Tuesday, October 28, 2025
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: STEPHENSON RIFE ATTORNEYS
Amazon Adventure Awaits
Cast members last night wrap up a rehearsal of “Pirates of the Amazon: The Treasure of Mystery Island,” opening Nov. 7 at the Wortman Family Civic Theatre on Miller Avenue. From left, Anessa Ramsey, Raya Sizemore, Peyton Rader, Zoe Graves, Elizabeth Washburn, Raelynn Ramsey, Katie McFarland, Nancy Worland, Letitia Clemons, Yvette Clemons, Wyatt Schonfeld, Abigail Andrews and Janell Coffey. The family-friendly adventure runs through Nov. 16, with special student matinees for county second- and third-graders on Nov. 12 and 13. Purchase tickets here. | photo by KRISTIAAN RAWLINGS
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: FULL CANOPY REAL ESTATE
NOTEBOOK:
Shelby County Commissioners yesterday denied a request for a road cut along East Street in Waldron after concerns were raised about previously unfinished work in the area. Highway Superintendent Ben Taylor reported that recent road cuts made by a subcontractor had not been properly repaired, creating safety issues near Waldron Elementary School and other streets. Commissioners voted 3-0 to deny the new permit, noting the company could reapply once prior work is brought into compliance. The decision was not in opposition to the scope of the project but to ensure road repairs meet county standards, commissioners said.
Speedway Solar and county officials yesterday confirmed that Speedway will pay the full $1.6 million promised under its 2019 development agreement within two weeks. The payment includes $1 million to the county and $600,000 allocated for Shelby Eastern Schools. The clarification followed last week’s discussion about the timing of the company’s pledged payments. The update confirmed the funds are forthcoming.
Shelby County Commissioners also approved a temporary road closure on London Road at CR 800 North from Nov. 17–23 to allow for a culvert pipe replacement near the Sugar Creek Myrtle Addition. A contractor will handle the project, which involves replacing a 60-inch, 40-foot-long pipe and pouring an 8-inch concrete pad. Both north- and southbound traffic on London Road, as well as the intersection at CR 800 North, will be closed during the work. Officials said they hope to complete the project sooner than a week but will keep the public informed due to the high traffic volume along that stretch.
The following couples applied for marriage licenses last week at the Shelby County Clerk’s office: Isabelle S. Kunkler, 30, and Evan D. Ousley, 28; Olivia L. Adkins, 27, and Tristan M. Dellinger, 29; Seth F. Bledsoe, 35, and Sarah E. Albrecht, 32; Joshua W. Hybarger, 42, and Kendra R. Smith, 37; Ryeland K. Brewer, 21, and Nehemiah Jones, 21; Jaidelynn R. Milligan, 22, and Isaak M. Booth, 22.
Shelbyville police responded to a crash at Colescott and South West streets early Saturday morning. A black Toyota Camry traveling eastbound struck a legally parked red Dodge Grand Caravan, pushing it into a gray Nissan Murano. The driver of the Camry was intoxicated, with a portable breath test showing a blood alcohol content of .154. No one was inside the parked vehicles. Two vehicles were towed, and the driver was taken to the hospital for jail clearance and a blood draw.
Shelbyville High School Student Council will collect nonperishable food items during its annual Trick-or-Treat Canned Food Drive on Oct. 31. STUCO members will go door to door throughout neighborhoods during trick-or-treat hours, picking up donations to benefit Shelby County Pantry Pals.
Shelbyville High School girls basketball will tip off its 2025-26 season with a community event, “Golden Glory,” on Nov. 6 at 6 p.m. in Garrett Gymnasium. The free event will feature team introductions, contests, scrimmages, raffles, and giveaways. Head coach Kylie Weichman encouraged fans to “come celebrate our team, ignite the season, and be part of the tradition.”
HOOSIER NEWS: Camden, N.J.-based American Water Works Co., the parent company of Greenwood-based Indiana American Water, announced plans to merge with Essential Utilities in an all-stock deal creating a $40 billion utility. The combined company, which will retain the American Water name, will have an estimated enterprise value of $63 billion and annual revenue of $29.3 billion from water and wastewater services across 17 states. American Water shareholders will own 69% of the new company, which will include Peoples Natural Gas operations in Pennsylvania and Kentucky. Executives said the merger will expand scale, boost efficiency and sustain growth targets of 8% to 9%. (Munster Times of Northwest Indiana)
NATIONAL NEWS: U.S. apartment rents are rising at their slowest pace in years as a flood of new units outpaces demand. Adding pressure, unemployment among 20- to 24-year-olds reached 9.2% in August, more than double the national rate, raising concerns that more young renters may opt for roommates or move back home. (Wall Street Journal)
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ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: MAJOR HEALTH PARTNERS
This Day in Shelby County History
Local headlines reported on or around this date in Shelby County history. Selections are curated by The Addison Times from Shelby County Public Library Genealogy Department materials.
2005: A 36-year-old local man who tried to sell a detached vehicle identification number “on the popular Internet auction known as eBay” was sentenced to two years in prison, The Shelbyville News reported. The case had been investigated by Brad Landwerlen, chief deputy prosecutor.
1995: City officials, along with the Shelbyville Board of Aviation Commissioners, stood their ground against 30 mph winds to turn the first shovelfuls of dirt on the airport’s new terminal building. Mayor Bob Williams said he would find the additional $54,000 needed to complete the project.
1985: The Northwestern Consolidated School Board voted to demolish the old Triton Junior High School building in Fairland and sell the Triton North Elementary property to Loren Jonas. The board approved a $9,915 bid to raze the Fairland school and opted to sell the North property for $25,000 to be used as farmland and a dwelling. Trustees cited cost and asbestos concerns as key factors in the decision.
1975: The Cards captured the top spot in the regular flag football league play at the Boys’ Club. Team members included John Myers, Kenny Anderson, Greg Knight, Kelby Gilmer, Pat Pope, Brad Pope, Rick Lambert, Ty Montgomery, John Strobel, Joby Crick and Jim Strobel. Coaches were Jamie Thornburg, Doug Strobel and Dean Strobel.
1965: Shelbyville firemen and law enforcement investigated an attempted arson at the Cedar Ford covered bridge east of Shelbyville after a fire was discovered and quickly extinguished. Paul Lay reported the blaze, which caused minor damage, preventing the historic bridge from being destroyed.
1955: The Major School fifth-grade softball team captured the city fifth-grade tournament title. Team members included Bill Steward, Bill Cole, Daryl Tippen, Ronnie Cole, Louis Posz, Michael Browning, Donald L. Sexton, Steven Lancaster, Allen Montgomery, Fred Bowers, Jay Clapp, Donald E. Sexton and David Majors.
1945: More than 425 people attended the annual Kathryn Turney Garten book review, sponsored by the Psi Iota Xi sorority at First Presbyterian Church.
1935: Shelbyville’s annual Halloween celebration would transform the Public Square into a carnival-style event, complete with hundreds of electric lights borrowed from the East Broadway Merchants Association, The Republican reported. The festivities would include a parade of masqueraders led by the Shelbyville High School band, prizes for costumes, and free public dancing. Mayor L.K. Webb and city officials would oversee arrangements, with electrical inspector Lester Bailey handling the lighting setup.
1925: Francis Kellogg, a Civil War veteran and member of Company H, Second Illinois Regiment of Artillery, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. J.M. Talbert, at 532 Frank Street. He was 82 years and 17 days old and had served one year during the Civil War after enlisting in 1864. Funeral services were held at the Vine Street M.E. Church, with burial at Forest Hill Cemetery under the direction of L.V. Hauk of Morristown.
1915: A “Servian” (Serbian) woman had given birth to a baby while aboard a traction car, The Republican reported. The child was born as the car crossed a viaduct. After the stop, the baby was wrapped in a blanket, and the mother walked to a nearby friend’s home.
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: Freeman Family Funeral Homes & Crematory
OBITUARIES
Judith Kay “Judy” (Poole) Best Hittle, 83, of Indianapolis, died Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025.
She was born May 7, 1942, in Rushville, the daughter of George and Beatrice (Smith) Poole. On Oct. 17, 1980, she married William Andrew “Bill” Hittle, her husband of 45 years, and he survives. In addition to Bill, survivors include her daughters, Debbie (Jeff) Fuller of Waldron, Denise Overton of Jamestown and Deanna Best of Shelbyville; son, David Best and partner, Cheryl; stepdaughter, Melissa McMurray and partner, Jami, of Iowa; grandchildren, Jerrade (Dena) Fuller, Stacie (Rick) Marlow, Ashley (Zach) Emmitt, Carly Hudson, Brock Rosa, Dalton Rosa, Amanda (Mike) Bowers, Nisha McMurray, Kesha McMurray and Meko McMurray; 17 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She also leaves her cat, Babee. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, William Poole; half-sister, Donna Poole; half-brother, Gerald Poole; grandson, Kyle Fuller; and son-in-law, William Overton.
Judy graduated from Connersville High School in 1960. She retired in 2004 from Ford Motor Co., where she worked in the cafeteria, and previously worked as a beautician and secretary. She enjoyed cooking and loved spending time with her family.
A gathering of friends and family will be 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St., Shelbyville. A celebration of life will follow at 3 p.m. with Sister Joan Miller officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Shelbyville–Shelby County Animal Shelter, 705 Hale Road, Shelbyville, IN 46176. Online condolences may be shared at freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
K. D. Wells, 90, of Indianapolis, passed away on October 26, 2025, in Flat Rock. He was born July 27, 1935, in Indianapolis, the son of Kenneth and Anna Mae (Kladden) Wells. In 1953, he married Alice Wells, and she preceded him in death in 1975.
K. D. is survived by his daughter, Debra Hall and husband, Dennis, of Indianapolis; sons, Kenneth Wells of Putnamville, and Forrest Wells and significant other, Debra Didion, of Shelbyville; sisters, Cheryl Derrick and husband, Jim, and Sandra Wiseman, both of Greenfield; seven grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to Alice, K. D. was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Linda Amos.
K. D. worked for Walt’s Electric in Indianapolis from 1978 until retiring in 1985. He enjoyed building model airplanes and going fishing.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Online condolences may be shared with K. D.’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.