Tuesday, May 14, 2024
COACHING SESSION
Shelbyville High School golfers Kameron Timberlake and Ethan Hughes discuss their recent drives with Coach Jason Garrison at last night’s meet at Blue Bear Golf Club. | photos by KRISTIAAN RAWLINGS
BELOW: Jake Garrison, Brock Wischmeyer, Logan Tobian and Ethan Hughes warm up before yesterday’s meet against Connersville.
Interactive Middle School Teacher Set to Retire
Retiring Shelbyville Middle School teacher Paul Ashbrook dons a hat gifted to him by a colleague before a group of teachers embarked on a recent kayaking trip. | photo by KRISTIAAN RAWLINGS
After 26 years of overseeing “Wacky Science” experiments, insect collections, solar cooker projects, visits to the outdoor lab and countless other experiential education opportunities, Shelbyville Middle School science teacher Paul Ashbrook is closing out a storied career. Storied, because there have been countless stories to accompany his interactive techniques.
Like the time a student’s grandfather brought a pet monkey to show the class. And if that wasn’t enough excitement, the monkey somehow got off his leash, unleashing mayhem in the sixth grade classroom.
“Luckily, my door was closed, so the chaos was contained,” Ashbrook dead-panned.
Some student-led Wacky Science projects were nearly as memorable.
“There would be successes, flops, and the occasional out-of-the-ordinary, including potato cannons and Mento and Coke reactions,” he said.
Ashbrook’s pre-teaching days were just as varied. Although he attended Addison Elementary School on Amos Road, he found himself in Southern California as a young adult working a variety of jobs. Then, his dad called. The family store on the town square, Ashbrook’s Hope Food Mart, had come back due to a failed purchase on contract. Paul agreed to return and help. While managing the store, he also managed to return to college, finishing a degree in Elementary Education at IUPUC.
He was assigned a student teaching term at SMS with Debbie Ryhal. A few months later, August 1998, Principal Denny Ramsey brought Ashbrook on full-time. Those were the days when teachers were just receiving in-room computers.
“One of my veteran co-teachers never turned his on or even removed the dust cover from it,” Ashbrook said. “Today, the technology is so pervasive that it’s hard to remember a time when it didn't exist.”
He also brought a love for hands-on education, helping revive the high school’s outdoor lab. In 2003, Ashbrook and David Wimmer received Conservation Educators of the Year awards from the Shelby County Co-op. The duo had coached their sixth grade classes to teach the life of cycle of frogs, water cycles, tree products and insects to first grade students in the corporation.
Although next Friday is his last school day, Ashbrook plans to continue to support education. He’s also taking time for family. He and Carol, his wife of nearly 30 years, are planning some international travel, connected to upcoming solar eclipses, of course, and they will experience the marriages of both of their daughters, Annie and Abbey, over the next year.
Some 20 years ago, The Columbus Republic applauded Ashbrook’s creation of the non-profit Hope Ride, a bicycle ride that benefitted Hope-area charities. “People can make a difference, and it would be hard to find a better example of that than Paul Ashbrook…,” the paper said.
Students at SMS feel the same way. When Ashbrook mentioned his retirement yesterday, a sixth grade girl said, “Oh, man. I was hoping you’d still be here for my kids.”
NOTEBOOK:
Shelby County Commissioners yesterday approved the annual contract to spray for mosquitos. The $33,000 contract is up a bit from previous years, Health Department Director Robert Lewis said, but he added it is difficult to find vendors who meet the requirements.
The Shelby County Emergency Management office expects to relocate to the old county highway department building at the Shelby County Complex on North Michigan Road by the end of the month, EMA director Denis Ratekin told Commissioners yesterday.
A Boggstown man, Jason Huber, 52, died yesterday when the Dodge van he was driving crashed into a charter bus from Missouri on I-74 near mile marker 112. Nine passengers in the bus were treated at the hospital, although none of injuries were considered serious, Indianapolis news stations reported.
NATIONAL NEWS: According to a 2023 report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, over 50 percent of corn, cotton, rice, sorghum, soybeans and winter wheat is planted using farm equipment with automated guidance, tech that essentially steers itself with only oversight from a farmer in the cab. However, weather has thrown a wrench into that technology over the past week, specifically space weather, which thanks to a solar storm has severely compromised a number of navigation systems used by farm equipment, interrupting the very peak of planting season. One chain of John Deere dealerships warned customers that some of their tractor systems may be malfunctioning as a result of the solar storm. (404 Media/Numlock)
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This Day in Shelby County History
2014: Shelby Senior Services Executive Director Dianna Pandak foretold of a “Senior Tsunami” in Shelby County, citing a predicted 17 percent increase in senior citizens in Shelby County by 2015 and 42 percent increase by 2020. Her talk was part of an effort for Shelby County to become an AdvantAge Community.
2004: Shelbyville Parks director Karen Martin said would like to create an award for citizens who report vandalism and illegal activities. “We’re pleading with them to react right away, if they see someone vandalizing or smoking pot in the park or things like that,” she said.
Without fanfare, a Shelbyville institution closed its doors. Cinema 3 Theatres, which had operated at 215 S. Harrison St. for decades, was closed by Dick Delaney, who had owned Cinema 3 with his family, the DeWitts, for 30 years. Studio 10 Cinemas, in the old Kroger location on East State Road 44, had opened with 10 screens in August 2003.
1994: Bishopp’s True Value Hardware, 112 N. Harrison St., was overwhelmed by a fire so intense it spread a blanket of smoke over the city that could be seen at least two miles away. An employee, Dennis Wise, had called Dick Bishopp to tell him trucks had been dispatched to the store. The fire didn’t look that bad at first, but spread quickly. Small explosions from items in the store continued for three hours. “When we got here it sounded just like Vietnam,” Shelbyville firefighter Steve Mathias said.
1984: Sen. Richard Lugar would be the featured speaker for the Shelby County Republican Party’s annual Lincoln Day Dinner, local Republican officials announced. The dinner would held at the National Guard armory. Chairman Jim Williams had recently been elected to a fourth term as chair, joined by officers Harriet Arland, Pamela Linder and Sheldon “Bo” Keith. Democrats had re-elected Wayne Thomas Posz, joined by Linda Montgomery, Betty Spencer and Tom Duvelius.
1974: Although the Hopkins’ baby wasn’t due until a few days later, Shelbyville High School tennis coach Gene Hopkins, after consulting with Mary Alice - decided not to risk attending SCC play in Columbus. Greg and Mike Griffey still won the SCC doubles championship, and they returned to Shelbyville to find Hopkins, who came out of the labor room to receive the hardware.
Beth Lovitt and Julie English were named outstanding girls for 1973-74 at the first annual awards night banquet of the Shelbyville Girls Club. Anne Reel, the club director, presented the awards.
1964: State Bank of Waldron officials announced plans to remodel and expand the bank’s St. Paul branch. Hargitt Brothers of St. Paul would do the work. Two additional rooms were to be constructed on the south side of the bank, used for a conference room and a bookkeeping room. The branch had opened in 1956 and was handling hundreds of accounts.
Shelbyville attorney Paul Thomas Brenton, 41, was arrested for driving 95 miles an hour on I-74. His charge was quickly dismissed by the prosecutor with no reason given.
1954: Parents of school children were given ballots to indicate whether or not they supported a proposed book rental plan. Books were previously purchased.
NASCAR (National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing) announced plans to run five races in a series to be held in Shelbyville. The fair board said if the track wasn’t damaged, they would consider hosting more races. Advance ticket sales would be held at Dag and Jim’s Marathon Service Station on N. Harrison St.
1944: Goodman’s announced it would begin reducing hours on Wednesdays, open only 9:30 a.m. to noon. The purpose was to provide “our employees with an afternoon for diversion and recreation,” the company said in a statement.
1934: Light rain showers stopped the local drought and dust storms.
1924: Well-known race car driver Eddie Hearne, who would be in the upcoming Indy 500, attended the opening of the Oakland salesroom on St. Harrison St. Hearne drove an Oakland sports touring model 6-54.
A popcorn machine, owned by Raymond Compton, and which was standing at the side of his store at Harrison and Broadway, was damaged when caught by a strong gust of wind. The machine, which was on rollers, was swept across the sidewalk and into the street, turning over on its side. The glass in the sides of the machine was broken, and the peanut roaster attachment was broken.
1914: A major frost occurred overnight.
Over 100 members of the Cincinnati Boosters, businessmen, came to Shelbyville via train. Local businessmen organized a concert on Public Square and “a moving picture man” for their enjoyment.
OBITUARIES
Diana Marie Wilkinson, 75, of Shelbyville passed away Saturday, May 11, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.
Diana was born June 18, 1948 in Indianapolis, Indiana to William and Idabelle (Lee) Webb. Diana grew up in Morgan County, Indiana and graduated from Martinsville High School in 1966.
Diana met the love of her life, Gary Wilkinson, in 1966 while working at Meridian Mutual Insurance in Indianapolis. The couple married on March 31, 1967 in Brooklyn, Indiana.
Diana was employed at Indiana Gas Company, holding various positions leading teams in the customer service, community outreach and process improvement departments. After 28 years of dedicated service, Diana retired in 2001. She quickly learned that she was not ready for retirement, so explored her interest in corporate banking by joining PNC Bank, where she worked for four years.
Diana is survived by her loving husband, Gary; daughters, Najala (Bob) Fox of Fortville and Angela Stewart of Nashville; grandchildren, Justin (Taylor) Wilkinson of Scipio, Jamison Steenbarger (Sara Stock) of Shelbyville, Adrienne Steenbarger of Germany, Lily Stewart of Nashville and Erica Fox of Noblesville; great grandchildren, Jordan, Jackson, Jaylon and Ava Wilkinson, Emmett Steenbarger, Taylor Cook and Maxim Rowe; sisters, Peg (George) Broyer and Rolande Burch. Diana was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Kenneth Webb; sister, Scarlett Whaley; grandson, Brandon Fox; and great grandson, Tyler Wilkinson.
Diana and Gary shared a love for travel. Their adventures led them to mountains, beaches, and everything in between across the US, Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda. After retirement, they became snowbirds, spending winters in Fort Myers, Florida, where she found her passion for golf, playing multiple times per week. She also enjoyed line dancing and playing cards with her dear friends from Swan Lake.
Diana treasured the time she spent with her grandchildren. Their annual trip to Spring Mill State Park was the highlight of the summer. Diana was always up for an adventure, much to the delight of her grandchildren, including hiking, horseback riding, snow tubing and mountain biking. She shared her love of baking, sewing, gardening, being outdoors and so much more with her grandchildren. She was a dedicated Girl Scout Leader for her granddaughter’s troop for 7 years.
A Gathering of Friends and Family will be from 3 to 5 p.m., Sunday, May 19, 2024, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. The Celebration of Diana’s life will follow at 5 p.m., Sunday, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions can be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana, 2626 17th St, Columbus, IN, 47201. Online condolences may be shared with Diana’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
James Edward Eubanks, 86, of Shelbyville, Indiana, passed away on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at Timber Creek Village Assisted Living.
He was born on December 5, 1937, in Sugartown, Louisiana, to Roy James Eubanks and Genevieve (Le Blanc) Eubanks. He graduated from De Ridder High School in Louisiana, Class of 1957. James enlisted in the United States Navy, serving 20 years from November 26, 1957 to July 15, 1976. James retired as a 1st Class Petty Officer. James served in many different places in the United States and over the world. He served in the Vietnam War aboard the U.S.S Independence. After retiring from the Navy, James started his second career as a Quality Control Manager at Roll Coater in Greenfield, Indiana, from August 1976 to December 1999. James was a member of Masonic Lodge as a Free Mason for many years in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Also, James was a member of the American Legion Post #70 in Shelbyville, Indiana.
James married his high school sweetheart, Joan Kay Tennell (Eubanks), on August 1, 1959. They were married for 50 years when she preceded him in death on January 26, 2010.
In his free time James enjoyed hunting, fishing, and watching Nascar.
James was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was known for being a mentor and friend to everyone he encountered. He was devoted to his family and his favorite times were spent making memories with them.
James is survived by his children, Janet Goodwin (husband Ronnie) of Shelbyville, Julie Jackson (husband Norman) of Morristown, Jaynie Thomas (husband Scott) of Edinburgh, Jamie (James) Eubanks (wife Jennifer) of Columbus; grandchildren, Matthew Baker, Ashley-Brooke Goodwin, Sam (Meyers) Moreno Coplon, Benjamin Thomas, Annie Burris, Jared Eubanks, Ryan Goodwin, Jocelyn Eubanks; four great-grandchildren and was expecting two more this year. Also, nieces Andrea Duncan and Robin Bailey Garrett. James’s family that preceded in death include his wife, parents, sister, Wonza Eubanks White and brothers, Delma Ray Eubanks and Kenneth Eubanks.
Visitation will be Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at at Murphy-Parks Funeral Services, 703 S. Harrison St., Shelbyville, IN, 46176. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 18, 2024 at the funeral home with Pastor Jose Rivera officiating. Military rites will be conducted by our local Veteran organizations. A Masonic rites ceremony will also be conducted. A private graveside services will be in Miller Cemetery. James’s family would like to express thanks for the compassion, care, and love given by Dr. Eaton, Dr. Cole, Dr. Aulakh, Nurse Chris Vincent, and the staff at Timber Creek Village Assisted Living and Hospice of South-Central Indiana. Funeral Directors Greg Parks, Sheila Parks, Stuart Parks and Darin Schutt are honored to serve James’s family. Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com.
I paid $30 in February this year. Do I pay $15 to complete the year? I have never received ur quarterly publication. Regards Ron Barrett