Wednesday, March 26, 2025
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: STEPHENSON RIFE ATTORNEYS
Op-Ed: Maximum Levy Growth Quotient
by MAYOR SCOTT FURGESON
As a lifelong resident who has served both as a Council Member and as Mayor from 2004-2011, and now once again as Mayor, I have witnessed firsthand how our community thrives when local government has the tools and resources to meet residents' needs.
Shelbyville is experiencing promising growth, with new businesses moving in and housing developments expanding to accommodate our increasing population. However, the current version of Senate Bill 1 and other tax proposals threaten to undermine this progress in several critical ways.
The Maximum Levy Growth Quotient (MLGQ) freeze proposed in Senate Bill 1 would immediately constrain our ability to provide essential services to Shelbyville residents. Our community will struggle to withstand the impact of what would effectively become a $300 million statewide funding cut in the first year alone, growing to $800 million by year three. For Shelbyville specifically, this means we will be unable to adequately maintain our infrastructure, or address the mental health support services that I have pledged to prioritize.
As one of my core pillars is economic development, I have worked tirelessly to foster business growth and attract new enterprises to Shelbyville. Our success in this area has led to population growth and increased service demands. Senate Bill 1 fails to recognize that controlled levy funds are not the main driver of property tax increases, yet it restricts precisely the funding we need to support our expanding community. Without alternative funding mechanisms or replacement revenue sources, this bill may cause more harm than good to the people of Shelbyville.
We need a balanced approach to tax reforms that:
Recognizes the unique needs of growing communities like Shelbyville
Provides sustainable funding alternatives if property tax growth is limited
Maintains local control over budgeting decisions
Addresses the true drivers of property tax increases
As Mayor, I remain committed to fiscal responsibility and keeping tax rates low while delivering high-quality services. I believe lawmakers can find targeted tax relief options that allow us to continue the many good things we've started here in Shelbyville.
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: FULL CANOPY REAL ESTATE
NOTEBOOK:
The Shelbyville Board of Public Works and Safety yesterday issued an order for the resident of 44 Walker Street to appear before the board to discuss trash and debris issues. Mayor Scott Furgeson also asked the planning department to move forward on enforcing a previously issued zoning violation, given that the building is not zoned residential.
The Board of Works also approved Fire Chief Doug Lutes to begin the process of purchasing a new fire truck. The current frontline engine is 10 years old and has 100,000 miles. The current truck carries 1,000 gallons; the new one will likely carry 750 gallons. “(With) 75 percent EMS (emergency medical services) calls, that 1,000 gallons has a lot of weight,” Chief Lutes said.
The Board of Works also discussed next steps for resolving a water leak at the intersection of Webster Ave. and Montgomery Street. Work has been on-going in that area to connect an incoming apartment complex on Webster Ave. to the city’s water and sewer infrastructure.
The S. State Road 9 closure previously scheduled to begin on or after Monday has been postponed to Monday, April 21, when the road will close for up to 18 days between CR 750 S and CR 800 S. for a structure replacement project. The structure is located approximately five miles north of the Bartholomew-Shelby County line at Amos Ditch.
The Shelby County Council on Monday voted to move part-time, non-benefitted 911 emergency dispatchers from a temporary $30 per hour rate to the top of the established part-time pay scale at $29.64. The emergency rate had been offered by the council during a difficult transition period in which dispatchers were hard to find, Sheriff Louie Koch said. The Council had previously asked Donna Cook, Director of Human Resources, to check surrounding counties’ rates. Hancock County pays $20 to $30 per hour for part-time dispatchers, Johnson County pays $23, and Rush County pays $17 to 19. Council member Charity Mohr relayed concerns about dispatch processes and software she said had been shared with her by volunteer fire department chiefs. After some discussion, Council President Brett Haacker suggested taking up the matter of dispatch procedures at another time. Council Vice President Leigh Langkabel thanked Sheriff Koch for stepping in throughout the transition and current 911 Director Tisha Debaun for getting the department on solid footing.
Tawnya Williams, First Deputy in the Shelby County Recorder’s office and former Shelby County Recorder, will be retiring July 10 after 30 years with the county. “It will be a great loss when she retires,” Donna Cook, Director of Human Resources, told the County Council at Monday’s meeting, in which they approved posting the position.
Shelbyville High School was once again well-represented at the Indiana Junior Classical League state Latin convention, hosted at Indiana University, claiming 76 individual Top 10 awards over a variety of academic tests, creative arts and graphic arts contests, including 15 Top-3 (ribbon) placings in Graphic & Creative Arts and another seven Top-3 placings in Academic Tests. Students receiving individual recognitions were Anna Ballast, Mellie Ballast, Baileigh Butler, Jasey Conner, Lilly Conners, Harika Patel, Shay Schiloski, Cora Shepherd, Olivia Van Wye and Candace Washburn.
Shelbyville High School juniors Caden Claxton and Mar Nicholson were named to the All-HHC Conference team.
The St. Ann's annual Rummage and Bake Sale will be Friday, April 4 and Saturday, April 5, 7 a.m. - 2 p.m. each day in the St. Vincent dePaul Catholic Church Hall, 4218 E. Michigan Road, Shelbyville. Clothing, housewares, shoes, holiday decorations, toys, home baked goods, and more.
Editor’s Note: The first Addison Times quarterly print edition of 2025 for supporters will go to press in April. Thank you to those who give 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.
HOOSIER NEWS: The most recent census population data shows Indiana added 44,144 residents — slower growth than Kentucky, but a tad bit faster than Michigan, Illinois or Ohio. A total of 69.9% of growth was from international migration. Less than 10% of the change was due to net in-migration from other states, and just under 21% was from natural population change (births minus deaths). A total of 62 of our 92 counties experienced natural population decline last year. The worst of these: Delaware, Wayne, LaPorte, Howard, Harrison and Fayette. Between 2010 and 2019, 56 Hoosier counties experienced net out-migration of residents. Last year, only 28 counties did. (Dr. Michael Hicks/IndyStar)
NATIONAL NEWS: “Snow White” made $43 million domestically and $44.3 million abroad, making $87.3 million and missing expectations of a $100 million global opening. Granted, this kind of Disney movie is pretty much made with the expectation that in a few months, kids with Disney+ subscriptions are going to play it on repeat regardless of the quality. Accountants have certainly seen value in this era of remaking the classic Disney animated library. However, audiences well and truly haven’t — only three out of 13 remakes have a higher rotten tomato score than the original, and that’s with recency bias on their side. (Reuters/Variety/Numlock)
Thank you 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
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SHS Courier Archive Highlights
Dec. 15, 1954, Part I
The Courier staff came up with a Christmas list for the school, which included: land for a new school building, a solution to hallway traffic problems, foam rubber cushions to sit on, a stop light to aid students crossing over to the Golden Bear, and bigger lockers. “Also, some of the boys would like to have Marilyn Monroe, and some of the girls will settle for Eddie Fisher.”
The Courier criticized “hot shots” who “loved to think they are great basketball players” and felt the need to stand in the hall throwing paper wads toward trash cans via a hook shot. “Nine times out of 10, Hot Shot Charlie misses, and when he misses, he doesn’t do anything about it.”
Miss Chenoweth had complained to her class that she had worn out her red grading pencil on the latest journalism papers. Howard Ribble brought her a new one, and said it was in “anticipation of future needs.”
Students had complained for weeks about the squeaky seats in Mr. Thompson’s class. With Thompson out to attend a meeting, Principal Sharp served as substitute for the day. After dealing with the noise for an hour, he said he would obtain oil to fix the seats.
Quote of the week had been from Doc Barnett: “People go to Niagara Falls on their honeymoon to see the Falls, but hardly ever do, so they have to go back in 25 or 30 years to actually see Niagara Falls.”
Sarah Spindler had recently gone on a family trip to Chicago, where her father took them to an ice skating show. “He kept bragging that we would have box seats. We did. They were Coke boxes, back of the top row in the gallery.”
Richard Moorhead was announced the winner of the Kiwanis Award, presented by Mr. Fred Cramer and Mr. McKeand. Bob Cole and Willie Wilson received the Captain’s Stars.
Mr. Ted Marston, from Franklin College, was student teaching in biology and chemistry classes.
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: MAJOR HEALTH PARTNERS
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: Business was strong at Karma Music, in the Bel-Aire Shopping Center. The store was owned by Erin Linton, who had first opened Videoworks in Shelbyville and later opened one in Rushville. He purchased the Shelbyville Karma store in 2001.
1995: Standard Register employee Lloyd Parrish, 23, suffered minor injuries when he was trapped in a machine he was servicing.
1985: Numerous auto, truck and motorcycle parts had been discovered at several locations in northwestern Shelby County. The parts were thought to be scrap being dumped by a chop shop in Marion County. Sheriff’s deputies also found two motorcycles. The owners said their bikes were supposed to have been in storage.
1975: A rooftop burglar entered Merle Norman Cosmetics and then stole a substantial amount of cash from Linne’s Bakery.
1965: Eight Cadette Girl Scouts of the St. Joseph School troop received the Marian Medal, the highest religious award for Catholic Girl Scouts. They were Kathy Berger, Debbie Rumer, Jerri Tingle, Susan McDarby, Rosie Sandefur, Janet Miner, Joan Ryon and Barbara Ernstes.
1955: Two three-year-old homes were for sale on Wellington Blvd. for approximately $10,000 ($120,000 in today’s money).
Three young girls received top placings for their work in a four-week educational program conducted at the Singer Sewing Center: Lynn DeLap, 9, Nisha Thomas, 7, and Linda Baker, 10. Stanley Landers was the manager of the Sewing Center.
Three inches of snow fell in Shelby County.
1945: Pfc. Paul Cox, Waldron, and Pvt. Harlan Crafton, Fairland, were both killed in action in Germany, raising the total of Shelby County lives lost in the war to 57.
Jessie Tindall, 76, last of the children of Job and Susan Tindall, pioneer residents of Shelby County, died suddenly while at work as a night clerk in an Indianapolis hotel. Tindall had been the brother of the late Dr. C.A. Tindall, Mrs. William Lemasters, U.E. Tindall and Alec Tindall. He had previously farmed in Shelby Township.
1935: For the third time in a year, a pay telephone in the Big Four sale barn on Noble Street was stolen, along with the coin box.
Mrs. Lizzie Allen (described as “colored” in local newspapers) was named cateress of the Blue River Country Club for the upcoming season. Membership at the club was nearly double what it had been in 1934. Club officers were Glenn Plymate, Dr. R.F. Barnard and Al Curry.
1925: Following a major windstorm across the state, William Batton, who lived a mile east of Bengal, found a coal bill from Princeton, Ind. on his farm. Princeton had been in the path of a recent tornado.
All St. Paul businesses closed for the funeral of Dr. Francis Howard, who had been the town doctor for 55 years before retiring.
J.G. DePrez celebrated his 70th birthday at his home on N. Harrison St. Among the guests were John C. DePrez and John Day DePrez. “The reason that Mr. (J.G.) DePrez is not a native of Shelbyville is owing to the fact that the contractors did not hurry along the construction of the building at the corner of Washington and Noble streets, known for nearly 70 years as the Indiana House. The parents of Mr. DePrez were John and Mary DePrez, who had come to Shelbyville from Cincinnati for the purpose of living here. The Indiana House not being finished, Mrs. DePrez remained, and it was there J.G. was born. He was six months old when he arrived in Shelbyville.” DePrez had started working at age 14 in a bakery located in a frame building downtown. He later worked at the Georgas & Strong hardware store on the south side of Public Square. DePrez then bought out a different hardware store in the northeast quadrant, where he had remained in business 53 years and still operated it on a daily basis. It became the largest retail hardware store in southern Indiana.
1915: Police warned that counterfeit $10 bills were being circulated. The bills were actually $5 bills with Benjamin Harrison’s portrait on them modified to look like $10 bills. The $10 bill featured Andrew Jackson.
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: Freeman Family Funeral Homes & Crematory
OBITUARIES
Frances M. Campbell, 69, of St. Paul passed away on March 23, 2025 at her residence. She was born on July 7, 1955, to Benjamin R. Turner and Lillian E. (D'azaro) Turner in Indianapolis, Ind. She married Tim Campbell in 1998, and he survives. Other survivors include children Maurice (Celeste) Campbell of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; Nicholas (Emily) Campbell, and Charles (Erin) Campbell of Illinois; siblings Fr. William Turner, Louise Ratts, Maria McNeely, Edward Turner, Annette Crosby; Grandchildren Nora Campbell, Milo Campbell, Charlotte Campbell, Ruby Campbell, Frankie Campbell, and Avery Campbell. She is also survived by sister in laws Joan Dembouski, and Ann Donovan. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Mary Turner, and brother-in-law Edmond Campbell.
Frances had lived in the St. Paul area for 30 years, after moving from Champaign, Illinois. She graduated from IU School of Nursing and also graduated from School of Anesthesiology and was employed as a CRNA for the Decatur County Memorial Hospital, retiring in 2018. Frances enjoyed golfing, gardening, breeding and grooming her miniature Schnauzers, traveling, skiing, but most of all, loved spending time with her family.
Funeral services will be held at the St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church, 4218 E. Michigan Road, Shelbyville, on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 3 p.m., with Father William Turner officiating. Friends may call at the Glenn E. George Funeral Home, 106 E. Franklin Street, St. Paul, Ind., on Saturday March 29, 2025, from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations to the Wheeler Missions in care of the funeral home. Online condolences can be shared at glennegeorgeandson.com.
Judith “Judy” Cheatham, 72, of Shelbyville, passed away Sunday, March 23, 2025, at the Willows of Shelbyville. Born April 11, 1952, in Shelbyville, she was the daughter of R.L. Cheatham and Helen C. (Wilber) Cheatham. Survivors include a brother Roy Lee Cheatham (Kathy) of Florida; a sister Peggy Haltom of Franklin; several nieces and nephews, including Lori Spurgin (James) of Rushville; and several cousins including Sharon Wadsworth of Shelbyville, and Amy Fix (John) of Shelbyville. She was preceded in death by her parents, and a sister, Patricia Henderson.
Ms. Cheatham was a lifelong resident of this area and graduated from Shelbyville High School in 1970. She was a member of the Bible Holiness Church of Shelbyville, and retired after 45 years from the Shelbyville Public Library, where she was Director of Genealogy and a librarian. Judy loved her church and her music. She enjoyed collecting John Deere and cow memorabilia, and was known to the kids at her church as the “Tic Tac” lady.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Friday, March 28, 2025 at Bible Holiness Church, 2911 E. Michigan Road, Shelbyville with Pastor Joe Smith officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery. Family will receive friends on Thursday from 5 - 8 p.m., at the church. Memorial donations can be made to Bible Holiness Church or Shelbyville Public Library, in care of the funeral home. Online condolences can be shared at glennegeorgeandson.com.
Anna L. Hoyt, 87, of Shelbyville, passed away Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Willows of Shelbyville. Born on February 6, 1938, in Hustonville, Kentucky she was the daughter of Matthew Wilcher and Anna Elizabeth (Smith) Wilcher.
She married Jerry Hoyt on October 5, 1956, and he preceded her in death on August 19, 2011. Survivors include three children, Mark D. Hoyt, Jeri Hughes (Brian), and Danny L. Hoyt (Becky) all of Shelbyville; 11 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, spouse, two sons Bruce and James Hoyt and six brothers and sisters.
Anna had lived in this area for over 50 years and attended Acton High School and Shelbyville Baptist Temple. She worked at the Shelbyville High School cafeteria for several years, retiring from there. She enjoyed baking, cooking, vacationing to Gatlinburg and Hawaii and spending time with her family.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at Glenn E. George & Son Funeral Home, 437 Amos Road, with Pastor Dwayne Russell officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery. Family will receive friends on Monday, March 31, 2025, from 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions can be made to American Heart Association or American Kidney Foundation, in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be shared at glennegeorgeandson.com.
Roger A. Price, 65, of Shelbyville, passed away Sunday March 23, 2025, at his residence. He was born September 20, 1959, in Shelbyville, Ind., to Kenneth Price and Phyllis (Reese) Price.
Roger graduated from Shelbyville High School with the Class of 1978. He worked at C-Tech Corporation for over 20 years before going to work for the Shelby County Highway Garage for over 10 years. He retired in September of 2024. Roger was a member of Heavenearth Church in Whiteland. He was also a member of the Sons of American Legion. He was an avid sports fan and lover of all things related to sports. Some of his favorites were watching the Indianapolis Colts, IndyCar races and playing golf. He had a love for music and cherished the times spent and stories told with his buddies at the legion.
He married Laura (Genter) Price on May 7, 2015, and she preceded him in death on February 17, 2025. He is survived by his daughters, Heather (husband, Chris) Miller and Krystal (husband, Derrick) Hutchinson both of Shelbyville; his grandchildren, Claire Kamplain, Aubrey Kamplain, Collin Miller and Adelyn Miller; his sister, Janis (husband, Larry) Brown of Louisville, KY; his brother, Mark Price of Shelbyville; his niece, Diedre (husband, Jim) Daniel of Lousiville, Ky.; his nephews, Josh (wife, Brenda) McDaniel of Pennsylvania and Jeremy McDaniel of Shelbyville. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Patty McDaniel.
A Celebration of Life will be Sunday, April 27, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the American Legion Post 70, 1125 Miller Ave., Shelbyville, Ind., 46176. Funeral Directors Greg Parks, Sheila Parks and Stuart Parks are honored to serve Roger’s family. Memorial contributions may be made to Shelby County Cancer Association-Shelby; 31 Public Square, Shelbyville, Ind., 46176 and Heavenearth Church; 309 E. Main St., Whiteland, Ind., 46184. Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com.