Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Plan Commission Denies Rezone Request Near Rays Crossing
The Shelby County Plan Commission last night denied a rezone request regarding 7160 E 200 N, Shelbyville.
A group of Union Township neighbors banded together last night to thwart a rezone that would have allowed converting agricultural land to residential between Rays Crossing and Manilla. Their efforts were successful, as the Shelby County Plan Commission denied Frank Sundvall’s request for the rezone and simple subdivision.
Sundvall’s plan was to create two 2.2-acre building lots as part of reconfiguring a 9.4-acre area, part of which at one time was an orchard, on East 200 North, due east of Rays Crossing. An existing house would have remained, and two front lots would have had new driveways.
“This is unproductive ground that used to be the orchard, not probably ever going back into (agricultural) production,” Jacob Brattain, Sundvall’s attorney, said.
But attorney Denny Harrold, representing nearby landowner Mike Cassidy, noted that the property was surrounded by cropland.
“If you approve this petition, you will be making an island of two 2.2-acre lots in the middle of prime farm ground,” Harrold said, adding that if, as the petitioner asserted, there were no drainage issues, then the land qualified as “prime farmland” and shouldn’t be zoned residential.
“That's in violation of all of your rules, regulations, ordinances, and just the basic development for Shelby County,” Harrold said. “It just violates everything that I think you put in place over the years to protect farmland and protect the rural nature of the land that's there.”
Other neighbors also approached the board to share concerns, citing the intrinsic value of family farms in the area. Brattain used that same point when advocating for the rezone.
“I would say 80 percent of the people in this room have benefited from being able to grow up in the county, and a lot of those (grew up) in Shelby County. Now, tonight, a denial takes two more potential families that could grow up surrounded by crop ground, being able to take those nice, long walks outside, being able to grow up with their kids with the backyard and a big front yard to play in,” he said.
Brattain also said the petitioner had offered the ground to surrounding landowners, but they weren’t interested.
“This property has been an eyesore for years,” he said. “This is an opportunity to make sure that this property gets cleaned up and put back into use.”
The county planning staff, however, had recommended denial of the rezone application, which the Plan Commission did on a 5-1 vote. Mike McCain voted in favor, and Jason Abel, Kevin Carson, David Lawson, Charity Mohr and Terry Smith voted no. Jeff Powell, who did the survey on the property, abstained.
In other business, the Plan Commission next month will discuss proposed changes to the county’s ordinance regarding commercial solar energy systems. The proposed amendments are the result of a solar ordinance review committee’s review of current standards. A public hearing will be held next month and action may be taken in October.
NOTEBOOK:
The following local cooling stations are available during this week’s heat advisory, Shelby County Emergency Management Agency announced: Shelby County Public Library, Morristown Library, Salvation Army, American Legion and Boba Cafe. Hours for each location are listed here.
Shelby County Reads is hosting a discussion on local Klan activity at the Grover Center, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 6:30 - 8 p.m.
NATIONAL NEWS: From 1963 to 1987, the FDA authorized the use of nine synthetic dyes that it considers to be safe. Naturally, lots of people consider this to be a bad idea while lots of people consider it a solid one, for reasons scientific and personal, with researchers and advocates and dietitians and allergists and all manner of opinionated people thinking very sincere and strongly-held thoughts on whether or not the color is worth it. A bill poised to come to a vote this week in the California Senate would ban K-12 public schools in the state from offering any food that contains one of six synthetic dyes — Blue No. 1, Blue No. 2, Green No. 3, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6 and Red No. 40. (New York Times/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
King’s Grocery, Part II
All of the employees had to wear a white meat apron that gave some consistency to the store, and in my case, that apron had a small chest pocket on it that carried my price list and a Listo Pencil that held a replaceable wax cartridge to price every single item in the store: every can, box, roll, carton, jar, and container of any kind had to be priced.
Saturdays were the busiest. In addition to helping open the store at 7 a.m., people had been calling in orders for delivery on Saturday. According to the size of the order, I would either ride my bike, walk, or use one of the shopping carts. I had three standing deliveries every Saturday. My favorite delivery was to Mrs. Garrett, who was an elderly lady that lived on Center Street. Every Friday in Shelbyville, Sid Sidlinger would butcher hogs at his meat market on East Washington Street and deliver to Mrs. Garrett three hogs’ heads to her that night. She would work on these all night and make head-cheese and souse, and when I would deliver her order on Saturday morning, my tip was a fresh warm head-cheese sandwich and a cup of milk. My tip in other places was a nickel, if I got one.
On Saturday mornings, a few farmers would drop off eggs to trade on their grocery bill. It was also my job to sort and count them. I would then make a note to the cashiers that Farmer Shaw brought in 44 good large and six medium eggs so that when he came in later that day, he would get credit for those eggs.
We also sold gas out front, which was my job if I was there. I would pump your gas, check your oil, wash your windshield, and report to the cashiers what your total bill was. This was when gas was 25 cents a gallon.
Most of King's customers were “on the book” and would stop in and grab a few items, and these would be noted in their little book and placed in their slot above the checkout stands until they came in, usually on a Saturday, and settled up.
When I worked at the store in the summertime, I would almost weekly be sent to the King’s home on the McKay Road to mow their grass. The first year I only had a reel-type push mower, but Kenny bought a gasoline operated lawn mower the second year. I still had to push it, but it was much easier to use. Jeanne always left me a pitcher of lemonade or tea in the refrigerator and left the back door unlocked for me.
Kenneth and Jeanne took care of their employees. It was not unusual that when they would have unsellable or old items, but still good meat or potatoes or such, they would give it to the employees to take home.
In the summertime, I worked six days and was making more than $20 a week. I was buying my own clothes, taking groceries home to help out, and life was good. When I left there in July of '56, I was making 45 cents an hour.
SHS Courier Archive Highlights:
September 21, 1995, Part I
The Homecoming Parade was set to start from Morrison Park at 5:45 p.m. Mayor Bob Williams would attend and several elementary students would ride the bicycles they decorated. The class of 1970 would be recognized at the game.
Homecoming Queen candidates were seniors Jill Ingle, Amy Letzler, Lori Livingston, Brooke Manning and Richelle Winkler. The candidates for Homecoming princesses were juniors Michelle Anewalt, Carolynn Baker and Jamie Haggard; sophomores Melanie Beglin, Kenda Clark and Katie Davis; and freshmen Jenny Bleau, Erica Cox and Andrea Temple.
The Homecoming dance would be held in the courtyard (or cafeteria in the case of inclement weather) until 11:30 p.m. The theme was “American Pie.”
Jim Burnes reviewed some classmates’ cars. “People like Ron McCullum take theirs to shows. His supreme aqua Impala not only looks good, it runs good. Others, like Tim Buckler and his Nova, take their supreme engine and run off the tires.” He lauded Craig Speece’s Vette, Andrew Clayton’s super bug and Josh Wells’ “El Camino wanna-be.”
Tracy Solomon wrote an op-ed about the vending machines, which had been turned off during the day and were supposed to be on at 3 p.m., but usually weren’t. The machine issue was in response to the previous year, which Principal Orem called “the worst with class disruptions and trash accumulation.” Solomon didn’t disagree. “The trash problem last year was plainly obvious. Sometimes students wondered if there were janitors.” Also, students were sometimes late to class, she said, “because they were worrying about getting their dollar straight enough…”
Jim Burnes’ “Making the Grade” column assessed life at school: Speed bumps got a D- (“I love ruining my car. If they want slower driving, get a rent-a-cop!” he wrote in the Comments); Girls Soccer got an A+; and Coke and candy machines earned an F (“Duh! What’s the deal?”).
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: The Shelbyville Board of Public Works voted to euthanize a pit bull that attacked a 10-year-old girl in the 100 block of Habig St. The girl received 22 stitches.
2004: King’s Buffet opened at 2450 E. State Road 44, the former home of New Life Christian Resource Center and Mac’s Steakhouse. The buffet featured more than 200 items.
1994: Mary Rife, 17, was crowned Bears of Blue River Festival Queen. Angela Marcum was named Miss Congeniality and Nicole Huffman was first runner-up.
The Shelbyville News noted that a “distinguished-looking wood plaque, except for a broken silver border” was located at City Hall and had eight plates to engrave the names of the award winners for “Outstanding Improvement to a Residential Dwelling.” No one had ever won. The award had been started in the 1970s but never distributed.
1984: Several hundred people attended the “Millionaires” singing performance on Public Square, part of the Bears of Blue River Festival program.
1974: Ellen Wickliff and her dog, Candy, won first place in the 4-H Dog Obedience Trials at the Indiana State Fair.
1964: The Shelbyville Merchants lost in the state softball finals tourney in a classic 25-inning duel. Pitching star Don Asher struck out 52 over two games. The second game, a 1-0 loss, ended at 2:45 a.m. with some 2,000 fans still on hand.
1954: Diana Stores Corp., a nationwide women’s and children’s apparel chain, announced plans to open at 113 S. Harrison St., in the building formerly occupied by Rapid Shoe Repair.
1944: A centennial celebration service was planned for Geneva Methodist Church. A basket dinner would be held at noon with a service at 2 p.m. The first Methodist Church in Noble Township had been built in 1844 on a square half-acre of ground south of Geneva on what later became Thomas Nugent’s farm. The church moved “to town” in 1871, with the latest building erected in 1893. A two-story annex adjacent to the church had recently been donated. It had been built in 1891 and had been used as a public school until 1931.
1934: City Council discussed a proposal to remove abandoned traction line rails and ties on Harrison St., from Taylor St. to Van Ave. The council also discussed paving the alley just west of First Baptist Church.
1924: “On the Banks of the Wabash” showed at The Alhambra. The theme for the film was taken from Paul Dresser’s famous song by the same name.
1914: Stewart & Fix Mortuary purchased the first automobile hearse in Shelbyville. The “auto funeral” was in demand, the owners said. There would be no extra charge for the service. The vehicle would drive between 12 and 15 miles per hour during processions, which the paper noted was its “one disadvantage, namely, that of unseemly haste.” At the end of the article, though, The Republican confessed, “that what was an unseemly haste” would someday be considered “a slow and dignified proceeding,” adding, “The times change, and we change with them.”
OBITUARIES
Anita Marie Sargent, 73, of Waldron, formerly of Morristown, passed away, Monday, August 26, 2024, at Major Health Partners in Shelbyville. She was born March 20, 1951, in Indiana, the daughter of Betty (Roberts) Puckett. Anita is survived by her daughter, Jamie Godsey and husband, Chris, of Connersville; sister, Sharon Packlaian and husband, Christopher, of North Carolina; grandchildren, Jordan Sargent, Andrea Kuhn, Brittany Ryan and husband, Michael, Karley Sargent, Madison Schwering, Jessica Sanders and Melissa Sargent; great-grandchildren, Dredan Sargent, Lillia Sargent, Whisper Sargent, Greyson Kuhn, Colton Kuhn, Raylyn Bennett, Remington Bennett and Kaison Best; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Larry Sargent; sister, Beverly Danner; and brothers, Gary Bolin, Gene Bolin, D.L. Bolin and Marion Oliver.
In 1969, Anita graduated from Lew Wallace High School in Gary. She worked in quality control at Ryobi, retiring with over 30 years of service. Anita enjoyed watching old television shows, quilting, collecting trinkets and growing cactus. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 2 to 3 p.m., Friday, August 30, 2024, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Frazier Chapel, 124 E. North St. in Morristown. Funeral services will follow. Interment will be at Asbury Cemetery in Morristown. Online condolences may be shared with Anita’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
Mark Richard Pottenger, 61, of Greenwood, passed away Monday, August 19, 2024, at his home. He was born August 9, 1963, in Indianapolis, the son of Richard A. and Edith L. (Matillo) Pottenger. In addition to his father, Richard; Mark is survived by his loving daughter, whom he was both mother and father to, Indera “Indy” Pottenger of Casselberry, Florida. Also surviving, Mark, is his sister, T. “Lynn” Pottenger of Kenya, East Africa. Mark was preceded in death by his mother.
In 1982, Mark graduated from Franklin Central High School, where he was a member of the three-time State Champion High School football team. He formerly attended Southport Heights Christian Church. Mark was employed at Rolls Royce in the Aircraft Engine T65 Turbine department, where he was a highly skilled top machinist, with nearly 29 years of service. He was a member of the United Auto Workers Union (UAW). He loved muscle cars, especially Corvettes, and was very talented in the restoration of cars. Mark enjoyed going to car shows and seeing the antique cars. Mark also enjoyed woodworking. He provided a home for many lost garden gnomes. He loved his family. Having never met a stranger, Mark enjoyed socializing with everyone.
The Celebration of Mark’s Life will be at 1 p.m., Saturday, September 7, 2024, at Southport Heights Christian Church, 7154 McFarland Road, Southport, Indiana 46227.
Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. It would be appreciated if memorial contributions were made to CMF International to Lynn Pottenger’s account. Online condolences may be shared with Mark’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
Carl Edward “Ed” Gladson, 84, of Fairland, passed away, Sunday, August 25, 2024, at Sayre Christian Village in Lexington, Kentucky. He was born June 24, 1940, in Benham, Kentucky, the son of William and Sarah (Maggard) Gladson. On December 1, 1962, he married Samme Cope, and she preceded him in death on December 17, 2008. Ed is survived by his daughter, Carla Caton and husband, Isaac, of Lexington; granddaughters, Kayela Caton and Sarah Caton; sister, Madge Hensley of Corbin, Kentucky; sister-in-law, Sandra Delk of Fairland; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to Samme, Ed was preceded in death by his parents; and daughter, Rebecca G. Gladson-Wade; sisters, Georgia Cole-Monbeck, Ruth Stevens and Mildred Mackey; and brothers, Robert Gladson and Carrol Gladson.
In 1960, Ed graduated from Benham High School. He retired from Ford Motor Company, with 45 years of service. Ed was a member of Fairland United Methodist Church now Fairland Grace Community Church. He was also a member of the Sugar Creek Masonic Lodge No. 279 F&AM, and the Fairland Order of the Eastern Star, where he served as Worthy Patron. Ed loved being a volunteer coach for TYAA T-ball and football. He later became an avid fan, and was awarded the Distinguished Sports Fan by the Tiger Backers of Triton Central High School. He enjoyed IU basketball and was a huge Bobby Knight fan. As his family grew, Ed could be found on most Sunday’s in his favorite pew at Fairland United Methodist Church now Grace Community Church. He enjoyed reading his bible, listening to Gospel Music and watching western’s. Ed went to meet the Lord after a long illness surrounded by family and friends.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to Noon, Saturday, August 31, 2024, at Fairland Grace Community Church, 205 W. Washington St., in Fairland. Masonic services begin at noon, Saturday with the funeral service following, at the church. Interment will be at Fairland Cemetery in Fairland. Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Online condolences may be shared with Ed’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
Eileen Morton, 84, of Shelbyville, found comfort in the arms of Jesus early Sunday morning, August 25, 2024. She was born May 5, 1940, in Indianapolis, the youngest of 12 children born to William Pleasant and Nona B. (Wheeler) Henderson. Eileen was preceded in death by her parents; and a daughter, Teresa Rose Morton.
In 1958, Eileen graduated from Crispus Attucks High School, where she played violin in the orchestra. Later she attended McArthur Conservatory, where she was taught classical violin. Playing the violin was a huge part of Eileen’s life. She played for such events, as the Pioneer Fair, the Shelby County Fair and for various church services. Eileen enjoyed sharing her talent at Shelby Senior Services, where she would play and sing gospel music with the Shepherd’s Brothers Gospel Group. Eileen attended several churches including First Baptist Church and Victorious Life Baptist Church, both in Shelbyville. Through her association with the churches she formed many friendships.
There will be a public graveside service at 10 a.m., Thursday, August 29, 2024, at Tindall Cemetery in Shelby County. A Celebration of Eileen’s Life will be held at 3 p.m., Thursday, September 19, 2024, at the Salvation Army, 136 East Washington St., Shelbyville, Indiana, where she was a devoted member. Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Memorial contributions may be made to Freeman Family Funeral Homes to help offset funeral expenses. Online condolences may be shared with Eileen’s friends at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
Sally M. Shugert Williams, 75, of Shelbyville, passed away Monday August 26, 2024 at MHP Medical Center. She was born October 12, 1948 in Rushville, Ind., to Kenneth E. Brown and Hattie L. (Hatfield) Brown.
Sally was baptized late in life by a close family friend and pastor, Robb Barlow. She loved the outdoors and was an avid animal lover. Sally enjoyed fishing and feeding all the wildlife in nature. Spending time with her family and making memories with her grandchildren was her true passion.
She married Robert D. Williams on June 16, 1984, and he preceded her in death on May 23, 2010. Sally is survived by her son, Brian D. (wife, Monica) Smith; her daughters, Sandy (husband, Mike) Posz and Wendy Mount; her step-sons, Bobby Dale Williams and Donny Williams; her step-daughter, Bobbi (husband, Guy) Meo; her grandchildren, Jessica (husband, Telles), Jeremy, Joey (husband, Jeremy), Sally Jean (husband, David), Shyla (husband, Parker), Sydney (husband, Sam), Jarett (wife, Gabrielle), Joey, Shana (husband, Mark), Shaunta (husband, Billy) and Ian; her step-grandchildren, Emily (husband, Hunter), Nick (wife, Jess), Bret (wife, Shelby), Curt and Grace; 20 great-grandchildren, five step-great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two brothers and two sisters; step-son, Scott Williams and one step-great-granddaughter.
Visitation will be Friday, August 30, 2024 from noon to 2 p.m. at Murphy-Parks Funeral Service, 703 S. Harrison Street, Shelbyville, IN 46176. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. at the funeral home with Dr. Robb Barlow officiating. Funeral Directors, Greg Parks, Sheila Parks and Stuart Parks are honored to serve Sally’s family. Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com.
Tommy L. “Tom” Petrey, 72, of Indianapolis, former Shelbyville resident, passed away Monday, August 26, 2024, at Community North Hospital. Born September 23, 1951, Somerset, Kentucky, he was the son of Chester Ernest Petrey and Mary F. (Turpen) Petrey. He married Deborah Lynn (Hardwick) Petrey on June 21, 1975, and she preceded him in death on April 22, 2023.
Survivors include one son, Aaron Petrey (wife Michele), brother, Jerry Petrey (Carol) of Somerset, Ken.; three sisters, Doris Adkins of Somerset, Sandra Blandau of Hazard, Kentucky, and Margaret Reynolds (Eddie) of Indianapolis; one grandchild, Elijah Petrey, nieces Mary Rachel Blandau, Melissa Springar, nephews Chris Adkins, Jered Petrey (Shayna), Matthew Petrey (Ally), Jason Adkins (Britni), Nicholas Hardwick, and several great nieces and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his spouse, sister Betty Ann Petrey, brother Denny Petrey, and niece Courtney “Coco” Adkins.
Tom had lived in this area since 1998 after moving from Kentucky. Tom graduated from Somerset High School, where he played football and basketball, he then graduated from Eastern Kentucky University where he received a Master's Degree in Education. He was Director of Environmental Services for Major Hospital for 14 years, retiring from there, and had taught school for several years, in Georgia and Kentucky.
Tom was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, being married for 47 years to Deborah. The delight of his life was his grandson, Elijah, and he loved watching him play sports. He enjoyed fishing, camping, cookouts, and spending time with his family and friends. He was an avid Kentucky Wildcat fan.
Services will be held in Somerset, Kentucky, at Pulaski Funeral Home. Burial will be in Woodstock Cemetery in Somerset. Online condolences may be shared at glennegeorgeandson.com.
Judith Jean Roell, 78, of Maynardville, Tennessee, former Shelbyville resident, passed away Sunday, August 25, 2024 at Tennova North Medical Hospital. Born April 17, 1946, in Shelbyville, she was the daughter of Wayne Jackson and Virginia (Taggart) Jackson. She married Robert Roell on May 21, 1966 and he survives. Other survivors include four daughters, Lori Peace (Gary), Linda Tugan (Jeff), Victoria Woosley, Patricia Pike (Scott); brother, Wayne Jackson Jr.; nine grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Mrs. Roell was a homemaker, and member of Bible Baptist Church in Andersonville, Tennessee. Judith liked to crochet, read, work crossword puzzles, and loved spending time with her family and supporting their activities.
Funeral services will be 1 p.m., Friday, August 30, 2024 at Glenn E. George & Son Funeral Home, 437 Amos Road, with Gill Bates officiating. Burial will be in St. Vincent Cemetery. Friends may call on Friday morning from 11 a.m. until the time of the service, at the funeral home. Online condolences may be shared at glennegeorgeandson.com.
Was there a Chinese buffet at the King's location before them? I remember eating at a Chinese buffet there a few times with my ex, and we divorced in 2000.