Wednesday, November 19, 2025
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BADGE WORK
Scout Troops 223 (boys) and 2230 (girls) attend Monday’s Shelbyville Central Schools board meeting as part of their work toward the Citizenship in the Community merit badge. From left, Lauren Kent, Skylar Hanover, Miles Hanover (black jacket in back), Jace Potter (front), Julian Anspaugh and Landyn Shirrell. The troop leader is Gary Fuller, and Scott Hughes is the committee chair. | submitted
City Tax Abatement Committee Reviews Two Major Industrial Projects
Shelbyville’s Tax Abatement Committee yesterday heard an initial presentation regarding “Project Bear,” a company based in Germany with operations in Switzerland, Italy, the Netherlands and the U.S. The firm is considering the former Enbi building at 1703 McCall Drive. While no formal tax abatement request was submitted and no vote was taken, committee members expressed support for the project and encouraged the company to continue exploring Shelbyville as its preferred site.
A representative described the company as a supplier of zero- and low-emission solutions, specializing in emissions aftertreatment systems for large stationary engines used in data centers, marine applications, rail and power generation. The Shelbyville operation would focus on assembling large exhaust-control units and advanced control panels rather than welding or automotive-style manufacturing. He noted the facility would also include a training center for internal technicians and third-party service providers.
The company anticipates adding 30 to 40 new jobs in Shelbyville across engineering, warehouse, management and technical roles, with an average wage of $37.15 per hour. Total capital investment is estimated at $5.5 million, including building acquisition, retrofitting, equipment and future expansion. The company plans to close on the building by year-end, begin retrofitting immediately and phase additional investments through 2027, with hiring targeted through 2028.
Committee members discussed access to Ivy Tech’s workforce-training programs and the city’s Advantage Shelby County scholarship, with Council President Mike Johnson noting alignment with the company’s plans for skilled technical training. Members also said the project appeared compatible with the site and raised no major concerns. Company representatives said finished units fit onto a standard semi trailer and ship infrequently.
The Tax Abatement Committee also reviewed PK USA’s annual tax abatement submission, which consolidates six SB-1 forms filed throughout the year for new investments in both personal property and real estate. Attorney Eric Glasco, representing PK USA, said the company is completing a major expansion that includes a new commercial vehicle line, with approximately $3.5 million in real estate improvements and about $10 million in new manufacturing equipment.
Committee members noted the company’s filings were complete and consistent with requirements. PK USA, an automotive components manufacturer, reported that most of the 2025 investments are tied to retooling, replacing aging equipment and adding the new production line. Glasco said the line may ultimately create six to 10 additional jobs, while current investments also support employee retention.
PK USA has already broken ground on the real estate portion of the expansion, with concrete work underway. The new line serves Volvo’s larger commercial trucks, distinct from the company’s traditional work, and reflects a shift toward heavier-duty commercial components. The project is expected to be substantially complete by late first quarter or early second quarter of next year, with a target launch near the end of 2026.
Committee member Denny Harrold, an attorney by trade, praised PK USA as a long-standing and reliable corporate partner, although he abstained from a vote due to a professional relationship with Glasco. The committee ultimately voted to recommend approval of the consolidated abatement application at the city’s Dec. 1 Common Council meeting.
Tax abatement committee members include Johnson, Harrold and Thurman Adams.
Working Women’s Month Recognized
Members of the Shelbyville chapter of the Indiana Federation of Business and Professional Women accept a proclamation from Mayor Scott Furgeson on Monday recognizing Working Women’s Month. From left: Acting President Joanne Bowen, Theresa Adams (past state president), Brandy Moore, Kimberly Sturgill, Charlotte Towne, Sherry Mohr, Dorcas Dorsett, Emily Fannin and Gayle Henderson. The local BPW chapter, which celebrates its 98th year in 2025, focuses on scholarships for high school seniors and women entering college and is known for its Reality Store, RADA knife sales and annual spaghetti dinner. Those interested in speaking at a meeting or joining may contact Bowen at jrtrophies@hotmail.com. | submitted
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NOTEBOOK:
The Shelbyville Board of Public Works approved the installation of stop signs at Stonehedge Way and Pebble Point Drive. “We’ve had complaints of motorists traveling a little too fast in that area,” Police Chief Dr. Bill Dwenger said.
Given yesterday’s rainstorm, Mayor Scott Furgeson noted that residents should not pile leaves in front of storm drain inlets.
The following couples filed for marriage licenses at the Shelby County Clerk’s office last week: Benjamin R. McKinney, 50, and Stephanie L. Goddard, 49; Ilse M. Garcia Zamora, 18, and Mario A. Perez, 19.
The Shelbyville girls basketball team (2-1) defeated Speedway last night, 63-20. Top scorers for the Bears were Hannah Baker and Savannah Collins with 17 each, Jayla Ash with 12 and Maddy Jones with 9.
The Boggs Society will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday and will welcome visiting students from the Indiana Academy. The slate of nominees for the 2026 election includes incumbents Director Terry Morgan, Vice President Tom Sherer and President Ken Gardner, with no candidate currently for historian. Organizers also encourage volunteers to bring healthy refreshments for the students and noted that 2026 calendars are now available for $10, along with a limited reprint of the sold-out 2025 edition for $5.
Major Health Partners will host a free Lung Cancer Awareness Event on Thursday, Nov. 20, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the main lobby of the MHP Medical Center in Shelbyville. The event will feature education on early detection, opportunities to meet the pulmonology team and live demonstrations of the new ION robot used for robotically assisted bronchoscopies. Attendees can also receive help beginning the lung cancer screening process, which is recommended for adults ages 50–80 with a significant smoking history.
Shelbyville’s 7th grade boys basketball team went 3-0 over the weekend at the Franklin Central “Around the World” Tournament and in an Hoosier Heritage Conference matchup at Greenfield Central. The Bears opened with a 43-37 win over Columbus Northside, led by Brody Randolph’s 17 points and a clutch fourth-quarter three from Tate Greene. They followed with a 45-42 victory over Mooresville behind double-digit efforts from Greene (14) and Verik Meyer (15), with Parker Dixon hitting the go-ahead jumper in the final 20 seconds. On Monday, the Bears defeated Greenfield Central 31-24, paced by Greene’s 14 points, improving their record to 6-2. In B-team action, Shelbyville fell 33-31 despite a third-quarter surge and late baskets from Arie Galloway and Wyatt Wampner.
HOOSIER NEWS: Indiana legislative leaders signaled they may make limited adjustments to last year’s sweeping property tax relief law after cities, towns and school districts warned of steep budget impacts. House Speaker Todd Huston and Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray said Nov. 17 that lawmakers will consider small fixes, possibly including a review of the assessment process, but ruled out major revisions in the 2026 session. Local governments have reported significant revenue shortfalls under Senate Enrolled Act 1, with Indiana schools alone projected to lose more than $700 million over three years. Critics argue the law’s homeowner savings, typically capped at about $300, are too modest and that new local income-tax authority may simply shift the tax burden rather than reduce it. (IndyStar)
NATIONAL NEWS: AAA projects that 81.8 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home for Thanksgiving this year, a new record. Last year, that number came in at 80 million people. All told, most will travel by car — 73 million of them — and 6 million people will fly, with another 2.5 million traveling by bus, train or boat, which is up 8.5 percent year-over-year. (Skift/Numlock)
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SQUIB LOOK-BACK: 1977
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: Morristown officials approved a resolution to pursue purchasing the former BMV building on West Main Street, aiming to reopen the license branch after its recent closure. Town leaders said the structure was sturdy and already equipped for BMV operations, making it a better fit than the current town hall. A portion of the property was also considered a potential site for a new fire station, and the owner, Wayne Coil, approached the town about selling before listing it with a real estate agent.
1995: Shelbyville prepared to build a major online “ramp” in its downtown area, giving residents direct Internet access without relying on long-distance dial-up connections to Indianapolis. Bill Pandak, the project’s main engineer, said the new setup would eliminate costly long-distance charges that had discouraged many local computer users. Demand for Internet service was rising quickly, with the number of available sites doubling roughly every 52 days.
1985: Shelbyville Police Chief Robert Nolley told the Board of Public Works and Safety he had received multiple complaints that portable signs downtown and along State Road 44 were obstructing drivers’ views and creating hazards. Nolley said the signs were illegal under existing laws because they were not permanently affixed, and he planned to notify businesses to remove them. He also warned that traffic would increase once the new Wal-Mart opened, heightening the risk of accidents if the signs remained.
1975: The Holiday Inn advertised its Thanksgiving dinner option, available by reservation. Dinners were $4.50.
1965: Police made their first arrest under a new bicycle safety crackdown, charging Don Jacobs, 18, with operating without proper lights and carrying a transistor radio while riding. Officers said state law required cyclists to keep both hands on the handlebars and follow lighting rules, with parents held responsible when juveniles violated the ordinance. Mayor Ralph V. VanNatta added that young offenders would be taken to police headquarters, counseled with their parents and face the same charges as adults.
1955: Paul E. Thieman received approval from the Indiana Alcoholic Beverage Commission to open a second package liquor store at 905 S. Harrison St., expanding his business beyond the Vine Street Liquor Store on S. Vine Street. The permit took effect immediately, and Thieman said the new shop would open within 10 days in a building owned by R. L. Law of Spring Hill. Local objections were raised at the hearing, including concerns about the store’s proximity to a church and the character of the neighborhood, but the board voted 2–1 to approve the application.
1945: More Shelby County servicemen were added to the list of those discharged from the armed forces, including Pfc. George Achenbach, who returned home after recovering from wounds received in the European theater and was awarded the Purple Heart, Good Conduct ribbon and Combat Infantryman’s Badge. Cpl. Carl J. Snyder of Shelbyville was released from the Army Air Corps after 22 months in the South Pacific, earning the Asiatic-Pacific ribbon and Good Conduct ribbon. Pvt. George Raymond McKenney of Homer was also discharged after serving with the Army Medical Corps in the China-Burma-India theater.
1935: Shelby County received a $16,224 federal grant to operate sewing rooms that produced garments for needy families, with 29 women employed in the WPA project at the Knights of Pythias building on the Public Square. An additional $704 each was approved for renovation work at the Flat Rock and Fairland schools. WPA supervisor James Hendrickson said the program aimed to provide employment for women on relief rolls who were able to work.
1925: Evangelist Rev. Erickson told a gathering at city hall that all signs pointed to a coming revival in Shelbyville, saying many attendees had already opened their hearts to God. Testimonies were shared from residents who said they had been helped through prayer. Erickson announced he would speak next on “Divine Healing,” with additional meetings planned for Sunday.
1915: Shelbyville Boy Scouts planned a Sunday trip to Indianapolis to attend a large meeting at the YMCA before viewing the Liberty Bell, which was passing through the city on its return to Philadelphia after the San Francisco Exposition. The bell was scheduled to be on display from 7 p.m. to midnight. Scouts were also expected to have a chance to visit the watchtower atop the Merchants National Bank building.
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OBITUARIES
Becky Ann Suits, 92, of Shelbyville, died Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, at her home. She was born July 8, 1933, in Shelbyville, the daughter of Alva and Bertha (Sanders) Platt. She married Robert E. Suits in 1952, and he preceded her in death in 2004. Survivors include three children, Vicky Davidson, Robby Suits and Kathy Suits, all of Shelbyville; four grandchildren, Zack Davidson (Nikki), Josh Davidson (Jen), Aaron Suits (Kayla) and Shaunda Kincade (Daniel); eight great-grandchildren, Jonah Ray (Abby), Bailey Davidson (Ronni), Eli Davidson, Hanna Pickering (James), Sam Davidson, Cameron Davidson, Kaylee Davidson (Chase) and Lucas Suits; and one great-great-grandchild, Rosilynn Ray. She was also preceded in death by her parents; granddaughter, Amber Dawn Suits; four sisters; and two brothers.
Mrs. Suits was a lifelong Shelby County resident and attended Shelbyville schools. She was a homemaker. She enjoyed working with her daughter at Dog N Suds Dog Grooming, going to yard sales and spending time with her family.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, at Glenn E. George & Son Funeral Home, 437 Amos Road, with Pastor Bruce Banister officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. Friday until the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Shelbyville/Shelby County Animal Shelter, in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be shared at glennegeorgeandson.com.