Tuesday, October 29, 2024
WRITER SPOTLIGHT
Loper Elementary student Harper Hague poses with her teacher, Mrs. Teresa Meredith, after placing in the Shelby County Reads essay contest. Contest winners were recognized at a reception last night at the Shelbyville High School library. Additional winners were Cash Graddy, Wyatt Preidt-Hansen, Nora Toon, Brynlee Jenkins, Zayvion Gilbert, Erika Castleon, Mila Myers, Kamden Johnson, Nelly Contreras-Mendoza, Max Lockridge, Blake Pittman, Kyan Ward, Grant Kehl, Brooks Scott and Melanie Farquer. | photo by KRISTIAAN RAWLINGS
NOTEBOOK:
A Colescott Street resident driving the wrong direction on S. Tompkins St. hit a utility pole at the 2nd Street intersection. The 78-year-old driver admitted to driving the wrong way on the street before. When asked by the officer why she chose to break the law, she “explained it was easier for her to go that way to get to her church,” the police report said.
The Shelbyville Plan Commission gave favorable recommendations to the Common Council regarding three petitions last night:
Centaur Acquisition LLC to annex and rezone 2.5 acres on the southeast corner of County Road 200 West and CR 450 N, adjacent to the track, to allow for construction of a community center, meeting rooms, offices, and a worship and kitchen area for track employees and the public. The back side of the track now remains open year-round, and employees would be given the opportunity to attend classes and professional development sessions. (Plan Commission President Mike Evans recused himself from proceedings since he is employed by the petitioner.)
To rezone multiple lots adjacent to St. Joseph Catholic Church: 301, 307 and 311 E. Hendricks St., 310 Center St. and 125 E. Broadway, totaling 3.9 acres, to allow for future expansion of the church. All residential buildings on the affected lots have been demolished. (Plan Commission members Joe Lux and John Kuntz recused themselves from proceedings since they are parishioners at the church.)
A rezone a lot near the intersection of CR 400 N (Fairland Road) and Tom Hession Drive for R2K Enterprise LLC to Light Industrial. R2K Enterprise is asking to allow the outdoor seasonal storage of boats, campers and RVs. The favorable recommendation was on a split vote, with Jeremy Ruble and Joe Lux voting no, and Doug Cassidy, James Garrett III, Carter Hall, Winnie Soviar, John Kuntz, Gary Nolley and Mike Evans voting in favor.
The services of alternate Plan Commission member Perry Richards were not needed at last night’s meeting, but he was ready - for Halloween (and to serve). photo by ANNA TUNGATE
Editor’s Note: It was a privilege to be interviewed on Cristi Brant’s IN Business Shelby County podcast. Check out recent 15-minute episodes, also featuring Julia (Polston) Beaty of Beaty Construction and C-Tech Corporation and Joe Gaudin of The Skyline Drive-In, here. - Kristiaan Rawlings
NATIONAL NEWS: When it was acquired by Ferrara Candy in 2018, the entire Nerds line of candy produced $40 million in sales. The confectioner sought to revive the product, and in 2020 it released a new, bean-shaped gummy coated in the Nerds pebbles, a treat it called the Nerds Gummy Clusters, and the product immediately exploded in popularity and permanently altered the perception of Nerds as a candy. In 2020, sales started hot at $8 million, then jumped to $98 million the following year and have since scaled to $523 million worth of Nerds Gummy Clusters in 2024 so far, and that’s only through October. They are now responsible for 88 percent of all Nerds candy sold. (Wall Street Journal/Numlock)
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Shelbyville Fraternal Groups at the Turn of the 20th Century, Part III
by GEORGE YOUNG
Fulton Lodge #30, Ancient Order of United Workmen (AOUW)
Fulton Lodge #30 was part of the Ancient Order of United Workmen (AOUW), a fraternal organization that provided social and financial support to working-class individuals following the American Civil War. Founded in the late 1860s, the AOUW was among the first "fraternal benefit societies" to offer insurance for workers, including sickness, accident, death, and burial policies. This was a significant shift since, at that time, insurance was typically available only to businessmen and manufacturers, not laborers.
The AOUW was founded by John Jordan Upchurch, a mechanic working for the Atlantic and Great Western Railroad in Meadville, Penn. Dissatisfied with the League of Friendship, Mechanical Order of the Sun, a society he had joined, Upchurch sought to create a new organization that better served the needs of workingmen like himself. On April 20, 1868, a new lodge was established in Meadville, composed mainly of mechanics, engineers, firemen, and day laborers from the railroad and local shops.
Fulton Lodge #30 was one of many local lodges within the AOUW, offering its members a sense of community and essential benefits at a time when government safety nets for workers were non-existent. The organization spread throughout the United States and Canada, revolutionizing how social and financial protection was provided to workers.
Esther Lodge #20, Degree of Honor, Ancient Order of United Workmen
Esther Lodge #20 was part of the Degree of Honor, a female auxiliary of the Ancient Order of United Workmen (AOUW). The AOUW was one of the earliest fraternal organizations to offer financial protection to working-class men, and in 1873, during a convention in Cincinnati, the Degree of Honor was established to include women in the organization and extend similar benefits to them.
By 1896, the Degree of Honor had grown substantially and established its own governing body, the Superior Lodge, allowing it to operate more independently while maintaining ties to the AOUW. In 1910, the Degree of Honor became a fully independent organization.
As an independent fraternal benefit society, the Degree of Honor continued to provide insurance and financial support, focusing on the welfare of women and their families. Local branches like Esther Lodge #20 embodied the values of mutual aid, solidarity, and financial security, empowering women within the fraternal organization framework during a time when such support for women was rare.
SHS Courier Archive Highlights:
Oct. 25, 1950, Part II
New freshmen shared their thoughts on SHS. “When I saw the study hall, I would have thought it was the gymnasium if the seats hadn’t been there,” Bob Montgomery said. Jerry Coffman called Paul Cross Gym “one of the best in the state.” His only criticism was that it was far from the rest of the school. “When I come from gym class, I have to run to get to my next class on time,” he said. Other challenges were “crowding in the halls,” Sharon Billingsley said, and “the mad rush for the cafeteria at noon,” according to Phil Brown. Jack Hall was enjoying shop class, which “is more like an activity than a subject.” Carroll Thurston said he liked the grasshopper dissection in science. Barbara Wells complimented the juke box in the gym. (The new juke box in the girls’ gym sat on the new green linoleum block floor.)
Mr. Ray’s shop class had been painted orange in the back part and green in the front. Mr. Davies’ shop was painted pink on the ceiling and grey on the walls. The teachers wanted the rooms to reflect light.
Brownie, a beloved brown collie who had followed junior high custodian Mr. Bland around for six years, had moved to the high school after Bland returned to employment at Camp Atterbury. “Missing her old friend, Brownie decided to graduate and came to the senior high school along with her 8A friends,” Jo Ann Mays reported. “Brownie, apparently, holds the record of some sort, since she spent six years in junior high before moving on the senior side of the building!”
Bob Parker reported on the football team, which had “got off to a shaky start” in early games.
SHS graduates Betty Lou DeVine and Marilyn Andis were in the military’s WAAC program.
The S-Club purchased the first insulated water cooler for the football team, saving the managers from carrying individual cups to the stadium.
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: Editor’s note: Due to a microfilm processing error, the 2014 section for the next couple of weeks will serve to memorialize a local individual who passed away that year.) Sharon Sue “Sissy” Ridgeway, 78, passed away. She had married Robert Ridgeway in 1960, and they had five sons, including Brad Ridgeway of Shelbyville. She had worked at First National Bank for nearly 30 years.
2004: City officials, including Mayor Scott Furgeson, Jon Schuster with Indiana Downs and seven of the nine Plan Commission members, met at City Hall with Ball State University students to discuss formulating a plan for preserving Shelbyville’s heritage.
Several local students earned an associate’s degree from Indiana Wesleyan University, newly established at the Intelliplex. Students were Charity Scott, Beth Crouch, Tamy Sturgill, Gina Lemasters, Sandy Bell-Kelly, Jan McDaniels, Chris Childers, Cynthia Rodriguez, Randy Buckley, Kim Sanders, Jason Coffey, Rusty Tomlinson and Dan Hudnall.
1994: All eight students at Triton Elementary who had been diagnosed with contracting shigella bacteria returned to school. County Health Nurse Kay Jackman said she received reports of the bacteria on 12 children, the eight students and four of their siblings.
1984: A fire destroyed an old mill structure at the Morristown Grain Company. Firemen from Fountaintown, Arlington and Manilla helped Morristown battle the blaze for eight hours, using an estimated 100,000 gallons of water. The fire was suspected to be arson.
1974: A Halloween party was announced to be held at Thomas Blue River Inn, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. “Costumes Preferred.” Music was by Outrage of Indianapolis.
Shelbyville received a commendation from the AAA (American Automobile Association) for having no pedestrian traffic deaths in 1972 and 1973. Mayor Jerry Higgins and Police Chief Robert Williams accepted the award on behalf of the city.
1964: More than 200 local children would participate in the United Nations Children’s Fund event. The kids would solicit door-to-door on Halloween Night and be treated to a Sock Hop afterward.
1954: Snow in various parts of the state did not reach Shelbyville, although temperatures were in the high 20s.
The Strand Theatre, newly decorated, air-conditioned and equipped with a big Cinemascope screen, reopened. The theatre showed single matinee presentations on weekdays at 2 p.m. in addition to the evening schedule.
Despite rumors, Gov. George Craig had not been shot at while stopping for cigarettes at a local filling station, city police said. Rather, at 6 p.m., someone had shot a BB-pellet through a big plate glass window at Roberts Shell station at the intersection of U.S. 421 and State Road 44. (Bob Spurling, young station attendant, had been sitting inside the station, reading at the time of the BB incident.) About 15 minutes later, Gov. Craig and a state trooper stopped at the station for cigarettes. The trooper volunteered to send a radio message to area officers about the BB incident and a misunderstanding led to a police report that “the governor has been shot at, at the station on 421 and 44. They need help out there.”
1944: Early voting for military members totaled 583, above expectations.
1934: City Hall was a “maze of scaffolding” as federal dollars helped fund repainting the building, The Republican reported. Cracks in the plaster walls were also fixed.
Floyd Wertz, Democrat candidate for mayor, was hit in the back of the head with a shovel in an altercation while campaigning. Wertz had approached a group of federal employes working in the Little Blue River channel project at the foot of the hill east of Vine Street when one of the men refused to take the candidate’s literature. An argument and altercation ensued. Wertz was not seriously injured.
1924: A Halloween party was held at West Street M.E. Church. “The church was decorated in keeping with Halloween, including the goblins, witches and black cats,” The Republican said. The program included ghost stories, games and music.
1914: Karl Sandefur, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Sandefur, 506 Montgomery, suffered a broken arm when a police officer struck him with a club. Sandefur had been listening to an argument on Public Square between some boys when police approached. One officer aimed a blow at Sandefur’s head, and the boy warded it off by throwing up his arm, which was then broken.
OBITUARIES
Larry Keith Justice, 60, of Shelbyville, passed away Friday, October 25, 2024, at MHP Medical Center. Born January 16, 1964, in Shelbyville, he was the son of Martin Justice and Rachel (Holt) Justice. He married Becky (Griffith) Justice on May 7, 1994, and she survives. Other survivors include his mother, Rachel, of Shelbyville; mother-in-law, Lois Griffith of Shelbyville; daughter, Bekah Bukea (Nic) of Shelbyville; son, Melvin Justice (Virginia) of Waldron; seven siblings, David Justice (Kathy) of Greenfield, Roger Justice (fiance Ann) of Shelbyville, Marty Justice (Karen) of Shelbyville, Bobby Justice of Gulf Shores, Alabama, Connie Paxton (Benjie) of Shelbyville, Judy Anspaugh (Rod) of Shelbyville, and Joe Justice (Lynette) of Waldron; one grandchild, Rilynn Bukea, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father; three brothers, John, Danny, and Roy Justice; father-in-law, Melvin Griffith, and three sisters-in-law, Mary Justice, Virginia Justice, and Ellen Justice.
Mr. Justice had lived in this area for most of his lifetime and attended Shelbyville High School in the class of 1982. He was a US Army combat veteran in Desert Storm, serving from 1981-1993. Larry enjoyed music, playing guitar, riding his Indian motorcycle, and was an avid Tennessee Volunteer football fan, but most of all he loved spending time with his family.
Funeral services will be 1 p.m. on Thursday, October 31, 2024 at Glenn E. George & Son Funeral Home, 437 Amos Road. Burial will be in Lewis Creek Baptist Cemetery. Friends may call on Thursday morning from 11 a.m. until the time of the service, at the funeral home. Graveside military rites will be conducted by the American Legion. Online condolences may be shared at glennegeorgeandson.com.
Brenda A. Bennett, 73, of Shelbyville, passed away Saturday October 26, 2024 at Franciscan Health Indianapolis. She was born August 22, 1951, in Rushville to Harrold Gruell and Mary (Leaver) Gruell.
Brenda graduated from New Salem High School with the Class of 1969. She was a member of the Rays Crossing Christian Union Church for over 50 years. She was also a member of the Eastern Star. Brenda loved the Lord, and she lived for the Church. If the church doors were open, she would’ve been there. She worked at Farmers Home Administration as an Administration Assistant, where she specialized in assisting farmers with getting loans. Brenda was also a homemaker, and she cherished her family. She loved to cook, plant flowers and gardening. She also enjoyed watching British comedies.
She married Kevin Bennett on June 28, 1980, and they enjoyed 38 loving years of marriage before he preceded her in death on November 11, 2018. She is survived by her sons, Shawn Cherry (Kimberly Herrington), of Shelbyville and Paul (wife, Emmily) Bennett, of Clinton, TN; her grandchildren, Araya Cherry (fiancé, Neveah Dougan) , Blake Herrington, Austyn Brown (fiancé, August Fredrick) Kayleigh Brown (fiancé, Johnathan Mays) Courtney Herrington (fiancé, Aidan Rangel) Caleb Bennett and Abigail Bennett; her great-grandchildren, Zaidyn Mays, Korbyn Mays, Ezra Mays and Charleigh Brown; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her brothers, Charles Gruell and David Gruell.
Visitation will be Friday, November 1, 2024, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Rays Crossing Christian Union Church, 5877 E. 200 N., Shelbyville, IN 46176. Funeral services will be Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the church with Pastor Keith Dover and Pastor Paul Morrison officiating. Burial will be in Bennett Cemetery in Shelby County. Funeral Directors Greg Parks, Sheila Parks and Stuart Parks are honored to serve Brenda’s family. Memorial contributions may be given in honor of Brenda to Rays Crossing Christian Union Church, 5877 E. 200 N. Shelbyville, IN 46176. Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com.
Donna Jean (Daniel) Eberhart, age 85, passed away on Monday, October 28, 2024, at home, surrounded by loved ones. She was the beloved wife of Charles Eberhart, celebrating over 59 years of marriage. They were married on February 13, 1960, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Shelbyville, Ind. She was the loving mother of Debra Eberhart (Englewood, FL) and C. David Eberhart (Michelle) (Shelbyville, IN) and an
adoring grandmother to Ty Eberhart and Jacob Ray. She was a sister to Jo Ann (Daniel) Guest and aunt to many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Charles B. Eberhart; parents, John G. Daniel and Dorcus P. (Hey) Daniel; and brothers John (Jack) Daniel and Robert (Dick) Daniel.
Donna was born in Shelby County on November 13, 1938, and was a graduate of Flat Rock High School (1956). Donna was a cosmetologist for 35 years. She operated her own salon, Donna’s Beauty Shop, for 33 years. When not working in the salon, she was helping her husband on the Eberhart Family Farm in Southwestern Shelby County. After retirement, she worked part time for 20 years at Publix Supermarkets in Venice, FL, where she and Charles retired in the winters. She was a founding member of the Southwestern High School Athletic Boosters Club. Donna enjoyed playing Bridge and Tripoli with her friends. She was an avid gardener and spent her free time enjoying her flowers, garden, and hummingbirds.
In accordance with Donna’s wishes a Celebration of Life will be held at the Eberhart Family Farm on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at noon. Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Online condolences may be shared with Donna’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.