Wednesday, August 20, 2025
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SHOWTIME
Shelbyville High School student Alex Bunton auditions yesterday for the upcoming SpongeBob musical. | photo by KRISTIAAN RAWLINGS
MODEL UPDATE
New roadbed is glued in place and secured with pins and weights as repairs continue on the Grover Museum’s model train display. | photo by JOHN WALKER
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NOTEBOOK:
Shelbyville High School’s Class of 2026 will graduate outdoors at J.M. McKeand Stadium this spring due to renovation projects at Garrett Gymnasium, Superintendent Dr. Matt Vance told the school board this week. Dr. Vance and Principal Amy Dawson recently met with student leaders to begin planning for the May 22 ceremony, scheduled for 7 p.m. Dr. Vance added that the success of this year’s event could determine whether future graduations remain outdoors or return to the gym.
The Shelbyville Common Council approved a tax abatement for Ryobi, following a positive review from the city’s tax abatement committee. Company leaders highlighted Ryobi’s local growth, noting that over the past three years employment has increased by 250 workers. Average skilled-trade wages now reach $35 to $40 an hour, while the overall employee average is about $25, with starting pay at $21. The total new investment is approximately $23 million, attorney Steve Schrumpf, representing the company, said.
The Common Council also heard concerns from citizen Mike Carpenter regarding an earlier Boys Club proposal about using Morrison Park for programming. Following public feedback, the council and Club officials opted to shelve the project, Mayor Scott Furgeson said.
Code enforcement officer Troy Merrick told the Shelbyville Board of Public Works yesterday that 1216 Elm St. has been purchased, and the new owner placed a dumpster on-site to begin cleanup. A tenant at 510 E. McKay Road reported that items will be removed from the property by the end of this weekend. The board also issued an order to appear to the owner of 830 Quesada St. for junk and debris in the yard.
Shelbyville Central Schools is turning to virtual services to address a shortage of speech pathologists. At Monday’s board meeting, Director of Student Services Andy Hensley said the district spent much of the spring searching unsuccessfully for an in-person speech therapist. A new contract will bring in a Louisville-based professional who has Shelbyville ties to provide speech therapy virtually for middle and high school students. Hensley noted speech therapy and school psychology are among the hardest positions to fill, with caseloads often reaching 60 to 80 students. Rising costs have added to the challenge, he said, as demand continues to outpace supply statewide.
A crash occurred at the intersection of Evans and Meridian streets. Both vehicles were traveling straight. One driver reported that the other attempted to pass him at a stop sign, honked at him and then rear-ended his vehicle after slowing down. The other driver said the first was moving too slowly, so he tried to pass but was forced off the road, striking a stop sign. He also claimed the other driver sped off, prompting him to follow. A passenger in one vehicle believed there may have been a sideswipe near the area of the stop sign. Minor damage was observed, some of which appeared to be older.
A crash occurred in the Walmart Supercenter parking lot involving two vehicles that had backed out of parking stalls. One driver reported being struck by another vehicle, which then continued leaving the area. Damage was noted to the rear of the first vehicle. The second driver later stated her vehicle’s damage was old and unrelated. However, a witness said both vehicles had backed out into a dual-direction lane near Aldi and confirmed seeing fresh scuffing on the second vehicle that matched the first. Both vehicles were able to be driven from the scene.
(Correction on phone number) American Legion Victory Post 70 will host its 2nd Annual Car and Bike Show on Saturday, Aug. 23, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1125 S. Miller Ave. in Shelbyville. Registration begins at 9 a.m., with judging at 1 p.m. and awards to follow. Entry is $20 per show vehicle, and a cornhole tournament will also be held with a $10 entry fee. The family-friendly event will feature live music, food, vendors, raffles, a dunk tank, and awards. For more information on the car show or to register as a vendor, call Brian Duvellius at 317-512-5077.
HOOSIER NEWS: Plans have been introduced for an $88 million apartment development for residents aged 55 and older along Old Meridian Street in Carmel. The project, called Signature55 Carmel, would feature 210 age-restricted apartments, 12,000 square feet of amenities, a 356-space parking garage, and a 1.54-acre veterans park and trail. Construction could begin in March 2026 with move-ins projected for February 2028, pending city approval. The development would replace a previously planned mixed-use project that did not move forward. City officials say the project addresses a key housing need by providing downsizing options for older residents while freeing up larger homes for families. The City Council is also considering an $11 million tax-increment financing bond to help fund the parking garage and a resolution to purchase land for the veterans park. The proposals are under review by the Land Use and Special Studies Committee. (IBJ)
NATIONAL NEWS: From 2005 to 2020, energy demand in the United States was basically flat; since then, it has been growing two percent to three percent annually. Utilities spent $178.2 billion last year on grid enhancements and power upgrades. It is now poised to spend $1.1 trillion from 2025 to 2029 to meet the growing demand, much of which comes from data centers. While demand is growing, government policies have turned against adding new generation capacity from wind and solar, rug-pulling those industries by spiking planned incentives for build-outs and revoking federal leases. As a result, it’s generally understood within the industry that the average household’s energy bill is about to spike, with the Rhodium Group projecting that the average household will pay $78 to $192 more annually. (Sherwood News/Numlock)
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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: Student delegates from Japan arrived as part of the annual Sister City visit. The students visited Grover Museum and ate dinner at Cagney’s. They then went to Blue River Lanes for the evening.
1995: Shelbyville Central Schools dismissed classes two hours early due to the heat, given that most schools did not have air conditioning.
1985: County officials placed two yellow-barreled stop signs on County Road 800E and East Michigan Road, after residents expressed concerns about recent accidents.
1975: More than 70 Shelby County employees had lost their jobs over the previous month due to numerous layoffs, The Shelbyville News reported.
1965: The State Tax Board discussed ways to expand the library. The two-story expansion would be set onto the rear of the present library. That portion of the building had received few updates since it was built in 1904.
1955: Elsie the Cow, a representative from Borden’s, came to visit Shelbyville. The original Elsie, a Jersey cow, had died in a wreck. When requests poured in to continue the promotional animal, Borden’s purchased a new one.
1945: The local Crystal Flash softball team advanced to the state finals after winning the regional in a 10-inning game ended by a home run from Forrest Gorrell. Paul Wagner was the pitcher
1935: Joseph Driscoll, 11, found a horned toad, which was native to Mexican deserts, while searching through the city dump. The boy put it in a glass jar and brought it home.
A truck went over the curb on Public Square and crashed into a hat window display belonging to Grace McGuire’s shop.
1925: Shelby, Decatur and Rush counties announced plans to host a free joint Chautauqua in Decatur County.
1915: City Council approved installing a water line to the city park after heavy lobbying from local women. The issue arose during excavation for gravel sidewalks, but the city ran short of gravel, and recent rains left the paths muddy. The Republican reported the matter “came up in about the same manner as a black cat at a picnic party, and it was about as welcome.”
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OBITUARIES
Bob J. Stevens, 79, of Shelbyville, died Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025, at his home. He was born June 21, 1946, in Shelbyville, the son of Bulah Jay Stevens and Ellen Martha (Loveless) Stevens. He married Phyllis G. (Wells) Stevens on June 27, 1964, and she survives. Other survivors include his son, Troy R. (Valerie) Stevens of Shelbyville; brother, Paul (Linda) Stevens of Shelbyville; three grandchildren, Nathan (Katelyn) Stevens, Karman (Andy) Wade and Kyle Stevens; and four great-grandchildren, Liam and Mila Stevens, and Annie and Lainey Wade. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Timothy Stevens; sisters, Glenna Mae, Betty and Edna; and brothers, Lawrence and Glenn Stevens.
Mr. Stevens was a lifelong Shelbyville resident and graduated from Shelbyville High School. He worked at GE/Wellman’s for 40 years as a professional certified welder. He enjoyed building and shooting black powder rifles, was an avid outdoorsman, and loved hunting and fishing with his best friend of 70 years, Tony DelliGatti. He especially cherished time with his great-grandchildren.
Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, at Van Pelt Cemetery, with Pastor Daniel McDonald officiating. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. at the cemetery.
Alpha Nell Justice, 93, of Connersville, died Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, at Willows of Shelbyville. She was born April 21, 1932, in Albany, Kentucky, the daughter of John Hardin Stearns and Ova E. Stearns. She married Forrest Loser in October 1954, and he preceded her in death. She later married Donald E. Justice, who also preceded her in death. Survivors include her daughter, Teresa Rose (Robert) of Connersville; brother, Billy Stearns of Albany, Kentucky; sister, Georgie Thurston of Crawfordsville; four grandchildren, Christine Wright (Donald), Jason Smith, Joshua Clark (Summery) and Ashley Carroll (Blake); several great-grandchildren; and several great-great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her parents, both husbands, three sisters, three brothers, and two stepdaughters, Vera Loser White and Pat Miller.
Mrs. Justice had lived in the Connersville area for five years after moving from Shelbyville. She was employed with RCA of Indiana for many years before retiring. She loved her family, grandchildren and her cat, Sam.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, at Glenn E. George & Son Funeral Home, 437 Amos Road, with burial in Maplewood Cemetery. Visitation will be from noon until the time of service Wednesday at the funeral home. Online condolences may be shared at glennegeorgeandson.com.