Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Happy New Year!
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: STEPHENSON RIFE ATTORNEYS
FISHING OUT THE OLD YEAR
Gavin Burchett, 22, endures the rain yesterday while fishing at Little Blue River next to Kennedy Park. | photo by KRISTIAAN RAWLINGS
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Rupert’s Kids Arcade celebrates New Year’s with a 7 p.m. balloon drop last night. | photo by KRISTIAAN RAWLINGS
NOTEBOOK:
The Shelby County Public Library’s Morristown branch will offer free Teen Cuisine Cooking Classes through the Purdue University Extension program on Thursdays, Jan. 9 through Feb. 13, 3:45 - 5 p.m. Registration (765-818-1718) is requested but not required.
The Addison Times is offering a sponsorship opportunity for each of the 2025 quarterly print editions, mailed directly to our loyal supporters. Contact Kristiaan Rawlings by replying to this email (k@addisontimes.com) for details. Thank you for your consideration!
Editor’s note: The Addison Times is pleased to offer free milestone announcements. Forms are available here: Engagement Announcement, Wedding Announcement and Anniversary Announcement.
Thank you to Builders Lumber & Hardware for your generous $500+ donation, and to every donor for your continued support of The Addison Times. Donors of $100 or more receive a quarterly print publication in the mail. Please consider a one-time or monthly donation to The Addison Times, either online or via a check to The Addison Times, 54 W. Broadway, #13, Shelbyville, Ind., 46176. Thank you for your continued support of daily local news and history. I appreciate each of you. - Kristiaan Rawlings, Editor
INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Same-store sales at Starbucks dipped 2% globally over the 12 months through September, capped off with a 7% drop in the last quarter—the biggest decline since 2020. Full-year sales fell by 2% in the US and North America, 4% internationally, and 8% in China—Starbucks’s second-biggest market—where Chinese chains Luckin Coffee and Cotti Coffee have gobbled up space. Upcoming changes include slimming down the menu, and plans are in the works to limit online customization options through the mobile map to help avoid overwhelming workers. (Morning Brew)
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SHS Courier Archive Highlights:
Dec. 1, 1955, Part II
Common expressions of SHS faculty were listed.
Mr. McKeand: “Doesn’t make a particle of difference.”
Mr. Ray: “First mistake I ever made in my life.”
Miss Kinsley: “Oh, I see.”
“Why?” Miss Chenoweth wanted to know whenever a student made a statement about punctuation or grammar. “You must have a reason.”
Mr. Thompson, describing a small amount: “Chiggers’ eyelash.”
Miss Bodem’s Home Economics class made doughnuts.
Bob Cowherd and Alan Coffin, both SHS seniors, were given honorable mention on the United Press All-State football squad.
Thirteen students had been attending school early every Tuesday morning for Radio class. At the conclusion of the class, they would take a federal communications examination for licensed operators. The students were John Brant, Phil Tinney, Joe Dalton, Dan Kennedy, Kent Massey, Phil Cole, Charles Barnett, Steve Nading, Steve Sollar, Charles Moore and Ronnie Kettler.
The Shelby Cubs reserve team beat Silver Creek, 36-32. A hook shot by Frank Mullen and a pair of free throws by Paul Means with 1:15 remaining decided the final outcome.
Bob Cowherd became the seventh SHS student to win both the Kiwanis football medal and the Paul Cross basketball award. The others were Bill Breck, Jack Sexton, Oral Ricke, Phil Gutting, Ray Lackey and Charles Reimann.
Forum voted in two new members: Bob Bishop and Chuck Thompson.
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 by The Addison Times from Shelby County Public Library Genealogy Department materials.
2005: Shannon Daniels and his son, Corey, 16, created a large unicorn sculpture in the snow at 807 Fair Ave. Shannon was a process coordinator at PK USA. The family also included Shannon’s wife, Amy, and their 13-year-old son, Cody.
1995: The Polar Bear Club used the Fairland Recreation Park lake to celebrate the new year. Water temperatures were in the 30s, and air temperature in the 20s. About 40 swimmers ventured into the frigid water to start 1995.
The Shelbyville News replaced “The Far Side”, given the retirement of cartoonist Gary Larson, with “Chaos”.
1985: Local police were busy on New Year’s Eve. The midnight to 6 a.m. shift received 26 calls instead of the usual three or four. A drunk driver had hit a car driven by “World’s Tallest Woman” Sandy Allen on S. Hamilton Street, but there were no injuries. A vehicle drove through Bruce Willard’s yard at 1045 S. Tompkins Street and struck a guy wire to a utility pole. The top of the pole snapped off, and a few homes in the area were without electricity. At 8 a.m., a policeman was called to an eastside residence due to a complaint about loud music. After spending a few minutes banging on the door, the officer radioed that he couldn’t get anyone to respond. “They must be passed out or something,” the officer said.
1975: A Rolling Ridge resident returned home to find her garage door open and the sounds of burglars moving around inside. She drove to city hall to report the incident. Sheriff’s officers responded and found the house had been ransacked with a television, tape recorder and shotgun moved into the garage and a watch and handgun missing. The burglars had apparently left in a hurry.
1965: Stephen Herman, of Green Meadows, was the first Shelby County baby of the year. He was born at Methodist Hospital. An hour later, Jeffrey Todd Bishop was born at Major Hospital.
A New Year’s Eve crowd of approximately 40 was shocked into silence after midnight at Walt’s Bar and Grill, 49 E. Washington St., when a masked gunman shot and wounded the bartender, Ralph Fuchs, in an apparent robbery attempt. Fuchs sustained a puncture wound in the chest. Johnson County deputies arrested a man they believed to be connected to the case.
1955: Funeral services were held for two local brothers who died 10 hours apart. Clarence Henry, 67, died in the county shortly after his brother, George Henry, 71, Kennedy Hotel, died. George was a former employee of the Albert Furniture Company.
Harry Carmony, 72, became Shelby County’s third Justice of Peace. He was assigned to Morristown, where he lived. The other two justices were Clifford Newton and John Banawitz, both in Shelbyville.
1945: Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Pike received word that their son, Pfc. Russell Pike, had died in the invasion of Holland. Pike had served as a messenger with his unit.
1935: Mayor L.E. Webb appointed Earl Trees as new chief of police and John Graham as street commissioner. Webb retained city engineer Clyde Yater and Fire Chief William Briggs.
Pedestrian Ernest Applas, 67, was killed on S. Harrison St. in a hit-and-run accident. A 20-year-old Flat Rock man was later arrested regarding the incident. Applas was survived by four sisters and three brothers: Mrs. Lillian Sindlinger, Mrs. John Stephan, Mrs. Peter Metzger, Mrs. Jacob Schneider, Clarence Applas, Harry Applas and Edwin Applas.
1925: The Walnut Lumber Co., in the east part of Shelbyville, closed. The company had recently been purchased on contract by out-of-state owners.
1915: A quarantine preventing cattle from being shipped in and out of Shelby County due to concerns about hoof and mouth disease was lifted.
About 185 people attended a New Year’s Day party at the Elks Club. The party featured games of euchre and an auction.
The Republican warned locals about giving cough medicine to children that contained opium.
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: Freeman Family Funeral Homes & Crematory
OBITUARIES
William Lee Johnson, 66, of Shelbyville, passed away Saturday December 28, 2024, at his residence. He was born July 16, 1958 in Shelbyville, Ind., to Carley L. Johnson and Emma F. (Brown) Johnson.
William served in the United States Army. He worked at Knauf Fiberglass for 14 years before retiring from Jupiter Aluminum after 10 years. William was an avid fisherman and hunter. His favorite past time was spending time with his family and friends, watching football and playing cards.
He married Phyillis Sue (Rexroat) Johnson on October 21, 1992, and she survives. He is also survived by his daughter, Daniell Cutler; his son, William Johnson; his step-daughter, Kelly Rexroat; his grandchildren, Ryan Cutler, Ariel Weir, Dakota Johnson, Makayla Rexroat and Zachary Smothers; his great-grandchildren, Elias Smothers, Violet Rexroat and Cedric Rasdall; his sisters, Janice Burkmeier, Wanda Johnson and Betty (husband, Rusty) Koenigkramer; his brother, Gene (wife, Mary) Johnson. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Forrestine Wickliff, Wilma Johnson, Linda Johnson and Wanda Sheperd; his brother, Wendall K. Johnson.
Visitation will be Friday, January 3, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Murphy-Parks Funeral Service, 703 S. Harrison Street, Shelbyville, Ind., 46176. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Whispering Hope Memorial Gardens. Funeral Directors Greg Parks, Sheila Parks and Stuart Parks are honored to serve William’s family. Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com.
Richard Lee Parkhurst, 77, of Shelbyville, passed away, Monday, December 30, 2024, at his home. He was born July 14, 1947, in Indianapolis, the son of Richard and Hazel (Vaughn) Parkhurst. On June 24, 1972, he married his wife of 52 years, Karen Penniston, and she survives. In addition to Karen, Richard is survived by his son, Richard “Rick” Parkhurst and wife, Mindy, of Waldron; daughter, Angela Bowman of St. Paul; grandchildren, Travis Bowman, Aleah New, Addy Parkhurst and Aria Parkhurst; and great-grandsons, Julius Bowman and Augustus Bowman. He also leaves behind his dog, Hanzel. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, David Parkhurst.
In 1965, Richard graduated from Manual High School in Indianapolis. Richard was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He retired from Nelson Oil Company in 2012, with over 30 years of service. Richard enjoyed gardening and watching sports. He was an avid fan of the Indianapolis Colts, Indiana University basketball and Notre Dame football.
A Celebration of Richard’s life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 8604 Allisonville Road, Suite 140, Indianapolis, Indiana 46250 or the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, Texas, 75284-0692. Online condolences may be shared with Richard’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
Carla J. Zeigler, 80, of Shelbyville, passed away Sunday, December 29, 2024, at Morristown Manor. Born July 6, 1944 in Scottsburg, Indiana, she was the daughter of Keith Taflinger and Ava (Cremeans) Taflinger. Survivors include four children, Tondia Elliott (Scott) of New Palestine, Thresa Slaven (Michael) of Morristown, Bryan Chaney (Yan Yan) of Shelbyville, Benson Chaney (Ashley Huffman) of Morristown; two brothers, Archie Taflinger of Florida, and Mike Taflinger (Liz) of Sheridan; one sister, Jackie Dibble (Ken) of Columbus; several grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Debbie Comstock and Pam Taflinger.
Carla lived most of her lifetime in this area, after moving from Florida. She graduated from Columbus High School, and had been a seamstress at The Garment Factory in Shelbyville for several years. Carla loved antiques, gardening, and loved her cat, Mr. Wiggles.
No funeral services will be observed. Online condolences may be shared at glennegeorgeandson.com.
Jennifer Lynn “Jen” Beyer, 45, of Shelbyville, passed away Saturday, December 28, 2024, at her home. She was born January 16, 1979, in Rushville, the daughter of Melanie Sue Lutz. On June 22, 2019, she married Robert Anthony Beyer, and he survives. In addition to Robert, Jennifer is survived by her children, Avian Beyer of Shelbyville, Darwin Beyer of Linden, Tennessee, Maya Dierkes of New Washington, Jalin Huffman and Nathan Terry, both of Connersville; grandson, Waylon Dean; twin brother, Jeff Sexton and wife, Sarah; sisters, Natascha Sexton and Heather Kennedy; aunt, Mary Jane Nicholas and husband, Mike; uncle, Mark Lutz and wife, Connie; and mother-in-law, Shirley Ann Beyer. She also leaves behind her pet wolves, Kira and Cain. Jen was preceded in death by her mother.
In 1998, Jen graduated from Miami Dade High School in Florida. She had worked in sales for JT International and MBCI. She formerly worked as a postal carrier. Jen enjoyed crafting and carving glass, often making special mementos for her family and friends. She loved her family and cherished the time they spent together.
Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m., Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Funeral services will follow at 4 p.m., Saturday, at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Riley’s Children Foundation, PO Box 3356, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46206. Online condolences may be shared with Jen’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
Vickie Lee Batton, 78, of Greenfield, passed away, Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at her home. She was born December 4, 1946, in Shelbyville, the daughter of Richard and Josephine (Mohr) Livingston. On July 9, 1971, she married her husband of 53 years, Roger Dale Batton, and he survives. In addition to Roger, Vickie is survived by her daughters, Tammy Batton of Shelbyville, and Kara Nikole Batton of Greenfield; son, Thomas “TJ” Batton and wife, Natalie, of Shelbyville; brother, Richard Livingston; brother-in-law, Pete McCamara; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Vickie was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Lana Jo McCamara, Cathy Cooper and Sharon Abbott; and brothers-in-law, Ron Abbott and Bill Cooper.
In 1965, Vickie graduated from Shelbyville High School. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Shelbyville. Vickie worked at Major Health Partners, as a pharmacy technician, for over 30 years. One of the greatest joys of Vickie’s life was spending time with her grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon, Friday, January 3, 2025, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Frazier Chapel, 124 E. North St. in Morristown.
Funeral services will follow at noon on Friday. Inurnment will be at Asbury Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cancer Association of Shelby County, PO Box 844, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176. Online condolences may be shared with Vickie’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.