A free lunch and an opportunity to purchase dessert at the Strawberry Festival drew hundreds of residents to downtown Shelbyville Friday afternoon.

The City of Shelbyville’s annual Government Day lunch offered free hot dogs, chips and a drink. Mayor Tom DeBaun (photo) manned the grill set up near City Hall on a bright, sunny day.

Many city officials were on hand to talk with residents in a more casual setting, according to DeBaun, who is in the final year of his third term as mayor.

“We started this when Betsy Stephen was mayor many years ago,” said DeBaun while on his break from grilling hot dogs. “It was originally brought forward by what used to be the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns and we just stuck with it. It’s another opportunity to mingle with the public in a relaxed fashion.

“We provide hot dogs which entices people to come down. We always get questions. People always want to see the equipment (on display) and ask various questions and the department heads are available so I can connect them to the person they need to talk to. It’s an opportunity to meet with people and get some feedback or provide some information. And we’ve been doing it for almost 30 years.”

In turn, Government Day ties in with Shelby Senior Services’ annual Strawberry Festival on the west side of the Public Square.

“It’s a nice partnership. We started doing that a few years ago,” said DeBaun. “It’s nice to be able to have that coordination and it increases the number of people who are downtown and it benefits both of us.”

The tents for the Strawberry Festival were set up just west of the refurbished Julius Joseph Fountain. On down W. Washington St., which was closed to traffic at S. Tompkins St., tables and chairs were set up near the tent where city officials were serving lunch.

“The downtown is doing exactly what we said it was going to do,” said DeBaun when asked about staging a downtown event without altering traffic along State Road 9 as it passes through downtown Shelbyville. “It is set up and functioning exactly like I told the public it was going to.”

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The officials at the Indiana Department of Environmental Management have called for an Air Quality Action Day on Friday for several Indiana counties.

Carroll, Warren, Tippecanoe, Clinton, Howard, Fountain, Montgomery, Boone, Tipton, Hamilton, Madison, Delaware, Randolph, Vermillion, Parke, Putnam, Hendricks, Hancock, Henry, Vigo, Clay, Owen, Morgan, Johnson, Shelby, Rush, Sullivan, Greene, Monroe, Brown, Bartholomew, Decatur, Knox, Daviess, Martin, Lawrence, Jackson and Jennings.

This Air Quality Action day will be in effect until 11:59 p.m.

An Air Quality Action Day means that a combination of the high temperatures, light winds, and other factors, are expected to produce conditions where high levels of ozone emissions may exceed federally mandated standards.

Here are some recommended actions that the public can take to reduce ozone forming emissions:

Walk, bike, carpool or use public transportation.

Avoid using the drive-through and combine errands into one trip.

Avoid refueling your vehicle or using gasoline-powered lawn equipment until after 7 p.m.

Turn off your engine when idling for more than 30 seconds.

Conserve energy by turning off lights or setting the air conditioner to 75 degrees or above.

It’s a big get-together for lunch and dessert in Shelbyville’s downtown Friday.

Two annual events have merged to make for a good meal. The City Of Shelbyville hosts its Government Day Lunch while Shelby Senior Services holds its annual Strawberry Festival.

Kim Koehl with Shelby Senior Services.

Both events begin at 11 a.m.

Koehl says the Senior Services event is as much about relationships as it is fundraising.

The Strawberry Festival has its downtown site but it also serves at a site at Major Health Partners.

An upcoming U.S. 40 project will be the focus of a June meeting in Greenfield.

The Indiana Department of Transportation will hold a public hearing for the Pennsy Trail and U.S. 40 project on June 13. This project aims to enhance the safety along U.S. 40 by reducing vehicular collisions and extend the service life of U.S. 40.

Doors open at 6 p.m. at the Hancock County Courthouse Annex Building’s Commissioner’s Courtroom, located at Hancock County Courthouse Annex, 311 American Legion Place in Greenfield. The public will be able to speak with the project team, ask one-on-one questions and give feedback on the projects current design. 

As proposed, project intends to mill and overlay U.S. 40 between County Road 700 West and County Road 600 West. Between County Road 500 West and Windswept Road, a “right-sizing” will be implemented utilizing pavement markings in order to narrow the roadway along the existing pavement. The lanes will be restriped to reduce the number of travel lanes in each direction from two to one with a Two-Way-Left-Turn-Lane (TWLTL). 

From County Road 600 West and County Road 500 West, the roadway will maintain two travel lanes in each direction. The reconfiguration is expected to reduce the potential for crashes, provide safe and efficient access for current and future driveways while maintaining traffic flow.

The project area encompasses approximately 8.5 miles in length along U.S. 40, extending from 4.51 miles east of the I-465 East leg and ends approximately 0.91 mile west of State Road 9.   

The Maintenance of Traffic plan for the project will consist of flagging, lane restrictions, and lane closures. Access to all properties will be maintained during construction.

INDOT will coordinate with emergency services, local school corporation officials and project stakeholders to ensure potential disruptions and impacts are minimized as much as possible. The existing right-of-way along U.S. 40 is approximately 183 feet on either side of the centerline of U.S. 40. As all work will occur within the existing right-of-way, no new right-of-way acquisition is required for this project.

Construction is anticipated to begin in the Spring of 2025. 

The environmental documentation and preliminary design information is available to view prior at the following locations:

1. INDOT Greenfield District Office (32 South Broadway, Greenfield, Ind., 46140, 1-855-INDOT4U)
2. Butler, Fairman, & Seufert, Inc. (8450 Westfield Blvd, Ste. 300, Indianapolis, Ind., 46240, 317-713-4615)

Public statements for the record will be taken as part of the public hearing procedure. All verbal statements recorded during the public hearing and all written comments submitted prior to, during and for a period of two weeks following the hearing date, will be evaluated, considered and addressed in subsequent environmental documentation.

Written comments may be submitted prior to the public hearing and within the comment period to Brittney Layton, Environmental Scientist at 317-713-4615 or blayton@bfsengr.com. 

INDOT respectfully requests comments be submitted by June 28.

A bus stolen in Cincinnati led police on a pursuit into Shelby County.

Indiana State Police say a suspect stole a school bus from the Cincinnati area and led police from numerous Indiana police departments on a chase that lasted nearly an hour before the bus became disabled and the suspect was arrested.

At approximately 10:15 a.m. Tuesday, the Indiana State Police - Versailles Post was contacted by Ohio authorities who relayed information that a yellow 2021 school bus had been stolen and was being tracked while it traveled westbound on I-74 near Batesville.

A Batesville Police officer and two Indiana State troopers located the vehicle and followed it as it entered Decatur County.

The troopers attempted to initiate a traffic stop on the vehicle. The suspect and lone occupant of the vehicle, Chad Avery Murdock, 32, of Cincinnati, did not stop and fled from the officers. The bus eventually went off road into numerous fields and yards then drove on numerous county roads with stretches on U.S. 421 and State Road 9 during the pursuit.

Numerous officers from multiple departments joined the pursuit as the bus entered Shelby County.

Officers were eventually able to deploy a tire deflation device successfully which caused the tires on the bus to deflate. At about 11:15 a.m., officers boxed the bus in as it drove through another field, causing Murdock to stop the bus near County Road 25 East, just south of Shelbyville.

Murdock was then taken into custody without further incident.

Multiple police vehicles were damaged due to collisions with the bus during the pursuit. Multiple fields and yards also sustained damages due to Murdock’s actions.

Neither Murdock nor any of the police officers involved were injured during the incident.

Murdock was transported to the Decatur County Jail where he was incarcerated on preliminary charges of Resisting Law Enforcement, Criminal Recklessness with a Vehicle, Possession of Stolen Property, and Criminal Mischief.

Additional charges are possible.

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The Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) has announced that 20 educators from across the state have been chosen to participate in a new program centered on bringing arts and creativity into the classroom.

This prestigious program invites top educators to participate in hands-on training sessions followed by implementation of a full semester of arts activities in the classroom.

Shelbyville High School teacher Kaylene Huntsman was one of the 20 educators selected.

The Indiana Educator Fellowship for Creative Teachers is a program of the IAC in partnership with the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) that celebrates and supports outstanding educators throughout the state in implementing creativity-centered innovation in the classroom.

Research shows creative teaching strategies, also known as arts integration, improve student engagement, student learning retention, and student literacy skills.

“We selected some of the most energetic, innovative educators across the Hoosier State to participate in this fellowship,” said Stephanie Haines, Arts Education and Accessibility program manager at the IAC. “It is exciting to meet with so many inspired educators who are ready to integrate arts and creativity into the classroom to the benefit of their students.

The 2023-2024 Creative Educator Cohort is as follows:

• Anna Grant, Jasper High School (Dubois County)
• Brittany Bleicher, Northside Middle School (Delaware County)
• Darlene Rosario-Reese, Block Middle School (Lake County)
• Emily Crapnell, Noblesville West Middle School (Hamilton County)
• Franklin Oliver, University High School (Hamilton County)
• Hailey Hutzell, Fairview Elementary (Wayne County)
• Heathar Bradbury, Clay High School (St. Joseph County)
• Jacquelyn Greer, Muncie Central High School (Delaware County)
• Jennifer Gonzalez, Clarence Farrington School 61 (Marion County)
• Jennifer Stahl, West Washington Jr./Sr. High School (Washington County)
• Josie Engdahl, Anderson Intermediate School (Madison County)
• Kaylene Huntsman, Shelbyville High School (Shelby County)
• Lori Vandeventer, Eastern Greene High School (Greene County)
• Nicole Brubaker, Manchester High School (Wabash County)
• Paul Satchwill, Batesville High School (Ripley County)
• Rachel Campbell-Maher, Christ the King Catholic School (Marion County)
• Rebecca Harris, White River Valley Middle School (Greene County)
• Rita Eblin, Washington High School (Daviess County)
• Stephanie Dodd, Franklin Central High School (Marion County)
• Susan Stewart, Riverside Elementary School (Clark County)

The fellows will attend a series of virtual learning sessions and will receive two days of immersive, hands-on training in connecting creativity to state standards, access to a fully-funded in-school creative arts residency, and a $1,000 honorarium.

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The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has issued an Air Quality Action Day (AQAD) and is forecasting high ozone levels for Tuesday, in the following regions: 

• Central Indiana – Marion, Bartholomew, Boone, Brown, Delaware, Hamilton, Hendricks, Howard,   Madison, Shelby 
• North Central Indiana – St. Joseph, Elkhart
• Northwest Indiana – Lake, Porter, La Porte
• Southeast Indiana – Clark, Floyd
• Southwest Indiana – Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Greene, Knox, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh, Warrick 
• West Central Indiana – Vigo, Carroll, Tippecanoe

IDEM encourages everyone to help reduce ozone by making changes to daily habits. You can:

• Drive less: carpool, use public transportation, walk, bike, or work from home when possible
• Combine errands into one trip
• Avoid refueling your vehicle or using gasoline-powered lawn equipment until after 7 p.m.
• Keep your engine tuned, and don’t let your engine idle (e.g., at a bank or restaurant drive-thru)
• Conserve energy by turning off lights and setting the thermostat to 75 degrees or above 

Air Quality Action Days are in effect from midnight to 11:59 p.m. on the specified date. Anyone sensitive to changes in air quality may be affected when ozone levels are high. Children, the elderly, and anyone with heart or lung conditions should reduce or avoid exertion and heavy work outdoors.
Ground-level ozone is formed when sunlight and hot weather combine with vehicle exhaust, factory emissions, and gasoline vapors. Ozone in the upper atmosphere blocks ultraviolet radiation, but ozone near the ground is a lung irritant that can cause coughing and breathing difficulties for sensitive populations. 
IDEM examines weather patterns and current ozone readings to make daily air quality forecasts. Air Quality Action Days generally occur when weather conditions such as light winds, hot and dry air, stagnant conditions, and lower atmospheric inversions trap pollutants close to the ground.

The Shelbyville Rotary Club celebrated local high school athletes and scholars at the Club's annual banquet and awards ceremony held on Thursday at Queen's Cafe and Dining.

Rotary Sports Award recipients for Shelbyville High School athletes are selected by their respective coaches based on athletic performance, sportsmanship, and special achievements both on their teams and in the classroom.  The following athletes were recognized by Rotarian Amy McQueen:

Luke Dwyer, 2023 Rotary Award for Boys Wrestling and 2023 Rotary Award Angelique Kreider for Girls Wrestling (a new team sport at SHS); Oliver Sandman, 2023 Paul Cross Award for Boys Basketball (a two-time winner) and Abigail Brenner 2023 Rotary Award for Girls Basketball; Miriam Garringer, 2023 Rotary Award for Girls Swimming and Will Rife, 2023 Rotary Award for Boys Swimming.

The Rotary Academic Scholarships are managed through the Blue River Foundation and the criteria for the scholarships include outstanding academic achievement, strong moral character, community service and extracurricular activities and a desire and drive to complete a college education. Recipients receive $1,000 each and hail from high schools throughout the county. They were recognized by Rotarian Bill Poland:  

Abby Mendoza, Morristown High School; Antonio Harbert, Shelbyville High School; Camille Thopy, Southwestern High School; Hannah Hernandez, Waldron High School; Maggie Lutes, Blue River Career Programs/Morristown High School; and Riley Ross, Triton Central High School.

Rotary Club President Becky Benesh oversaw the festivities. 

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has issued an Air Quality Action Day (AQAD) and is forecasting high ozone levels for Monday in the following regions:

• Central Indiana – Marion, Bartholomew, Boone, Brown, Delaware, Hamilton, Hendricks, Howard, Madison, Shelby 
• Northwest Indiana – Lake, Porter, La Porte
• West Central Indiana – Vigo, Carroll, Tippecanoe

IDEM encourages everyone to help reduce ozone by making changes to daily habits. You can:

• Drive less: carpool, use public transportation, walk, bike, or work from home when possible
• Combine errands into one trip
• Avoid refueling your vehicle or using gasoline-powered lawn equipment until after 7 p.m.
• Keep your engine tuned, and don’t let your engine idle (e.g., at a bank or restaurant drive-thru)
• Conserve energy by turning off lights and setting the thermostat to 75 degrees or above 

Air Quality Action Days are in effect from midnight to 11:59 p.m. on the specified date. Anyone sensitive to changes in air quality may be affected when ozone levels are high. Children, the elderly, and anyone with heart or lung conditions should reduce or avoid exertion and heavy work outdoors.
Ground-level ozone is formed when sunlight and hot weather combine with vehicle exhaust, factory emissions, and gasoline vapors. Ozone in the upper atmosphere blocks ultraviolet radiation, but ozone near the ground is a lung irritant that can cause coughing and breathing difficulties for sensitive populations. 
IDEM examines weather patterns and current ozone readings to make daily air quality forecasts. Air Quality Action Days generally occur when weather conditions such as light winds, hot and dry air, stagnant conditions, and lower atmospheric inversions trap pollutants close to the ground.

 

A Waldron high school graduate with deployments to Romania and Iraq will be the featured speaker at Shelby County Memorial Day Services Monday.

Chaplain Simon Jackson grew up in Shelby County. From his 2005 graduation from Waldron, he went on to Morehead State University in Morehead, Kentucky, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interpersonal and Organizational Divinity with an emphasis in Biblical counseling from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2013. He is currently in the dissertation phase of a Doctor of Ministry degree at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary where he is researching the Army Chaplain’s role in Suicide Prevention.

Chaplain Jackson was initially commissioned through Army ROTC in May of 2009 as an infantry officer serving in the Indiana and Texas national guards from 2009-2016. He served as a platoon leader, Executive Officer S3, before commissioning as a chaplain in the Texas Army National Guard in 2014. He served as the chaplain for the 197 Special Troops Support Company from 2014-2016.

Jackson is endorsed by the Southern Baptist Convention and entered active duty as a chaplain at Fort Bliss, Texas, in July of 2016.

Chaplain Jackson’s active duty assignments include:

• Battalion Chaplain, Special Troops Battalion, 1^st Armored Division, Fort Bliss
• Brigade Chaplain, 1^st Armored Division Sustainment Brigade, Fort Bliss
• Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 1^st Armored Division, Fort Bliss
• 1-8 Infantry Regiment, Fort Carlson

Chaplain Jackson’s awards and decorations include:

• The Order of Saint Martin of Tours, Army Commendation Medal (C device)
• Army Commendation Medal (5OLC)
• Army Achievement Medal
• Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal
• National Defense Service Medal
• Afghanistan Campaign Medal
• Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
• Armed Forces Service Medal
• Army Service Ribbon
• NATO Medal (2OLC)
• Parachutist Badge
• Air Assault Badge
• German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency

Chaplain Jackson and his wife, Kristen, have two children, ages three and one. They currently reside in Fort Carson, Colorado. They will PCS to Fort Jackson, South Carolina, this summer.

Monday's Memorial Day services from the Shelby County Courthouse can be heard live on GIANT fm (96.5, 106.3, AM 1520, giant.fm and GIANT fm app) beginning at 10:45 a.m.

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Indiana State Police and area law enforcement agencies are participating in the “Click it or Ticket” enforcement campaign through the Memorial Day weekend and would like to remind all motorists the importance of doing their part to help ensure everyone’s safety.

Troopers will be watching for unrestrained passengers in cars and trucks and for dangerous and impaired drivers. Overtime enforcement is made available with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration funds administered by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI).

Troopers are offering the following safety tips:

Ensure you are well rested, especially if you have plans to travel a long distance. A fatigued driver is a dangerous driver and often mimics the driving behavior of an impaired driver.

Follow other motorists at a safe distance.

Obey all speed limits and use your turn signal.

Always utilize your turn signals when changing lanes and when turning.

Avoid “hanging out” in the left lane unless you are actively passing or preparing to make a nearby left turn.

Avoid driving while distracted. Please don’t use your cellphone while driving.

Ensure everyone is properly buckled up.

Don’t drink and drive.

If you have plans to consume alcohol, please ensure you have a plan to get you and your family home safely.

Motorists that observe a possible impaired driver are encouraged to contact 911 immediately. Please be prepared to give a description of the vehicle, license plate number and route of travel.

Dr. Gus T. Spenos, memorable man of music and medicine, peacefully passed away in Indianapolis with loved ones at his side Sunday.

Gus was born in Indianapolis to Anastasia Marinos Spenos and Thomas G. Spenos on June 22, 1952. He attended Indiana University Medical School, and then began a career as a neurologist, working at Major Hospital before founding Neurocare in Shelbyville with his wife, Nora.

His love of medicine was matched by his love of music. Gus played many instruments, recorded a number of albums, and performed to packed audiences as the leader of The Gust Spenos Quartet. His artistic flair extended to his closet, as Gus was always the best-dressed man in the room.

An eternal student, Gus dedicated time to expanding his knowledge, often picking up new instruments, or studying the Greek language, architecture, physics, and history. In his later years, Gus deepend his faith and began visiting Mount Athos in Greece, where he assisted the monks in the development of a health care clinic.

While his creative and professional endeavors defined Gus as an unforgettable, larger than life local figure, it was his family and his marriage which were his greatest works of art. He loved his wife, Nora, immensely. Together they built a business and a family, and would have celebrated 40 years married this fall.

Their three children, Anastasia, Miles and Aris, have all inherited Gus’s artistic genes and passion for life.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Holy Trinity Greek Church.

All services will be held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 3500 W. 106th Street Carmel, Indiana.

Visitation: Thursday, May 25, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Trisagion Prayer Service at 7 p.m.

Viewing: Friday, May 26, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Funeral: Friday at 11 a.m. at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral followed by burial at Oaklawn Cemetery then back to Church for Makaria (lunch) at 1 p.m. All are welcome.

A public comment period is now available on a rate increase request by Indiana American Water.

The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC), the state agency representing consumer interests in cases before the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC), is inviting written consumer comments for the official case record through July 5.

The OUCC is using its technical and legal resources to review INAWC’s proposal and is scheduled to file testimony with the IURC on July 12.

INAWC, which provides service to approximately 328,000 customers in more than 50 Indiana communities, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Camden, New Jersey-based American Water Inc. In its testimony and exhibits, INAWC attributes the requested rate increase to numerous infrastructure investments.

Capital projects include the replacement of aging infrastructure throughout INAWC’s service territories, main replacements and relocations, new meters and hydrants, proposed new treatment plants in Winchester and Sheridan, a new storage tank in West Lafayette, chlorine conversion for its Northwest Indiana and Shelbyville operations, customer lead service line replacements,security measures, and additional projects.The utility’s request also includes the recent costs of acquiring smaller utilities throughout Indiana.

INAWC’s proposal would raise water rates in three phases, increasing its total annual operating revenues by $86.7 million (or 31% over current revenues), according to its testimony. Under the utility’s request, increases would take effect in January 2024, April 2024, and April 2025. Specific billing impacts would vary by service area.

The utility’s proposal would also raise sewer rates for its 2,800 wastewater customers in Somerset, Sheridan, and Riley, and in portions of Delaware and Clark Counties.

INAWC’s request includes a proposal to create a new low-income assistance program which would be ratepayer-funded and would provide discounts for qualifying customers. The utility also proposes to include each residential customer’s first 1,500 gallons within the monthly customer service charge, before monthly volumetric rates take effect.

Current base rates for INAWC received IURC approval in 2019. However, rates have increased since then through the utility’s Distribution System Improvement Charge (DSIC) and Service Enhancement Improvement Rider (SEI). These rate tracking mechanisms allow for rate recovery of certain infrastructure projects between rate cases subject to OUCC review and IURC approval.

The tracker increases were approved in March 2021, March 2022, February 2023, and March 2023.

Consumers who wish to submit written comments for the case record may do so via the OUCC’s website at www.in.gov/oucc/2361.htm, by email at uccinfo@oucc.IN.gov, or by mail at:

Public Comments

Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC)

115 W. Washington St., Suite 1500 SOUTH

Indianapolis, IN 46204

The OUCC needs to receive all written consumer comments no later than July 5, so that it can: 1) Consider comments in preparing its testimony and 2) File them with the Commission to be included in the case’s formal evidentiary record.

Comments should include the consumer’s name, mailing address, and a reference to either “IURC Cause No. 45870” or Indiana American

Water Rates. Consumers with questions about submitting written comments can contact the OUCC’s consumer services staff toll-free at 1-888-441-2494.

An IURC public field hearing will be scheduled for a future date and location to be determined. Comments offered at field hearings carry equal weight with written consumer comments the OUCC receives and files for the formal case record.

Several additional parties have intervened in this case, including municipal governments (Crown Point, Schererville, and Whiteland), Sullivan-Vigo Rural Water Corp., the Citizens Action Coalition of Indiana, and industrial customers (including Cleveland Cliffs Steel, General Motors, Haynes International, Linde, and United States Steel Corporation). Any testimony they file is due by July 12.

The OUCC is posting case updates online at www.in.gov/oucc/watersewer/key-cases-by-utility/indiana-american-water-corates/.

Case updates are also available through the agency’s monthly electronic newsletter. Consumers can subscribe at www.in.gov/oucc/news.

Shelbyville's Judy King, a veteran in her own right, has long fought for the rights of veterans and those serving in the military.

On Wednesday, King was recognized for her efforts with a presentation by House Resolution 42 by State Representative Randy Frye of Greensburg and State Representative Jenny Meltzer of Shelbyville.

Frye read from the resolution to the audience gathered at Capone's.

King said it was a very special evening for her.

Every community has exceptional people; well-known individuals who are unconditionally invested in the places they live. They continually work throughout their lives to bring their communities to a higher standard and in doing so reflect a special sense of dedication. Their positive impact is forceful and undeniable.

Shelby County has historically boasted a multitude of these citizens; people who tirelessly advocate for their home and friends and neighbors. In ways big and small, they consistently make life better.

Jan Asher was one such person for Shelbyville.

Throughout her life, she exhibited a true appreciation for Shelbyville and its people. Jan was blessed with a genuine conscientiousness and a strong commitment to service. She had a perceptiveness that enabled her to identify needs and the initiative to seek resolutions.

Jan Asher succumbed to cancer in April at the age of 73.

Jan was, first and foremost, an educator in the truest sense. Every day presented her with a chance to teach someone; to help someone grow. She graduated from Purdue University in 1971 and soon after earned her master’s degree. She taught in the Shelbyville Central Schools system for 41 years, beginning in the physical education department at the high school in 1971. She would later have tenures at the old junior high and the middle school. She concluded her career with a 16-year stint at Loper Elementary.

“The long career has been satisfying because I got to know different generations of families,” said Asher in 2010. “You teach and live in a community and you really get to know the essence of it and the people in it. I got to watch students grow up and have kids and then got to know those kids. That was wonderful.”

Jan loved sports. She valued athletics, both as participant and spectator. She believed sports offered people tremendous potential for satisfaction and development. She participated in the limited options available for girls in the 1950s and 1960s. Later, she eagerly embraced the burgeoning opportunities for women that she discovered in college and as an adult.

“Sports was always a part of mom’s life for as long as I can remember,” said older son Scott Asher. “She played in the women’s softball leagues at Sunrise Park and later played a lot of mixed softball with dad. She also loved playing tennis and volleyball.”

 Jan came to be regarded as one of Shelbyville’s best adult female athletes.

Jan and husband Mike married in 1970. It was evident from their beginning that they were a team. The two shared the same interests, values and an affinity for Shelbyville. Mike and Jan were defined by the fact that they worked together, whether it was raising their boys, looking after and following the grandkids or playing and officiating sports. They were connected.

The duo became a sought after and respected volleyball officiating team.

“They officiated high school volleyball all over,” said Scott. “That became a focus for them and they worked for some schools with really excellent volleyball teams.”

Jan and Mike became IHSAA tournament officials who worked the volleyball circuit for 25 years.

One of Jan’s most significant contributions was kindling an appreciation for sports in the girls she taught and coached.

“My brothers instilled in me a love for sports,” said Jan. “The scope of athletic possibilities dramatically increased as I was teaching and I wanted to pass that along to other girls.” 

She embraced a variety of coaching opportunities with her characteristic enthusiasm and commitment. She was Shelbyville High School’s first volleyball coach. She also coached SHS track and gymnastics.

“I had no background in gymnastics,” said Jan. “I had to ‘learn on the fly’ so to speak.”

She coached volleyball and basketball at the junior high and later at the middle school.

“She had an excellent working knowledge of volleyball and basketball, so it was a good fit for her to coach those sports,” said Scott. “She had solid success.”

Jan’s earnest promotion of female sports did not in any way mitigate her advocacy for boys’ athletics. She had two sons and four of her six grandchildren were males. She relentlessly supported their athletic pursuits and was extremely proud of their achievements. Four of her children and grandchildren earned a collective seven Golden Bear high school major sports awards.

Teaching physical education held a deeper meaning for Jan.

“I always saw PE as a means of teaching girls about confidence and enhancing their self-esteem,” Jan related in 2015. “I wanted to use PE to teach them to appreciate accomplishments and as a means of encouraging them to set goals.”

She also became a certified Red Cross, CPR, Life-saving and Water Safety instructor. Her SHAPE Fitness Program at the middle school drew widespread praise. She was instrumental in the popular “Jump Rope for Heart” program and served as a volunteer for Shelby County Relay for Life.

In retirement, she became a passionate champion for animals and a diligent supporter of the local animal shelter.

Jan was first diagnosed with cancer in August of 2015. Undaunted, she worked through the difficult circumstances with her customary strength and courage. Treatment initially arrested disease progression and Jan was able to focus on family and other myriad interests as she optimistically moved forward enjoying more time for such following her May 2015 retirement.

A 2020 examination revealed cancer recurrence and an unfavorable prognosis. The disease progressed and Jan passed away on April 25 of this year with Mike and the rest of her family at her side.

Jan’s story reveals a lifetime of success: a dedicated husband and loving, accomplished children and grandchildren who truly appreciated who she was and the influence she had on their lives. Moreover, she left a resume of personal and professional accomplishments as well as a history of civic service and participation. Her family and friends can forever reflect on who she was and what she did with genuine pride and satisfaction.

Perhaps, her greatest attribute was her willingness to offer support and encouragement. Jan was quick to offer praise and inspire others to build on their accomplishments. She was fond of writing congratulatory notes and recognizing people on their latest achievements. She was forever intent on raising people’s spirits.

Sports pundits often say that great players and coaches have an intangible that somehow makes those around them better. They bring out the best in people and somehow lead others to a higher level. That was one of her most significant contributions. Jan made people feel capable.

Venerable people serve as constant examples. They are respected and provide us a sense of security and optimism. They motivate us to believe in our potential. Jan Asher was venerable. She made us feel good about who we were and where we were from.

Those of us who knew her were buoyed when we saw her working in the yard, walking at the high school, loading up the checkered van for a trip to the 500, coaching the girls, watching her grandchildren play, returning serve on the tennis court, attending a Shelbyville basketball game and innumerable other times we would see her.

Jan was a staple; a pillar. Our community which was so substantially enriched by her life is diminished beyond measure as a result of her passing.

“I want everyone to know how much I loved doing what I’ve done all these years,” Jan stated in a 2015 Shelbyville News feature, written on the occasion of her retirement. “I taught entire families. I feel like I know most of Shelbyville and I am so happy when I see people. I feel very, very lucky to have been involved in so many people’s lives.”

Shelbyville will miss Jan Asher.

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Bills authored by State Sen. Michael Crider (R-Greenfield) that will protect victims of domestic violence and those who are electronically tracked by bad actors were ceremonially signed into law.

Senate Enrolled Act 158 will require individuals arrested for domestic violence to be held for at least 24 hours before they can be released on bail. This allows the victim in these cases the opportunity to make arrangements for their safety following the offense.

Senate Enrolled Act 161 will create penalties for using electronic tracking devices to track an individual without their knowledge in order to commit crime and endanger Hoosiers. It also aligns with current statute concerning placing cameras or surveillance equipment surreptitiously, while still protecting Hoosiers and their privacy.

Both laws will go into effect July 1, 2023.

Two people are in custody in connection with a Tuesday evening shooting that left two young adults and two juveniles wounded at a Columbus park.

Just after 7:30 p.m., Columbus Police Department officers were dispatched to Lincoln Park in regards to a report of shots fired. When officers arrived, they located multiple people near a basketball court with gunshot wounds.

Medical care was administered by the officers as well as firefighters and emergency medical service personnel. Three of the four wounded victims were eventually transported to Indianapolis area hospitals for medical treatment. The fourth victim received treatment at Columbus Regional Hospital.

Area law enforcement officers began looking for a vehicle and its occupants who were suspects in the shooting. On Tuesday night, officers from the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office observed a vehicle believed to have been associated with the shooting. A traffic stop was conducted and Alexander Parker, 18, of Columbus, was taken into custody.

As the investigation continued, detectives received information regarding a second suspect reportedly involved in the shooting, Edmarius Oats, 18, of Columbus. About 1 a.m., Oats was taken into custody outside of a residence in the 3400 block of Old Field Lane in Columbus by members of the CPD SWAT team, which is comprised of law enforcement officers from the Columbus Police Department and the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office.

Both Oats and Parker were transported to the Bartholomew County Jail where they were remanded on the following preliminary charges:

Edmarius Malik Oats -- Aggravated Battery and Criminal Recklessness with a Deadly Weapon

Alexander Isaiah Parker -- Aggravated Battery, Criminal Recklessness with a Deadly Weapon and Assisting a Criminal

Both subjects remain incarcerated. Additional charges are possible.

The following agencies assisted at the scene and/or with the investigation: Columbus Fire Department, Columbus Regional Health Paramedics, Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office, Indiana State Police, Indiana University Lifeline, Columbus Park and Recreation, Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, Franklin Police Department and the Bartholomew County Prosecutor’s Office.

Anyone with tips or information regarding the case should contact the Columbus Police Department at 812-376-2600.

A long-awaited, much needed repair of the steps in the front of the Shelby County Courthouse is being planned.

And some new lighting will give the courthouse more than one new look as well.

Shelby County Commissioner Kevin Nigh says they are in talks with a company in Bloomington that performs limestone repair to improve the failing steps on the front of the courthouse.

Nigh also notes special lighting will allow for varied colors to light up the structure.

The arrows on the pictured courthouse indicate how the lighting will be used in the new project.

The lighting project could be complete in time for the 4th of July.

Rushville police and the Rushville Animal Shelter have posted on social media about an investigation involving the dumping of dogs in Rushville and Decatur County.

Nine dogs were dumped at the Rushville city dog park sometime late Saturday night or early Sunday morning. The police are asking for the public’s help in locating the individual(s) responsible.

Rushville police ask if anyone lives in the area and has any form of security cameras that they please check them for anything that could help authorities.

Along with the dogs found in Rushville, 15 dogs were found at a dog park in Decatur County. Police noted that whoever is responsible cared enough to put them in locations that kept them contained but it’s still not acceptable.

Anonymous tips are always welcome and can be made directly to the Rushville Police Department.

The Indiana State Police are leading an investigation of an officer-involved shooting after assisting the Morristown Police Department on Monday.

About 4:30 p.m. Monday, the Indiana State Police was asked to assist the Morristown Police Department with a welfare check of an armed and delusional subject. The subject was reported to be driving a garbage truck and had recently made delusional statements to family members causing them to be concerned for his safety and the safety of the public.

Just before 5 p.m., Indiana State Police Sergeant Jonathan Haugh, a nine-year state police veteran, told dispatch via police radio that he had located the truck behind a gas station at 7805 Brookville Road in Indianapolis. Sergeant Haugh then reported shots fired.

Within minutes, other troopers were on scene and assisting Sgt. Haugh who was providing emergency life saving medical aid to the suspect.

One of the arriving troopers applied a tourniquet to the suspect and the three troopers continued medical aid until paramedics arrived. 

Preliminary investigation has determined Zachary Scifres, 30, of Indianapolis, had made delusional statements earlier in the day and concerned family members had requested the Morristown Police Department check on his welfare. Sgt. Haugh located Scifres on the southwest side of the Brookville Road gas station.

Scifres got out of the truck he was driving and began walking away. As Sgt.Haugh attempted to detain Scifres, Scifres physically resisted the detention and ran to the north side of the gas station. While running, Scifres pulled out a handgun and fired shots toward Haugh. The officer returned fire, striking Scifres.

Indiana State Police report that as Sgt. Haugh approached Scifres, who was on the ground, a second physical altercation ensued at which time Sgt. Haugh fired shots again. Scifres was handcuffed, then Sgt. Haugh immediately began emergency life saving medical aid. Scifres was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. Sergeant Haugh was not injured.

Haugh, who is assigned to the Indianapolis Post and serves as a supervisor, was not injured. He was on duty and in uniform at the time of the incident. He is equipped with a body-worn camera as well as a dash camera and both were activated upon his initial arrival at the gas station. Per Indiana State Police protocol, Haugh will be placed on administrative leave. 

The Indiana State Police is being assisted by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, the Morristown Police Department, ATF, the Marion County Prosecutor's Office and the Indianapolis Fire Department.

Linne’s Bakery and Café will be adding outdoor seating to its downtown Shelbyville establishment.

At Tuesday’s Board of Works meeting, the outdoor seating request was approved. Linne’s Bakery and Café, 115 S. Harrison St., is utilizing the Mainstreet Outdoor Amenities Grant to add outdoor furniture for patrons to use.

In other Board of Works business:

• Issued orders to appear for the owners of nuisance properties at 626 W. South St., 266 W. Taylor St., and 529 E. Jackson St.
• Approved a request from Rupert’s Kids to use the parking lot at 23 W. Jackson St. as a staging area on June 17 for an annual motorcycle ride.
• Discussed adding “blind pedestrian area” signs in the Clearview neighborhood. The board agreed to look further into where the signs needed to be placed to insure the safety of a blind pedestrian that walks the neighborhood.

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Each year, Dana Corporation awards its “Leveraging the Core” award to a supplier who displays excellence in supporting the key elements of Dana’s enterprise strategy.

PK U.S.A. is proud to be the 2022 recipient of this award.

“Dana continues to be one of our strongest customers. In order to ensure we serve their needs appropriately, PK U.S.A. advances manufacturing processes
and procedures to maintain the quality Dana trusts. We are proud to receive this award for 2022,” states Peter Sandström, President of PK U.S.A. in Shelbyville.

“Even through the challenges posed on our associates and facilities the past several years, quality remained at the core of our business practices, and there is no better way to celebrate our hard work and successes than through this award from Dana,” remarks Bill Kent, Vice President of Corporate Relations.

PK U.S.A. will be honored at the Dana Corporation headquarters in Maumee, Ohio, later this spring.

Honda recognized Ryobi Die Casting (USA), Inc. as a 2022 recipient for its Excellence in Delivery and Quality award.

Honda recently celebrated honorees at its annual Supplier Conference event in Columbus, Ohio.

Honda’s Excellence in Delivery and Quality award honored North American suppliers for outstanding performance in supplying the company with parts and materials during 2022. Last year was especially challenging in the face of critical supply issues, logistics and transportation disruptions, weather impacts and workforce issues.

This is the fifth time in the last six years Ryobi has received the award. 

Ryobi is very honored and thankful to again receive this distinguished award and to be recognized as a top 5% supplier in Honda’s excellent supply base. Honda’s recognition of Ryobi under such challenging supply chain conditions is a true testament of the resolve and steadfast commitment of each and everyone of our associates, states Ryan Willhelm, President & Chief Operating Officer.

Honda has recognized its suppliers with awards for over 35 years during its annual Honda Supplier Conference, which returned to an in-person event this year in Columbus, Ohio, for the first time since 2019.

"The success of our journey to tomorrow must travel along a road of collaboration and communication between Honda and our suppliers,” said Mike Lapham, general manager of procurement at Honda Development and Manufacturing of America. “As we prepare for our transition to electrification, our future success remains tied to the production of our current products to take care of our Honda and Acura customers and fuel our investment in our electrified and digital future.”

Indiana health officials are urging Hoosiers to protect themselves from tick bites during and after spending time outdoors to protect themselves from tick-borne diseases.

“Even though we’ve had a cool, wet spring, ticks are already out and looking for their next meal,” said State Public Health Veterinarian Jen Brown, D.V.M., M.P.H. “The risk for tick-borne disease is at its highest for the next few months, so we want Hoosiers to protect themselves by taking precautions against tick bites.”

While Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease in Indiana, Hoosiers are also at risk for other tick-borne diseases, including ehrlichiosis and spotted fever group rickettsiosis (a group of diseases that includes Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever). While the risk for Lyme disease is highest in northwest Indiana and the risk for ehrlichiosis is highest in southern Indiana, ticks that carry these diseases have been found throughout the state. All Hoosiers should take precautions to prevent tick bites from early spring through late fall, when ticks are most active.

Preventing tick bites is the best way to prevent tick-borne diseases. Hoosiers can take the following precautions to prevent tick bites:

• Know where ticks are likely to be present (close to the ground in grassy, brushy or wooded areas)
• Treat boots, clothing and outdoor gear with 0.5% permethrin (NOTE: permethrin should NOT be used on bare skin)
• Use EPA-registered insect repellents with active ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD) or 2-undecanone
• Treat your pets for ticks in consultation with a veterinarian.

Once indoors, people should thoroughly check for ticks on clothing, gear, pets and skin. Tumbling clothes in the dryer on high heat for 30 minutes will kill ticks, and showering can help remove any unattached ticks.

“Tick checks are an essential part of preventing tick-borne diseases. Promptly removing an attached tick can prevent you from becoming sick in some cases,” Brown said.

Ticks may be safely removed by using tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin and then pulling outward with steady and even pressure. After the tick is removed, the area should be washed thoroughly. Ticks should never be crushed with the fingernails.

If desired, an attached tick that has been removed may be saved in a sealed bag or container of alcohol for later inspection in case the person or pet becomes ill. Alternatively, ticks may be flushed down the toilet or wrapped tightly in tape and thrown in the trash. Testing ticks to see if they are carrying diseases is not generally recommended, as the information cannot reliably be used to predict whether disease transmission occurred.

Anyone who becomes ill after finding an attached tick should see a healthcare provider immediately and alert the provider to the exposure. Most tick-borne diseases can be treated with antibiotics, and prompt diagnosis can help prevent complications.

For more information about ticks and how to prevent the diseases they carry, see the IDOH website at http://www.in.gov/isdh/20491.htm. 

A juvenile student has been arrested in Rush County for creating a false rumor about a student bringing a gun to school.

The allegation, which the Rush County Sheriff’s Department said “had no foundation in reality,” led to about half of the students being absent Tuesday at Rushville Consolidated High School and Benjamin Rush Middle School.

The rumor was posted by one student and named another student as the one responsible for the alleged gun. It stated that there would be "bloodshed on Tuesday.”

School personnel and local law enforcement took the threat seriously and investigated. They found that the student who was the alleged person in the false rumor, and the student’s family, were subjected to harassment in various forms. The Rush County Sheriff’s Department says the student and family were cooperative and understanding throughout the investigation.

The arrested student is a juvenile and will not be identified. The student will face criminal charges.

“The safety of our community and our schools is of the utmost importance. False rumors of a school shooting are not only irresponsible, but they are also illegal,” said Sheriff Alan Rice. “We will not tolerate this kind of behavior. We will take all necessary steps to ensure our schools remain safe and secure.”