Wednesday, January 7, 2026
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SHS Rising Stars Recognized
Shelbyville High School juniors, from left, Candace Washburn, Lyla Wilson, Everett Stegemiller and Joan Price, were named the school’s Rising Stars of Indiana yesterday. The program, organized by the Indiana Association of School Principals, recognizes four students in their junior year who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to academic excellence. | photo by KRISTIAAN RAWLINGS
Morristown meeting outlines proposed vertical expansion at landfill
A standing-room-only crowd filled Morristown Town Hall on Tuesday for an informational meeting on a proposed modification to the Crossroads Eco-Center landfill, a regional waste facility located along U.S. 52 east of town.
The proposal would allow the landfill to expand vertically by up to 170 feet within its existing permitted footprint, extending its operating life by roughly a decade. No vote was taken at the meeting, which was required by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) as part of the permit modification process.
Dave Klene, environmental engineer at the facility, said the landfill is not seeking additional acreage. “We’re not going out laterally,” he said. “We’re just going out vertically.”
According to Klene, the landfill currently accepts between 4,000 and 4,500 tons of waste per day and has approximately 12 years of remaining capacity under its existing permit. The proposed modification would create space for an additional 12.6 million tons of disposal capacity, extending the landfill’s life by a decade.
Between 2021 and 2023, waste arrived from 45 Indiana counties, as well as from out of state. Marion County accounted for the largest share of in-state tonnage during that period, followed by Shelby County. Based on historical and projected trends, the permit application anticipates future waste receipts averaging about 6,500 tons per day over the next 20 years, according to IDEM’s fact sheet.
While company representatives emphasized that the proposal would reduce pressure to site new landfills elsewhere, many residents raised concerns about increased truck traffic and environmental risks. Several speakers questioned how a taller landfill could affect stormwater runoff and long-term environmental safety. Others focused on the origin of waste coming into the facility and whether out-of-state waste should continue to be accepted.
The public comment period for the proposed modification remains open through Jan. 22, 2026. Written comments may be submitted to IDEM permit manager Hannah Ford (hford@idem.in.gov), who will oversee the review process. When IDEM reaches a final determination, a Notice of Decision will be mailed to nearby landowners and others who submitted comments or requested notification.
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NOTEBOOK:
The Shelbyville Board of Works and Public Safety yesterday approved an interlocal agreement with the Edinburgh Fire Department to improve EMS response times in southwest Shelby County. Under the agreement, Edinburgh units will be automatically sent to the area by local dispatchers.
Editor’s Note: Thank you so much to each donor who has generously contributed to our campaign to expand countywide reporting. The following are among campaign donors: Bruce L. Mann, Jeff & Peggy Phares, Frank & Bettina Puckett, Greg & Jewell Steele, Greg & Nancy Block, Carl & Deborah Kremer, Marsha Glasco, and Mike Carpenter. 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, Ph.D.
HOOSIER NEWS: Indiana’s Consumer Data Protection Act took effect on Jan. 1, giving Hoosiers new rights to access, correct, delete and opt out of the sale or targeted use of their personal data by many large for-profit companies. The law, passed in 2023 after a three-year compliance period, excludes nonprofits, government agencies and several regulated sectors, and will be enforced by the office of Todd Rokita, which says it marks a first step toward stronger data privacy protections. Indiana joins a handful of other states with similar laws, as no comprehensive federal data privacy law currently exists. (IndyStar)
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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.
2006: Cagney’s owner Jerry Brown announced an end to the restaurant’s smoking section. He said the main reason for the policy change was the dwindling number of customers willing to dine in the area. Brown said customers renting out the banquet room could decide whether or not to allow smoking. Shelbyville Councilman Jeff Sponsel had recently opened a public debate when he suggested in a council meeting that the city consider an anti-smoking ordinance.
1996: “Clobbered again!” The Shelbyville News’ headline read. A new snowfall had drifted on top of existing snow. Ryobi Die Casting closed for the first time in 10 years, asking its third shift to not come in. Knauf stayed open, but was short-staffed. Knauf rented rooms at the Holiday Inn for workers who could not go home. In addition to keeping employees at the Holiday Inn, Knauf wiped out the shelves of Mr. T’s convenience store for them.
1986: Shelbyville police officer Jim Dile received a commendation from the Board of Works for his work in solving the Dec. 11 assault on George Arthur, owner of Maplewood Service Station on South Harrison Street. Arthur had been struck several times with a blunt object during a robbery attempt. Three juveniles were arrested within days of the incident, and Police Chief Robert Nolley commended Dile for his “persistent investigation.”
1976: Although the Shelbyville school board cut several positions due to lack of funds, Loper Elementary Principal Thelma Spannbauer asked permission to keep library aide Joan Ayers, noting that Ayers was “vital to the operation of our instructional program.” The request was referred to a committee. In other business, the board accepted the retirement of veteran junior high math teacher Lorene Lemmon, effective in May.
1966: SHS senior Steve Breeding was selected as the Shelby County Youth Center Teen of the Month. Steve was a varsity basketball and baseball player and a member of the “S” Club, Hi-Y, National Athletic Scholarship Society, Student Council, Spanish Club and Squib staff.
Morris H. Sleeth, 81, 406 S. Harrison St., died. Mr. Sleeth had been in the funeral business in Shelbyville for over 50 years. He established his own funeral home in 1919, located on W. Broadway before moving to 406 S. Harrison St. in 1925. His son, Bernard, became a partner in the business in 1947. Morris had been employed at J.G. DePrez Co. and First National Bank before entering the funeral business. He had married Blanche McCabe in 1911, and she survived. Mr. Sleeth had been a member of the Quaker Church by birthright.
1956: An application with the FCC was filed for the establishment of a 500-watt standard broadcast radio station in Shelbyville. The applicants, two out-of-town men, had obtained an option on a 23-acre tract of land on the Roy Wells farm, just northeast of Shelbyville on the old Morristown road. Charles Cutler, who had served as an engineer with the former Shelbyville FM station, was also part of the application group.
1946: Pvt. Howard Johnson, who had been captured by the Germans in the breakthrough in the Battle of the Bulge in 1944, was discharged from the Army in Florida. Johnson was the son of Mrs. Orra Johnson of Waldron.
1936: The Lions Club announced plans for its third annual President’s Birthday Ball, honoring President Roosevelt, to be held Jan. 30. Nate Kaufman was general chairman for the event, which would be held at The Strand Alcazar.
1926: Shelby County Commissioners increased the dog tax. The dog tax fund had received $3,940 in 1925, in addition to $1,331 from township trustees. However, funds had been exhausted by the number of claims.
1916: Rev. Hamilton took on a variety of sins in his sermon in the makeshift downtown tabernacle. “There are a lot of people marrying, divorcing, marrying again, divorcing and looking for a new partner so much that they don’t get very much else done in the world,” Hamilton said in his sermon, titled, “Is There Room for Jesus in Shelbyville?”
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OBITUARIES
Elijah Thompson, 18, of Whiteland, passed away on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. He was born on September 24, 2007, in Avon. Elijah is survived by his mother, Yvonne (Wright) Cheek and husband, Ryan, of Whiteland; father, Matthew Thompson of Fairland; sister, Haidyn Thompson of Shelbyville; brothers, Weston Thompson and Hayden Cheek, both of Whiteland; grandparents, Gary and Janette Wright of Shelbyville, Doug and Bev Brownfield of Franklin, and Theresa Brattain of Fairland; great-grandmother, Cherol Abbott of Bonham. Texas; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his uncle, Gary Shane Wright; great-grandparents, Clifford Percy Abbott, Ordell and Darleen Wright and Gelena Brattain; and great-aunt, Diana Brattain.
Elijah was currently in his junior year of high school, and he had attended Franklin Community and Waldron High Schools. He enjoyed running cross country. He enjoyed gaming, telling jokes and dancing. Elijah loved spending time with his family and friends. He had a kind, sweet and loving heart.
Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m., Friday, January 9, 2026, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Funeral services will follow at the funeral home, with Pastor George Mitchell officiating. Interment will be at Miller Cemetery in Shelby County. Memorial contributions may be made to Riley Hospital for Children, 500 N. Meridian St., Suite 200, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 or Indiana Donor Network, 3750 Guion Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46222. Online condolences may be shared with Elijah’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
Edward “Leon” Kendall, 96, of New Palestine, passed away on Monday, January 5, 2026, at his home. He was born on January 3, 1930, in Shelbyville, the son of Dillard W. and Anna Irene (Yarling) Kendall. On June 12, 1949, he married Rosellen Gregory, and she preceded him in death on February 28, 2024. Leon is survived by his daughters, Judy Cook of Rotunda West, Florida, and Deborah Cannon of New Palestine; grandchildren, Eric and wife, Sarah, Ryan, Tyler, Jennfer, and John and wife, Hollie; and great-grandchildren, Douglas and Gavin. In addition to Rosellen, Leon was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Donald Kendall; sister, Martha Drake; sons-in-law, Ronald Cook and Larry Cannon.
Leon graduated from Flat Rock High School in 1948. He was a member of Indian Creek Christian Church. In 1987, Leon retired from Cummins Engine Company in Columbus, with 31 years of service. He enjoyed going fishing and gardening.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m., on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St., in Shelbyville. Funeral services will follow at the funeral home. Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in Shelbyville. Online condolences may be shared with Leon’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
David Charles Conner, 74, of Fountaintown, passed away on Monday, January 5, 2026, at his home. He was born November 16, 1951, in Shelbyville, the son of Carl Edward and Margaret Josephine (Brouhard) Conner. On June 30, 1973, he married his wife of 52 years, Linda Jean Restall, and she survives. In addition to Linda, David is survived by his sons, Gregory Conner and wife, Kim, of Greenfield, and Bryan Conner and wife, Rebecca; sisters, Marjorie Tracy of Morristown, and Janell Parish of Kennard; brother, Donald Conner and wife, Carolyn, of Fountaintown; sister-in-law, Linda Faye Everhart Conner of Greenfield; grandchildren, A.J. Baker and wife, Kari, Lily Batton and husband, Zach, Sloane Conner and Sydney Conner; great-grandchildren, Kolten Baker and Amelia Baker; and numerous nieces and nephews. David was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, John Conner and Thomas Conner.
In 1970, he graduated from New Palestine High School. He was a member of the Fountaintown Christian Church. David was a lifelong farmer. He formerly owned and operated David Conner Trucking. He enjoyed collecting and restoring antique farm equipment, and going on rides on his Goldwing motorcycle with Linda and his friends.
David liked to “work” in this spare time. He will long be remembered for his hardy laugh, but most of all, he will be remembered for his love for his family. He was also a member of the Pioneer Engineers Club of Indiana, the International Cockshutt Club Incorporated and Indiana Farm Bureau.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Monday, January 12, 2026, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison Street, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at the funeral home, with Pastor Dan Richwine officiating. Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in Shelbyville. Memorial contributions may be made to Suburban Hospice, 801 N. State St. Greenfield, Indiana 46140; or Pioneer Engineers Club of Rushville, Indiana in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be shared with David’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
Charles Anthony Hofmann, 92, of Shelbyville, passed away on Monday, January 5, 2026, at his daughter’s home. He was born June 25, 1933, in Indianapolis, the son of Albert C. and Alma (Volk) Hofmann. On June 13, 2006, he married Janice A. Brennan, and she survives. In addition to Janice, Charles is survived by his children, Susan C. Alley of Greenfield, Michael Hofmann of Indianapolis, and Lisa Pence of Shelbyville; grandsons, Joshua N. Alley and Charles Hofmann; and several nieces and nephews. Charles was preceded in death by his parents; and daughter, Kathleen Hofmann; brothers, Thomas Hofmann and David Hofmann.
In 1951, Charles graduated from Cathedral High School in Indianapolis. He was a US Army veteran, serving during the Korean Conflict. Charles had owned and operated several bars, including Charlie’s Pizza Shack in Westfield, until retiring in 1998. He was a member of the Pontiac Club of America and Cadillac Club of America. Charles enjoyed collecting and refurbishing antique cars.
According to Charles’ wishes there will be no public services. Online condolences may be shared with Charles’ family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.