City Plan Commission Takes Action on Petitions
The Shelbyville Plan Commission last night gave a favorable rezone request, continued another request because the petitioner failed to appear and approved a site development plan and a preliminary plat after lengthy discussion.
The plan commission first gave a favorable recommendation for rezoning 428 E. Washington St., at the corner of Vine St., back to residential. The property owners had received approval for business zoning in 2020 with plans for a business office on the first floor and residential on the second. The owners are now moving and have a potential buyer who wants to use the structure solely as residential, attorney Eric Glasco, representing the owners, said.
The recommendation was a 6-1 vote among members present, with plan commission member Gary Nolley voting no after expressing concern about the owner previously receiving tax dollars through MainStreet Shelbyville for refurbishments to the commercial space.
“So, they got that increased value of the house…and (now are) going to sell it,” Nolley said. “It’s really not our purview, but it just has a bad appearance, a bait and switch.” Although the matter is between the owners and MainStreet, Nolley said, “I think they ought to make that right.”
Plan Commission member Dennis Harrold had recused himself from the petition given he is in the same law firm as Mr. Glasco.
Next, the plan commission continued a request to rezone property adjacent to the Valero gas station and convenience store at 603 Colescott Street to Business General to allow the business to expand. A member of the public attended to speak, but was unable to, given the petitioner failed to appear. The matter will be continued to the August 26 meeting.
The plan commission then approved, after much discussion and with stipulations, the submitted site and elevation plans for an incoming Dollar General Market store, to be located on 3.41 acres at the northeast corner of East McKay Road and Twin Lakes Blvd.
Plan Commission member Jeremy Ruble asked for “No Truck Traffic” signs to help prevent traffic from traversing Twin Lakes addition. Adam Rude, city planning director, said he would speak with the street commission regarding the matter, and did not see any issue placing the signs.
Several Twin Lakes area residents expressed concerns about the development during the public comment portion. The lot was always zoned to allow a standard “business neighborhood” store, such as a Dollar General, and the Board of Zoning Appeals recently gave a special exception to allow 640 extra square feet for the DG Market concept. One long-time Twin Lakes resident, however, noted that residents of the neighborhood had been told that the only business that could use that lot would be an office that operated during business hours. The man said he and his wife have long planned to move out-of-state to be closer to grandchildren, but the best offer received on their home has been $24,000 less than the list price. They had an accepted offer last week, he said, but the proposed buyer backed out, claiming he was moving due to the incoming Dollar General, which he noted was not true. He said he felt “betrayed” by city leaders over the matter.
Adam Rude, city planning director, opened the meeting by noting the matter was a “private real estate deal between private parties,” and that the city did not own the land and didn’t seek out projects on the evening’s agenda.
There were also logistical issues raised, such as the ability of trucks to maneuver through the area. City staff and engineers said they would again review the matter, which became a stipulation to the motion. The motion passed, with Gary Nolley the lone “no” vote. He had asked for more time to review issues raised.
The commission eventually unanimously approved the request for a preliminary plat for Second Circle Investments, the Dollar General developer, to subdivide one commercial lot into two commercial lots, with a shared access point on the west and south sides of the development.
Golf Benefit Connects Golden Bears’ Past to Present
Ross Morgan, Hogan Fulkerson, Brent Kramer and Jordan Conley repeated as Golden Bear Benefit Golf Champions at last weekend’s outing. | media release
The 2024 Golden Bear Boys Basketball/Football Golf Benefit enjoyed near-perfect weather and welcomed a legion of participants to Saturday’s event at The Legends Golf Club. Thirty-four teams took part in the scramble-format competition that annually raises operating funds for the Shelbyville High School basketball and football programs.
The Law Family/Zotec and Cagney’s Pizza King once again served as major event sponsors. Nine-hole sponsors were Today’s Dental Care, Dr. Phil Batton, Brewer Machine, Precision Power Wash, The Shelbyville High School Class of 1979, CoreVision, “Z” Shirts, McGowan Insurance Group and EZ Dumpsters. The outing received a generous donation from Joe and Theresa Harlan. There were an additional 38 single-hole sponsors.
Former SHS athletes Loren “Hank” Hemingway and Shelly Caplinger were remembered for their significant, historic athletic careers. Hemingway was a starting forward for the 1947 Shelbyville state championship team. Caplinger was a tremendous multi-sport athlete and a member of the 1986 Indiana All-Star Basketball Team. Both passed away in May.
The event also recognized the 1979 Shelbyville boys basketball regional championship team that became the first contingent since 1953 to earn a semi-state berth. Team members Rick Moorhead and Tim Bowles represented the team.
“We appreciate the financial support and even more we appreciate the people who come out to encourage us through this outing,” said Shelbyville football coach Scott Fitzgerald.
The team of Jordan Conley, Hogan Fulkerson, Brent Kramer and Ross Morgan claimed the championship for the second consecutive year, with a score of 51.
Ben Smith and Brian Gardner were Longest Drive winners. Mike Wise and Will Prine won Closest-to-the-Pin competition and Anthony Bond and Tyler Peper had the longest putts.
“I am extremely thankful for the sponsors and golfers who continually step forward to get behind us and make this day such a success,” said Golden Bear basketball coach John Hartnett. “We are very grateful for them and their support.”
SHS football and football both demonstrated definite improvement in 2023-24. Last season, the basketball squad recorded the most victories since 2019 and finished with double-digit wins for the second consecutive year. The football team’s three season wins were the most in six years.
Both programs are in the process of developing promising feeder systems as well.
“There are strong younger groups coming up in both programs,” Hartnett said. “We are anticipating good things in the future.”
NOTEBOOK:
The schedule for Morristown’s Derby Days is available here. The parade starts at 11 a.m., with the Derby race to follow.
HOOSIER NEWS: Valparaiso University needs money to pay for dorm renovations, and wants to sell off several art works in its museum to do so. They want to sell off a painting called “Rust Red Hills” by Georgia O’Keeffe (bought in 1962 for $5,700, with a current appraised value of $10.5 million to $15 million), the painting “The Silver Veil and the Golden Gate” by Childe Hassam (bought in 1967 for $9,000, currently appraised at $1 million to $3.5 million) and “Mountain Landscape” by Frederic E. Church (appraised in the original donation at $1 million to $3 million), but they’re having trouble legally justifying the deaccessioning. In an attempt to defend the sale of the first two, they’re arguing in court that the original gift was from a guy who hated modern art and insisted the acquisitions be “conservative,” that the paintings should never have been acquired in the first place, and they can be sold anyway. (New York Times/Numlock)
NATIONAL NEWS: Experience Columbus, the local tourism push from the city in Ohio, touted 51.2 million visitors in 2023, an all-time record. This claim is stunning and can’t be right, as it implies that Columbus was as visited as, say, Chicago, which had 51.96 million visitors in 2023. That’s 1 in 6 Americans visiting Columbus. This gets at a somewhat testy issue within the tourism industry, namely that client cities are pushing tourism consultants to come up with elaborate definitions of “visitor” in order to make the number go up. One of the things that juke the stats in Experience Columbus’ case includes a “visitor” not meaning “a person” but actually meaning “one visit from one person,” counting every returner as a new visitor with no minimum duration so as to include layovers, passersby and day-trippers in the number. (Skift/Numlock)
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Editor’s note: The Shelbyville High School Courier is going digital this year, with student-led coverage of student activities and athletics to be published on the newly created Instagram page when the academic year begins. Over the next week, we will dive into the Courier archives to publish highlights from a selected edition. Today’s featured edition was not dated but appears to be from fall 1985.
There were changes in the Guidance Department, with Miss Fredina Crowe opting to return to the classroom. (She had been absent from school so far, however, with a foot injury.) Beverly Gardner was Crowe’s replacement. Mr. Clapp and Mrs. Judith Wydau were also on the guidance staff.
Squib advisor Virginia Ferris said the 1986 yearbook would have a new design and “the computer will be used more this year.” Diana Thomas was editor-in-chief. Kathy Davis, Terri Ledford, Lori Haley, Kate Stubbs, Nicole Gorden, Liza Wheeler, Rachael Passwater, Myla Graham, Phil Devoe, Gloria Myers and Kim Stone were also in leadership roles. General staff members were Jeanie Neal, Tommy King, Teola Hornaday, Paul Woolridge and Chris Barton. Photographers were Pam Compton, Jeff Nelson, Darrin Shadley, Shane Yeager, Kelly Zinman, Kelly Anspaugh, John Bogeman, Jennifer Branson, Stacey Harris, and Melissa Millet. Paul Woolridge and Rachael Passwater were the artists, Chris Guffey reported.
Construction was underway on a new wing on the west end of the school. One side of the wing would consist of only biology classes and a laboratory. The other side would be for Special Education students. An elevator would also be installed.
Cheryl Linville wrote she was not thrilled with the school’s new dress code, enforced by new administrator Maury Smith. Advertising alcoholic beverages, tobacco products and illegal drugs was prohibited. “Next, they are concerned with the Madonna look,” Linville reported. “That’s right, no bare tummies or mini-skirts. I guess they are afraid that we girls will grow up and become famous and move from this exciting community.”
Upperclassmen had reportedly been selling their elevator passes to freshmen.
Kathy Morrow, new girls golf coach, said her inexperienced team would get better with practice. Kelli Anspaugh was the team’s medalist, but had broken her hand over the summer. Other team members were Dee Ashcraft, Stephanie Laird, Allison Dovidas, Anne Higgins and Jennifer Apple.
Volleyball coach Karen Bowman said she had high hopes for her team. Players on the team were Shelly Caplinger, Melinda Vogler, Mindy Settles, Tina Sexton, Lori Hastings, Maria Rhoades, Lisa Hinrichs, Amy Richard and Charlene Robineette. Those on the reserve team were Tomomi Sugino, Janie Eubanks, Kelly Anderson, Sarah Stieneker, Robin Minton, Dana Terrell, Jamie Beyer, Angie Mathies, Mona Robinette, Jill Cox and Kathy Jewell.
Jay Cherry, Scott Shaner and Blake Sandman were the top three-ranked singles players on the boys tennis team. Coach Jack Tindall said it would be a “rebuilding year.” Also on the team were Tony Hawkins, Dean Sipe, Jeff Cox, Tim Barnard, Steve Skillman, Matt Marshall, Doug Hasecuster, Derrick Norris, Brad Davis, David Phares and Andrew Walton.
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.
2014: Construction began on the Long Branch Saloon in Morristown, which had been destroyed by fire in December 2013. Owner Larry Tracy said the saloon could reopen by November. The Tracy family had built the Long Branch Saloon in 1973.
2004: Firefighters responded to a fire in the alley behind Kiefer’s Furniture Home, 33 W. Broadway. A burning mattress leaning against the building had caused $4,000 in damage.
1994: Waldron Home Telephone Co., girls 5- to 8-year olds, were the T-ball league champions with a 7-0 record and league tournament runners-up. Team members were Jennifer Doddridge, Sara Greiwe, Kara Williams, Amber Harvey, Amanda Andrews, Becky Barnes, Somer Case, Krystal Raney, Kara Raney, Carrie Runnebohm, Tiffany Williams and Trinity Lux. Sandi and Jeff Greiwe were coaches.
1984: The Shelbyville Parks Department held a mini-triathlon at the Fairland Recreation Club. The race included a .4-mile swim, a 14-mile bike race and a 4.4 mile run. Triathloning was called “the sport of the 80s” by The Shelbyville News.
1974: GBBA captured top honors in the Shelbyville Little League season. Team members were Drew Soshnick, Darin Pilk, Dan Monroe, Lewis Monroe, Tim Staker, Pat Hartnett, Thad Brewer, Mike Mewborn, Will Bruner, Gary Simpson, Mason Collins, Randy McNeely, Todd Pearson and Robbie Bryan. Dan Muth was the coach, John Harnett was assistant coach and Kinsey Brewer was batboy.
1964: The Broadway Cafe opened at 14 E. Broadway, the site of the former Broadway Restaurant and Malt Shop. Della Wickline was the business owner. Her son, Richard Wickline, assisted with operations, as did Nellie Haag and Evelyn Treon.
1954: Lt. Col. James VanPelt, son of Mr. and Mrs. G.W. VanPelt of Shelbyville, took over as base commander of Orly Field, Paris. Lt. Col. VanPelt had been a pilot in World War II on search and patrol duty in Panama and later fought in the Pacific Theater of Operation.
1944: Shelbyville was named site of the Indiana Open Golf Tournament, to be hosted at Elks Blue River Country Club in August. The tournament was the premier golf tournament in the state.
Bradley Hall Furniture started offering Victor and Bluebird records for sale, featuring the songs of Dinah Shore, Perry Como, Artie Shaw and the King Sisters.
1934: The temperature reached 107 degrees, a local record. “Decidedly pleased with the heat was Bill Neu, manager and lifeguard of the Porter Pool,” the paper said. The pool had 429 customers, also a new daily record.
1924: Traffic light posts at Harrison and Hendricks streets and at Harrison and Polk streets were both broken in separate auto accidents. In another report, Paul Ross’ car was stolen while it was parked outside the Strand Theatre.
1914: Drilling for oil reached 400 feet on two Shelby County properties. “It is believed that both wells will be big producers,” the paper said.
OBITUARIES
Melba Faye Lister, 95, of Effingham, Illinois, passed away the morning of Monday, July 22, 2024, at Waldron Health and Rehabilitation in Waldron, Indiana, surrounded by her family. Melba was a life-long resident of Effingham County. She was born July 6, 1929, in Effingham, Illinois, the daughter of Fredrick and Mabel (Sutton) Westfall. She married Donald Riley Lister on July 24, 1948, and he preceded her in death on December 22, 1995. Melba is survived by her sons, Donald Steven Lister and Margie Anderson, of Hendersonville, Tennessee, and Gale Dean Lister of Clearwater, Florida; daughter, Donna Faye Hunt and husband, Doug, of Shelbyville, Indiana; grandchildren, David Lister and wife, Emily, Matthew Lister and wife, Kayla, Emily Epstein and husband, Matthew, Nicholas Lister, and Rebekah Sanderson and husband, Matthew; great-grandchildren, Samuel, Levi, Gaby, Anna, Max and Cullen; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to Donald, Melba was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Evelyn Ring; and brothers, Clifford Westfall, Hershel Westfall, Haven Westfall, Carl Westfall, Leon Westfall and Leland Westfall.
In 1947, Melba graduated from Effingham High School. She was a dedicated member of the Effingham First Church of God, where she enjoyed sharing in Bible study, cooking for church functions, and supporting her church family. In addition to being an incredible cook, she loved crafting, crocheting, and gardening. Melba was a beautiful seamstress, making countless dresses and costumes, and made many hand-crafted quilts for her loved ones. Melba worked as a cook in the cafeteria of South Side Elementary of the Effingham School District for over 10 years. Melba was a loving mother and was very involved in her children’s and grandchildren’s activities. She will be remembered for her quiet strength, warm spirit and unwavering dedication to her family and friends.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m., (ET) Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., (CT) Thursday, July 25, 2024, at First Church of God, 2600 S. Banker St. in Effingham, IL 62401. Funeral services will follow at 1 pm (CT) at the church.
Interment will be at Watson Cemetery in Watson, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be made to the Watson Cemetery, in care of, Watson Town Hall, PO Box 127, Watson, Illinois 62473. Online condolences may be shared with Melba’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
Danny L. Shaw, 78, of Shelbyville, passed away Saturday, July 20, 2024 at Franciscan Health. Born December 12, 1945, in Shelbyville, he was the son of Paul J. Shaw and Evelyn (Yarling) Shaw. He married Kathryn (Frogge) Shaw on August 7, 1966, and she survives. Other survivors include three children, Kelly Poole (James) of Avon, David Shaw (Janice) of New Palestine, and Dennis Shaw (Katie) of Shelbyville; seven grandchildren, Bryan Shaw, Evan Shaw, Brenna Shaw, Mark Poole, Luke Poole, Daniel Shaw, and Elizabeth Shaw. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Sandra Kirschbaum.
Mr. Shaw was a lifelong resident of this area and graduated from Waldron High School in 1964. He was a lifetime self-employed farmer, and also drove a school bus for Shelbyville Central Schools for 50 years. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and served in the Indiana National Guard for several years.
Danny enjoyed fishing, golfing, and coaching softball. He had been a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader for several years, was a volunteer for Grover Museum, and was involved in the 4H program. He loved driving students to their ball games and field trips, and loved attending his grandchildren's sporting events and activities. Danny never met a stranger.
Funeral services will be at noon on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at St. Vincent Catholic Church, 4218 E. Michigan Road, with Rev. Mike Keucher officiating. Friends may call at the Glenn E. George & Son Funeral Home, 437 Amos Road, on Saturday morning from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Cancer Society, in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be shared at glennegeorgeandson.com.
Tell that golf committee that next year they should invite Jack Krebs to play in the tourney. Jack lives in the Southport area and if they need his contact information, just let me know. He is probably one of the best Shelbyville and Butler University ever produced. He graduated in 1958.