Wednesday, August 21, 2024
SUPER BLUE MOON
Monday’s “super blue moon” is visible over Shelbyville in this JACK BOYCE photo. Below, Shelbyville at dusk yesterday. | photo by JACK BOYCE
Japanese Exchange Students Reconnect, Tour Local Schools
Seventeen students from Shelbyville’s Sister City, Shizuoka, Japan, left here yesterday, completing what City Attorney Jenny Meltzer called “a whirlwind of six days.” The 17 students visited on the heels of 20 Shelbyville students who traveled to Japan over the summer. The two cohorts reconnected at numerous events over the past week.
“I’m witnessing the growth of the relationship, how the students are embracing each other’s cultures,” Kim Owens, a member of the Shelby County International Relations Council, said. She commended the 15 local Japanese industries that support the exchange program.
Several Shelby County families hosted the Sister City students, who were accompanied by Yoshie Saito, a professional tour guide who estimated she has visited Shelbyville at least 15 times.
“It was amazing buy-in by the community,” Owens said.
She and SCIRC President Linda Sanders joined the visitors Monday on a tour of Shelbyville High School. Japanese teacher Steve von Werder commissioned Darcy Willis, an SHS theatre student, to lead the tour. With her booming voice, sense of humor and occasional word in Japanese, Willis was certainly up for the role.
“While there were plenty of times where our language barrier got in the way, overall we were all able to get over the hurdle through silly gestures,” Willis said, adding that she was “extremely honored” von Werder trusted her as the point person. “I really hope that the Shizuoka kids had as much fun as I did.”
Several exchange students called SHS “very big” compared to their own high school. When asked to name their favorite excursion, a range of sites, such as the Indiana State Fair, were mentioned. One student said the highlight was tasting a hamburger for the first time.
After a day of touring Golden Bear Preschool, SHS and Coulston Elementary, students were off for more activities and one more night with their hosts before an early Tuesday departure. Local families hosting students included: Warren and Margaret Beglin, Becky Bishopp (who one person called “the godmother of the program”) and Amy Bishopp, Ralph and Alyssa Botte, Jordan and Brooke Caldwell, Jess and Stephanie Carroll, Jill Chenoweth, Tyler and Aleigha Crouch, Dan Duran, Bill and Ruth Ann Hopkins, Susan Jergovich and Roni Shadley, Trent and Jenny Meltzer, Uriah and Shannon Meredith, Andrew and Arielle Nance, Amanda Simpson and Drew Little, Justin and Mito Stenger, Wanda Stephens-Wooten and Edward and Joyce Wung.
NOTEBOOK:
A vehicle crashed through the Indianapolis Horseshoe Casino fence and struck a horse trailer on Monday evening. The vehicle then fled the scene of the crash. About 25 minutes later, the Sheriff’s Department located the driver, who was intoxicated and fled from law enforcement. He was arrested and charged.
The Shelbyville Board of Public Works issued an order to appear for the owner of 305 Sunset Drive. The owner has appeared before the board numerous times to discuss debris and items at her property.
Post Street, better known as the alley behind Elegant L and Linne’s, will be closed next Monday due to building work at Elegant L, Street Commissioner Shane Peters told the board of works yesterday.
Dinner with the Dems is set for Sept. 17, 6 p.m., at the Knights of Columbus. Tickets can be purchased at Sharp Trophies by Mack, or call Susie Pouder at 317-395-6602 or Eddie Sleeth at 765-610-4961.
NATIONAL NEWS: While lots of for-profit colleges have been folding, the contraction in the numbers of college students is causing issues for your more typical private, nonprofit four-year colleges. Over 500 of them have closed in the past 10 years, and that’s affected 1.25 million students. Since 2017, we’re averaging around 60 such schools closing per year, and this year there have already been 14 closures through early August. (Wall Street Journal/Numlock)
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580 West Taylor St.
Editor’s Note: The following is the next installment in a serialized version of “580 West Taylor Street,” by Joseph E. “Joed” Landwerlen.
by JOSEPH E. LANDWERLEN
Invasion of the Dolls
How, what, why, when, huh, what happened? We were supposed to be five boys, almost a baseball team. He was going to be the tie-breaker in us other boys' arguments. What do you mean, “We have a baby sister”? How can that happen? How can you bring a little girl into a house of boys?
But they did, and as soon as Mom and Dad brought her home and we boys got to hold her and realize that we were her big brothers and she would count on us to protect her, instantly, we accepted her as our little sister, and she instantly became one of us.
When our first sister was brought home, I was almost 10, and we boys were used to having diapers, diaper pails, and wooden indoor fold-up drying racks. By this time, we had a bathroom, hot and cold running water, a manual washing machine and somewhere long about then we acquired a dryer. These machines were both placed in the bathroom.
As we boys became age-able, we were tasked with helping mom with the washing and drying of the clothes and diapers. It seemed like we always had diapers either on the clothesline outdoors or on the wooden racks inside.
Although my brothers and I all grew up using a lot of hand-me-down clothes, just getting new things at Christmas or birthdays, we now had girls’ clothes that were frilly and colorful. Where the boys wore blue jeans and coveralls and tee shirts, the girls began to wear dresses and bonnets, and those needed special care. I did not realize how much work my parents had gone through with us boys until I was educated as to how to boil the glass bottles, rubber nipples, and plastic bottle caps, how to mix the Pablum powder properly and to heat the mixed milk formula to just the right temperature. I am sure that I did this many times, wishing I was somewhere else. I already changed diapers, so it wasn't difficult to adapt to a girl. They were actually easier, as there was not as much plumbing to avoid. My second sister was born in December '51, and I was 13 and already a full-fledged babysitter.
Mom was still working a lot and Dad was trying to make money for our trip, so some nights we were charged with taking care of the little ones for a few hours in the early evenings.
When our first sister was born, plans were made to convert our front porch into a “girls” room. This took a bit of time, but by the time our second sister was born, the room was ready for the girls to use.
I believe the girls being born settled us boys down somewhat. There was not so much rough-housing. With the little girls joining in our play in the back bedroom, we had to be careful not to hurt them. It was not unusual for the girls to crawl in bed with us at times. I believe all of us boys became very protective of our sisters and were always happy to show them off to other people.
SHS Courier Archive Highlights:
May 1962, Part II
Lonnie Walker and Wendell Bernard received the two top athletic awards given at SHS at a special convocation. Lonnie, varsity center, received the Paul Cross basketball medal from J.W.O. Breck, city school superintendent. He was also named MVP. Along with Dave Spannbauer, Lonnie was nominated for the All-Indiana Stars. Wendell was given the Kiwanis football medal by David Guest, local Kiwanian. He was also elected co-captain of the team along with Allen Koehler. Earning second-year letters were Lonnie Walker, Larry Cochran, Jay Clapp, Mike Thomas, Tom Patterson, Mike Mount and Jim Kremer. First-year letters were received by Dan Barnett, Steve Lancaster, Joe Mohr, Bob Edwards, Pete McNamara, Phil Schmidt and Jay Butler. Members of the basketball squad who received varsity letters were Allen Pence, Allan Koehler, Spannbauer, Walker, Dan Barnett, Mike Brunner, Don Sexton, Ronnie Cale, Phil Kuhn and Rich Adams.
Mrs. Cassady, the custodian who had volunteered to drive Mr. Brown’s students to the telephone office, misunderstood the assignment and took the students to The Shelbyville News office instead. She was “a little surprised when her passengers refused to get out on East Washington,” the Courier said. “She had to drive back to the Bell telephone office on West Broadway to unload them.”
The sophomore glass “get together” in the high school cafeteria “went over fine,” according to Barbara Hey. Kenny Fallis of Waldron was disc jockey. Potato chips and cokes were provided.
Girls chosen to lead yells for the 1962-63 basketball season were Jean Gehr, Karen McNew, Terri Wagner, Shari Long and Barbara Hey. Reserve cheer leaders were Pam Adams, Nancy Coers, Susan McComas and Sally Vaught.
Three sophomores were invited to participate in the Indiana High School Achivement Program event, with contests covering Latin, Spanish, English amd math. They were Carole Zinser, Geraldine Reber and Glen Barnes.
Seniors named to the National Honor Society were Mary Helen Bowlby, Susan Cord, Elizabeth Ellison, Mary Ann Fisher, Benny Frank, Bill Howard, Janet Kaster, Ruth Anne Kennedy, Cheryl Knoebel, Elton Linville, Emily McKeand, Mark Mount, Judy Owens, Roseann Reuter, Jo Rudd, Pat Ryan, Bill Sherwood, Mary Jo Soller, Ann Staats, Judy Teasley, Don Thompson, Nancy Wasson, Linda Wendling, Elizabeth Wisker and Larry Wood.
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: Nick Yeend won the Beast of the Southeast boys cross country race, hosted at Rising Sun, and his Southwestern Spartans finished second, with Hayden Veach placing third and Andrew Tucker in fifth.
2004: City Council approved the 2005 budget, which was $91,000 less than the 2004 budget. The budget was cut as deeply as possible without cutting staff positions, Mayor Scott Furgeson said.
1994: Due to coming repairs to the Waldron water tower, Waldron students might have several half days, district officials said. Superintendent John Jameson the announcement of half-day versus full day would be made in the mornings on WOOO.
1984: Bausback Corp. won the Shelby County Girls Softball League 13-15 regular season and post-season tourney championships, and also finished third in the state tourney. Team members were Kelley Anderson, Diann Baughner, Mindy Settles, Jaynie Eubanks, Missy Pike, Jill Griffey, Melva Rash, Tammy Montgomery, Amy Brown, Amy Stieneker, Angie Paxton, Melissa Crabtree and Melissa Klare. Tracy Montgomery was batgirl. Coaches and managers were Gary Griffey, Jim Eubanks and Paul Anderson.
1974: The Shelbyville chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was in the process of reactivating its charter. Richard Byrd was president of the local group. “We live in a highly complex society in which representation is a necessity for survival,” Byrd said. He said the reactivation was “not necessarily an attempt to voice dissent, but an attempt to make a contribution.” The first meeting was set to be held in the educational building of Second Baptist Church.
1964: Teresa Sigman, 2, who lived seven miles west of Shelbyville on State Road 44, was killed when she was attacked by five dogs. She had been playing with her brother and sister in the yard at the time. Her sister had picked up a stick to chase the dogs away while her borther ran into the house to tell their mother. Mrs. Mary Sigman and Mrs. Coy, who lived across the road and ran over the help, carried the girl to the car to be rushed to the hospital.
1954: Four five-year-old kids who lived near N. Tompkins St. and W. Pennsylvania held an “emergency drive” polio benefit. They raised $2.10 going door-to-door, which they “turned over to a surprised mother ‘to help little kids with polio,’” The Shelbyville News reported. The four were Gingi Branson, Warren Krebs, Emma Lou Eck and Peggy Flaitz. The money was turned over to Donald Jones, treasurer of the Shelby County Polio Fund.
1944: Servicemen on furlough would be allowed to vote early for fall races at the courthouse in the clerk’s office, party chairmen announced.
1934: Shelby County Republican headquarters opened for the fall campaign. Ralph Adams was county chairman. The first meeting was held at 7 p.m. for county candidates, and then city officials met at 9 p.m. Headquarters was located at the northeast corner of Harrison and Hendricks streets in the Hamilton building.
1924: Sam McVey showed of his “freak” chicken at the fair. The chicken had no bill and had deformed feet. Ely Menefee, who lived east of St. Paul, also had a three-legged duck that “walked with ease,” The Republican said.
1914: The Barnes Circus drew hundreds to Shelbyville. The performance included 31 lions, 20 clowns, an all-women’s band and numerous other features. Many people waited hours at the train station for the show to arrive.
OBITUARIES
David R. Kuhn, 85, of Shelbyville, passed away Sunday, August 18, 2024 at Roudebush VA Hospital in Indianapolis. Born February 26, 1939, in Shelbyville, he was the son of Howard Kuhn and Lula (Stuart) Kuhn. He married Marjorie (Zanger) Kuhn on February 2, 1973, and she survives. Other survivors include four children, David Kuhn of Michigan, Lisa Kuhn of Wisconsin, Selena Loch of Florida, Niles Kuhn (Danelle) of Florida: a sister, Juanita Redd of Texas: nine grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and sisters, and a grandson.
Mr. Kuhn was a lifelong resident of this area and attended Shelbyville High School. He had been a factory worker at Knauf Fiber Glass, retiring after many years of service. He was a member of Crossroads Community Church and was a US Navy veteran. David devoted his entire life to providing and taking care of his family.
Funeral services will be 1 p.m. on Friday, August 23, 2024 at Glenn E. George & Son Funeral Home, 437 Amos Road, with Pastor Andy Lee officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery. Friends may call on Friday morning from 11 a.m. until the time of the service, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions can be made to the Shelbyville/Shelby County Animal Shelter, 705 Hale Road, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176. Online condolences may be shared at glennegeorgeandson.com.
Walter Eugene Moore, Jr., 65, of Shelbyville, passed away Monday, August 19, 2024, at Major Health Partners in Shelbyville. He was born May 3, 1959, in Rushville, the son of Walter Eugene Moore and Lula Pearl (Glenn) Collins. On July 7, 1985, he married his wife of 39 years, Ellen Ann Wickliff, and she survives. In addition to Ellen, Walter is survived by his daughters, Caitlin (Moore) Barahona and husband, Victor, of Plainfield, Illinois, and Olivia Moore of Rolling Meadows, Illinois; granddaughter, Adelyn Barahona; sisters, Delva Chapman of Florida, Debbie Crouch and husband, Greg, of Shelbyville, and Diane Riley of Greenfield; brother, Larry Moore of Greenfield; step-mother-in-law, Gertrude Wickliff; sister-in-law, Frances Jackson of Shelbyville; granddog, Honey; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Audrey Moore; and mother-in-law and father-in-law, Edgar and Mary Wickliff.
In 1977, he graduated from Greenfield High School. Walter was a member of the Well of Christ. He retired in May of 2024, as an electro mechanic, from Knauf Insulation, with 43 years of service. Walter loved taking care of his family. He enjoyed fixing all that was broken.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to Noon, Thursday, August 22, 2024, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Funeral services will follow at Noon, Thursday, at the funeral home, with Chaplain Simon Jackson and Jacob Blackburn officiating. Interment will be at Miller Cemetery in Shelbyville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Well of Christ, 1900 Miller Avenue, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176. Online condolences may be shared with Walter’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
Wendy Leigh Johnson, 28, of Greenfield, passed away Tuesday, August 6, 2024, in Madison County, Indiana. She was born June 14, 1996, in Shelbyville, the daughter of David Wilson and Betty (McClary) Wendland. On September 5, 2023, she married Michael Johnson, and he survives. In addition to Michael, Wendy is survived by her mother of Greenfield; daughters, Aleigha Brown of Pendleton, and Avah Johnson of Shelbyville; grandmother, Susan McClary of Greenfield; sisters, Megan Thurston, Emily Wendland, Ruth Wendland and Faith Wilson, all of Shelbyville; and two nieces.
Wendy was preceded in death by her father; and step-father, Patrick Wendland.
In 2013, Wendy graduated from Shelbyville High School. She was formerly a cook and kitchen manager at several restaurants, including Wing Stop. Wendy loved horses and enjoyed music.
Visitation will be from Noon to 2 p.m., Monday, August 26, 2024, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 124 E. North St. in Morristown, the funeral service will follow. Inurnment will be at Asbury Cemetery in Morristown at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. Shelbyville, Indiana 46176. Online condolences may be shared with Wendy’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
We used to buy our doughnuts on Post Street from the back door at Linne's especially when we were Star carriers. The bakers would sell us a Baker's dozen for 50 cents. Every time I eat a Krispy Kreme doughnut today, it reminds me of the ones we bought through the back door.