Tuesday, July 29, 2025
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SHELBY COUNTY SUNSET
The Sunday evening sunset is visible from West State Road 44. | photo by JACK BOYCE
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NOTEBOOK:
Shelby County Commissioners yesterday approved a right-of-way permit for BSM Group to bore approximately 223 feet along South County Line Road, just north of St. Paul Stone Co. The work is part of ongoing efforts to expand access to high-speed internet through Comcast contractors. While the approval was routine, commissioners discussed the need for better communication with nearby property owners when work is scheduled in the public right-of-way. They noted recent resident confusion and calls about digging activity near their yards and suggested contractors provide door hangers or other forms of notice.
Work is underway on the historic bridge along County Road 75 East, between 700 South and 800 South. Tree removal and site preparation begin this week, with full disassembly and rehabilitation of the bridge slated to begin next Monday.
The structure will be restored to its original dimensions to meet historic preservation standards, but weight capacity will increase from 6 to 13 tons. The project is expected to take up to 120 days, with completion anticipated by November.
Commissioner Jason Abel yesterday addressed concerns about chip sealing roads, noting that while the method has “a negative connotation and deservedly so,” new technologies and financial realities are making it a practical solution for county road maintenance. Abel cited changes in state funding formulas and emphasized the importance of proactive upkeep: “We’d rather maintain good roads than let them get bad and then repave them,” he said. Abel also explained that, unlike traditional repaving, chip sealing prevents excessive buildup of road height and is now being improved through updated application methods and an additional fog seal layer to reduce dust. “This is an opportunity for us to deliver good quality road surfaces that last longer while being mindful of the constituent dollars,” he said.
County Commissioners yesterday approved a 17-month contract with Samsara, a GPS and fleet maintenance software company, at a cost of $9,668. The software will provide real-time tracking and diagnostics for 30 vehicles and 10 additional equipment assets. Highway Department officials said the system will help streamline maintenance, improve parts tracking and analyze snowplow routes to boost efficiency and reduce missed roads. Commissioner Jason Abel called it “a tremendous tool to allow us to collect data related to one of our biggest responsibilities.” Officials noted the contract, which runs through December 2026, is not a long-term commitment and will help the county evaluate the system’s effectiveness before making future decisions.
The Shelby County Drainage Board yesterday discussed ongoing issues with the Smithland drainage tile, which was found to be severely clogged by tree roots during recent repair work north of Freedom Street. Approximately 100 feet of tile were replaced, but further inspection revealed at least 300 feet may be affected by root intrusion from trees planted too close to the line since its installation in 2003. The board and county officials noted that the original 12-inch perforated tile—intended to allow subsurface water drainage—is now vulnerable to invasive root systems. One proposed long-term solution includes replacing sections with solid tile and using double-wrapped joints and stone bedding to deter future root penetration. Officials are also considering installing access points and using cameras to inspect deeper sections before committing to full replacement. The estimated cost for full replacement could approach $20,000, and officials acknowledged the need to rebid the project and reassess landowner contributions to the drainage fund. They also discussed potentially educating property owners about not planting trees near drainage infrastructure and reviewing drainage ordinances for enforcement options. Drainage Board members agreed to gather bids for excavation, camera inspection and potential tile replacement and will revisit the issue at a future meeting.
The Shelby County Drainage Board also received an update from Speedway Solar Project Manager Danny Norris regarding ongoing drainage and tile repair efforts on the solar installation site near 700 North and 700 East. Contractors are expected to remain onsite for the next seven to 10 days to complete the second round of tile repairs, which include work on a regulated tile and drainage concerns raised by both participating and non-participating landowners. Norris noted that while many issues have been identified and are being addressed, some problems may not become apparent until the next growing season or beyond. He assured board members that future issues will be handled as needed. The board also discussed coordination on road reconstruction. Speedway Solar plans to use one of the county’s preferred contractors to restore roads impacted during construction, including widening intersections and replacing culverts. A comparative road condition survey was conducted before and after construction, and concerns for section corners will be addressed using existing land title surveys. Commissioners emphasized that improvements to intersections—particularly those widened by truck traffic—will benefit both residents and future access needs. Additional punch list items, such as regrading culverts at driveways, are also being completed before the project’s full demobilization.
The West Nile Virus has been found in Shelby County mosquitoes. The Shelby County Health Department and the Indiana State Department of Health test mosquitoes from different parts of the county periodically every summer. A mosquito sample recently taken in the northwest part of the city of Shelbyville has tested positive for West Nile Virus. “We are approaching a critical period for potential transmission to humans throughout this month. The substantial rainfall which we have experienced recently will result in adding significantly to the population of mosquitoes which are already out there,” Robert Lewis, director of the Shelby County Health Department, said in a statement. “Recommendations for the appropriate use of repellents and elimination of breeding sites such as containers that hold water near homes do work, when followed to reduce human cases.” So far, no confirmed cases of human diseases, and no horse cases have been reported.
Unleash Your Inner Artist at Guided Painting Class with Dawn Adams: The Shelbyville Central Education Foundation is hosting a Guided Painting Class on Friday, Aug. 22, at 5:30 p.m. at Echo Effect in Shelbyville. World-renowned local artist Dawn Adams will lead the session, offering step-by-step instruction in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Cost is $30 for adults and $20 for children 12 and under. Refreshments will be provided. Sign up here. Proceeds benefit the Shelbyville Central Education Foundation. Spots may fill quickly—register today and join us for an evening of creativity and community!
HOOSIER NEWS: The number of Hoosier kids going to Indiana’s public universities has dropped by 7,398 from 2010 to 2023 — a 21 percent loss — according to the recent Indiana Commission for Higher Education report. Over the same time, private colleges and universities in the state saw a 15 percent increase and the share of kids going to out-of-state schools grew by 12 percent. (Dr. Michael Hicks)
NATIONAL NEWS: A new analysis of 13 hamburger fast food restaurant menus found that the median number of items on a menu is 58 SKUs, a benchmark held by McDonald’s. The menus that have the most included Jack in the Box (85 items) and Sonic (80 items), the menus with the least included Five Guys (22 items) and the lowest of the group was In-N-Out (15 items). (QSR/Numlock)
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SHS Courier Archive Highlights
Nov. 29, 1961, Part I
Judy Owens had been elected queen of the annual Fall Wind-Up Dance, held at the Elks Club. She was escorted by Steve Adkins. Court members were Pat McComas, Don Thompson, Jean Gehr, John Bobeck, Mary Jane Dennis, Mike Staats, Barbara Hey, Tim Shuppert, Shari Long and Jim Kremer. Over 200 students attended the dance. Music was provided by the Satellites Dance Band.
Five SHS football players were named to the SCC team: Lonnie Walker and Tom Johnson were named to the All-SCC first team, and Tom Patterson, Al Koehler and Wendell Bernard received honorable mention.
Inspired by studies showing a college student’s success was correlated with vocabulary acquisition, a group of SHS seniors had been meeting at 7:30 a.m. in English class to discuss books and words.
Miss Georgia Moore announced she would retire at the end of the year. “I am resigning for self-preservation and pleasure,” she told The Courier. Her sister, Mrs. Marie Rohm, teacher at Hendricks Schools, was also retiring.
Principal James Sharp took a trip to IU to visit with the 23 graduates from the SHS Class of ’61 who were attending there and check in on their progress.
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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: Shelby County Players received a grant from RushShelby Energy and the Blue River Foundation to replace its failing stage lighting system at the theatre, 16 S. Tompkins St. Tom Miller was the lighting coordinator for the group. His son, Niko, was in training to do the job.
1995: Shelby County Commissioners set up a recycling container next to their meeting room’s trash can. “The container appeared after a report of an aluminum can in the trash on the same night two of the three commissioners voted for a required recycling resolution,” The Shelbyville News reported.
1985: Approximately 5,000 people had attended Derby Days in Morristown. The Lions Club had sold over 2,000 fish sandwiches. Charlie Gaines had won the Cub Scout coaster race, with Ryan Storm finishing second and Daniel Hauener in third. In the raffle, Ben Strausser won $100 worth of groceries, Al Bergman won a weed eater and Diane Dehoney won dinner theater tickets. Katie Thompson took first for the best horse unit in the parade, with Jennifer Burton in second and Roger Stance in third. Leslie Hanson and Stacy Hanson tied for first for best costume for girls, with Hope Talbert in second and Nikki Short in third. For boys’ costumes, Josh Talbert and Nathan Talbert took home the honors.
1975: A string of thefts occurred around the county. Archie Anderson’s 1974 Mercury was stolen in Fairland. Greg Ryhal, 208 Habig St., reported that 11 tapes and a case were stolen from his locked car. Someone had apparently used a coat hanger to open the door.
1965: Siebert Oldsmobile, the Dairy Queen and Farmers National Bank held a “Fairest of the Fair” event, featuring Miss Dairy Queen Ann Cline and Miss Siebert Oldsmobile Nancy Yarling, in addition to The Kandells (band members Dan Theobald, Phil Smith, Steve Kimbrell, Jack Hignite and Jim Hoff) at a free dance at the junction of State Road 44 and 421.
1955: Shelby County REMC opened in its newly-constructed offices at 1504 S. Harrison St. The building, which cost $75,000 to construct, included a remote control system of fluorescent lights and air conditioning.
1945: A double corn crib and tool shed containing 2,000 bushels of corn and a new corn picker were destroyed by fire on Virgil Everhart’s farm two miles west of Morristown on U.S. Highway 52. Firefighters battled the blaze for six hours. The firemen said the blaze was started by gasoline tank vapor as Mr. Everhart was drawing fuel from the receptacle while smoking a pipe.
1935: Storms and severe wind knocked out electric service in southwest Shelbyville, as well as felled several large trees. One large tree landed on the front doorstop of Dr. F.E. Ray’s home on South Harrison St. No homes were damaged.
1925: John Headlee, of Blue Ridge, lost his “purse,” which contained money and checks totaling $1,000, while walking through a farm field near Manilla, The Republican reported. Curt Kuhn searched the field and found the purse, which he returned to Headlee.
1915: A Gwynneville man who had been arrested on a charge of wife desertation was released by Judge Blair after authorities failed to provide evidence, and attorney Francis Thompson filed a successful writ of habeas corpus. The prosecutor’s office immediately filed a new charge against the man, and he was returned to jail while the court considered the matter.
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OBITUARIES
Kenneth “Kenny” Gephart, 89, of Shelbyville, passed away on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at his home. He was born December 26, 1935, in Rush County, the son of Clarence and Lillie (Bogue) Gephart. On January 24, 1958, he married Shirley Andrews, and she preceded him in death on August 27, 2022. Kenny is survived by his children, Tammy Carter of Indianapolis, and Kevin Gephart and Sandra Farber, both of Rushville; sister, Barbara Branson of Ray’s Crossing; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and many wonderful friends and neighbors. In addition to Shirley, Kenny was preceded in death by his parents; brother, James Gephart; sister, Judy Gwinn; granddaughter, Annie Carter; and daughter-in-law, Ginny Gephart.
He was a member of Ray’s Crossing Christian Union Church, and graduated from high school in Shelby County. Kenny served in the National Guard for nine years. He retired from GE Wellman, where he was a welder and brick mason, in 2007, with 42 years of service. Kenny was a lifelong farmer. Kenny enjoyed going fishing, farming and spending time with his loving family.
Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Memorial contributions may be made to Ray’s Crossing Christian Union Church, Wounded Warriors, Veterans of Foreign Wars or Disabled American Veterans. Online condolences may be shared with Kenny’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
Tom Patterson was selected honorable mention. His sister was Pat. He should have been first team along with Wendell Bernard and Alan Koehler