The Indiana men’s basketball program will celebrate Indiana Athletics Hall of Fame member and Big Ten trailblazer Bill Garrett at its regular season opener against Florida Gulf Coast on Nov. 7 at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.

The contest will be celebrated officially as the “Bill Garrett Game” to recognize the 75^th anniversary of the season when Garrett broke Big Ten basketball’s unofficial color barrier. That landmark moment came during IU’s Dec. 4, 1948, season opener when Garrett, a Shelbyville High School graduate, became the first Black player to start for a Big Ten team.

In a salute to that momentous event, IU will provide specialty game programs to replicate those used during Garrett’s debut varsity game and season in 1948-49.

In his three seasons of varsity basketball, Garrett helped guide the Hoosiers to a record of 50-13, including a 19-3 mark in 1950-51, a season that culminated with the No. 7 ranking in the final Associated Press poll.

Garrett was voted the most valuable player of the season by his teammates, named All-Big Ten First Team, and recognized as a consensus All-American following the 1950-51 campaign. The NCAA coaches also elected him as a write-in for the college all-star team after his name was left off the ballot.

At the time of his graduation, Garrett held the Indiana men’s basketball scoring record at 792 points after leading IU in total scoring in each of his three varsity seasons.

Garrett became the third black player ever drafted in the NBA after Boston selected him in the second round of the 1951 Draft. He graduated in June of 1951 with a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education.

The 1947 Indiana Mr. Basketball led Shelbyville to its first high  school state championship with a then-tournament record 91 points. He also led the Indiana All-Stars to victory over Kentucky before enrolling at Indiana University.

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Governor Eric J. Holcomb is directing flags to be flown at half-staff in honor and remembrance of the victims of the horrific tragedy in Lewiston, Maine per President Biden. 

Flags statewide should be flown at half-staff from now until sunset on Monday, Oct. 30.

Gov. Holcomb is requesting residents and businesses to lower their flags.

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The Central Indiana Land Trust has planned for a nature walk at Meltzer Woods in Shelby County in celebration of the 50th anniversary of its National Natural Landmarks (NNL) designation.

The NNL program is a way for the National Parks Service to recognize America’s natural heritage. Meltzer Woods is one of over 600 designated NNL sites.

The walk is for all ages. It's Saturday, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. You're asked to RSVP .

What to expect and bring:

• Dress for the weather and be sure to wear pants thick enough to stand up to thorns, brush, poison ivy, ticks, and mosquitos (unfortunately leggings aren’t very protective).

• Wear closed-toed shoes that can stand up to mud.

• Bring a water bottle, preferably refillable.

Meltzer Woods is located near Shelbyville. From Indianapolis, take I74 E to IN 244 E, then turn left onto S 600 East. Staff will meet you in the parking lot.

This National Park Service program started over 60 years ago as a way to promote conservation of America’s most spectacular natural areas. Since 1962, more than 600 sites nationwide have been given the NNL honorific. Indiana is home to 30 of these nationally significant sites. Meltzer Woods was designated in 1973. The plaque was made the following year, so it gives a 1974 date.

A free math and science homework help tutoring service provided by Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology students has expanded its evening hours and added Spanish-speaking tutors on Tuesday nights to help even more Indiana students during the 2023-24 school year.

The AskRose Homework Help program is now available as early as 5 p.m. and until 10 p.m. (Eastern Time) Sunday through Thursday for tutoring sessions with students in grades six through 12. Assistance can be provided through computer screenshare, telephone call, email, or chat. Tutors can be accessed via the AskRose website, AskRose.org, or by calling 877-ASK-ROSE (877-275-7673).

About 100 Rose-Hulman students, attending the nation’s No. 1-ranked undergraduate engineering college, serve as tutors during each school year. They are specially selected upon faculty recommendations for their technical knowledge and ability to communicate with students of all skill and comprehension levels. Approximately 20 tutors are available each night and they have access to textbooks and many other resources to lend valuable assistance. The AskRose Homework Help program is certified by the National Tutoring Association.

Rather than give students the answers, AskRose tutors guide students through homework problems to help them better understand math and science concepts, the way they are taught in schools today.  

Student privacy is always protected, and students are never asked for their last name or telephone number.

The AskRose.org website also offers more than 500 resources available through videos and downloadable reference materials.

All AskRose Homework Help services are available at no cost to students and parents through Lilly Endowment Inc. support and financial assistance from Rose-Hulman.

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Homeschool night and Haunting Tales head the library’s activities this week, with progressive Euchre, a ghostly matinee, and ghostie paintings rounding out the regularly scheduled programs.

Check the Shelby County Public Library’s web page to find your niche: https://www.myshelbylibrary.org/

Haunting History Tales has changed it format: It’s FREE!  Still on Friday, Oct. 20 and still at 7 pm, the library’s popular haunted tours are now haunted tales of the library and county recounted by master storyteller Donna Dennison, head of Genealogy & History. Relax by the fireplace in Carnegie East Wing, 33 W. Broadway, listen to spooky stories, hear eerie sounds, and catch some glimpses of restless spirits. Patrons can also share their own brushes with the supernatural.

Velma Wortman Morristown Branch presents Homeschool Activity Night: Nature Science on Tuesday, Oct. 17 from 5 to 7:30 pm. Created to enhance any curriculum, not just home educators, Homeschool Activity Night offers hands-on learning based on Nature Science this month. Homeschoolers, and anyone really, may drop in during this time. Activities are designed for ages 6 to 18; children 12 and younger will need adult supervision. November’s night will teach Art Basics.

Shelbyville hosts its monthly Euchre Fun at 6 pm Wednesday, Oct. 18, in Main Room D (for Downstairs). This month focuses on beginning players, so only patient players should attend! Euchre Fun for Beginners is perfect for teaching new generations how to play Indiana’s favorite game.

Casper, the Friendly Ghost, will appear on screen in his own movie matinee at 11 am at the Morristown Branch. The movie, starring Bill Pullman and Christina Ricci, is fun for the whole family.

Teens at Shelbyville can join Molly and Myla to change plain thrift store paintings into things of ghostly fun. Our resident art experts will show you a ghoulishly fun time at 5 pm on Friday, Oct. 20

Check out all the library’s spooky and fun Halloween season activities, programs, and events on its Spooky Season page: https://www.myshelbylibrary.org/spooky-season-halloween-events

You may have heard about the 2024 total solar eclipse coming to Indiana on April 8, 2024. But a partial solar eclipse is also happening this Saturday.

You can view the partial 2023 solar eclipse in Indiana. Now’s the time to find a good viewing spot and build your eclipse viewers in preparation of the total eclipse.

Remember never look directly at the sun.

Several DNR properties are hosting eclipse programs on October 14 so you can learn how to safely view this cool astrological event and more! Find all the details for these events on calendar.dnr.IN.gov.

• Falls of the Ohio State Park – Multiple fossil bed hikes along with eclipse viewing: bit.ly/PartialEclipseFOTOSP

• Monroe Lake (Paynetown SRA) – Build your own solar view with solar filter paper. Supplies limited to first 100 guests, $2 donation is appreciated: bit.ly/PartialEclipseMonroeLake

• Mounds State Park – Bring a blanket or chair to watch the show: bit.ly/PartialEclipseMoundsSP

• Spring Mill State Park – Bring an empty cereal box and learn how to make a pinhole viewer: bit.ly/PartialEclipseSpringMillSP

• Tippecanoe River State Park – Bring a colander to view the half crescent sun during the eclipse: bit.ly/PartialEclipseTippecanoeRiverSP

Reserve your DNR campsite for the April 8, 2024 Total Solar Eclipse now at camp.IN.gov or 1-866-622-6746. Remember:

• The minimum stay requires BOTH Saturday, April 7 and Sunday, 8 to be booked at peak summer rates.

• We plan to have water and comfort stations open for the weekend, but that is ultimately weather dependent.

• Indiana DNR Division of Forestry and Indiana DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife campsites do not accept reservations, but operate on a first come first served basis.

• You can find properties in the eclipse pathway at on.IN.gov/eclipse.

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Beware! Werewolves will show their shaggy faces on Wednesday, Oct. 11, for the Shelby County Public Library’s new Board Game Night.

Only adults 18 and older should dare tangle with One Night Werewolf at 6 pm in the Shelby County Public Library Main building, Room D. (D for Downstairs-Spooky!) Join Sean, Kyle, and Dustin for some solid hours of board gaming fun.

Eerie fun is in store all over. Join our Cemetery Walk at 6 pm Thursday. Oct. 12 with Donna Dennison, the library’s Genealogy & History Department Head. She know her way around a cemetery and can weave some good tales. Meet at Hanover Cemetery at 8489 Morristown Road.

Since this is the season to celebrate all things spooky, the library created a website page for all events and activities at both branches and all departments. Check it at: https://www.myshelbylibrary.org/spooky-season-halloween-events.  Then please return to that page to tell us what you liked.

Shelbyville Youth and Teens will make Wands and Potions on Friday, Oct. 13^th! This spooky date guarantees your wands and potions will be extra-strong! Sign up for either 2 pm or 4 pm by calling 317-398-7121 and asking for Youth Services, or sign up at the Youth Services desk. Any youth from age 6-19 may join the Hogwarts fun. House robes are optional; all Potter costumes will be welcomed with cheers.

Oh, adults, your Wands and Potions classes will be Thursday, Oct. 26 at either 2 pm or 6 pm. Sign up at the Adult Services desk or call the library.

Shelbyville Youth Services debuts Story Club, a writers club for teens. The theme on Tuesday, Oct. 10 at 3 pm is "You Can't Scare Me!" Write your scariest short story to share –from 1,500 to 7,500 words and email to msturgell@sscpl.lib.in.us for printing and distribution. Sign up in Youth Services or by emailing Molly.

Looking ahead to some big events, visiting author John Wheeler will present his book “A Magical Season: Journey to Nationals” at 6 p.m., Monday, Oct. 16.

Haunting History at the Carnegie East Wing happens on Friday, Oct. 20, but tickets must be bought now. Tickets are $5 each, and amount is limited.

Fall Festival at Shelbyville Main will be held on Sat. Oct. 28, while Morristown will host a Halloween Party at 4:30 pm Tues. Oct. 31.

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The 51st Annual Gift & Hobby Show hosted by Delta Theta Tau Sorority, Zeta Lambda Chapter is Nov. 4 in the Shelbyville Middle School, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

More than 100 vendors will be selling specialties like handmade crafts, toys, florals, jewelry, woodworking, ornaments and more.

Lunch and refreshments will be available for purchase.

For vendor information, send a private message with your name, product name and email address to our admin: https://www.facebook.com/ZetaLambda.org.

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The Indiana Horse Racing Commission approved 2024 racing dates for Horseshoe Indianapolis in Shelbyville Wednesday at their monthly meeting held at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.

A total of 124 racing programs are slated for 2024 beginning with a special Total Solar Eclipse racing day on April 8. The season extends through Nov. 14.

“Our season will kick off with a unique opportunity to race during the total solar eclipse,” said Eric Halstrom, Vice President and General Manager of Racing. “Horseshoe Indianapolis is in the epicenter zone of the eclipse, which will begin in mid-afternoon. Thousands of people have already made plans to visit the area for the phenomenon, and we plan to offer a fun day at the track with racing conducted literally around the total solar eclipse.”

Horseshoe Indianapolis will offer several Saturday racing programs throughout the season with the first set for May 4 during Kentucky Derby Day. The program begins at 10:45 a.m. and will extend into the evening in coordination with racing from Churchill Downs.

A special racing day will also be held June 8 during Belmont Stakes Day beginning at 10:45 a.m.

The track’s premier racing day, Indiana Derby, has been slated for July 6 beginning at noon with Indiana Champions Day set for Oct. 26, also beginning at noon.

Other Saturdays on the racing calendar are July 13 and Aug. 17 with a first post of 5 p.m.

The bulk of the season will be held on the customary Monday through Thursday schedule with first post at 2:10 p.m. Six all Quarter Horse racing dates begin June 1 and conclude Oct. 5. Two Friday cards will be held July 5, the day before Indiana Derby, and Sept. 6 beginning at 2:10 p.m.

“We have worked closely with our horsemen’s organizations and found our product has found a good fit on the national schedule of racing during the week, so we want to continue to keep that momentum going as we are coming off back-to-back record setting years in 2022 and 2023,” added Halstrom. “With a total of 12 Saturdays of racing throughout the season, we feel our schedule is diverse enough to cover all types of activities and cater to different audiences who enjoy watching the races at Horseshoe Indianapolis.”

A full list of racing dates and times may be found on the website at www.caesars.com/horseshoe-indianapolis/racing.

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For the fourth year, Horseshoe Indianapolis in Shelbyville has hosted a unique fundraiser to benefit Grayson-Jockey Club Equine Research. The Grayson Grass Challenge focuses on turf racing throughout the month of August soliciting the assistance of eight nationally known handicappers to raise funds for the cause.

“We just completed our fourth year hosting this event and the handicappers involved raised a record amount for Grayson,” said Eric Halstrom (photo, right), Vice President and General Manager of Racing. “Grayson came to us a few years ago about partnering on a promotion and this special contest emerged as a result. We are elated to donate a total of $9,674.60 to Grayson this year and truly thank all the handicappers who donated their time for this promotion.”

Eight handicappers were given a $500 bankroll to spread out over five weeks of turf racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis. The individuals lent their expertise on various wagers and raised a total of $3,174.60, adding to the $6,500 donation from Horseshoe Indianapolis that included the bankrolls.

Scott Ehlers, representing Daily Racing Form, earned the most money with a total of $785.20 followed by Rachel McLaughlin of Horseshoe Indianapolis with a tally of $646.80. Dan Tordjman of America’s Best Racing was a close third with $633.20. Other handicappers who contributed to the cause included Ellis Starr (Equibase), Brian Arrigoni (Horseshoe Indianapolis), Jenna Otten (Caesars Entertainment Racing-Scioto Downs), and Nick Luck (NBC), who adds an international element from England.

“We recognize the health and well-being of horses is so important, and anything we can do to assist is vital to the racing industry,” said Jamie Haydon (photo, left), President of Grayson Jockey Club Research Foundation. “We currently have 40 projects at 16 universities working to better understand the health of horses and allow horses of all breeds to live healthier lives. We are very appreciative of this partnership with Horseshoe Indianapolis, and this would not be possible without the commitment from management to host this event annually.”

Grayson-Jockey Club Equine Research is the leading source of private funding for equine medical research, assisting all disciplines of equine performance and wellness since 1940. More than $40 million has been assigned so far through more than 426 projects at 45 universities internationally. To get more information on Grayson-Jockey Club Research, go to the Website at grayson-jockeyclub.org.

The 21^st season of live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing extends through Nov. 17. Live racing is held Tuesday through Thursday. First post Tuesday and Wednesday is 2:30 p.m. Thursday and select Friday racing begins at 2:10 p.m.

For more information on live racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis, visit www.caesars.com/horseshoe-indianapolis.

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Secretary of State Diego Morales is reminding eligible Hoosiers that an important voter registration deadline is just one week away.

Tuesday, October 10, is the deadline for voters to register for the upcoming 2023 Municipal Election. The Municipal Election will be held on November 7. Not all Indiana counties/cities will be holding local elections.

“As Indiana’s Chief Election Officer, I take every opportunity to encourage every eligible Hoosier to register to vote! Whether it’s at the Indiana State Fair, county fairs/festivals, or speaking to high school seniors throughout the state, voting is your right and your opportunity to participate in the election process. With the registration deadline approaching, it is so important Hoosiers take a few minutes to get online and get registered.  Your vote matters,” said Morales.

Indiana residents can register to vote by visiting their local county clerk’s office or online at IndianaVoters.com.

At the website, Hoosiers can also confirm their voter registration, find out who’s on their ballot, contact local election officials, find their polling location, and get information about working the polls. 

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The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles reminds that BMV branches have new hours.

This change enables the BMV to provide service six days a week in many areas across the state. The shift in operating hours is in response to increasing customer preference to use out of branch transaction options as well as to provide BMV team members opportunity to participate in critical on the job training to ensure efficient and accurate transaction processing.

You can visit BMV: New Branch Hours (in.gov) to plan your visits on or after Monday. This page provides a list by location with new operating hours. Customers can complete an online transaction or visit a BMV Connect kiosk 24/7.

To login to myBMV.com or find the nearest kiosk, please visit IN.gov/BMV.

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