Tuesday, February 27, 2024
WEIGHING THE OPTIONS
ABOVE: Shelbyville High School students Ryder Morris, Harley Morris and Hailey Fuchsen listen to a pitch from Technical Sergeant Gandy, an active duty U.S. Air Force and Space Force recruiter at last night’s Blue River Career Programs open house. The event featured displays from all available programs, post-secondary partners, related industry and food from the BRCP culinary program.
BELOW: F.A. Wilhelm Construction Company representatives Ryan Decker and Ana Sanchez visit with Mayor Scott Furgeson at last night’s Blue River Career Programs open house. F.A. Wilhelm built both the local casino and Shelby County YMCA. Furgeson visited with representatives at each table and BRCP staff. | photos by KRISTIAAN RAWLINGS
Local Attorney Reflects on Experience with Indiana Supreme Court
A reality show brought the term “Hot Bench” into household lexicon in recent years. Local attorney Amanda Blackketter experienced it firsthand last month when she argued in front of the Indiana Supreme Court.
“They were definitely a hot bench,” Blackketter said, using the term to describe when judges actively question lawyers presenting arguments.
Despite continued questioning from the judges, Blackketter held her own, a product of over 40 hours of preparation, which included creating an oral argument binder and holding practice sessions, called “Moot arguments,” on Zoom set up by the Indiana Public Defender Council.
“The Public Defender Council had three lawyers who had read the brief,” Blackketter said. “They interrupted me, just like the Supreme Court.”
Blackketter is no stranger to the field of law. Her father was an attorney, as is her older brother. Although she considered becoming a veterinarian, she ended up at Indiana University School of Law in Bloomington after graduating from Hanover College. She later clerked for the Indiana Court of Appeals.
“I graduated law school one weekend, got married the next weekend and started studying for the bar exam,” she said, describing a rather eventful summer.
She began practicing law at the McNeely, Sanders, Stephenson & Thopy firm in 1996. After nearly 18 years, she moved to private practice, where she remains, housed in the Blue River Community Foundation building.
Her recent state Supreme Court case was on behalf of a Decatur County defendant she had already represented, winning a major sentence reduction on appeal. Although the state’s top court eventually ruled against her, she said her client was grateful.
“We were able to say we did everything we could for him,” Blackketter said. “Sometimes no one has stood up for them; people don’t listen to them, so our work can make a difference.”
Blackketter said she enjoyed the experience, but is happy to be back working in her favorite area of law: adoptions.
“It was a great experience, but I would like a break before I have to do it again,” she said, laughing.
NOTEBOOK:
Shelby County Commissioners yesterday approved road cuts to install drainage tiles at CR 775 E, south of 2202 N 775 E, and on CR 200 N, east of 7745 E 200 N.
Commissioners also added Monday, April 8, the day of the solar eclipse, as a county employee holiday. The holiday will not apply to emergency and public safety personnel. Surrounding counties are doing the same, Human Resources Director Donna Cook said. Commissioner Jason Abel agreed with the amendment. “I think it would be prudent, considering we are asking the public to be mindful of travel on that day, and we've talked to school districts that are planning on the same challenges. I think it would be appropriate to ensure that county employees stay off the road that day as well.”
The BPW (Business and Professional Women) spaghetti dinner is set for April 9, 4 to 7 p.m. at West Street Methodist Church. Adults are $8, children 10 and under, $5.
NATIONAL NEWS: We’re experiencing a boom in car washes, which as it stands today is a $14 billion industry spread across 60,000 locations in the U.S. that has been seeing a 5 percent expansion annually, with the market expected to double by 2030. It’s an exciting time in the car wash world, as the largely automated process has seen a huge boost offering subscriptions to car owners rather than just a job-by-job business. Americans are also over washing their car themselves; the number of washes done professionally is up to a 79 percent market share as of 2021, up from 50 percent in 1996. Revenues average $1.5 million a location. (Bloomberg/Numlock)
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Blue River Career Programs’ Health Science Education Offering Highlighted
Addison Stieneker practices on Dayanara Aguirre-Mulato, both Shelbyville High School students, as part of a Blue River Career Programs class. | submitted
Editor’s note: In recognition of National Career Technical Education Month, The Addison Times is publishing a series of informational articles on programs at Blue River Career Programs in Shelbyville, which serves all public county high schools. The articles were provided by BRCP staff.
Blue River Career Programs offers a Health Science Education course to high school students from Shelby County. The Health Science I program taught by Cierra Harvey covers CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) preparation with the opportunity to certify in CNA, Dementia Care, Introduction to Health Careers, Medical Terminology, and a CPR certification.
The Health Science I program offers students the chance to obtain college credits through Ivy Tech’s dual enrollment program.
Health science students are encouraged to join HOSA, which is the career and technical student organization. Opportunities such as the Fall leadership conference, Winter Rally, and State Conference give students the chance to interact with other students from across Indiana who have similar career goals. HOSA helps students gain knowledge of career and leadership skills they can use in future occupations and education.
The highlight of this program is the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification. The CNA preparation provides hands-on nursing care in a variety of health care settings. A CNA is responsible for learning 72 hands-on tasks. Some of these tasks include, but are not limited to bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, toileting, and mouth care to people who cannot perform these tasks independently. The student must complete 75 clinical hours.
This year, we have been completing our clinical hours at Willows of Shelbyville, where students are getting hands-on experience with residents and working directly with healthcare staff. A dementia care course is also taken to help the students understand the function of the brain and how to better care for residents with dementia. Attendance is very essential to the success in the CNA program. Once training is complete the student is eligible to apply to take a two-part test given in the spring.
Introduction to Healthcare presents information on the health care system, professions, and health care development. Students are encouraged to explore health professions through assignments, projects, observations, guest speakers and interviews.
Medical Terminology offers a great benefit when pursuing any occupation in health science. The students study terms, abbreviations, symbols, and word parts that make up terms used to describe the body systems.
In the fall, the Health Science students helped sponsor a blood drive at the school. Before winter break, the students created sensory bins for residents at local assisted living and long-term care facilities. So far, the students have completed approximately 60 of their 75 clinical hours and are preparing to take their CNA exam in April.
Upon successful completion of these courses, students will be more informed regarding their decision to pursue a career in health science. They will also have CPR and CNA certifications to support them in the workforce.
If you are a high school student looking to pursue a career in the healthcare field, the Health Science I program provides a realistic experience to see if this career field is for you. It exposes you to members of the health care team, hands on clinical experience, direct patient care, and workforce expectations. The students gain an elevated sense of reward from working with the residents.
This Day in Shelby County History
2014: Several Shelby County Special Olympics athletes participated in a record-breaking Polar Plunge at Versailles State Park. A newspaper photo showed Shane Roell taking the plunge.
2004: A fire destroyed a multi-family dwelling at 486 W. Mechanic St. Fire officials said there were not enough smoke detectors in the homes.
1994: Shelby County Commissioners Dave Mohr and Bruce Knecht, Shelby County Sheriff Mike Herndon and a news reporter were the first to stay the night in the cells of the new Shelby County Jail. Commissioner Robert Wade passed on the opportunity. “My permanent record indicates I’ve never spent a night in jail. And I don’t want it to,” Wade mused.
1984: The Deem Corp., located on CR 100 N, suddenly closed down, laying off its 60 workers. Less than two months’ prior, a Deem executive had told The Shelbyville News business was strong.
Triton Central High School’s team emerged as champion of Shelby County’s first academic Challenge Bowl, topping Shelbyville, 56-54. Winning team members were Lori Lininger, John Thompson, Sherri Taylor and Nick Johnson.
1974: The Shelby County Plan Commission rejected a proposal to build a new addition known as Bethany Estates on 150 acres in Moral Township at the southeast quadrant of CR 1200 N and CR 600 W. The proposed addition called for 221 home lots. The planners did approve two smaller housing developments and recommended approval of a camper trailer park.
Mark Pickering, a Purdue University sophomore from Lewisville, was named outstanding swine showman at the Purdue Royal Livestock Show. H. Gene Brune, a Purdue junior from Fountaintown, was named outstanding sheep showman.
1964: A Shelbyville High School Student Council-sponsored Pep session and Sock Hop were held at the gym, 7 to 9 p.m. Ed Roehling from the local radio station was the DJ. The pep session included short talks from coaches and a basketball team representative, senior Richard Adams. The master of ceremonies was Student Council President Charles O’Connor. The planning committee for the sock hop was Shari Long, Nancy Coers, Terry Wagner, Jerry Alexander and Mike Meloy.
Tag team wrestling was held at the National Guard Armory, featuring the Gallagher Brothers against Angelo Poffo and The Lawman and the Godos versus Rudy Kay and Paul Richard. (Note: Angelo Poffo was the father of Randy Savage. The Lawman, Don Slatton, played bit parts in several big movies.)
City officials said they had received complaints from several people regarding door-to-door salesmen working as late as 11 p.m. Salesmen were to obtain a license from the city clerk-treasurer.
1954: Long lines lasted all day at the license branch since it was the last day to obtain 1954 plates. Police had warned that those driving without 1954 plates would be subject to arrest.
1944: More Shelby County men left for induction into the Navy. Each received a fountain pen from the local Citizens Committee, “to keep their families constantly informed.” Those who left for the Navy were Norman Thurston (acting corporal), Eugene DeBaun, Ted Harley, Carl Drake, John Spurlin, James Brown, Lewis Kanouse, Clarence Richeson, Floyd Mahley, Earl Tucker, Robert Elmore, George Goebel, Charles Bennett, Ralph Amos and Morris DePrez.
1934: Three local women were robbed of their purses by a man who made his get-away in a Ford roadster. Arnetta Arnold, Edith Parrish and Mrs. VanGordon were struck, choked and pushed to the sidewalk as the man, who was carrying a hammer, stole their purses.
Milton W. Bass, 209 West Hendricks St., purchased the Fairland Canning Company. He had been secretary-treasurer of the St. Paul Canning Company for several years. The Fairland operation employed 75 when at full capacity.
1924: County schools superintendent William Everson returned from a tour of county schools and said that “no epidemics prevail now other than a few scattered cases of whooping cough.”
Several young farmers of Shelby and Washington Townships organized a group called “Clod Hoppers” in Smithland. Oscar Jacklin, Dan Yarling and Earl Clark were elected officers. The group planned to study soil conditions. Local agriculture teacher O.J. Price was put in charge of teaching a course to the group.
1914: Zora Moerner broke her arm while ice skating with friends on Little Blue River near the old gravel pit.
Greensburg was going dry, The Shelbyville Republican reported. The “drys” had won the vote, 766 to 705. “Church bells were tolled every hour during the day and women served hot coffee and sandwiches at all the polling places,” the paper said. “All the saloons but one will be closed next week, as their licenses will expire within a few days.” A similar election three years’ prior had been won by “the wets” by 139-vote margin.
OBITUARIES
Stephen Paul Rowsey, 77, of Shelbyville, passed away Saturday, February 24, 2024, at his home. He was born December 17, 1946, in Shelbyville, the son of Robert R. and Iva Flora (Baker) Rowsey. On February 25, 1978, he married his wife of nearly 46 years, Sharon Huntsman, and she survives. They were blessed with a daughter, Ashley Rowsey of Indianapolis. In addition to Sharon and Ashley, Stephen is survived by his brothers-in-law, Dennis Creed of Arizona, Gary Huntsman and wife, Mary, of Waldron, Larry Huntsman and wife, Joy, of Greensburg, Jerry Huntsman and wife, Janice, of Flat Rock, and Perry Huntsman of Waldron; mother-in-law, Ruth Huntsman of Waldron; 13 nieces and nephews, and their spouses; 26 great-nieces and great-nephews; and one great-great-niece. Stephen was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Sally Sue Banschbach and Anita Creed; and brothers-in-law, Charles Banschbach and Barry Huntsman. He was also preceded in death by his dog, Sam.
In 1965, he graduated from Shelbyville High School, and attended Miami University of Florida. Stephen began his career as a commercial artist at Foto-Krafters, Inc., the family-owned business. He took over the operation of the business, when his father retired. After Foto-Krafters closed he worked at Firehouse Imaging, from 2002 until retiring in 2011.
He was a member of the Shelbyville Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks. Stephen enjoyed playing softball and cards, going golfing, hunting and fishing. He was an avid Purdue fan, and also enjoyed watching sports and auto racing on television.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to Noon, Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Funeral services will follow at Noon, Saturday, at the funeral home.
Interment will follow at Flat Rock Cemetery in Shelby County. Memorial contributions may be made to SCUFFY, 126 N. Harrison St., Shelbyville, Indiana 46176. Online condolences may be shared with Stephen’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
Sandra Kay Hobbs, 81, former Shelbyville resident, passed away Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at West Boca Medical Center, Boca Raton, Florida. Born June 30, 1942, in Shelbyville, she was the daughter of Leonard Griffith and Edna (Ratekin) Griffith. She married George W. Hobbs on May 31, 1980, and he survives. Other survivors include two sons, Shawn Mann (wife Kristin) of Florida and Rob Mann (wife Amy) of Minnesota; a sister, Elizabeth Calloway of Shelbyville; and three grandchildren, Rob Mann, Anabel Mann, and Clare Mann. Mrs. Hobbs shared a very special relationship with her third cousin, Ashley Frazee. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, David Griffith, Thomas Griffith, Harold Griffith, Edward Griffith, and Jay Griffith; and sisters, Barbara Barrett and Dorothy Parsley.
Mrs. Hobbs graduated from Shelbyville High School. She worked at the Indiana State Office Building, and for many years at KCL Corp. in Shelbyville. She was also a homemaker.
Mrs. Hobbs loved music (especially Elvis and Conway Twitty), traveling, and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Later in life, she took up painting and became quite good.
A Celebration of Sandra's Life will be 1 p.m. on Friday, March 1, 2024 at Glenn E. George & Son Funeral Home, 437 Amos Road. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from noon until the time of the service, at which time friends and family are invited to share recollections and their memories of Sandra. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer's Association, in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be shared at glennegeorgeandson.com.
Joyce Lynn Small, 76, of Morristown, passed away, Thursday, February 22, 2024, at Compass Park in Franklin. She was born April 8, 1947, in Indianapolis, the daughter of Richard D. and Margaret P. (Powell) Unger. On August 2, 1969, she married Lonnie Maurcee Small, and he preceded her in death on November 6, 2021. Joyce is survived by her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Aaron and Jan Small of Canton, Georgia; nephew, Bart Small and wife, Nicole, of Atlanta, Georgia; great-nephew, Ford Small of Atlanta, Georgia; great-niece, Finley Small of Atlanta, Georgia; and several cousins. In addition to Lonnie, Joyce was preceded in death by her parents.
Joyce was a member of the Morristown Methodist Church, where she had served as administrator of the board. She was a 1965 graduate of Morristown High School. She also graduated from Indiana University, with a bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy, in 1969. Joyce was a Physical Therapist at Hancock Regional Hospital, retiring in July of 2012. She had also served on the Asbury Cemetery Board for over 35 years. Joyce was a very active member of the Order of Eastern Star, joining in January of 1973. She was the Past Matron of the Morristown Order of Eastern Star Chapter No. 316 and Ransford Indiana Masonic Home Chapter No. 605. Joyce was also a member of the Fairland Chapter Order of the Eastern Star No. 359. She also served as the Grand Matron of the Indiana Grand Chapter 1992-1993. She also served on the Board of Grand Trustees from 2012 to 2017. She was also a member of the Daylight Court No. 31 Order of the Amaranth, since 2007.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, March 1, 2024, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Frazier Chapel, 124 E. North St., in Morristown. Order of Eastern Star services will begin at 1 pm, Friday, the funeral service will follow, officiated by Brother Cleon Wright. Interment will be at Asbury Cemetery in Morristown. Memorial contributions may be made to the Indiana Masonic Home Foundation, PO Box 44210, 525 N. Illinois Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46244-0210. Online condolences may be shared with Joyce’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.