Tuesday, July 1, 2025
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: STEPHENSON RIFE ATTORNEYS
WRITING ON THE WALL
A photo of demolition in the first block of W. Broadway yesterday evening shows graffiti on the north outside wall of the Strand Annex. | photo by JOHN WALKER
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: FULL CANOPY REAL ESTATE
NOTEBOOK:
In response to a question from County Commissioner Nathan Runnebohm, County Highway Superintendent Ben Taylor yesterday expressed concerns about state legislation that cut Community Crossings Matching Grant program funding. “CCMG will continue. Funding has been cut substantially, which is upsetting,” Taylor said. “We and many other small communities have utilized this to stay afloat. Shelby County has utilized this a lot for bridge replacement and repair over the years.” In recent years, there had been two calls for CCMG funds, one in January and one in July. The second call will not happen this year, Taylor said. “Once INDOT gets their application process figured out, they’ll let us know. Tentatively, right now they’re thinking they may open in October, but that will be for funds for 2026,” he said. Taylor noted that Shelby County had first filed an application for CCMG funds in 2016 and had been approved every year since except one.
Shelby County Commissioners yesterday endorsed a letter asking the state to recognize Aspire Indiana Health as the community mental health center, replacing Community Health Network. “We believe that Aspire provides the best opportunity for mental health care in our community, specifically from an outpatient perspective, which is where the vast majority of mental health care takes place,” Commissioner Jason Abel said. “They will coordinate mental health care efforts in conjunction with Major Health Partners and our federally qualified health care provider, the Jane Pauley (Community Health Center).”
Commissioners also approved moving insurance carriers because their current carrier has opted to no longer insure municipalities. Brady Claxton, the county’s insurance agent, did a full market analysis and recommended three companies for different types of coverage, which the commissioners approved. “Even though nobody likes to receive a non-renewal from your current insurance company, it ended up being a good result for the county. We were able to improve coverage and deductibles in several areas,” Claxton said, noting that the county was now able to get full replacement costs on roofs for county-owned buildings, among other benefits.
Commissioners approved some county offices to close for a few hours today to allow employees to attend the funeral of County Assessor Anne Thurston. The service will be at 11 a.m. today at West Street United Methodist Church, with the viewing an hour prior to the service.
Sunshine House Inc., an organization dedicated to assisting homeless individuals and families in Shelbyville, announced it had received its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status from the IRS. The organization began as a small group service project at the Salvation Army in 2016. “We fell deeply in love with the people we serve,” Dyan Current, president and incorporator of Sunshine House, Inc., said in a statement. “Through our interactions, we recognized that beyond immediate needs, safe sleep and a sense of community are paramount. The closest shelter is in Greenfield, which for our clients, may as well be a million miles away. They want to be in their own community, surrounded by people they know and faces they trust.”
A vehicle hit a bicyclist in the crosswalk on Public Square. The bicyclist was treated for injuries.
A man reported an accident-leaving-the scene at East State Road 44 and Sgt. Henderson Drive. The man said a gray/greenish SUV turned into his vehicle and then took off at a high rate of speed. The man said the SUV had a carrier on the back of the vehicle, and the driver, a female, had several children with her.
The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Ivy Tech Community College to facilitate its Leadership Shelby County (LSC) program. Ivy Tech will provide expert-led, interactive leadership workshops on communication, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution, enriching the experience for future local leaders, the Chamber said in a media release. With nearly 600 alumni, the LSC program continues to invest in the development of community-minded professionals who help shape Shelby County’s future.
Editor’s Note: Daily Local News: Rush County launched today. Think of it as The Addison Times for our neighbors to the east. This is a personal project of mine, and it will follow a similar format to this publication, with coverage of local government news, schools and history. The first edition can be found here. If you have an interest in Rush County, please follow along. Or encourage your Rush County connections to join the movement. As always, thank you for your readership. - Kristiaan Rawlings
HOOSIER NEWS: Indiana’s cigarette tax is set to increase today for the first time in nearly two decades, following a late April legislative scramble for additional revenue. The price of a pack of cigarettes is expected to average $11 after the tax jumps from $1 to $3. Other tobacco and nicotine products will also get pricier. Separately, a gasoline excise tax will continue its annual one-cent climb. It’s indexed to inflation, but the annual increase is statutorily capped to a cent. It will now add 36 cents to the price of every gallon of gasoline. The gasoline sales tax, which is updated monthly, will increase today, too. It’s up by about a cent, and will cost 17 and a half cents per gallon. Federal gas taxes add 18.4 cents per gallon and there is also an oil inspection fee of one cent. That brings the total of state and federal taxes per gallon to 72.9 cents. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
NATIONAL NEWS: Marketers distributed 50 billion coupons last year, based on one industry estimate, down from 330 billion coupons at the height of the extreme couponing days of 2010. Last year, only 750 million coupons were redeemed, down from 3.3 billion in 2010. One reason for the coupon business drying up is that people are spending less of their time shopping than they were in the past, and thus devote less time to bargain hunting and coupon collecting. Paper coupons still dominate — they make up 87 percent of coupons — but digital coupons made up two-thirds of redeemed coupons. (Wall Street Journal/Numlock)
The Addison Times is pleased to offer free milestone announcements. Forms are available here: Engagement Announcement, Wedding Announcement and Anniversary Announcement.
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!
Thank you to every donor for your continued support of The Addison Times. Donors of $75 or more receive the three remaining 2025 quarterly print publications in the mail. Please consider a one-time or monthly donation to The Addison Times, either online or via a check to The Addison Times, 54 W. Broadway, #13, Shelbyville, Ind., 46176. Thank you for your continued support of daily local news and history. I appreciate each of you. - Kristiaan Rawlings, Editor
Press Release: Blue River Community Foundation’s Summer Scholarship Application Cycle
Shelby County high school students on track to graduate by June 30, 2026, can now apply for scholarships during Blue River Community Foundation’s (BRCF) summer scholarship cycle. Students applying during this cycle are considered for both the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship and BRCF administered scholarship opportunities. Applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements (listed below) for Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship consideration; however, all students are encouraged to apply for over 200 scholarships awarded annually through BRCF’s Scholarship Program. The deadline to apply is September 1, 2025.
Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program
Blue River Community Foundation (BRCF) is proud to partner with Lilly Endowment Inc. to select one Shelby County high school senior as a nominee for the 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program (LECSP). Independent Colleges of Indiana on behalf of Lilly Endowment Inc. will make final scholarship selections and notify BRCF of their decision by December 12, 2025. BRCF will notify the recipient of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship no later than December 22, 2025. The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program is designed to:
help raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana
increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations can play in their communities
encourage and support the efforts of current and past Lilly Endowment Community Scholars to engage with each other and with Indiana business, governmental, educational, nonprofit, and civic leaders to improve the quality of life in Indiana generally and in local communities throughout the state.
BRCF is again pleased to offer the LECSP for its 29th year in Shelby County. “We are honored to help administer a scholarship that provides such a life-changing opportunity for our local students,” said Julie Alvis, Communications and Scholarship Director at BRCF. “Thanks to the generosity of Lilly Endowment Inc., recipients can pursue their dreams without the financial stress of tuition.”
The scholarship provides for otherwise unreimbursed full tuition, required fees and a special allocation of up to $900 per year for required books and required equipment for four years of undergraduate study on a full-time basis, leading to a baccalaureate degree at any Indiana public or private college or university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The program awards 147 scholarships statewide.
Minimum requirements that must be met for consideration include:
Reside in Shelby County
Graduate by the end of June with a diploma from a regionally accredited Indiana High School
Intend to pursue a full-time baccalaureate course of study at an accredited public or private college or university in Indiana
Demonstrate the following:
Participation in community activities
Leadership skills in school, community, and/or extracurricular activities
Commitment to academics and ability to succeed at the next level
Must have a minimum 3.5 GPA and a minimum 1100 total score on SAT or ACT equivalent
Lilly Endowment created LECSP for the 1997-98 school year and has supported the program every year since with tuition grants totaling more than $505 million. Over 5,400 Indiana students have received Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships since the program’s inception; including 44 Shelby County recipients.
Lilly Endowment Inc.
Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based, private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although the gifts of stock remain a financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion. The Endowment funds significant programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion. However, it maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.
Independent Colleges of Indiana
Since 1997, Independent Colleges of Indiana has administered the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program statewide with funding provided by Lilly Endowment Inc. Founded in 1948, ICI serves as the collective voice for the state’s 29 private, nonprofit colleges and universities. ICI institutions employ over 22,000 Hoosiers and generate a total local economic impact of over $5.5 billion annually. Students at ICI colleges have Indiana’s highest four-year, on-time graduation rates, and ICI institutions produce 30 percent of Indiana’s bachelor’s degrees while enrolling 20 percent of its undergraduates.
BRCF Scholarship Program
Blue River Community Foundation (BRCF) administers 117 scholarship funds established by caring and generous donors who are passionate about supporting students as they pursue their post-secondary educational goals. During the most recent cohort, BRCF administered funds awarded 240 scholarships among 157 students for a combined total of $508,000. High school applicants who complete the summer cycle application in full are considered for all scholarships administered by BRCF for which they are eligible.
Student currently pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or professional program degrees as well as nontraditional students are encouraged to apply for BRCF scholarships during the Foundation’s winter scholarship cycle which opens November 1, 2025, for the 2026-2027 academic year. High school students not applying during the summer application cycle may also apply during the winter cycle; however, they will not be considered for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship.
For a complete list of these scholarship funds, please visit the Foundation's website, www.blueriverfoundation.com or BRCF’s Scholarship Resource Guide. For more information about the summer scholarship application cycle, contact Julie Alvis, Communications and Scholarships Director, at 317.392.7955 ext. 102 or jalvis@blueriverfoundation.com.
SHS Courier Archive Highlights
October 1952, Part II
SHS senior Norman Poe won the singles tennis title with a victory over a Rushville player at the South Central Conference meet in Connersville. Other players on the Bears were Bill Mann, Ronnie Mitchell, Dave Clapp, Kenny Ewick, Bill Pope and Mick Hinshaw.
The Paul Cross Gym floor had been lengthened by two feet at each end over the summer. The added space was behind the goals.
Alan Coffin had broken his leg while practicing football. “I think I’ll try breaking a leg; it’s hard to get someone to carry my books from class to class, though everyone knows I’m Weakley,” the unnamed Courier writer said.
The Seth Thomas clock that had been installed in the assembly room two years’ prior still had the price tag on it: $11.95.
There had been 170 students sign up for chorus. Mr. Schultz would pick 72 of them for the Robed Choir. “He would like to keep more if he could, but unfortunately, that is all the robes we have.” Sue Baker and Janice Bogeman were student leaders of the choir. Carolyn Riggsbee would be the new accompanist, succeeding Carol Schoolfield.
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: American Smash, a Shelbyville-based rock band, performed at the Chamber Jam at Indiana Downs. Members of the band were Drew Erickson, James “Rooster” Markley, Alison “Precious Leigh Haywood” Fernandez and Joey Gaudin.
1995: The Indiana Association of Towns and Cities published a list of Indiana’s best eateries. Fiddlers Three and The Boggstown Inn & Cabaret both made the list.
1985: Nu-Trend Styling Salon held its grand opening at its new location, 48 Public Square. Stylists were Brenda Covington, Becky Vandosdol and Barb Reddick.
1975: Over 350 students, graduates, teachers and guest of the former Mount Auburn High School gathered at Southwestern for a reunion. Roscoe Cutlinger, the oldest living graduate, from the class of 1904, flew in from Florida. Louis Winn, class of 1907, was the second oldest graduate. Organizers were Frost Brockman, Louie Hamner Jr., Alice Pile, Dorothea Parker, Harold Isley and Lois Taylor.
1965: A lightning bolt struck and damaged a brick chimney and knocked out elevator service at the county courthouse.
A Continental Airlines Boeing 707 overran a runway in Kansas City, Mo., and crashed into an embankment before it stopped. In the process, it nearly hit a 727 jet on which Shelbyville Mayor Ralph VanNatta was a passenger. VanNatta had been in the region meeting with fire truck equipment providers.
1955: The Shelbyville airport would remain open for at least 60 days despite the fact that the tract of 46 acres had been sold to provide the site for the city’s newest housing development. Dick Hobbs, airport operator, said officials were seeking land for a new airport.
1945: The net cost of public welfare to Shelby County in 1944 had been lower than in 1943. Shelby County had the second-highest welfare costs in the region. Bartholomew County had the highest. “The money was expended chiefly for old age assistance and dependent children,” The Republican said.
1935: State officials approved funding to widen South Miller Street between Colescott St. and city limits. New curbs and gutters would be installed and the road widened 46 inches. A new powdered-asphalt would be used for the surface. If it worked as advertised, oiling would no longer be required, officials said.
1925: Laura Pile, Marietta, was arrested on a charge of throwing a stone at William Spurlin. He had dodged the stone, but pressed charges in Harry Ray’s justice of the peace court.
1915: A man described as a “wealthy retired farmer” on West Broadway was one of several arrested for dynamiting fish. A boy had tipped off police about the incident.
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: Freeman Family Funeral Homes & Crematory
OBITUARIES
Ronald Dean Andrews, 68, of Indianapolis, passed away on Sunday, June 29, 2025, in Shelbyville. He was born May 5, 1957, in Shelbyville, the son of Charles and Matilda (Deal) Andrews. Ron is survived by his brothers, Charles Andrews of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, Richard Andrews of Shelbyville, Donnal Andrews and Michael Andrews, both of Indianapolis; sisters, Janice Brewster of Greenwood, and Beverly Coffman of Indianapolis; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Gary Andrews.
Ron attended the Indiana School for the Blind, where he learned to read braille. He enjoyed listening to music, riding a bicycle, hunting and playing video games.
Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Online condolences may be shared with Ron’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
Patricia A. Cole, 80, of Shelbyville, passed away Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at her residence. Born on December 19, 1944, in Springfield, Illinois, she was the daughter of Jesse E. Brown and Margaret M. (Blocher) Brown. She married James T. Cole on April 26, 1974, and he preceded her in death on July 17, 2020. Survivors include two children, Craig Sullivan of Plainfield, and Tera Gooch (Ed) of Flat Rock; and five grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; spouse; two sons, Brian Sullivan and Jeff Sullivan; and brother David Brown.
Patricia had lived in this area most of her lifetime after moving from Indianapolis. She graduated from Avon High School in 1964 and was office executive for Barbers & Beauticians Union of Indy (BBC) for many years. Patricia enjoyed gardening, canning, and working in the garden.
No services are scheduled at this time. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery. Online condolences can be shared at glennegeorgeandson.com.