Tuesday, September 30, 2025
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County Commissioners Action
Shelby County commissioners on Monday approved a financial commitment letter for $696,954.50 as part of the county’s application for the next round of Community Crossings Matching Grant (CCMG) funds. Highway Superintendent Ben Taylor said the request includes replacing Bridge 22 on County Road 750 N, west of State Road 9. He noted the state has reduced the program’s funding cap from $1.5 million to $1 million and lowered the local match requirement from 25% to 20%. Taylor said INDOT awarded $360 million in grants statewide in 2024, but only $100 million will be available in future rounds, making approvals more competitive. The application is due by the end of October, with awards expected in December.
“In 2024, (the state) approved almost $360 million worth of projects for CCMG,” Taylor said. “Now, moving forward, they are almost going to do about $100 million for the same towns, counties and cities. So it’s going to get a lot harder to be approved for these grants.” He added, “If we get funded, then we’re probably going to be able to do half as many projects as we did in the past.”
In other action, commissioners heard about a small equipment fire at the Speedway solar site last week, which drew a response from fire crews and was quickly extinguished. The problem was not with the transformer itself but with a faulty wire connection leading into it, Speedway construction manager Danny Norris said. Crews repaired the connection and the site was brought back online the same day. Norris noted that training with area fire departments had already been scheduled and will move forward as planned. “This happens,” he said, adding that with the large number of wire connections across a facility, occasional failures can occur.
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NOTEBOOK:
Blue River Community Foundation has awarded a $5,000 grant to The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis to support the recently established Field Trip Fund, which will provide unlimited free field trips for all Shelby County schools. Beginning in 2028, the Field Trip Fund will cover admission costs for every Shelby County school, public and private, ensuring students can take part in free field trips year after year. The initiative also includes classroom resources tied to Indiana learning standards, along with on-site and virtual programs in the arts, sciences and humanities. “To date, The Children’s Museum has raised more than $2 million for the Field Trip Fund from counties across the state,” said Tyler Van Wyngarden of The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. “The fund will be phased in over three years, with all Indiana schools receiving unlimited free field trips starting in fall 2028. At that time, all Shelby County schools will be eligible for funding. We are so grateful for the support of Blue River Community Foundation. We hope this partnership will eliminate barriers for local schools and allow even more Shelby County students to participate in the powerful experiential learning available at the museum.” Through this support, Blue River Community Foundation continues its mission to elevate the quality of life in Shelby County by expanding educational opportunities. Funding for this initiative was provided through a partnership between Blue River Community Foundation and the Smidt Family Foundation.
A driver exiting a parking lot at 235 E. Broadway Street said he was looking the other direction and collided with a utility pole, damaging the car and the pole.
West Street United Methodist Church will host a ham and bean supper from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 11. The cost is a freewill donation of $10 per person at the door.
HOOSIER NEWS: Downtown Indianapolis is now home to more than 30,000 residents, more than double a decade ago, with Gen Z and Gen Alpha making up nearly half the population, according to a new Downtown Indy Alliance report. Survey results show perceptions of safety and cleanliness are improving, while police data indicates violent and property crimes are down more than 6%. Hotels also saw record demand, led by Gen Con, the Indianapolis 500, and the WNBA All-Star Weekend. (IndyStar)
NATIONAL NEWS: This year, Americans will consume 103 pounds of chicken per capita, a new record and about three times the amount of chicken consumed in 1965. Tyson has announced it will be rolling out Tyson Chicken Cups, which are essentially sealed cups of chicken — boneless, lightly breaded boneless, Mini Dino Nuggets and Popcorn Chicken Bites — that are stored frozen and take 90 seconds in a microwave to cook. They can also be taken on the go, which Tyson’s research indicates is a distinct part of the chicken market that has been insufficiently satisfied by existing offerings. (Food Drive/Numlock)
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COURIER ARCHIVES
Oct. 11, 1929, Part II
An intramural baseball league had been formed at the junior high school, under the direction of Principal Eugene Higgins. The games were played during the noon break and were five innings long. Games postponed due to weather were played after school and lasted three innings.
Mr. Loper said that Shelbyville athletic teams needed a team name that “does not change when the coaches go to other schools.” He proposed a ballot be published in The Courier and downtown papers for the community to vote. “Formerly, the team was known as the Camels. Just now it is convenient to call them Mackmen, but in case our present coaches were to go to other schools, the present name would change,” the paper said. The paper asked for suggestions.
The Courier republished a national newspaper headline: “Woman Found Sane; Must Die.”
Mr. Roy Ray’s shop classes made two typing tables for the new L.C. Smith typewriters purchased for SHS.
The lunch menu options included cream of tomato soup, chili and crackers, roast pork and gravy, brown potatoes, green beans, corn muffins, whole wheat bread, head of lettuce, Waldorf salad, devil’s food cake, honey fruit ice cream, ham sandwich, olive sandwich, milk, fruit and hot chocolate.
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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: With the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce’s Adult Prom coming up, the Delta Theta Sorority offered gently used prom dresses for sale at a discount at the Porter Center. Laurie Kohlhepp was chairperson of the Adult Prom and president of the local Delta Theta Tau chapter.
1995: The Shelby County Public Library started a new program for people unable to get to the library or bookmobile that allowed patrons to have books mailed directly to their homes.
Briarpatch neighborhood residents complained to County Commissioners about tar and chipped rock spread on county roads that had migrated to their subdivision streets. The residents of Briarpatch, located north of Pleasant View, wanted the mess moved immediately. Commissioner Michael Gerrish offered to show up and push broom and sweep the loose gravel off.
1985: Morristown volunteer firemen and other community members installed a new floor at the Morristown Fire Station.
1975: Shelco Beverage won the A-League portion of the Shelbyville City Slow-pitch tourney. The team had also won the regular season title. The players were Steve Platt, Gary Hensley, Bruce Campbell, Dave Hensley, Mike Hobbs, Rod Dickmann, Jack Judge, Terry Nicholson, Charlie Nugent, Mike Light and Jim Wells. Ron Bowman was the manager.
1965: After winning all of their fall meets, the Golden Bears were considered one of the top contenders in the South Central Conference tennis meet. Columbus had also been unbeaten. Coach Bill McKinley was sending Mike Vaught and Dan McCabe into singles competition, while Steve Martin and Rick Tinney made up the doubles entry. Charles Smith, Tom Thieman and John Guidi were also on the team.
1955: Terre Haute Mayor Ralph Tucker addressed more than 200 local Democrats at a campaign rally bean supper served in the St. Joseph Catholic Church basement. Mayoral candidate John S. Anderson headed the slate of Democratic office-seekers at the event. Harvey Breedlove, 83, was the special guest. He had cast his first Democratic ballot in Moral Township in 1894 and later served as Addison Township Trustee.
1945: Additional machine tools were installed in the SHS shop department. The new equipment included a vertical milling machine, an engine lathe, two drill presses and a few woodwork hand tools. M.L. Davies was the shop instructor.
1935: Sandman Brothers reported that business through the first three quarters of 1935 had nearly tripled that of the entire year of 1934.
1925: Night police thwarted a theft attempt on West Broadway Street. Two would-be thieves pushed Harry Major’s car out of his garage and into the alley, where police chased them off.
1915: A lively disturbance in Shelbyville drew much attention when Thomas Tillison and James Clegg of Fairland engaged in a fight. The case was later heard before Squire James Webb. Reports spread quickly through town, with some alleging that Clegg slashed Tillison’s coat and hat with a knife and even threatened to kill him. Other tales claimed Chief of Police Haehl confiscated a knife from Clegg and held both men in custody before releasing them. Prosecutor Claude Henry emphasized that the matter was less sensational than rumor suggested, explaining that he could not prove Clegg made an attempt to kill Tillison and that no evidence supported an assault charge with intent. He stated that the case was sent to Squire Webb simply because he wished to divide the business fairly among justices, rather than sending all cases to city court.
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: Freeman Family Funeral Homes & Crematory
OBITUARIES
William “Bill” Duane Gray, 87, of Boggstown, died Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, at home. He was born July 4, 1938, in Sugar Creek Township, Shelby County, Indiana, to Herman and LaVern (Rouse) Gray. On Oct. 6, 1956, he married Janet Marie Mann, the love of his life. They shared 59 1/2 years of marriage until her death in May 2016.
Survivors include three daughters, Debra (John) Davidson of South Haven, Michigan, Rhonda (Jeff) Parsons of Gun Lake, Michigan, and Susan (Randy) Borkes of Murrieta, California; a son, Michael Gray of Boggstown; grandchildren, Kyle (Loren) Patterson, Kara (Eli) Torres, Natalie (Terry) Jones, Bryan (Nicole) Parsons, Ross Parsons, Jason Borkes and Adam Borkes; and eight great-grandchildren.
Mr. Gray grew up on County Road 500 N. in Sugar Creek Township and graduated from Boggstown High School in 1956. In 1964, he and Janet moved with their four children to their present farm on Boggstown Road. A longtime farmer, he partnered for many years with his father, Herman, and his son, Michael. He also operated a dairy, milking an average of 50 Holsteins, and later raised hogs. In earlier years, he was an avid water-skier. In the 1980s, he earned his pilot’s license and later owned a plane, often flying around the Midwest. He looked forward each year to flying to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, for the annual fly-in. Mr. Gray served eight years as Sugar Creek Township trustee, from 1972 to 1979. He was a member of Fairland Baptist Church and served in the Indiana National Guard. He enjoyed traveling with his family, including summer trips out West. He and Janet traveled extensively in the United States and abroad, with Australia a favorite destination. They wintered in Florida for several years, where he joined a shuffleboard league and won championships.
Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St., Shelbyville. A funeral service will follow at 3 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Bill Horner officiating. Burial will be in Boggstown Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Gentiva Hospice, 9775 Crosspoint Blvd., Suite 118, Indianapolis, IN 46256; or Meals on Wheels, 2705 N. Richard Drive, Shelbyville, IN 46176. Online condolences may be shared at freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
Jack G. Montgomery, 77, of Shelbyville, died Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, at Franciscan Health. He was born Jan. 11, 1948, in Shelbyville to Jim Montgomery and Mary (Mann) Montgomery.
Mr. Montgomery retired from Brazeway and also worked at Horseshoe Indianapolis. He enjoyed playing music, being outdoors, hunting and playing golf, and was a fan of all sports. He was a member of Eagles Lodge 766. His most cherished times were spent with family.
On Dec. 11, 1968, he married Janice (Dixon) Montgomery, who preceded him in death on Nov. 11, 2015. Survivors include his sons, Jeff Montgomery and Jack Montgomery Jr.; grandchildren, Letitia, Ross, Mikyla, Krista and Victoria; and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Janice; a son, Scott Allen Montgomery; three sisters; and four brothers.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, at Murphy-Parks Funeral Service, 703 S. Harrison St., Shelbyville. A funeral service will be at noon Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at the funeral home with the Rev. Ralph Botte officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery. Funeral directors Greg Parks, Sheila Parks and Stuart Parks are honored to serve the Montgomery family. Online condolences may be shared at murphyparks.com.
Wanda Eddings, 88, of Shelbyville, died Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, at her home. She was born Nov. 17, 1936, in Ohio, to Eugene and Alberta Fosnight. Wanda was a dedicated Jehovah’s Witness. She had a special love for her pets. She is survived by her daughters, Lynn Holton and Kristi Benson; 22 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son, Reynol Lee Fosnight.
Cheryl Kay Hallgarth Henry, 79, of Shelbyville, died Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, at her home. She was born Dec. 17, 1945, in Rushville, to John Lewis and Ida Ruth (Hankins) McDaniels.
Henry worked at Textron in Morristown for many years as a quality control inspector. She attended Columbus Community Church and Shelbyville Community Church. A devout Christian, she loved reading her Bible. She was also an animal lover who enjoyed gardening, caring for her plants and traveling, especially to the ocean. Above all, she cherished her family and the memories made through the years.
She married Delmar Hallgarth on June 17, 1961. He preceded her in death on April 1, 2001. She later married Gerald Henry, who preceded her in death on Oct. 13, 2012. Survivors include her sons, Bobbie (Janet) Hallgarth and Rudy (Rita) Hallgarth; daughter, Rose Halzeard; grandchildren, Jeff Hallgarth, Stephanie (Jon) Stough, Kyle Hallgarth, Jennifer Hallgarth, Ashley (Chris) Williams, Ryan (Sarah) Hallgarth and Ila Holzeard; 12 great-grandchildren, William, Alex, Grace, Kaylee, Aubree, Brennan, McKenzie, Daniel, Ashlyan, Marvin, Jason and Veyda; sister, Debra (Rodger) Evans; and sister-in-law, Linda McDaniels. She was preceded in death by her parents; sons, Johnny Hallgarth and Paul Hallgarth; grandson, John Hallgarth; brother and sister-in-law, John and Judy McDaniels; brother, Charles “Butch” McDaniels; and sisters and brothers-in-law, Anna and Robert Webb, and Sandra “Sue” and Richard Ruble.
Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, at Murphy-Parks Funeral Service, 703 S. Harrison St., Shelbyville. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, at the funeral home, with Pastor Merry Popplewell officiating. Burial will be in Arlington East Hill Cemetery, Rushville. Funeral directors Greg Parks, Sheila Parks and Stuart Parks are honored to serve Henry’s family.
Delbert LaRue Martin, 23, was killed in action while flying over Yap Island in Micronesia on March 21, 1945. He was born Feb. 13, 1922, in Shelby County, Indiana. His remains were recovered after 70 years, and he will be buried next to his parents at Fairland Cemetery.
Survivors include his nieces, Kathryn Brown, Natalie Shepard and Barbara Martin, and his nephew, Scott Martin. He was preceded in death by his parents, J. Franklin and Anna Marie Martin; his sister, Scytha Mae Brown; and his brother, Robert Martin.
Delbert grew up on his family farm in Shelby County. He enlisted in 1942 and trained as a pilot. His nickname during his service as a Hellcat ace in World War II was “Snuffy.” His first cousin Maurice Eugene Boring described him as “a little guy, but a ball of fire.” He was part of his squadron’s aerial victory during the first strike on Tokyo.
A private ceremony will be held at his gravesite at Fairland Cemetery at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025. Friends and family are welcome. Local arrangements are entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St., Shelbyville. Online condolences may be shared at freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
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More info on Delbert
The story about Delbert Martin’s recovering his remains is amazing! I think it should be reposted on the Shelby county Facebook page! What a remarkable story!