Tuesday, June 3, 2025
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: STEPHENSON RIFE ATTORNEYS
PROJECTS PROGRESS
The Blue River bridge (above) and railroad crossing (below) projects continue to progress. Substantial work appears to be complete on the west side of the bridge, and some road surface panels are now in place on the rail crossing. The reinforced concrete panels are a first-class way of filling in the crossing. | photos and reporting by JOHN WALKER
PASSING IT ON
Shelbyville High School student Donavon Martin works with youth yesterday at SHS’s youth football camp, led by the coaching staff with assistance from players. | photo by KRISTIAAN RAWLINGS
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: FULL CANOPY REAL ESTATE
NOTEBOOK:
The Boys and Girls Club has yet to make a formal presentation to the Parks Board regarding use of Morrison Park, Mayor Scott Furgeson told the Common Council last night. The mayor noted that the letter of intent he wrote had been upon request from the Boys and Girls Club so they could pursue grant money for the potential project. “No decisions have been made,” Mayor Furgeson said, later adding, “If I made the decision on this, it would happen today. Unfortunately, there’s nobody in this room that makes that decision, including myself. The Parks Board solely makes the decision.” Furgeson said the Parks Board would hold a public meeting if it reaches that point.
City Council last night approved on second reading a rezone for 403 S. Noble St., from Light Industrial to Institutional. St. Joseph Catholic Church is in the process of acquiring the property from Old Hickory.
City Council also approved appointing Mark Mason to the fire and police merit boards. Mayor Scott Furgeson last week appointed Bill Kent to be on the fire and police merit boards, and former Mayor Frank Zerr to be on the fire pension board and former Mayor Bob Williams to be on the police merit board.
Shelby County Commissioners yesterday discussed updates on broadband initiatives. The county has $3 million available in the general fund that could be used for broadband initiatives, pending County Council approval. Commissioner Jason Abel and county officials have been working with Rudd Consulting to develop a broadband expansion plan, which led to entering a procurement to seek a private partner for the project. A Request for Information netted nine responses, and the committee is recommending NineStar Connect to the County Council, although the council has not yet taken action. NineStar’s proposal, which would use Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) funds, involves creating a loop around the county that connects over 1,700 addresses and covering the cost of connection, which can be an average of $2,000 each, allowing users to just pay the monthly service fee. The agreement, which will be forwarded to the council, would allow other companies to connect and expand service in the county as well. Rudd advised moving forward. “If the county does not compete and put its best foot forward, the counties around you will outcompete you, and they will attract that private investment quicker and more extensively into their counties,” he said. Abel agreed, noting that broadband impacts education, healthcare and economic opportunities throughout the county. Separately, Shelby County last summer received $10.8 million in Indiana Next Level Connections funds, allocated primarily to Comcast for expansion.
The culvert replacement on 350 West is scheduled to be re-opened, after approximately three months, by the end of this week.
A driver attempting to avoid a vehicle approaching him the wrong way at Boggstown Road and N. Harrison St. backed into another vehicle. Numerous constructions workers on the N. Harrison St. bridge witnessed the incident.
A motorcyclist laid down his bike on S. Harrison St. at the intersection of Jefferson Ave. after attempting to pass a turning vehicle. The driver of the vehicle had her right turn signal on, but instead went left at the same time the motorcyclist attempted to pass. There was no collision between the vehicles. The motorcyclist had lacerations on his arm and bruises on his side, and the motorcycle was damaged.
A vehicle struck two parked and unoccupied vehicles in the 200 block of Van Ave. early Sunday morning. The driver left the scene, but was located, arrested and jailed on multiple charges, including driving while intoxicated and leaving the scene of the crash. The driver did not have insurance on his vehicle.
A vehicle struck a utility pole near the intersection of McKay Road and Miller St. and left the scene. Witnesses described the vehicle as a red truck pulling a red trailer. The vehicle had been attempting to turn north in an alley from McKay Road due to the road closure.
HOOSIER NEWS: Verizon said that the sold-out crowd of 350,000 at the Indianapolis 500 logged an in-house record for most data consumed at a sporting event, coming in at 172 terabytes in a single day. That is the equivalent of moving 57 million digital photos. Coachella was the largest spectator event last year, which saw 129 terabytes moved, and the Iowa State Fair had the largest transmitted data with 393.1 terabytes moved. (Sportico/Numlock)
NATIONAL NEWS: At the turn of the 20th century, there were only 300,000 white tail deer in North America, down from an estimated 30 million on the eve of colonization. Decades of hunting, habitat destruction and particularly hunting young deer dropped the population to a dangerously low level. The species’ continued survival is thanks to the protection of the deer in the early 1900s and the ensuing end of commercial deer hunting; today there are 30 million to 35 million white tail deer in North America, basically at pre-colonization level. (The Conversation/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!
SHS Courier Archive Highlights
Sept. 1974
The Powder Puff Derby, a flag football game for girls, was set for Oct. 23, 6 p.m., on the field. Proceeds from admission went to the Squib. Coach Tom Hession and Principal Ray Craft would officiate the contest, and WSVL would provide play-by-play duties. Mr. Robert Sutton would oversee concessions.
The Golden Bears Boosters Club had been formed in August with the goal of “getting the people of the city behind athletics.” The group met at the Eagles Lodge on Wednesdays. “This group of 25 to 30 has no obligations and receives food for their interest.”
Michelle Jurras was the new editor of The Courier, with Pat Gallagher and Susan Shisler serving as assistant editors. Mrs. Mary Agler was the sponsor.
Student want ads were published: a 1971 Rupp Scrambler mini-bike was for sale for $150, and a new .22 caliber rifle, semi-automatic with scope, was $75.
Mr. Mark Pitts announced a get-together for those interested in FEA, Future Educators in Action.
Members of the sixth hour crafts class were making a mascot for the SHS Golden Bears. The members were making a bear from wood, chicken wire and papier mache. It would be over six-feet-tall and used at all home football and basketball games.
This edition included a brief article titled “Garrett Stood Tall” by Sam Ardery.
“Help me to soar higher. Help me to approach perfection.” - Jonathon Livingston Seagull
The words of Jonathon Livingston Seagull were probably not Bill Garrett’s inspiration, but I think they can certainly be used to describe this remarkable human being. He was not only an athlete of unending capabilities; he was a person that few could match for his contributions in all walks of life. During high school, Bill Garrett was an inspiration to his school and fellow teammates. In 1947, his quiet leadership propelled Shelbyville to our only basketball state championship up-to-date. Although this is a formidable feat, it is but one of his many accomplishments.
To be a Big Ten basketball player is in itself quite difficult. To be the first full-time Black ball player in the Big Ten must certainly have been a task that few could have undertaken. Bill Garrett assumed this responsibility as if he knew it was his to do; and he did it. He undoubtedly withstood many trials that people had no right to put to him, but the facts show he stood tall and with pride through it all.
After completing college at Indiana University, Bill spent a few years traveling with the Harlem Globe Trotters. A person must be a much better than average ball player to perform with this team. Bill Garrett was no average person or ball player. Having finished his time with the Trotters, Bill entered the prep ranks in a coaching capacity at Crispus Attucks. As in his other endeavors, Bill displayed his many talents. Not only did he lead Crispus Attucks to the state championship, but a better example to the teenage boys was nowhere to be found.
Shelbyville and the world have lost a great man at a very young age. But his good deeds and pleasant nature will always be remembered. Bill Garrett was a kind, considerate and gentle person. And though it is hard to say when a man approached perfection, Bill Garrett truly soared higher than the crowd.
We knew a man whose name was Bill. He dared to scale a difficult hill. And when things were done, he died too young. But to the top his name had sprung.
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: After a standoff lasting nearly 20 hours at Bigfoot Food Store on East State Road 44, police brought the matter to a sudden conclusion. Communications with the armed burglar had broken down, so police cut power to the building, used a flash-bang device, rushed the store and removed the unharmed hostage. The suspect opened fire, and police returned fire, killing him. The suspect had been in a high-speed chase down I-74 before entering Bigfoot.
Country Charm Bar and Grill, 39 Public Square, closed after a year in business. Simple Pleasures Tea Room, 5 Public Square, had also been closed. Owner Bonnie Hogan cited parking concerns on the circle. “Many of my downtown customers were older ladies, and they were afraid of crossing the street from the parking lot to my shop,” she told The Shelbyville News.
1995: Plans for the 12th annual Shelby County Antique Tractors, Crafts and Flea Market Show at the Shelby County Fairgrounds were announced. Carroll Thurston and Margaret Boilanger were organizing the event.
1985: Merchants National Bank bought Farmers National Bank, 102 S. Harrison St. The Farmers name would continue, and 73 employees and six branches retained, officials said.
1975: The Shelbyville Common Council voted to abolish City Court. The state legislature had recently established county courts, which would have the same jurisdiction as justice of the peace courts and city courts.
1965: The Shelbyville News published an article about the future of cosmetics, following a recent report from Purdue University. Experts predicted a variety of new products would be available within the next decade, including a pill that would curl hair.
1955: Taxes had not been paid on some 80 dogs in Addison Township, Trustee Leona Leap reported.
Five local boys were named to attend the annual Hoosier Boys State, sponsored by the Indiana American Legion. They were Gary Coers, Waldron; Ronnie Mitchell, Shelbyville; Joe Crosby, Shelbyville; Gary Osborne, Shelbyville; and Larry Sandman, Shelbyville.
1945: Victor’s Vapor Bath and Massage Salon opened in Rooms 201 and 202 in the First National Bank building.
1935: Robert Davisson, 24, was appointed temporary police officer to fill in for Assistant Chief Charles Goebel, who was attending a police convention in Evansville for the week.
1925: August DePrez and Paul Ray, both connected with the local hardware store industry, left for a trip out west, The Republican reported. The men planned to stop by Yellowstone en route to California.
1915: Local men working for the street department requested a 100 percent raise from City Council. The men were receiving 50 cents a load for the gravel they hauled. They asked for $1, since they could only make eight loads a day. The matter was discussed at length, but no decision was made.
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: Freeman Family Funeral Homes & Crematory
OBITUARIES
Reba Carolyn (Kimery) Keaton, 88, of Morristown, passed away on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at Walker Place in Shelbyville. She was born March 4, 1937, in Marion County, the daughter of Ralph D. and Clara A. (Zartman) Kimery. On December 26, 1954, she married Robert L. “Bob” Keaton Sr., and he preceded her in death on July 31, 2016. Reba is survived by her children, Robert L. “Rob” Keaton Jr. and wife, Patti, of Stokesdale, North Carolina, Ruth Ritter of New Palestine, Roy N. “Nick” Keaton and wife, Pam, of Morristown, and Rhonda Zike and husband, Kevin, of Morristown; brother, Dick Kimery; sisters, Elsie Martin and Sue Scott; sister-in-law, Carolyn S. “Sue” Keaton; grandchildren, Allison, Nathan, Amy, Mary, Melissa, Ricky, Ben, Erin, Jarrett, Katon and Steven; 16 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to Bob, Reba was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Avon Hunkee, Lela Guffin Ewing, Mary Tracy, Pat Fisher, Erma Potter; brothers, Don Kimery, Ray Kimery, Jim Kimery and great-granddaughter, Isabella Hills.
Reba worked various jobs around Morristown, notably as a cook at the local school, but her favorite job was being a mom and grandma. She loved nothing more than feeding family around her table and sipping coffee while chatting the afternoon away. She loved thrifting and finding a new treasure for her house. She was always on the lookout for a new purse she could fill with some spending money and her favorite Sour Patch Kids, both of which she’d share with anyone who needed them.
She enjoyed sewing and was constantly adding just a few more flowers to her beautiful beds around the yard. Reba was quick with a laugh and believed Little Debbie snacks were the perfect breakfast food. She was a prolific card writer and never missed a chance to celebrate someone. Reba was a member of Gwynneville Christian Church. Her generosity and kindness were a testament to the Jesus she loved.
Please join us as we celebrate Reba’s life. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 124 E. North St. in Morristown. Funeral services will follow at noon, at the funeral home, with Rev. Jim Coyle officiating. Interment will be at Asbury Cemetery in Morristown. “The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff at Walker Place for the way they loved on and cared for our mother. Also, to Gentiva Hospice for their support and loving attention during this time. You all have a special place in our hearts forever.” Memorial contributions may be made to the Gwynneville Christian Church, 7104 East Mulberry St., Gwynneville, Ind., 46144. Online condolences may be shared with Reba’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
Samuel P. Young, 81, of Shelbyville, passed away on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at The Willows of Shelbyville. He was born May 5, 1944, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the son of Elmer and Margaret (Getz) Young. Samuel is survived by his children, Elizabeth Young and Jason Young. He was preceded in death by his parents.
In 1962, he graduated from Manheim Central, and later obtained his bachelor’s degree in botany and sociology from Butler University. He had formerly worked for the government. Samuel had also owned a printing business, He enjoyed working with horses and truck and tractors. Samuel was formerly at member of the JayCees.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to noon, Friday, June 6, 2025, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Funeral services will follow at noon. Interment will be at Miller Cemetery in Shelby County. Online condolences may be shared with Samuel’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.