Wednesday, September 18, 2024
Local Democrats Unite Ahead of Election
Shelby County Democrat Chairman Denny Ramsey (top left), County Commissioner candidate Winnie Soviar (top right), County Commissioner candidate Joe Land (lower left) and County Council At-Large candidate Chase Yanzer (lower right) address the audience at last night’s annual Dining with the Dems event. | photos by KRISTIAAN RAWLINGS
by KRISTIAAN RAWLINGS
Local Democrats can only hope the enthusiasm of last night’s Dining with the Dems event carries over to November 5th. The program featured over 100 enthusiastic faithfuls gathered at the Knights of Columbus for a fried chicken dinner and to hear from Lt. Governor candidate Terry Goodin, Ed.D., and state-level and local candidates.
Shelby County Democratic Party Chair Denny Ramsey also delivered a message: he’s concerned about straight-party voting, which he called “detrimental to the quality of our elected positions,” in the printed program.
Ramsey’s concerns are based on math: Straight-party voting has continued to strengthen in Shelby County. Nearly half of Shelby County voters cast a straight-party ticket in the general election two years ago. Out of 11,702 ballots cast locally in 2022, 5,317 were straight-party, a total of 45.4 percent. Of those, 4,421, or 83.1 percent, were Republican straight-party tickets. That was even higher than the heated 2020 presidential election, in which 40.3 percent of Shelby County voters cast a straight-party ticket, with 82 percent of those on the Republican side. (Republicans’ margins of victory have grown as well, with Donald Trump receiving 72.8 percent of the local vote in 2020 compared to 70.3 percent four years prior; and Mitt Romney received 65.4 percent of the Shelby County vote in 2012, higher than John McCain’s 58.7 percent in 2008.)
(Straight-party voting does not affect the county council at-large race.)
Ramsey has a simple strategy for reversing the trend. “We have some great local candidates, as you can see,” he said before passing the microphone for brief speeches. He encouraged looking at local candidates’ positions rather than only seeing party affiliation.
Below are brief excerpts from candidates who spoke at the event.
Terry Goodin, Ed.D., candidate for Lt. Governor
“There’s real excitement in the air. Jerry (Lux) said he hasn’t seen this much excitement since 1968.”
“(County Commissioner candidate) Chase Yanzer worked for me at the Indiana House of Representatives, and, doggone it, Shelby County, you sent a good one up there.”
“The McCormick-Goodin team is going to bring hospitality back to the great state of Indiana.”
Hollie Payton, State Rep. District 73 candidate
“I’m going to bring positivity to the table.”
“I’m for disabilities rights. I’m for women’s rights.”
Cinde Wirthe, U.S. House of Representatives, 6th District
“It is critical that you have those conversations with your friends, with your family, with your neighbors. When I first started this, I would say, ‘Have those hard conversations.’ Well, guess what? Those conversations are getting a whole lot easier.”
Winnie Soviar, County Commissioner candidate
“What's really impressed me (about the candidates) is nobody here is a lifelong politician.”
“(Local candidates) do a life of service. No matter what that avenue of service is, we do a life of service because of people. It’s people that brought us here, people who will take us forward.”
Joe Land, County Commissioner candidate
“We are three people who have devoted our lives to helping other people. We’re not in the fields that we’re in to make a lot of money. Chase (Yanzer) works for Habitat for Humanity, Winnie was a Registered Nurse for a long time, and I have the best job in the world, working for Shares, Inc.”
“There's excitement in this movement, whether it’s from people who have been around for a while, or people who are getting excited, not just about politics, but about participating in government and knowing that they have control over their future.”
Chase Yanzer, County Council At-Large candidate
“I stand here today optimistic, because I know that if you're willing to believe, and if you're willing to work hard, and if you're willing to put others first…we can make a difference in the lives of others. We can take these big challenges that we have in front of us and we can do something about it.”
Following the dinner and speeches, items were auctioned off, including three of Jean Zerr’s “incomparable” pecan pies. Angela Matney had the high bid on one of the pies and also claimed a rustic chair donated by Van McQueen. Donna Hunt won $235 in the 50-50 raffle. Ramsey closed by thanking several in attendance, including three former Shelbyville mayors: Tom DeBaun, Bob Williams and Frank Zerr. He also thanked Dr. Steve and Angela Matney for their “above and beyond” efforts on behalf of the party. Incidentally, Dr. Matney was once a sixth-grade student of Mr. Ramsey’s.
BELOW: Jean and Frank Zerr are all smiles after Jean’s three famous pecan pies each sold at auction, the lowest at $125 and the highest, $175 (from Kenny Zauss), to support the party. | photo by KRISTIAAN RAWLINGS
SHELBY COUNTY SUNSET: TUESDAY
photo by JACK BOYCE
NOTEBOOK:
The Shelbyville Board of Public Works yesterday appointed a committee to review proposals for the amphitheater project to be constructed in Blue River Memorial Park. Appointed committee members are Gary Nolley, Parks board member; Mayor Scott Furgeson, Rod Meyerholtz and Tom Reaves, Board of Works members; and Betsy Means-Davis and Chuck Reed, Common Council members.
Shelbyville High School graduates Dan Theobald and T. Scott Law will be inducted into the Alumni Hall of Fame, tomorrow, Sept. 19, 6 p.m., in the SHS Golden Bear room. The induction ceremony is free and open to the public.
The Fairland Senior Center celebrates its 10th anniversary Sept. 22, 4:30 - 7:15 p.m., in the fire station bays, with a fundraising event, which will feature Terry Lee Ridley, a “Honky Tonk” piano player, and Dave’s Dog and Burgers served from 4:30 - 6:15 p.m. Root beer floats or brown cows made with Lion’s Club ice cream are also on the menu. There is no charge for food; free will donations accepted.
NATIONAL NEWS: It’s been a bit of a rough time for the $49 billion confectionary industry given the high price of sugar, which reached 45.75 cents per pounds as of last November on the New York futures market. Today, prices are down to 36 cents per pound, and could drop another 10 percent. That’s driven by a pretty great crop this year in cane and sugar beets: The first beets of the season are being harvested right about now, and the sugar content of the pre-pile harvest is coming in at 16 percent, which is two points higher than normal. The U.S. is projected to produce 9.5 million short tons of sugar in the 2024-25 year, with production from beets projected to rise 2.9 percent and production from cane up 1.4 percent. (Bloomberg/Numlock)
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SHS Courier Archive Highlights:
October 18, 1968
Apollo’s launching had been watched the by classes of Mr. William Murphy, Mr. William Leffler and Mr. Garnet Winchester. Apollo VII was observed on a olor television loaned by Jeff Becom’s father.
New Latin Club officers were Ilene Donica, Rosemary Brown, Bart Dalton and Dave Zerr.
The Science Club traveled to Allison’s in Indianapolis, where students saw exhibits including a General Patton tank, aerospace displays and different types of modern power. Attending with students were Mr. Steve Sever and Mr. and Mrs. Murphy. Members of the Science Club going to Chicago later in October were instructed to be at the Trailways Bus Station on North Harrison Street by 4:55 a.m.
Black and gold ball point pens with the basketball schedule on them went on sale for 35 cents each in the school bookstore, outside the cafeteria. The money raised would go toward purchasing blazers for the varsity team.
Within the nine years the new SHS building had been open, Marching Band had grown from 50 to 118 members. Bob Critser was the current drum major.
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 from the Shelby County Public Library Genealogy Department.
2014: A developer announced plans to demolish some dilapidated buildings on North Harrison St. and build an apartment complex, which would include retail space, on the lot. The developer already operated Hendricks Pointe Apartments.
2004: Gov. Evan Bayh announced a $58,000 grant to the Fairland Volunteer Fire Department to update equipment. The grant nearly matched the department’s yearly operating budget, Fire Chief Mike Rund said.
Runnebohm Construction’s Appreciation Night, hosted at the Knights of Columbus, marked 40 years of the company being in business. Nearly 400 people attended. Students from the Shelbyville High School show choir provided entertainment.
1994: Over 2,000 people participated in Farm Fest, a five-farm tour organized by Peggy Titus, Shelby County Extension Service educator.
1984: Boggstown’s Red Mills was featured in a Farm Bureau Insurance spot about life in Indiana 50 years prior. Actors from Chicago and Indianapolis, dressed in 1930s garb, filmed the commercial to be shown during Indiana University basketball games. An old wagon visible in the commercial was from Fred Linville of Fairland.
1974: WSVL presented Jim Renick and a special program on the Triangle School and Special Education in Shelby County.
Kevin Siebert, Shelby County’s nationally-known drag racing driver, displayed his newly refurbished Class BB funny car before heading out to the East Coast circuit. The 19-year-old Indiana University junior piloted the Karmik Debris racer sponsored by Siebert Oldsmobile. He was accompanied by his mechanic, Jim Burt, and area racing enthusiast Jay Keplinger.
1964: Numerous local stores participated in a Moonlight Madness promotion, 7 - 10 p.m. A truck-mounted search light was used to attract shoppers.
Barry Goldwater Jr. criticized the Johnson administration in a talk at Shelby County GOP headquarters. About 100 attended. “You don’t want a backslapper in the White House; you want a dedicated man,” he said.
1954: Shelbyville High School sponsored a “Get Acquainted” party for all freshmen, held in the girls gymnasium, 8 - 9:30 p.m. Games, dancing and refreshments were provided. The event was organized by Irene Simpson, Arthur Barnett and Norman Holland.
1944: Miller-Yarling opened an ice cream store at 406 Miller Ave., offering sodas, sundaes, soft drinks, milkshakes, banana splits, popcorn and dairy products. Mrs. Klare was the manager.
1934: A 14-passenger Ford tri-motor transport monoplane offered cheap rides at the Shelbyville airport. The plane was 76 feet from one tip of the wing to the other. It had cost $50,000 ($1.15 million in today’s money) new.
1924: A group of local men organized an independent football team, which practiced at city park. Frank Fisher headed the group.
1914: The Shelbyville High School flag wars ended with about 100 students yelling at full strength at 10 p.m., running down S. Harrison St. Several local businessmen complained to police about the incident.
OBITUARIES
Nicholas Adam Schene, of Fairland passed away Saturday, September 14, 2024. Born February 21, 1979, in Indianapolis he was the son of Albert Schene and Rena Lavon Carol. Nicholas was employed with ASA Above the Rest installing signs. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be shared at glennegeorgeandson.com.
April Gossett, 45, of Shelbyville, passed away Saturday September 14, 2024. She was born May 9, 1979 to William Gossett and Kimberly (Remy) Clouse.
She was employed at NSG for many years before coming ill. April loved spending time with her family especially her granddaughter. She cherished every moment she spent with them. She is survived by her daughters, Sydney Gossett and Lilieana Martinez; her granddaughter, Blaise Rybolt; her father, Gerald Clouse; her brothers, Travis Gossett and William Gossett Jr.
Visitation will be Friday, September 20, 2024 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Murphy-Parks Funeral Service, 703 S. Harrison Street, Shelbyville, Ind., 46176. Funeral services will follow at 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral Directors Greg Parks, Sheila Parks and Stuart Parks are honored to serve April’s family. Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com.
Sandford Joseph Chappelow Jr., 64, of Shelbyville, passed away Friday September 6, 2024, at his residence. He was born May 24, 1960 in Shelbyville, Ind., to Sandford Joseph Chappelow and Martha. He is survived by his step-mother, Kathryn Chappelow; his sister, Sharon (husband, Bruce) Riggins; his brother, Wally Chappelow; his half-brother, Mark Chappelow; his step-sister, Kathy Gahimer; and step-brother, Russell Stephens.
Graveside services will Thursday, September 19, 2024, at 4 p.m., at Moravian Cemetery in Hope, Ind. Funeral Directors Greg Parks, Sheila Parks and Stuart Parks are honored to serve Sandford’s family. Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com.
Robert Baylis, 84, of Greensburg, passed away Monday, September 16, 2024, at Hickory Creek. Born November 2, 1939, in Greensburg, he was the son of Edward Baylis and Nellie (Caster) Baylis. He married M. Kay (Tichenor) Baylis on July 11, 1964, and she survives. Other survivors include three daughters, Teresa Kidwell of Richmond, Julie Forbes of Greensburg, and Samantha Legg of Springport, Ind.; a sister, Ruth Aldrich; six grandchildren, Conner Kidwell (Taylor) of Winchester, Alexander Forbes of Greensburg, Larissa Legg of Springport, Allison Legg of Springport, and Ethan and Jenna Legg, both of Springport. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Edna Wagner; brothers, James Baylis and William Baylis.
Mr. Baylis was a lifelong resident of this area and had been a truck driver. He graduated from Greensburg High School and was a member of Apostolic Truth Tabernacle. He was a US Air Force veteran. Bob enjoyed camping, attending church, and spending time with his family.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. on Friday, September 20, 2024, at Apostolic Truth Tabernacle, 1114 Westridge Parkway, with Pastor Jeff Sangl officiating. Burial will be in South Park Cemetery. Friends may call on Thursday evening, September 19, 2024, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Apostolic Truth Tabernacle. Memorial contributions can be made to the Apostolic Truth Tabernacle Building Fund, in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be shared at glennegeorgeandson.com.
James R. “Jim” Smith, 83, a lifetime resident of Shelby County, Ind., passed away peacefully at the family farm in Greensburg, Ind. Jim was born August 7, 1941, in Jefferson County Ind., the son of Charles and Eva May Smith.
He married the love of his life, Dorothy W. (Higdon) Smith, on November 25, 1961, and she preceded him in death on October 5, 2004. Together they raised five children. Jim served in the National Guard and worked at Ford Motor Company for more than 30 years. Jim loved spending time with his family. He enjoyed helping on the family farm, playing cards, camping and watching western movies.
Jim is survived by his children, Wesley (Norma DeRoche) Smith of Greensburg, Ind., James Smith (companion Karen) of Nashville, Ind., Crystal (Tom) Williamson of Boggstown, Ind., John (Karen) Smith of Indianapolis, Ind. and Mark (Amy) Smith of Manilla, Ind.; his grandchildren, Noah (Christy) Smith, Ryan (Leesa) DeRoche, Brandy and Josh Clements, Breiden Smith, Brittany (Jeff) Hawkins, Natasha (Timothy) Mines, Jake Smith, Joe (Patty) Williamson, Dave (Bobbi) Williamson and Jessie Smith; his great-grandchildren, Melanie, Logan, Phia, Griff, Kitra, Dane, Decan, Dax, Davis and Olivia; his step-brother, Bret (Karen) Morgason and step-sister, Susan (Todd) Stocklin. He was preceded in death by, his wife, Dorothy Smith; his grandson, Jessie Smith; his brother, Tommy Smith; his parents and step-parents, Glen (Eva May) McKelvey and Charles (Mary Ann) Smith.
Visitation will be Saturday, September 21, 2024 from 10 a.m. to noon at Murphy-Parks Funeral Service, 703 S. Harrison Street, Shelbyville, Ind., 46176. Funeral services will follow at noon with Pastor Mark Kern officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery with military rites conducted by our local veteran organization. Funeral Directors Greg Parks, Sheila Parks and Stuart Parks are honored to serve Jim’s family.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana, 2626 17th St., Columbus, IN. 47201. Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com.