Wednesday, December 24, 2025
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: STEPHENSON RIFE ATTORNEYS
STAGE PRESENCE
Liva Carbajal, Rex Fischer and Daleyza Leon-Torres perform in the recent production of “Cradle Chase” at St. Joseph Catholic School. | photo by JACK BOYCE
A COULSTON CHRISTMAS
Coulston Elementary’s music club, composed of third-, fourth- and fifth-graders, performs last week at the Shelbyville Central Schools administration office. The group, led by music teacher Michele Epple, played Christmas-themed music at local sites, including Ashford Place, and enjoyed a complimentary lunch provided at Cagney’s. Principal Nicole Terrell, who accompanied the group, said several of the students will also be in “Seussical the Musical,” to be performed in March at the school under the direction of Mrs. Epple. | photo by ANNA TUNGATE
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: FULL CANOPY REAL ESTATE
NOTEBOOK:
Two responses to the city of Shelbyville’s request for proposals on the build-out of a new police station were received, from Meyer Najem Construction and HWC Engineering. Members of the Board of Public Works and Safety, Mayor Scott Furgeson, Rod Meyerholtz and Tom Reaves, will review the submissions and meet with company representatives for further discussions.
Shelbyville Mayor Scott Furgeson yesterday asked city officials to contact the contractors working on 117 N. Harrison St., which houses senior apartments and the Excel Center, and ask them to either open the alley north of the building or visit with city officials to discuss the situation. Contractors in late July had received permission to close the alley through September, but the block remains closed.
The Shelbyville Board of Public Works yesterday approved the installation of two 2-hour parking signs to be installed on West Franklin Street near the North Harrison Street intersection. The matter must also be approved by the Common Council.
Editor’s Note: As a follow-up to Monday’s article about SCUFFY artists, thank you to Heather Olinger, who reminded us of another important contributor to SCUFFY artwork over the years. Rachael Ackley volunteered from 1990 to 2014, playing a significant role in adapting the SCUFFY logo to reflect each drive chair and their profession. Ackley also served on the SCUFFY board for nine years.
Editor’s Note: Thank you so much to each donor who has generously contributed to our $100,000 campaign. The following are among our recent donors: Linda & Bob Thopy; Margie, Bob, and Jessica Clark; Jeff Beaty; Steven & Pauline Lancaster; Melaney Brockman; Jana Dorsey; Judge Trent & Rep. Meltzer; Susan & Gary Schonfeld; and Martin & Tami Zinser. (Many of these are on behalf of families.) Reaching our fundraising goal for 2026 will allow us to expand high-quality coverage countywide. Donors of $100 or more receive a commemorative January print edition and donors of $500 or more will be recognized in that edition. Contributions can be made online through our donation form or by mailing a check to The Addison Times, 54 W. Broadway, Ste. 13, Shelbyville, IN, 46176. Again, thank you so much for your loyal support of this endeavor. - Kristiaan Rawlings
HOOSIER NEWS: Ohio-based Epcon Communities has submitted plans for a 161-home residential development, The Courtyards of Deer Creek, on Noblesville’s east side, targeting empty-nesters and residents 55 and older, though it would not be formally age-restricted. City council members raised concerns about the pace of residential growth and the concentration of senior-oriented housing, noting thousands of already approved but unbuilt units. If approved, the project would become Epcon’s second community in Noblesville and its ninth Courtyards development in the Indianapolis metro area. (IBJ)
NATIONAL NEWS: Electricity rate structures are moving from largely behind-the-scenes regulatory discussions to the national spotlight as prices continue to rise amid growing demand for power. Increased electricity use, driven in part by broader growth in data consumption across homes, businesses and technology infrastructure, has put pressure on supply and long-term planning. The average residential utility rate rose 5% from 2024 to 2025 and is projected to increase another 4% from 2025 to 2026. Monthly data show rates are up 12.5% since January. Utilities received approval for $34 billion in new rates during the first three quarters of the year, more than double the $16 billion approved during the same period in 2024. (E&E News)
The Addison Times is pleased to offer free milestone announcements. Forms are available here: Engagement Announcement, Wedding Announcement and Anniversary Announcement.
Want the daily edition read to you? Struggling with your email provider filtering out your local news? The Addison Times Substack app will solve those challenges!
This Week in Shelby County Archive
by GEORGE L. STUBBS
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: MAJOR HEALTH PARTNERS
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: Members of the Shelby County Scuba Team conducted cold-water dive training during winter conditions at Just Add Water Boats in Indianapolis to practice dives and rescue maneuvers around submerged vehicles. Participants included sheriff’s deputies Dennis Ratekin, Travis Maloney and Rod Mohr, along with Shelbyville police officer Jeremiah Walton.
1995: ShelbyNet, described in The Shelbyville News as “Shelby County’s very own InterNet hub,” went online. Bill Pandak, owner of Shelby Computer Center, was overseeing the effort. ShelbyNet would allow local “InterNet” users to no longer have to use services out of Indianapolis, which led to long-distance charges.
1985: W.S. Major Hospital officials announced plans to begin treating cancer locally after its board approved an oncology program that would allow many patients to receive chemotherapy close to home rather than traveling to Indianapolis. Hospital administrator Frank Learned said the program was designed to meet a growing community need. Mary Hopkins, an intensive care nurse, was chosen for specialized training to act as the hospital’s staff nurse for the program.
1975: Margaret Whitson, 149 E. Franklin St., had rehabilitated some 50 discarded dolls for the local Salvation Army to distribute as part of its Christmas basket project. Whitson had been laboring since October, repairing and washing dolls and making clothes for them.
1965: More than 500 KCL Corp. employees enjoyed the company’s annual Christmas dinner party. The company provided the meat, women brought covered dishes and men provided ice cream and cake. Christmas music was played throughout the day, with Ralph Brown at the organ. The Sylvia Serenaders Trio played during dinner. The invocation was given by Mary Jane O’Dell. Members of the organizing committee included Janet Wright, Beverly Collins, Hazel McKenney, Katie Wilkinson, Helen Crosby, Jessie Land, Frances Kramer, Faye Smith, Pearl Hinkle, Mary O’Dell, Jo Ann Decker, Norma McIntyre, Maureen Nolley, Mary Smith, Carolyn Aldridge and Mabel Brown.
1955: The local Salvation Army prepared 119 baskets to be delivered with toys for children to those who attended the annual Christmas party.
1945: The Elks Club announced two dances and an open house to be held during Christmas weekend. Mr. and Mrs. Glen Plymate were the organizers; they were assisted by Mrs. W.R. Tindall, Mr. and Mrs. Robert O’Neel, James Whitcomb and Jeffery Pfaff.
1935: The Rev. Arville Owens, 46, a Big Four agent in Boggstown and pastor of Vine Street M.P. Church, died due to a hunting accident. It appeared his gun had accidentally discharged while he was getting out of his vehicle, fatally wounding him.
1925: The First Evangelistical Church’s Sunday School put on a well-attended 10-scene play depicting the birth of Jesus.
1915: The property of The Shelbyville Morning News was ordered by Judge Alonzo Blair to be sold in January 1916. The paper had gone into receivership, and the plant would include the presses.
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: Freeman Family Funeral Homes & Crematory
OBITUARIES
Andrew J. Fuquay, 36, of Indianapolis, a former Shelbyville resident, unexpectedly passed away Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, in Indianapolis. Born Feb. 13, 1989, in Johnson County, he was the son of Troy Fuquay and Gina (Lombardo) Ivie. He married Alice (Ottolino) Fuquay on July 12, 2025, and she survives. Survivors include his father, Troy Fuquay (Sheila), of Shelbyville; his mother, Gina Ivie, of Shelbyville; and two children, Alizae and Aaliyah Fuquay, of Shelbyville.
Mr. Fuquay had lived in Indianapolis for six months after moving from Shelbyville. He graduated from Shelbyville High School in 2007 and attended The Creek Church in Indianapolis. Andrew had been a peer recovery specialist, a counselor, and most recently worked as a business development representative with Indiana Center for Recovery.
Andrew was a loving father and devoted husband who enjoyed playing games on his PlayStation. He loved to cook and was an avid Indianapolis Colts fan. He enjoyed his recovery work, his dogs, and spending time with family and friends. His love for God was central to his life and shaped the way he loved and served others.
Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, with funeral services beginning at 4 p.m. at Glenn E. George & Son Funeral Home, 437 Amos Road, with Pastor Marcus Simmons officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Progress House, in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be shared at glennegeorgeandson.com.
Mary Ann Barton, 93, of Shelbyville, passed away Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, at Ashford Place Health Campus. She was born Aug. 7, 1932, in Shelbyville, Indiana, to Thad F. Pettit Sr. and Mary E. (Baker) Pettit.
Mary attended Shelbyville High School. She worked as an in-home health assistant and in car-liner manufacturing. Ultimately, she was a homemaker and ensured everyone in the family was cared for. Mary was a member of Hopes Point Baptist Church and a former member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles #766. She also belonged to a private home economics club and a private card club. She loved crafts and tending her garden. Mary enjoyed winter vacations to Texas with her late husband after retirement.
She married Thomas Edward Barton on Aug. 12, 1966, and he preceded her in death on Oct. 13, 2006. They shared 40 loving years of marriage. She is survived by her daughters, Connie Hilkene and Christina Moore (husband, Steve); son, Victor Noel (wife, Suzanne); stepchildren, Terry Barton, Cathy Furchert and Debbie Noel; grandchildren, Brad, Jason, Trent, Brandi, Justin, Emily, Mary and Jamie; and brother, Tony Pettit (wife, Lori). She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Tommy; sons, David Noel and Jeppie Noel; stepdaughters, Sherry Cunningham and Linda Adkins; sisters, Pat Jones and Vickie Mays; and brothers, Dick Pettit and Thad Pettit Jr.
Visitation will be Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, from 10 a.m. to noon at Murphy-Parks Funeral Service, 703 S. Harrison St., Shelbyville, Indiana 46176. Funeral services will follow at noon at the funeral home, with her brother, Tony Pettit, officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery. Funeral directors Greg Parks, Sheila Parks and Stuart Parks are honored to serve Mary’s family. Memorial contributions may be made to Hopes Point Baptist Church, 1703 S. Miller Ave., Shelbyville, Indiana 46176. Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com.