. Estelle enjoyed cooking, shopping, spending time with her grandchildren, and accompanying them on their annual trip to Shipshewana. She loved visiting the Smokey Mountains, Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be 7 p.m., on Thursday, February 16, 2023 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 127 E. Broadway, with Rev. Mike Keucher officiating. Burial will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois, on Friday. Friends may call on Thursday evening, February 16, 2023 from 3:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at Glenn E. George & Son Funeral Home, 437 Amos Road, at which time we will proceed to the church for the funeral mass. Memorial contributions can be to St. Joe Women's Auxilliary, in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be shared at glennegeorgeandson.com.
Kathy Gahimer, 70, of Shelbyville, passed away Sunday, February 12, 2023, at IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. She was born December 14, 1952, in Shelbyville, the daughter of Pearl L. and Althena (Barnes) Mounce. On August 15, 1971, she married her loving and devoted husband of 51 years, Norm T. Gahimer, and he survives. In addition to Norm, Kathy is survived by her daughter, Wendy Strickland and husband, Aaron, of Columbus; granddaughters, Stephanie Grace Strickland and Evelyn Rose Strickland; sisters, Dee Sieg and husband, Mike, and Gail Jackson, both of Shelbyville, and Sue Beeker and husband, Darin, of Rochester; father of Somerset, Kentucky; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Phil and Doretta Gahimer of Manilla, Jerry and Kim Gahimer, and Karen and Garrick Williams, all of Shelbyville; close friends and extended family, Dean and Karen Beckner and Jerry and Vicky Strickland; and numerous nieces and nephews. Kathy was preceded in death by her daughter, Stephanie Gahimer; mother; brothers, Charles Mounce and Wendell Ray Mounce; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Norman K. and Rosemary Gahimer; brothers-in-law, Kenny Gahimer and Jeff Gahimer.
She graduated in 1971 from Shelbyville High School. Kathy faithfully attended Grace Wesleyan Church. She formerly worked at Linne’s Bakery and the Cancer Association of Shelby County, until retiring in 2018.
Kathy was a kind, loving and thoughtful wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She loved to spend time with her precious granddaughters, whom she adored. She enjoyed sewing and collecting Longaberger and Vera Bradley items. Kathy also enjoyed vacationing in Florida and the Smoky’s with family and friends.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, February 16, 2023, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville and from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, February 17, 2023, at Grace Wesleyan Church, 56 E. Franklin St. in Shelbyville. The family is requesting mask be worn in the building. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, at the church, with Pastor Jose Riveria officiating. Interment will be at Miller Cemetery in Shelby County. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cancer Association of Shelby County, PO Box 844, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176.
Online condolences may be shared with Kathy’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
Cleo Ann Shadley, 85, of Shelbyville, passed away Saturday, February 11, 2023 at Timber Creek Village. Born January 21, 1938 in Milton, Indiana, she was the daughter of Ellsworth and Cordella Cecil. She married Harry Shadley, Jr. on December 30, 1955 and he preceded her on October 21, 2005. Survivors include a son, Darrin Shadley (wife Amy) of Waldron; a brother, Larry Cecil (wife Sue) of Waldron; two grandchildren, Molly Workman and Devan Pogue; and seven great grandchildren. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her spouse, and 11 brothers and sisters.
Mrs. Shadley was a lifelong resident of this area. She had worked for many years as a supervisor for Bosma Industries for the Blind, in Indianapolis. Ann enjoyed watching football, NASCAR, and IU basketball. She loved her family and especially adored her great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be 1 p.m. on Friday, February 17, 2023 at Glenn E. George & Son Funeral Home, 437 Amos Rd. with Pastor Robb Barlow officiating. Burial will be in Miller Cemetery. Friends may call on Friday morning from 11 a.m. until the time of the service. Memorial contributions can be made to Heart to Heart Hospice, in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be shared at glennegeorgeandson.com.
Dorothy Evelyn Hewitt, 94, of Waldron, passed away at Heritage House of Shelbyville on February 6, 2023. She was born July 27,1928 to Dennis Kocher and Agnes (Presley) Kocher in Hancock County, Indiana.
Survivors include Terri "Susie" (Doyt) Moore of Flat Rock, Ronnie (Donna) Hewitt of Connersville, Gary (Kathy) Hewitt of Flat Rock, Rick Hewitt of Huron, Indiana, and she was also survived by her extended family, Joyce and Jerry Sipes of St. Paul, sisters Janice (Larry) Linville, and Rita Zimmerman, grandchildren Danny (Christy) Moore, Abby Russell, Heidi (Josh) Sipes, Monica (Danny) Jones, Carrie (Darren) Chandler, Karla (Seth) Krise, Caleb (Collin) Hewitt, Ashlyn Hewitt, Jenni (JP) Tassin, Jerad (Katie) Sipes. Great Grandchildren Madison, Travis, Levi Moore, Lauren Blevens, Colt Russell, Jt (Hannah) Sipes, Shelby Sipes, Cody and Ryan Naylor, Adam Jones, Olivia, Emma Chandler, Kinley Krise, Emersyn Hewitt, Brayden, Macie Tassin, Dexter, and Maxwell Sipes. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Helen Morton, Ruth Ordonez, Mary Kocher, Joan Hogan, Francis Wilson and brothers John Kocher and Irvin Kocher.
Mrs. Hewitt was a lifetime resident of this area, graduating from Morristown High School in 1946 before becoming a homemaker. Dorothy loved walking down River Road every day, feeding and watching her hummingbirds, quilting, but most of all loved spending time with her family.
Services were held at the Glenn E. George Funeral Home, 106 E. Franklin Street, St Paul, on Saturday, February 11, 2023. Memorial donations may be made to the Geneva Methodist Church in care of the funeral home.