Indiana residents across the state are invited to attend one or more of a series of public meetings on Aug. 6, Aug. 7 and Aug. 11 to provide feedback on Indiana’s redistricting process.

The Indiana General Assembly is required to redraw Indiana’s districts for the U.S. House of Representatives, the Indiana House of Representatives and Indiana Senate following the nationwide census every 10 years.

Public meetings will be held Aug. 6 at Ivy Tech campuses in Lafayette (10 a.m. to noon), Valparaiso (3 to 5 p.m. CST), Anderson (10 a.m. to noon) and Columbus (4 to 6 p.m.).

On Aug. 7, meetings will be held on Ivy Tech campuses in Fort Wayne (10 a.m. to noon), Elkhart (4 to 6 p.m.), Evansville (9 to 11 a.m. CST) and Sellersburg (4 to 6 p.m.)

On Aug. 11, a final public meeting will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. in the House Chamber at the Indiana Statehouse.

Campus meeting room information will be updated as it is available on the Indiana General Assembly’s website at iga.in.gov.

All meetings will be livestreamed and archived at iga.in.gov.

Cooler weather is in the forecast for this weekend and the coming week.  Certainly, calmer weather is anticipated compared to Thursday night in Shelbyville and Shelby County.

Emergency Management Director Ryan Hansome is out today looking at and recording more damage reports from Thursday evening's system that sparked a funnel cloud and (waiting for the official word from the National Weather Service) tornado damage.

Hansome says they sent up the department's drone at 250 East and 300 South.

He says flash flooding also was a concern Thursday at the height of the storms impact.

The Shelbyville Parks and Recreation Department has lost three programs to the newly-opened YMCA in Shelbyville.

Parks department director Karen Martin informed the parks board Wednesday that Karate, Zumba and Water Aerobics are no longer offered by the city entity.

“I want to be a good partner with the YMCA. I worked at a ‘Y’ for 10 years,” said Martin after the board meeting. “I think we can be good partners. I don’t think they meant to intentionally take those programs. I’m not upset. I know those are programs we have lost. They were small programs to us. I’m sure there are other programs we can put in to replace those.”

Both Karate and Zumba were run by outside instructors utilizing parks department space. Water Aerobics was held at Shelbyville High School’s swimming pool.

“Water Aerobics was the only one we did in house but we had to do it at the high school, so we had to pay to utilize the facility,” said Martin.

Through years of master planning, a facility like a YMCA was consistently asked for by community members. That became a reality Monday when a new YMCA attached to the Major Health Partners’ Wellness Center officially opened its doors.

“Even when we did our master plans, a community facility kept coming up, whether it was for the parks department or someone else,” said Martin. “We can’t do it all. I think (having the YMCA) just moves our community forward that much more. I think it’s a win-win for everyone, if we look at it that way.”

Summer camp programs are wrapping up and the Meridian Park Family Aquatic Center, which did not open in the summer of 2020 due to the pandemic, has three weekends left to be open in 2021.

Martin beamed when asked about the return of the summer camp program, also a COVID-19 casualty in 2020, and the community use of the aquatic center.

“It’s been wonderful,” she said. “Just the number of people utilizing the pool and the number of people wanting to be in our camps and our programs, and the people utilizing the parks and shelters, it seems like it grew from before COVID because people are wanting to get out and enjoy things, like people on the trails.

“It’s been so nice to see people be able to enjoy themselves and relieve some stress. It’s been great to see the smiles. That’s what we’re all about – family togetherness, the smiles and giving people the opportunities to do things they want to do.”

In other business, the board was informed it was time to look at new projects associated with Recreational Impact Fees. Each new housing unit built in Shelbyville must pay an impact fee – currently approximately $1,020 – to assist with maintaining and expanding parks.

With several new housing additions either under construction or nearing the construction phase, the impact fee could generate as much as $500,000 over the next several years.

The parks department must have identified needs listed in order to utilize the impact fees, according to Martin.

Also, the berm is finished at Blue River Memorial Park and needs to be seeded with grass to finish it up. The berm was built with the goal of adding an amphitheater to the park in the future.

There are currently no design plans in place for an amphitheater, confirmed parks board president Gary Nolley.

Grounded in uncertainty, local educators returned to their school buildings for the start of the 2020-2021 school year with harrowing feelings.

The COVID-19 pandemic closed schools in March of 2020 forcing the final two months to be completed virtually, a time-consuming task of building lessons plans that were easy to follow through an online setting.

“The pivot was awkward at first because we thought it was just for a couple of weeks,” said Loper Elementary School fourth grade teacher Teresa Meredith. “There was this big question mark – nobody knew, but we had a feeling. For a couple of weeks, we could coast through and do reviews and we had things we could build online.

“Then we got through a couple of weeks and realized it’s going on longer. That’s when we felt we couldn’t just do a review, we had to do more in-depth content. And how are we going to do that? So we recorded some different things. Even then, it’s not the same.”

Getting educational content online and scheduling Zoom classroom meetings did not prove difficult. Tracking down students who lacked supervision or a complete lack of internet connectivity was a challenge.

“We had a hard time getting all the kids online,” said Meredith, who will start her third year back at Loper Elementary on Aug. 4 following a six-year run as the president of the Indiana State Teachers Association. “I had a little over 60% consistently turning in everything. They might not have been on every Zoom, understandable with parents working or at a babysitter or outside playing or no Wi-Fi … so if I had a live lesson I tried to record it and share it but that other 20-30% of kids you had to chase down and see what is going on and try to get assignments out of was tough.”

While students were assigned to one teacher, lessons were put online by all the teachers for each grade. That meant students had to take daily instruction from a teacher they did not have a day-to-day relationship with at school.

“It was hard for kids too because they didn’t know all the teachers,” said Meredith. “We rotated so the kids knew at least 2-3 of us but if you don’t know a teacher’s style, it’s different. It took a little bit for the kids to adjust, but they probably adjusted quicker than we did.”

A summer of uncertainty followed. All four school systems in Shelby County returned to the classroom setting for the 2020-2021 school year but masks were required to be worn at almost all times and social distancing was difficult when class sizes swelled (William F. Loper Elementary Facebook page photo).

“The hard part for me was I had 28 kids so my desks were not very far apart … they were as far apart as I could make them,” said Meredith. “I couldn’t group the desks like I like to do. I like to put them in pods of four, then there is teamwork. My room was wall-to-wall desks.”

Then there was the constant reminder to pre-teens to keep masks covering their noses and mouths.

“I was pretty strict on masks that first month and then after that they kind of policed it for me,” continued Meredith. “And for the most part, I had no problems. But I took my kids outside a lot for mask breaks. I told them if they get 1-2-3 done, when everybody is done, we would go outside for a 3-minute mask break.”

The veteran teacher found it effective in relieving some stress on fourth graders.

“We could come back in and get to work,” she said. “Kids are pretty resilient, at least in fourth grade. The hardest part for me was not being able to gather a group of kids together and work closely with them. That was really hard. I would sit beside them, we both would face the same way, masked up and we would work 1-on-1. I didn’t do small groups.”

Photo courtesy of Thomas A. Hendricks Elementary Facebook page

The 2021-2022 school year will start without masks being required on campus. Each school system remains in full assessment mode as to what worked and what didn’t work in 2020-2021.

“We made it work. It wasn’t great but I think (the students) learned a lot of lessons,” said Meredith. “They may not have been all tested lessons but I think they learned a lot of lessons about just surviving and patience and trying to trust the adults around them even if they couldn’t understand why.”

Virtual learning is now a growing trend, one sped up at the local level because of the pandemic. Shelbyville Central Schools will operate its own virtual school in 2021-2022 while still maintaining the traditional classroom setting for a majority of its student body.

“We have learned how to do virtual better,” admitted Meredith Hall, music teacher at Coulston Elementary School and president of the Shelbyville Central Teachers Association. “We will have a virtual option this year for our kids. There are new platforms out that are really great and will be helpful for parents. If we are going to do virtual learning, we will do it the best we possibly can and hopefully better than anyone else.”

While masks were an annoying inconvenience, there was a positive that came from keeping faces covered more often.

“One thing I did notice, flu and asthma and those things, I had no issues this past year,” said Teresa Meredith. “This is the first school year I personally haven’t had major asthma issues in probably my entire teaching career.”

Meredith admits she was not a big fan of hand sanitizer in the classroom pre-pandemic, but that has changed now.

“I will probably keep the hand sanitizer on my desk,” she said. “I used to not be a big fan but I’m probably going to make sure they are using the Purell in and out and keep some of the cleaning practices (instituted).

“We were cleaning desks every time we would transition. So if we are leaving to a specials class, when we came back I would have all the desks sprayed and they would grab a towel and clean off their desk. I will keep some of that up for 2021-2022.”

While the return-to-school policy is set, COVID-19 cases are on the rise again. How the students sit in class on day one may be different on days 21, 50 and 100.

“I think we’re hoping we will be able to get back to more of what we used to do,” said Hall. “They (the teachers) want to know are they going to have to wear masks. They want to know protocols about quarantining. Everyone wants to know what is going to happen. But I think we have a pretty good plan.”

The suspect who was shot and seriously injured by a Columbus police officer on June 27 was recently released from an Indianapolis area hospital.  Upon being released, he was arrested for attempted murder and other charges related to the incident.

The investigation by detectives with the Indiana State Police - Versailles Post determined that in the early morning hours of Sunday June 27, Sergeant Lukas Nibarger, a seven-year veteran of the Columbus Police Department, responded to a residence in the 3000 block of Grove Parkway to investigate a suspicious person on the property. Upon arriving, he encountered a man later identified as Jacob Dale Rice, 38, of Columbus. Rice ignored the officers verbal commands and attempted to flee on foot. Sgt. Nibarger chased Rice into the backyard of the residence where he again gave verbal commands in an attempt to detain Rice. Investigators believe Rice fired one round from a firearm in the direction of Sgt. Nibarger. Sgt. Nibarger was not struck and was able to return fire with his department issued handgun striking Rice one time.

Sgt. Nibarger called for an ambulance, which arrived within minutes and was able to provide medical attention to Rice. Rice was transported to the Columbus Municipal Airport where a medical helicopter was waiting to transport him to IU Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis for treatment of serious injuries.

The investigation revealed that Rice had stolen the firearm used in the shooting from a vehicle in the Columbus area before his interaction with Sgt. Nibarger. Investigators do not believe Rice was able to make entry into the residence before being confronted by Sgt. Nibarger

Rice was released from IU Methodist Hospital on July 19.  Upon being released from the hospital, he was taken into custody on arrest warrants from an unrelated case and transported to the Bartholomew County Jail.  Shortly after being incarcerated, an arrest warrant was issued for Rice with charges related to this case.  Rice has now been charged with Attempted Murder, Level 1 Felony, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon, Level 4 Felony, Criminal Recklessness with a Deadly Weapon, Level 6 Felony, Theft of a Firearm, Level 6 Felony, and Theft of Property (over $750), Level 6 Felony.

Jacob Rice was incarcerated pending his initial appearance in the Bartholomew County Circuit Court.

With the deep-rooted belief than in-class learning was best for Triton Central’s students, Northwestern Consolidated Schools board opted not to offer virtual learning at the start of the 2020-2021 school year.

One year later, superintendent Chris Hoke firmly believes it was the right decision.

“We had discussions about do we come back in person or try to do the virtual,” explained Hoke. “Obviously, we did in-person on campus. We believe philosophically that is what’s best for kids academically, socially and emotionally. And if you wanted that virtual piece, there were options out there.”

Virtual learning was available for those students diagnosed with COVID-19 or quarantined via contact tracing. Otherwise, all three TC buildings were filled with students for the entire 2020-21 school year.

“We’ve talked about we are a business. We offer a product and that product is an educational experience,” continued Hoke. “Our product we offer is rooted in the experience here on campus. You can’t be here unless you are here. From an academic standpoint, we knew that is sound structurally. We came to a fairly quick decision in the summer leading into August that we were going to focus our time and energy on what we have to do to get back here in person safely, reliably and deliver the product we know we’re good at.”

In a smaller school system like Triton Central, offering both in-person learning and virtual learning simultaneously was too much to ask of its teaching staff.

“I believe and the team believes, and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that looking back, if we had tried to two track that our staff would have been worn out,” said Hoke. “It would have essentially doubled their work load. I didn’t think that was fair. I knew we would end up doing both things not very well.”

Hoke was reluctant to operate virtually in the spring of 2020 when the pandemic exploded across the United States but there was no other option.

“We knew we could make the 1-to-1 e-Learning stuff we do for inclement weather work in the short term,” he said. “We knew even back then this isn’t a long term solution. This isn’t best for kids in the long term.”

The transition to virtual learning went smoothly for the school system, according to Hoke, but it learned quickly just how many students did not have internet access at home.

“It was less a transition but that’s not to say it wasn’t anything,” said Hoke. “There was less ramp up there. The thing that became really evident is there are some real glaring deficiencies in the community with regard to connectivity. There were dark spots.

“We are 15-20 minutes from the heart of the state capitol yet there are areas that flat don’t have connectivity. I know the state is working hard to address that. To me, that is almost unimaginable in 2021 and 2022.”

Students found alternative ways to get internet access despite being banned from campus because of the pandemic.

“We had a lot of people doing homework from Starbucks or an aunt’s house or grandma’s house,” he said. “That summer going into the fall when we knew we were going to be back, we were game planning for what if we had to go out again.”

The campus now has one of the strongest internet signals in the area.

“We beefed up on campus,” said Hoke. “Some of the strongest internet signal around is by the flagpole in front of the high school. The local network here on campus is pretty good.”

Through early fall testing, data revealed TC students were still in good shape educationally despite virtual learning for the final two months of the 2019-2020 semester.

“There were differences between English and Math,” said Hoke. “They didn’t lose as much in English as they did in Math. There are a couple of ways to look at that.

“Outside of school, people don’t do math problems, but you do read. If they are on a device, kids are reading. They do that on their own away from school. Not many people on their own do math problems away from school. So our kids were getting some practice in reading on their own.”

While state leaders don’t want to admit the last two months of the school year are not about learning, Hoke says the impact of the pandemic was lessened by the time of the year.

“The last half of the spring semester in this state is so fixed on state assessments that there is not a tremendous amount of hard core instruction going on at that point and time anyway,” he said. “That is not what folks at the state level want to hear but the truth of the matter is after spring break, we’re testing and then getting ready for the end of the school year. So if you wanted to pick a time of the school year to put school out, honestly that is probably the best time you could pick to have the minimum impact educationally because all we’re doing is testing and getting done with the end of the school year.”

It is Hoke’s belief that the school system’s decision to operate in-person for the 2020-2021 school year was a good one based on the testing scores.

“We didn’t see as much loss in the pandemic because we were here,” he said. “That validates the decision we made from an academic standpoint and that doesn’t even touch all the social and emotional pieces.”

After a long 16-month experience with a pandemic, the school system’s teachers and staff were ready for a break.

“They were tired and wiped out. It was stressful,” said Hoke when asked about his teaching staff. “On one hand, they had their own personal health and the loved ones in their lives that they were around and were exposed to, and then they were worried about doing their job and doing it well. They were tired. We were all tired. They needed time away. They needed a break this summer. They did an unbelievable job but they were gassed. We were on fumes at the end.”

Hoke has already started seeing teachers on campus again preparing for the new school year that starts Aug. 3.

“I think there is some anxiety about how (the summer break) went so fast,” he said with a laugh. “They have been in and out all week getting rooms ready. When I talk to them, they are ready to go back. It’s time. And if they have their own children, they are ready for their kids to be back.”

As with all of the Shelby County school districts, masks will be optional to start the school year. Students will still be required to wear them on buses per federal mandate that runs through mid-September.

“I am excited to get back to something that closely resembles normal,” said Hoke. “We had a really good experience last year. We were really fortunate. The kids were great and the staff was unbelievable.”

Shelby County’s highway garage and jail will get a review by an architectural and design firm to set the direction and needs of the two facilities.

Commissioner Chris Ross says the Indianapolis firm will look at how to progress with the highway garage and the city / county combination effort in dealing with the solid waste district building design and transfer station.

Ross says revamping the entire highway garage area means a lot of moving parts.

Ross says DLZ will also give attention to the Shelby County Jail which is getting older and has had its issues since opening.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Department and Shelbyville Police Department both share office space in the facility.  Ross says plans are being talked for what could be a relocation in the future for the city’s police department.

Following the recommendation of City of Shelbyville Police Chief Mark Weidner, the Board of Works approved changing the speed limit on a stretch of Bassett Road that is seeing increased traffic activity.

Discussion with residents of Country Club Heights and Trotters Chase prompted the Board of Works to ask the police chief for a recommendation. After assessing the situation, Weidner presented his plan Tuesday morning of lowering the current posted speed limit of 40 miles per hour to 30 mph on Bassett Road from State Road 9 to Intelliplex Drive.

The remainder of Bassett Road to Michigan Road would remain 40 mph.

The police chief also recommended posting “No trucks” signs (photo) at both ends of Bassett Road.

Grain haulers have increasingly started using Bassett Road to Michigan Road to get access to POET’s ethanol refinery at 2373 W. 300 North. Michigan Road is being damaged by the trucks, according to Mayor Tom DeBaun, who is a member of the Board of Works.

Trucks should use Interstate 74 to Fairland Road where Tom Hession Boulevard can be utilized to reach POET.

“I have met with the Shelby County Commissioners and let them know we are taking over supervision, maintenance and enforcement along Bassett Road,” said DeBaun in the meeting.

Major Health Partners Medical Center will not be impacted by the decision. Truck deliveries to the hospital and its surrounding buildings use Intelliplex Drive off State Road 9.

In other board business, five nuisance properties were ordered to be cleaned up and the cost assessed to property taxes. The properties are at 52 Mildred St., 717 2^nd St., 836 Center St., 554 W. Taylor St., and 1020 S. West St.

The owners of three more nuisance properties will be given “Orders to Appear” at a future meeting. The properties are at 153 Walker St., 917 Moriseni Avenue, and 702 Indiana Avenue.

For more on the traffic light control box art projects, go to https://shelbycountypost.com/local-news/576661

Also, the board approved, pending approval of the Plan Commission, the installation of an informational sign by the Blue River Community Foundation at the corner of Mechanic and Harrison streets.

The sign will provide information on the traffic box wrap created by Loper Elementary School art teacher Eric Sutton. The wrap adorns the large traffic box at the intersection.

The foundation expects to start decorating 10 more traffic boxes around Shelbyville with new art designs as soon as next week.

The signs will include the artist’s name, the date installed and how each particular project was funded.

Rezones involving a gravel / sand mining operation and a proposed warehouse are before the Shelby County Plan Commission Tuesday.

Shelby Gravel, Inc. has a reqone request on the agenda for just over 254 acres.  The request asks for a rezone from A1 (Conservation Agricultural) to HI (High Impact) District.  It's intended to allow for a gravel / sand mining operation at the southwest corner of I-65 and West 1000 South, Edinburgh, in Jackson Township.

The warehouse project is proposed by Browning Investments, of Indianapolis.  Browning is requesting a rezone of just over 56 acres from A1 (Conservation Agricultural) to the I1 (Low Intensity Industrial).  The location is 9175 North Frontage Road, Fairland, in Moral Township.

The Shelby County Plan Commission is scheduled to meet at 7:00 pm Tuesday

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has issued an Air Quality Action Day (AQAD) and is forecasting high ozone levels for Tuesday, July 27, 2021, in the following regions:

• Central Indiana – Marion, Bartholomew, Boone, Brown, Delaware, Hamilton, Hendricks, Howard, Madison, Shelby 
• 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 while remaining safe during the COVID-19 health crisis 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.

To learn more about ozone or to sign up for air quality alerts, visit SmogWatch.IN.gov. 

An Indianapolis woman was killed in an I-74 chain reaction accident Saturday.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Department says Shawn Waggoner, of Freetown, was driving a semi eastbound on I-74 at about the 105 mile marker.  Waggoner’s semi ran into a vehicle stopped in traffic with the construction.  That vehicle was driven by William Gibbs, of Indianapolis.  A passenger in the Gibbs’ vehicle, Jacquelin Jones-Gibbs, 66, of Indianapolis, died of her injuries at an Indianapolis hospital.

Six vehicles were involved in the crash which closed the interstate while emergency and clean-up crews were at the location.

Scott McClelland was one of 14 men and women inducted Saturday night into the Delaware County Athletic Hall of Fame.

The current boys basketball coach at Noblesville High School led Morristown High School in northern Shelby County to the 2018 Class A boys basketball state championship.

McClelland (photo, right) is a Yorktown High School graduate who played one year of college basketball at Ancilla College before transferring to Ball State University to pursue his teaching license.

His coaching career started at his alma mater where he served as a girls basketball assistant coach for three years. He left Yorktown in 1998 to become Wapahani’s girls basketball coach. In 1999 he was named the Mid-Eastern Conference Coach of the Year.

McClelland’s boys basketball coaching career began with stints as an assistant coach at Blue River Valley, Cathedral and Scecina.

In August of 2008, he was hired as Morristown’s boys basketball coach for his first of two runs with the Class A program.

After tremendous success over seven seasons, McClelland left Morristown for the head coaching position at Brebeuf Jesuit on Indianapolis’ north side. He spent two seasons there before moving on to Western Boone, where he secured career win No. 100 during his three-year stint.

In 2015, McClelland returned to Morristown and built the program into a state champion. He was named the 2018 Indiana Basketball Coaches Association District 8 Coach of the Year.

In 18 seasons as a head coach, McClelland is 246-169.

The 2021 induction class also included Ernest Young, Kim Worrell, Naomi “Mia” Tabberson, Jill (Miller) McCarville, Connie (Bousman) Lyon, Brad Kinsey, Steve Kehoe, Doug Kehoe, Davyd Jones, Greg Heban, Sacha (Gill) Burkett, Shannon McCormick II, Amanda (McCormick) Stafford and Chase Wright.

Shelbyville Central Schools superintendent Mary Harper believes the school system is in a better place following one of the toughest school years in many decades.

“We are in a really good place because we opened on time last year,” said Harper. “We were on site and I think we worked out a lot of the bugs in terms of COVID protocols.

“I think our students and staff were very diligent about following those protocols and making sure we were able to stay on site.”

Shelbyville elementary and middle school students were in the classroom the entire 2020-2021 school year, with the exception of a COVID-19 diagnosis or close contact tracing.

Shelbyville High School students endured a mid-year, three-week hybrid period that helped remind staff and students about the diligence of wearing masks and social distancing.

The 2021-2022 school year will appear more normal on the surface. Masks will be optional in school for staff and students, but may be required for smaller group settings.

“Our cleaning protocols will remain the same,” said Harper. “Our class sizes at the elementary school are being kept low. Students can hopefully social distance by the three feet (required). But if people feel more comfortable in masks, we will have them available for both students and staff.”

New this school year will be visitors, such as parents eating lunch with elementary students, returning to the buildings.

“We are excited to start letting visitors back in our buildings,” she said. “We will do Back to School Night. People need to take whatever precautions they feel they need to take individually. We will have masks available if people feel more comfortable with that.”

Students will still be required to wear masks on school buses until mid-September when a federal mandate either expires or is renewed.

Virtual learning is still an option. In fact, SCS will open its own virtual school next month for students wanting to continue that educational track.

“When we decided to do the virtual school, we looked at our numbers and saw how many were successful in that program,” said Harper. “It wasn’t the virtual program we did in the spring (of 2020). It is a quality virtual program.

“And if that was going to be an option for people living in Shelbyville and Shelby County, if they didn’t have to drive to Indianapolis or Columbus, and we could offer that program here, we felt like we could do it just as good as anyone else could do it.”

The virtual option was not looked upon as a viable model nearly 18 months ago when a pandemic swept the globe. Every school system was forced to reevaluate how to successfully educate students.

“Surprisingly, it went as smooth as it could go,” said Harper of the transition to virtual learning in March of 2020. “There were challenges for every district in the nation. No one had prepared to do an extended period of virtual instruction. Teachers got right on board right away.

“More of the challenges came from the homefront where parents and guardians and relatives and babysitters were having to help with the instruction, especially with the preschoolers and elementary students. “And that was time intensive for them, especially if they were an essential worker and had to go to work and come home and work with the kids.”

Shelbyville Middle School

SCS opened its building doors in August of 2020 with no idea what the school year would entail.

“It was an anxious time for students, parents and staff,” said Harper. “I have to compliment our staff because they wanted to be on site, they knew it was in the best interest of the students but I also knew they were going to be sitting in a classroom with 20 kids.

“I think once we got going, things went really well. We were very transparent when we had positive (COVID-19) cases in the buildings. We didn’t try to hide it. We notified staff. We notified parents. I don’t think we had as many positive cases as people were expecting.”

Harper admits the bigger issue was close contact tracing that kept students at home.

“We had a lot of students identified as close contacts, but the vast majority of those were from a family member at home,” she said. “And I know that was difficult for students to have to quarantine and try and stay current with what’s happening in the classroom, but our teachers were good about connecting with those kids. I think it went well. Once we got through that (hybrid period) at the high school, we tried as much to be at our new normal.”

Like the other school systems in Shelby County, SCS is monitoring post-COVID testing data to see how virtual learning has affected local students.

“There was a slight drop off, probably more in the language arts area than the math,” said Harper. “I think that students came back ready to learn. We put some interventions in place right away and will continue those interventions.

“I think the gains we saw from August until December were good gains. I think kids learn so much faster and it’s easier when they are at school and focused.”

With contact tracing and constant protocol shifting, teachers were put through a very difficult school year.

“I really tried to stay in communication with them. We have a great relationship with the (teachers) association,” said Harper. “We heard on the news how many students were not in session all year, and there is even talk of some schools not opening on sight for this upcoming school year. Our teachers were really supportive that knowing that the best learning for the majority of our students is in person.”

The end of the school year meant teachers could finally relax. The summer of 2020 was filled with uncertainty. The summer of 2021 came with more defined protocols in place for teachers to follow.

“We do lots of professional development in the summer with teachers and I told assistant superintendent Kathleen Miltz that this might be the summer people want to back off a little bit, and that wasn’t the case,” said Harper. “We have teachers that still wanted to participate in professional development that was on site.”

With only days left until the start of the 2021-2022 school year, Harper hopes teachers feel renewed as they return to the classroom.

“I hope that teachers, all of our staff, took some time to decompress,” she said. “It was a stressful year.”

An Ohio man was arrested following a pursuit from Decatur into Bartholomew counties.

About 10:00 pm Wednesday, the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s deputies received information that the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office was in a vehicle pursuit west on East SR 46 from the Bartholomew / Decatur County line.

The suspect vehicle was traveling west on East 25^th Street from the junction of North SR 9 and E SR 46.  BCSO Deputy Grant Carlson deployed stop sticks in the 6100 block of E 25^th Street which caused two tires to deflate and the vehicle’s speed to drop to around 40 mph.

The suspect later turned into the parking lot of Planet Fitness before crashing into a raised concrete curb in the Subway drive thru.  The driver, identified as Wade Bruffett, 44, Harrison, Ohio, was taken into custody without further incident.

Deputies located containers of alcohol and drug-related items inside Bruffett’s vehicle.  It is suspected that Bruffett was intoxicated during the incident.

The investigation is ongoing by the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office.

Hoosiers are invited to attend one or more of a series of public meetings across the state on August 6 - 7 and August 11 to provide feedback on Indiana's redistricting process.

Indiana is required to redraw its districts for the U.S. House of Representatives, the Indiana House of Representatives and Indiana Senate following the nationwide census every 10 years. Before legislators are expected to return to the Statehouse in mid-to-late September to redraw the district boundaries, public meetings will be held in each of Indiana's nine congressional districts. The meetings will be grouped into geographic areas, including north, south and central.

The northern group meetings will be in Lafayette and Valparaiso on Friday, Aug. 6 and in Fort Wayne and Elkhart on Saturday, Aug. 7. In addition, the southern group will host meetings in Anderson and Columbus on Friday, Aug. 6 and Evansville and Sellersburg on Saturday, Aug. 7. The central meeting will held in Indianapolis on Wednesday, Aug. 11

State Rep. Tim Wesco (R-Osceola), chair of the House Committee on Elections and Apportionment, will chair the redistricting meetings in the north, and State Sen. Jon Ford (R-Terre Haute), chair of the Senate Committee on Elections, will chair the meetings in the south. Wesco and Ford are expected to co-chair the central Indiana meeting.

"We look forward to hosting these important meetings across the state to hear directly from the public on Indiana's redistricting process," Wesco said. "Hoosiers can be confident that we'll continue to meet all of our statutory and constitutional requirements."

"Public input on redistricting is extremely important to the map-drawing process," Ford said. "We look forward to hearing from Hoosiers from all over Indiana during these meetings."

Below is the complete schedule of public meetings regarding redistricting:

• North – Friday, Aug. 6 and Saturday, Aug. 7 at the following Ivy Tech campuses:
  Lafayette | 10 a.m. to noon Friday, Aug. 6
  Valparaiso | 3-5 p.m. CDT Friday, Aug. 6
  Fort Wayne | 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 7
  Elkhart | 4-6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7
• South – Friday, Aug. 6 and Saturday, Aug. 7 at the following Ivy Tech campuses:
  Anderson | 10 a.m. to noon Friday, Aug. 6
  Columbus | 4-6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 6
  Evansville | 9-11 a.m. CDT Saturday, Aug. 7
  Sellersburg | 4-6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7

• Central – Wednesday, Aug. 11 at the Statehouse

Indianapolis | 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 11 in the House Chamber at the Indiana Statehouse

Campus meeting room information will be updated as it's available on the Indiana General Assembly's website at iga.in.gov. Meetings will be livestreamed and archived at iga.in.gov.

Census data is delayed due to the pandemic, but is expected to arrive on Aug. 16. Wesco and Ford said an online portal with mapping software will be launched in late August that will allow the public to draw and submit their own maps for consideration.

Shelbyville High School strength and conditioning coach Royce Carlton could hardly contain his excitement when asked about the school system’s commitment to building a new weight room.

“It doesn’t happen often where you get to design your own weight room,” said Carlton, who also serves as Shelbyville’s varsity baseball coach. “It is a unique experience to go through the whole planning process and plan for what we will need 10-20 years down the road.”

Shelbyville Central Schools expects to break ground in August for an 8,000 square foot weight room – four times as large as the current one.

“It will be in the upper echelon of Indiana high school weight rooms, especially (for a school) our size,” said Carlton.

The new facility will be located along the west side of the auxiliary gymnasium and is expected to be completed in March of 2022.

“For the size of our school and the number of students that use it during the day and after school, (the current weight room) just wasn’t big enough and pretty outdated,” said SCS superintendent Mary Harper. “It was something on the radar and the school board decided to push up that project.”

The current weight room’s 2,000 square feet will get a makeover and become additional workout and injury rehabilitation space.

“We want to keep the old weight room to have enough area for staff members to work out on cardio equipment and have a rehab area for (trainer) Chasity Wilson and add general (physical education classes) in there,” said Carlton. “It will be a nice relaxing environment that is not big and intimidating.”

Once Carlton learned of the project, he pulled information from various high school and collegiate weight rooms in an effort to make the environment special.

Royce Carlton

“I’ve traveled all around at the collegiate level from IU, Notre Dame and Alabama,” he said. “I’ve toured a lot of our conference schools to see what worked and what doesn’t work. I’ve been to Ben Davis and Noblesville to see what works for big schools and then I’ve taken everything and thrown it at a wall to see what stuck out in my mind.”

The inefficiency of the current weight room has been a challenge since day one for Carlton.

“You put 40 kids in the current weight room and it’s not very efficient,” he said. “I’ve changed (the layout) 3-4 times to make it more efficient.”

With help from athletic director Jenny DeMuth Hensley and assistant superintendent Kathleen Miltz, Carlton was able to make a presentation to the school board that was well received.

“It was intimidating but I think the presentation opened some eyes,” said Carlton. “(The project) moved a lot faster than anyone anticipated.”

Carlton estimates Shelbyville High School’s weight room ranks near the bottom of the eight Hoosier Heritage Conference schools.

“With the new equipment, layout and the technology, I will put this weight room up against anybody in the conference,” he said. “It will be top notch. I guarantee that.”

Harper confirmed that HVAC work will be completed in the old weight room as well as the current wrestling room. The flooring also will be replaced in both rooms.

In other SCS project news, Shelbyville Middle School will finally be rid of its troublesome swimming pool in 2022, according to Harper. The pool was shuttered once the renovation of the high school swimming facility was completed.

“We started having issues (with the middle school pool) several years ago, and when we built the new high school pool, the board decided it was advantageous to have one pool in the district,” said Harper. “We were putting a lot of money into it and couldn’t sustain it.”

The middle school pool area will become a multi-purpose room to be used for athletics, performing arts and science classes, according to Harper.

“It will be a big space where students can go and use for a variety of different reasons,” she said. “That project is slated to include an elevator to the upstairs gymnasium. Right now, it’s really difficult to use that space because it is not handicap accessible.

“That will make it an additional space that can be used, whether for band or performing arts or another athletic space. At least it will be used a little more than it is being used right now.”

Renovation work on Coulston Elementary School and Loper Elementary School will start in 2022 and last approximately 18 months.

“We are excited about that,” said Harper. “That will start probably in March or April. The principals are already looking at classrooms to shuffle kids.

“That will be probably an 18-month process because they will be doing it in steps. They will do a portion of a wing and then move the kids back in there and then start on another portion, and hopefully do as much as they can in the summer.”

Coulston and Loper are the school system’s two oldest elementary schools.

“Those two buildings, which haven’t been touched in a long time – basically just maintenance to those two buildings – this will be a fresh start for those buildings,” said Harper.

The school board is already preparing for 2024 projects for the middle school, Hendricks Elementary School, and the transportation and technology  departments.

“We will do renovations to those buildings to update them,” said Harper. “Any of the HVAC systems that have not been replaced will be replaced. And we’re looking  at adding additional security.

“The district has been real fortunate. The board has been frugal and planning appropriately to do these bond projects that won’t impact taxes because I know that is important to the community.”

With several new housing subdivisions currently under construction or nearing the construction phase in Shelbyville, the school system is aware of a potential growth spurt on the horizon.

“Before renovating Coulston and Loper, we looked at building an elementary school … but the cost. It would have to house 1,400 to 1,600 students. That’s a massive elementary school,” said Harper. “In the future, monitoring the increase in population, we do have property where we could build a new elementary school.”

A move from Howard Street to East Broadway for a Shelbyville business that goes out to people’s homes to make its biggest difference.

Seniors Helping Seniors celebrated its new Shelbyville location with a ribbon cutting and open house Tuesday.

Owner Tom Krughoff.

About five employees are in the office at a time with many more in the field.

Krughoff details the average client that seeks the Seniors Helping Seniors services.

As for the new location, Krughoff is happy with what it offers and that it’s a part of the downtown changes currently going on.

Seniors Helping Seniors was started n August 2013 by owners and Shelby County natives, Tom and Noell Krughoff/

The Shelby County Health Department is hosting Pfizer vaccination clinics tonight, 5:00 - 7:00 pm, at Shelbyville Middle School and at Shelbyville High School on Thursday, 10:00 am - 12:30 pm.

The vaccinations are for anyone age 12 and over.

One of the top 15 food and beverage companies in the country is considering Shelby County for its newest location.

Representatives for Danone North America appeared before the Shelby County Council Tuesday seeking tax abatement as they also seek a site for a new facility.

Preliminary plans for the project were unveiled.

The project is described as one that would benefit the company especially as it relates to post-Covid and supply chains.

The Shelby County Council approved the requested tax abatement for the project should Danone locate here.  There is no timetable that has been mentioned for when the company will choose its new site.

A Shelby County bridge replacement, paid for in large part through a Community Crossing grant, has a contractor for the job.

County Commissioner Kevin Nigh details the bids opened Monday for the Bridge 9 replacement.

Nigh says the rising costs of construction material leaves the grant just a little short of the bid price, although that even comes under the engineer’s estimate.

The bridge is located on CR 600 West between 1000 North and 1100 North.  No scheduled start date has been announced but Nigh says the contractor hopes to have it complete by the end of the year.

State health officials are urging Hoosiers to take steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites after the West Nile virus was detected in Indiana for the first time this year.

So far in 2021, one mosquito sample collected in Vigo County has tested positive for West Nile virus. No human cases of West Nile virus disease have been detected so far this year; however, the Indiana Department of Health expects to see further West Nile activity throughout the state as the mosquito season progresses. 

“Many of us are looking forward to summer activities that were postponed or canceled last year, but we don’t want anyone to get sick from mosquito bites,” said State Health Commissioner Kris Box, M.D., FACOG. “Hoosiers in all parts of the state should take precautions to prevent mosquito bites whenever they are outdoors.”

Mosquitoes can transmit a variety of diseases. In 2019 and 2020, Indiana experienced outbreaks of another mosquito-borne disease, eastern equine encephalomyelitis (EEE). These outbreaks caused two human cases, one of which was fatal, and 18 horse cases in northern Indiana. Although EEE virus activity has not been detected in Indiana so far this year, health officials want Hoosiers to remain cautious.

State health officials recommend the following preventive measures:

1. Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are active (especially late afternoon, dusk to dawn, and early morning);
2. Apply an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol to clothes and exposed skin;
3. Cover exposed skin by wearing a hat, long sleeves and long pants in places where mosquitoes are especially active, such as wooded areas;
4. Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of the home. 

Even a container as small as a bottle cap can become a mosquito breeding ground, so residents should take the following steps to eliminate potential breeding grounds:

1. Discard old tires, tin cans, ceramic pots or other containers that can hold water;
2. Repair failed septic systems;
3. Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers left outdoors;
4. Keep grass cut short and shrubbery trimmed;
5. Clean clogged roof gutters, particularly if leaves tend to plug up the drains;
6. Frequently replace the water in pet bowls;
7. Flush ornamental fountains and birdbaths periodically; and,
8. Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with predatory fish. 

About 80 percent of people infected with West Nile virus will not develop any symptoms at all, but about 20 percent will develop an illness accompanied by fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Fewer than 1 percent of people infected with West Nile virus will develop severe illness affecting the nervous system, which can include inflammation in the brain or the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. About one in 10 severe cases is fatal. People older than 60 years are at greatest risk of severe disease from West Nile virus.

While EEE virus disease is much less common than West Nile virus disease, it typically causes more severe illness. As with West Nile, some people infected with EEE will not develop any symptoms at all. Some people will develop an illness accompanied by fever, chills, joint pain or muscle pain. Some will recover from this illness without additional complications, but in others, the illness can progress to severe illness affecting the nervous system. About one in three severe EEE virus disease cases is fatal; however, patients who recover from severe illness often experience serious and permanent complications. People who are younger than 15 years and older than 50 years are at greatest risk of severe EEE virus disease.

People who think they may have West Nile virus or EEE virus disease should contact their healthcare providers.

To see the latest results of the state health department’s mosquito surveillance, go to https://gis.in.gov/apps/ISDH/Arbo/. To learn more about mosquito-borne diseases, visit https://www.in.gov/isdh/27793.htm.

Applications are now open for the Indiana Senate Republican Caucus internship program for the 2022 legislative session.

This program offers paid spring-semester internships to current and recent college undergraduates as well as graduate students. Qualified applicants must be at least a college sophomore.

Interns are given a unique opportunity to gain practical knowledge of state government by working alongside Indiana senators at the Statehouse in downtown Indianapolis. This internship also allows students to obtain academic credit and provides a variety of scholarship and networking opportunities.

Jean Leising, State Senator for District 42

The Senate Republicans offer internship opportunities in the following areas:

• Legislative interns are usually paired with two senators and provide constituent services, track and analyze bill data, staff Senate committee hearings, and conduct legislative and policy research.
• Information Technology interns respond to IT needs of senators and staff, troubleshoot hardware and software issues, assist in the implementation of new technologies, and reformat and reimage computers.
• Legal interns support the Senate attorney’s office and conduct legal and policy research, draft and file Senate motions and resolutions, and summarize amendments and conference committee reports.
• Press Secretary interns track legislation, write news releases and op-eds, create newsletters and social media strategies, and work with members of the media.
• Policy interns conduct legislative and policy research, track legislative proposals, and write memos on legislation.
• Multimedia interns serve as Senate photographers and videographers, monitor online streaming of committees and session, create visual content for print and web, and assist in website management.

The internship runs from the end of December 2021 through mid-March 2022.

The application deadline is Oct. 31.

Go to www.indianasenaterepublicans.com/intern-program for more information or to fill out an application.

The City of Shelbyville is preparing for the arrival of American Rescue Plan money.

The city’s common council approved the creation of a fund for the money to be provided by the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund.  The fund provides $350 billion for states, municipalities, counties, tribes, and territories, including $130 billion for local governments split evenly between municipalities and counties.

Shelbyville Mayor Tom DeBaun.

So, more specifically, what will, can, that money be used for.  The mayor says a new position, which will likely need grant funding after Covid money wraps up, will deal with human issues.

Growth in the city has prompted another position that the common council gave approval to the mayor to find funding for.  That is an additional planner for the city to work in Adam Rude’s office.

Shelbyville’s downtown project - revamping traffic patterns, increasing pedestrian traffic - is hoping to take advantage of a swing back to days gone by.

Mayor Tom DeBaun remembers when downtown – small town USA started to change.

As for the future investment, what kind will it be.  The mayor contends the future of retail is still very real for Shelbyville’s downtown.

The downtown project is expected to switch sides for operations in early August and hoped to be completed in time for a holiday parade.  Mayor DeBaun says the project remains on time and on budget.

A Shelbyville man was scheduled to appear in court Monday after a weekend accident resulted in his arrest.

About 7:30 pm Saturday, police responded to an auto accident at 1210 West Washington Street.  The police report says Daniel Smith, 40, was the driver of a 2010 Chrysler Sebring that crashed and split a telephone pole and destroyed a mailbox at the site.

The Shelbyville Police report states that Smith lied about another person being the driver who had fled the scene.

Smith has been charged with driving while suspended – prior, Possession of Marijuana - first time offense and less than 30 grams of pot, and leaving the scene of an accident.

Asphalt and milling schedule for Shelbyville's downtown area has been adjusted to new dates later this week.

A weather delay is listed as the reason that the asphalt and milling is now scheduled from July 21 - 27.  During this time, traffic and parking will be restricted in this area. 

The work had been slated to start today, July 19, and run through July 23.

The emotional and mental well-being of Shelby Eastern staff and students was a focus of two items on the school board's agenda Wednesday.

Superintendent Todd Hitchcock explained an EAP agreement with Community Health Network.

The superintendent notes all employees of the district can utilize the service.

At Morristown High School, service animals will be utilized to aid students.

Principal Jeremy Powers talks about the dogs that will aid their efforts with Special Education teacher Whitney Carlton.

Powers says it’s a new idea for the school as they find ways and feel out how to use the dogs to help in stressful situations.

Both measures were approved by the Shelby Eastern board at its Wednesday meeting.

Shelby County United Fund (SCUFFY) is pleased to announce that it will receive a second COVID-19 Economic Relief Initiative grant for $132,057 from Indiana United Ways, the state professional association of which SCUFFY is a member. 

The grant will be used to support our community in meeting basic human needs brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The grant is one of 47 grants that Indiana United Ways is making to member organizations and community foundations through the initiative, which was made possible by funding Indiana United Ways received from Lilly Endowment Inc.

“SCUFFY has been a key convener and coordinator of our community’s response to meet human needs for decades. Even before this crisis, we knew that many families in Shelby County were not able to make ends meet - despite working. In the wake of COVID, those needs became even more dire. Thanks to the generous,continued support of Lilly Endowmentto our State Association, we can continue to help our community, through nonprofit partners, deal with and hopefully resolve the impacts of this trying time,” said Amber Dile, Board Chair for SCUFFY.

The second COVID-19 Economic Relief Initiative grant again calls for United Ways that receive funding to leverage partnerships and relationships to better meet COVID-related basic needs aligned with the social determinants of health as defined by the CDC.  Specifically, SCUFFY and a grant committee of community leaders will award funding to projects that provide food, shelter, clothing, utility assistance, child care, and addiction recovery support.

SCUFFY will begin accepting funding requests from area human and social service nonprofits whose IRS designation is in good standing beginning July 14.  Interested organizations should consult Blue River Community Foundation’s website for guidance on funding intent and application instructionshttps://app.smarterselect.com/programs/66820-Blue-River-Community-Foundation. A link to the application can also be found at www.scuffy.org.

In April 2020, Lilly Endowment helped Indiana United Ways establish the COVID-19 Economic Relief Initiative with an initial $30 million grant. Lilly Endowment made an additional $15 million grant in March to Indiana United Ways to support the initiative. Both grants are part of Lilly Endowment’s overall grantmaking to help organizations meet COVID-related needs. Since March 2020, Lilly Endowment has made grants totaling more than $210 million to organizations working in Indiana and across the nation as they respond to the pandemic.

Shelby County’s Highway Garage site is the focus of upgrade talks.

County commissioner Don Parker says the topic was part of this week’s agenda.

Improvements at the site may include new buildings and more.

Parker says fnishing touches are almost in place for departments to move into the new Annex 2.  Final checks on the fire alarm system are being done at this time.

Indiana Conservation Officers have recovered the body of Robert L. Austin, 26, of Connersville, from the Whitewater River. 

Family notification has been made and an exact cause of death is pending autopsy results. 

This incident is still under investigation.

Indiana Conservation Officers were assisted in the recovery by the Everton Fire Department and Fayette County Coroner’s Office.

Original release - July 9

Indiana Conservation Officers are searching for a missing man in the vicinity of Mahan Park, commonly referred to as “Three-Mile Bridge,” near Highway 121 in Connersville.

After receiving notification from Fayette County Dispatch at approximately 5:45 p.m., Thursday, Conservation Officers arrived on scene and discovered a vehicle and several articles belonging to Robert L. Austin, 26, of Connersville.

Conservation Officers, with the assistance from other agencies, are currently searching the Whitewater River with boats and sonar, as well as utilizing an ISP helicopter and drones.  

Agencies assisting in the search are Indiana State Police, Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Fayette County Sheriff’s Department, Everton Fire Department, Laurel Fire Department, Fayette EMS, Bentonville Fire Department and Richmond Fire Department.

With the new Shelby County YMCA taking memberships it means the close later for this year for a popular Shelbyville site for better than 30 years.

The Shelby County Athletic Club is on schedule now to merge with the new YMCA.  Owner Ray Schebler says it’s perfect timing for the transition.

SCAC is merging its Silver Sneakers members now with the merger continuing, including many SCAC employees, through the month of October.  Schebler says the move makes sense but it’s still a bittersweet time as SCAC has its final day marked on the calendar at October 31.

SCAC will mark 32 years in business on October 15.

Schebler will still own the building at 24 West Rampart Road.  The future of that site is still to be determined.

The Indiana Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI), spearheaded by Governor Eric J. Holcomb to accelerate strategic investments in Hoosier communities, has attracted participation from counties, cities and towns spanning 91 of Indiana’s 92 counties. Together, these communities have come together to form 18 regions that will collaborate to develop bold, strategic plans to accelerate small- and large-scale growth within their communities and work to secure matching funds through the state’s $500 million initiative.

“READI will help harness a natural synergy of regional economic development leaders and private industry professionals to implement strategic investments in quality of place and innovation,” said Governor Eric J. Holcomb. “We encourage stakeholders to collaborate and think big. Focus not only on shovel-ready, but on multi-year programs to develop talent, drive innovation and improve the quality of life which will transform our great Hoosier state for future generations to come.” 

This marks the first step in the process for Indiana READI, which is designed to propel public-private investments in quality of place and quality of life, innovation, entrepreneurship, and talent attraction and development. The 18 regions that have indicated their intent to pursue READI funding are outlined below; regions may be further refined or consolidated in the coming weeks. Next, these regions will create regional development plans that show how the region will be transformed from its current state to one that leverages unique opportunities and removes barriers to growth to advance its future. 
 

• Accelerate Rural Indiana, led by the Decatur County Community Foundation
  Counties: Decatur, Rush, Shelby
  City: Batesville
   
• I-69 Southern Gateway, led by the Morgan County Community Foundation
  Counties: Johnson and Morgan

• 70-40 Greater Mt. Comfort Corridor, led by the Hancock County Economic Development Council
  Counties: Hancock, Marion
   
• South Central Indiana Talent Region, led by the Southern Indiana Housing and Community Development Corporation
  Counties: Bartholomew, Jackson, Jennings
  Town: Edinburgh

Across the state, regions are already convening broad, diverse groups of stakeholders, including major employers and anchor institutions, education partners, economic development professionals, philanthropy partners, and elected officials, to outline their regional development plans. In these plans, regions will map out their proposal to invest in their growth and prosperity, outlining a series of strategies focused on physical projects and sustainable, multi-year programs to advance quality of place, quality of life, and quality of opportunity. 

The IEDC’s investment in a region’s plan is expected to have a 4:1 match from local public and private sources and can include strategies focused on physical projects, such as infrastructure, workforce housing developments, the revitalization of blighted or vacant properties, and cultural amenities, as well as sustainable, multi-year programs, such as talent attraction initiatives, public private partnerships to advance innovation in industry and small business support services. 

Regions have until Aug. 31, 2021, to submit these plans, which will then be evaluated in the fall. Full guidelines for regional development plans as well as evaluation timelines are available online.

Launched by Gov. Holcomb and led by the IEDC, READI builds on the framework and successes of the Indiana Regional Cities Initiative and the 21st Century Talent Initiative, encouraging regional collaboration and data-driven, long-term planning that, when implemented, will attract and retain talent in Indiana. The IEDC will work closely with state and local partners to align goals and funding mechanisms to ensure that projects and programs proposed by regions are in line with and coordinated with broader state initiatives.

More information, including answers to frequently asked questions and detailed guidelines on regional development plans, is available at IndianaREADI.com. A map of the identified regions can be found here.

The Indiana Department of Transportation is switching the traffic pattern on I-74 for a construction project in Shelby County. 

Right now, crews are replacing concrete patches with asphalt on I-74 EB and WB from the 104 mile marker to the 120 mile marker.

Traffic will be switched into a crossover pattern in three separate spots in the construction zone.

The crossovers will take place at State Road 244, Michigan Road, and just east of County Road 450 N.

On or after July 16, traffic will be switched into a crossover pattern near Michigan Road on I-74 EB. Traffic will be shifted onto EB lanes, with one lane in each direction. All lanes of I-74 WB will be closed. 

The crossover near SR 244 will begin next week. The final crossover will start in the beginning of August.

Traffic is scheduled to switch to the WB lanes near the beginning of September. 

Asphalt and milling schedule for Shelbyville's downtown area is scheduled from July 19 - 23.  During this time, traffic and parking will be restricted in this area. 

The schedule is subject to change based on weather during the week.

The following map is for a traffic control plan for closure of East Washington Street through downtown.  This will start August 2 and run through November 30 for the work on the East side of the Public Square.  

The next map is for a traffic control plan for closure of the northbound Harrison Street section through downtown. This will start August 2 and run through August 23.  The closure will be from Jackson Street to Franklin Street on North Harrison as well as East Washington at the Public Square.

Many have moved to a new town or state for a new job.  Not everyone has moved to an entirely new country.

For Reverend Nathan Day Wilson and his wife, Janice, the move is a dramatic one.  They now call Geneva, Switzerland home as Wilson has been called to the World Council of Churches for a newly created position as Manager of Income Development and Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting.

Wilson details the process that led to the new position.

While it sounds dramatic, to move to Switzerland, the Wilson’s do have familiarity with the city.  And Wilson says the opportunity with the World Council of Churches is exciting.

Wilson describes his new home.

In an international city, and an international position, Wilson says he’ll be working on his foreign language.

Among his many roles over the years, Wilson has served as pastor of Shelbyville’s First Christian Church.

He started his new position on June 21.

Jaxon Miller knows his purpose in life.

“I really want to serve my country. I want to be the person that helps protect people and fight evil in the world,” he said emphatically.

Miller’s military commitment begins at 6:30 a.m. Monday when he reports to West Point, New York, for basic training. Once that is completed, he can get back into football pads and take the field with the Black Knights as a special teams long snapper and linebacker.

“This is the best of both worlds. I get the opportunity to play college football and I get to serve my country,” he said.

Upon graduation and the end of his collegiate football career, Miller will have a 5-year active duty commitment to serve and a 3-year reserve commitment – unless the National Football League comes calling.

Miller started long snapping as a freshman at Triton Central. He saw it as the quickest way to get on the football field on Friday nights. The pressure of delivering the football to the punter in a tight situation or to the holder for the field goal kicker when the game was on the line was never too much.

“You can’t fold under pressure, that is probably the biggest part because you will be backed up to the end zone on the 1-yard line and if you send it or do something silly you will give up a safety … or who knows what,” explained Miller. “You can’t crack under pressure.”

Miller became so accomplished at, as he put it, “not getting noticed,” that scholarship offers became an option.

Miller was integral on special teams at Triton Central but also was an offensive and defensive lineman throughout his career.

“I even played tight end and wide receiver a few weeks my junior year when Luke Hornung got hurt,” laughed Miller.

Miller became an expert on using social media platforms to demonstrate his long snapping workouts. And he attended camps and showcases where college coaches could see his skills on full display.

Recruiting information then rolled in from Indiana, Louisville, Mississippi State, Florida State, Virginia Tech, Air Force Academy, Fresno State, Ball State and Michigan State to name a few.

“Growing up wanting to play college football, getting recruited by these big schools … it was like every time a new coach would reach out to me, it felt so good. It was such an honor,” he said.

Putting a military commitment with a college football opportunity never really crossed his mind until Army reached out.

“Army recruited me,” said Miller. “It probably has the best culture in the country, in my opinion. It’s a true brotherhood.

“I had the best relationship with the staff. We talked almost every day. They were checking in on me. It really felt like family and that is important in college football.”

There were no on campus visits, though. The COVID-19 pandemic forced Miller to conduct recruiting virtually.

“I had 20 college visits cancelled all over the country,” he said.

Triton Central head coach Tim Able guesses the number of long snappers in the country receiving a full ride to college is less than five.

“There is no doubt (Jaxon) is the complete package of work ethic, team-first attitude, lead by example and dependability,” said Able. “Those things put him up very high, maybe all-time as the highest I’ve seen in my 38 years of doing this.”

Able believes Miller will shine even brighter in the tougher environment that Army will provide.

“I am looking forward to seeing him work with kids that have that same motivational will and self-discipline,” said Able. “He was made for this.”

Miller is the only child of Frank and Amanda Miller – a 20-year member of the Indianapolis police force and an elementary school teacher, respectively. He credits Able with pushing him when it was needed the most.

“I think coach Able has prepared me well over the last four years,” said Miller. “He’s been a great leader and he’s taught me a lot. If I screwed up, he was on me, which was great because I know I won’t be ‘right’ at basic training. They will always be on me.”

“I just tried to provide opportunities for him,” said Able. “He is really good about communicating to me what he was doing for workouts. And then he got the Army program … but I continued to send him ideas that I ran across.”

Miller plans to explore two options once his collegiate eligibility expires.

“After West Point, I want to be a Ranger,” he said. “I want to go fight evil in the world and protect the people on the home front. It would be a lot of training, probably a lot of time away from home.

“It’s like any Army commitment only it’s a lot more physical and I like that idea though because you are always training for something just like sports was in high school for me.”

There is a possibility Miller could defer his commitment if the NFL becomes a viable option.

“Right now, for Army, you are allowed to leave and postpone your service until after (your opportunity ends),” he said. “I feel like it’s a good representation for the Armed Forces if you can put an athlete in the NFL.”

Miller leaves for New York Saturday with sightseeing on the agenda before reporting to West Point. It will be the last few days where he can relax before a new phase in his life begins.

“It took so much hard work and really getting out of my comfort zone physically and mentally to be able to pursue an opportunity like this,” said Miller.

The Indiana State Police is well underway with the process of issuing body worn and in-car cameras to its troopers across the entire state; a process which started in early June and is expected to take until late August to complete.

In August of 2020, Governor Holcomb mandated the ISP would adopt and implement a body worn camera system by the Spring of 2021. Since the Governor’s announcement, extensive research and testing has been conducted to ensure the system implemented would best meet the needs of the ISP.

In all, nearly 800 body worn camera systems, which will also include and work in tandem with in-car cameras, will be put into the field for uniform Troopers and Sergeants assigned to patrol duties, Capitol Police Officers and specific Special Operations units.  By the end of today, more than 230 body worn, and in-car camera systems will have been deployed into the field.

“This process was focused on selecting the very best product and system for not only the Department but for Troopers in the field that work in both urban and rural areas”, said ISP Superintendent Doug Carter.

The system utilizes a router which is installed in the vehicle which allows for more accessibility and connectivity in areas of the state where cell phone coverage is not always optimal.

The cost associated with this project is approximately $15 million over a period of five years. 

The ISP policy governing body worn cameras can be found at the link below:

 https://www.in.gov/isp/files/ENF-010%20LERD.pdf.

3 Towers Broadcasting, LLC continues to grow its network of radio stations in Indiana.

On Aug. 1, 3 Towers Broadcasting, based in Shelbyville, will assume control of operations of WREB FM, located in Greencastle.

The sale from The Original Co. Inc. to 3 Towers Broadcasting is pending Federal Communications Commission approval.

“We’re very excited for this opportunity to be a part of Greencastle, Putnam County and the surrounding communities through WREB Radio,” said Johnny McCrory, co-owner and vice president of 3 Towers Broadcasting. “All of our GIANT fm stations have stressed entertaining, informative ties with our local news, sports and events coverage. We believe our listeners, website readers and social media followers will find value with ‘GIANT fm.’”

The company locally owns and operates WSVX (AM 1520 and 96.5 FM) as well as WGRN (106.3 FM) in Greenfield and WROI (92.1 FM) in Rochester – which was recently named Fulton County Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year.

In addition, 3 Towers Broadcasting operates online news sources Shelby County Post (www.shelbycountypost.com), Hancock County Post (www.hancockcountypost.com) and Fulton County Post (www.fultoncountypost.com), as well as the soon-to-be-created Putnam County Post.

WREB serves as a news and music service for west central Indiana on 94.3 FM.

Shelbyville’s local radio station has been around since 1961, originally branded WSVL. 3 Towers Broadcasting, created by Scott Huber, Johnny McCrory, Douglas Raab and Todd Glidden, took over operations in 2007 and is now expanding its “GIANT fm” brand to a fourth market.

“’GIANT fm is a branding image used by our stations today,” said McCrory, who continues to run operations with Huber following the deaths of Raab (in 2011) and Glidden (2013). “It provides an identity across our multiple radio frequencies as we communicate with thousands of people with varying occupations, concerns, interests and more. ‘GIANT fm” believes in being a vibrant part of the local community. We are plugged into our community and strive to be the reason our listeners are, as well.”

The 2021 Success Plan is ready for approval by the Shelby Eastern Schools board.

“The plan is a scaled-back version of what we did last year,” said Shelby Eastern superintendent Todd Hitchcock. “There are fewer mitigation strategies and masks will be an option for students and parents. We are trying to find ways for what I would consider the least restrictive environment for students so they can walk in the building and not feel like they have to do things differently.”

Masks were required during the 2020-2021 school year in Morristown and Waldron – both under the Shelby Eastern Schools banner. Social distancing also was encouraged whenever possible.

And while students riding buses may still have to wear masks due to a federal mandate, Hitchcock believes face coverings will be optional on school grounds in 2021-2022.

“The idea is that would be how we would start the year,” he continued. “We would monitor the situation in our plan and if we determine that we see an increase in cases or COVID rises in our county, we can always reinstitute some of the precautions we had in place the previous year.”

In March of 2020, school systems in Indiana were forced to use virtual learning to complete the final two months of the school year. While Shelby Eastern was prepared for the change, both school systems took time to make sure their educators were ready.

“We were in decent shape in that we had already established Google Classroom as our student management system,” said Hitchcock. “So basically our teachers had all received training on how to use Google Classroom for distance learning and how they could upload assignments and grade assignments and get the feedback. So I felt like we were a step ahead.

“The challenge was none of our teachers relied on that for daily instruction. So there definitely was a learning curve there. When we first shut down last year, we took one or two days as staff days so they could get prepared to finish virtually. That was helpful for them so they could put together things and refresh where they were at and what they wanted to do with the virtual setup they had.”

Due to a federal mandate, students will most likely start the new school year wearing masks or face coverings while riding a school bus.

Most of the student body in both school systems returned at the start of the 2020-2021 year.

“We had a pretty low percentage of students that were virtual. I think we started the year with about 9% or 10% of our student body being virtual students,” said Hitchcock. “That decreased significantly as the school year progressed. As parents saw that things were going smooth at school, more and more sent their kids back. So by the time the year ended, we were down to 2% or 3% of our student body doing virtual learning.”

And now Hitchcock believes virtual learning can be an added compliment to Shelby Eastern’s educational track.

“I think it puts us in a unique position that we now have a new skill set amongst our staff where they are highly trained and practiced virtual teachers so they can reintegrate that skill into the on-site person learning that is taking place in our building,” he said. “Long term, I think we will be better off for having to struggle through that a little bit because of the added benefit it will provide our teachers and students.”

The next step is sorting out what effects COVID-19 had on student learning in the two districts.

“In general, the kids who were here every day did not suffer from learning loss,” said Hitchcock. “We noticed when all the kids came back in the fall, our first sets of diagnostic data were a little bit behind where we thought they would be. And in most cases, those achievements were gained back to where we thought they should be.

“You will see a big state dip in the averages for the standardized testing and our standardized test scores. While we don’t have anything to compare them to yet, if you compare them to our rates in years past, it was lower in many areas. But we don’t know if that is just us or the whole state. We assume it’s the whole state, but we don’t know yet because they haven’t released that data yet.”

The superintendent agrees virtual learning is here to stay – that doesn’t make it right for every community though.

“I think there is definitely a market for virtual education,” he said. “I think in our communities, there is still a lot of strong support for the small rural schools and I think we benefit from that a little bit.

“I think the best approach in the year 2021 is a hybrid model where you have a strong in-person learning component supported by virtual learning and opportunities for students to participate virtually as they go through their schooling. I am still a strong advocate for having kids in school every day, especially at the younger ages. I feel that is the best place for them to be – to learn from their peers.”

The first day for students in Morristown and Waldron is August 4.

The Indiana State Legislature passed a bill in late 1821 that created four counties, including Shelby County.

In honor of Shelby County’s bicentennial, a year-long celebration kicked off July 3 at the Waldron Freedom Festival and will culminate July 4, 2022, with the City of Shelbyville’s bicentennial.

At the Waldron Freedom Festival Saturday, which culminated with a large fireworks show, Shelby County Commissioner President Kevin Nigh (photo) read a proclamation.

“As a proud 1975 graduate of Waldron High School, it is an honor to be back here tonight as President of the Shelby County Commissioners to present this proclamation,” he said.

Nigh then read the proclamation which was followed by the National Anthem presented by Nick Fischer.

Vince Bradburn, Shelby County Historical Society President, began the festivities with a recollection of the importance of community history and relevance to the state of Indiana.

Bradburn also introduced the Steering Committee to the crowd then handed off the microphone to Rachael Ackley, of the Shelby County Visitors Bureau, who presented the Bicentennial Flag to the Waldron community.

The Steering Committee includes Ackley, Nisha Ciarletta, Tom DeBaun, James Garrett, Greg Gerline, Alex Krach, Andrew Newkirk, Sarah Newkirk, Kevin Nigh, Tony Titus and Jason Yantiss.

A variety of events, festivals and projects are being considered for the year-long celebration.

For more information, go to www.bicentennialinshelbycounty.com.

A 4th of July shooting injured a Johnson County woman and resulted in charges against a family member.

About 11:00 pm Sunday, Johnson County Sheriff’s deputies were advised of a medic run in the 500 block of Griffith Road in rural Clark Township on what was initially reported as an injury due to a firework. Once medics arrived, they quickly realized that the injury was actually a gunshot wound and requested deputies respond to investigate.

The medics immediately transported the injured woman from the scene prior to deputies’ arrival.

When deputies arrived, they spoke to the subject who had fired the handgun and observed that he was behaving irrationally. He claimed he had been firing warning shots at some trespassers and didn’t realize he had accidently struck the woman, who is a family member.

Other family members witnessed the event and confirmed that the subject who had fired the gun has been acting irrationally for several weeks. Once they realized he had shot his firearm, they took possession of it and turned it over to deputies.

The woman was in stable condition at the hospital and said she didn’t want criminal charges filed against the family member who fired the gun.

Levi C. Griffith, 21, resides in the immediate area where the incident took place. He was arrested for Criminal Recklessness w/ Deadly Weapon and has bonded out.

The investigation is still in progress for the Red Flag violation but all known firearms have already been seized.  The Johnson County Prosecutor’s Office will be consulted when all investigations are complete to determine if there are any further charges.

An Indiana State Police trooper’s car was struck on I-70 in Hancock CountyTuesday night.

Just before 8:30 pm, an off duty Indiana State Trooper, Scott McPheeters, was driving on I-70 eastbound near the 112 mile marker in the construction zone when his vehicle was struck by another eastbound vehicle. After the collision the driver of the other vehicle, Jennifer Coomer, 47, of Greenfield, attempted to flee the scene on foot and was suspected of being impaired.

When other troopers arrived, Coomer allegedly became combative and resisted arrest.  She was taken into custody and subsequently transported to an area hospital for injuries from the crash. Master Trooper McPheeters was also transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries. 

Preliminary investigation revealed Coomer was driving on the emergency shoulder, illegally passing traffic in a single lane construction zone. She struck the right rear of McPheeters’ police car and then struck a guardrail. Investigating officers believe Coomer was impaired at the time of the crash. She was arrested on the preliminary charges of operating while intoxicated causing injury, resisting arrest and battery on a law enforcement officer. 

Blood test results for intoxication are pending.

Master Trooper McPheeters is a 19-year ISP veteran and is assigned to the Pendleton Post where he serves as a detective. 

The COVID-19 pandemic hit Indiana school systems square in the face in March of 2020.

Virtual learning became the norm for the next two months as infection cases and deaths rose at alarming rates.

Sixteen months later, the school systems in Shelby County are preparing for the 2021-2022 school year by assessing how their respective students’ learning was affected by the pandemic.

“Until we get the principals in here in July and break down the data from last spring and plan going forward, I don’t think we will have a true grasp where we are at,” said Southwestern Consolidated Schools superintendent Curt Chase last week. “Everyone knows there is learning loss. We are trying to figure out where that is and how we can fix that moving forward.”

August 3 is the first official day for students at Southwestern in 2021. Chase released a letter to parents on July 1 outlining the most updated return-to-school policy.

In conjunction with guidance from the Indiana Department of Health, masks or face covering for staff and students will not be required in the building. Staff and students may still choose to wear a mask.

There is a current federal mandate for students riding a bus to wear face coverings, though. All schools must follow that mandate until it expires.

Southwestern High School's newest amenity, a fieldhouse, will be in full use during the 2020-2021 school year, alleviating pressure on all its sports teams that previously had access to limited gymnasium space.

Southwestern was able to keep students in the classroom the entire 2020-2021 school year with the exception of those diagnosed with COVID-19 and those considered risks identified by contact tracing.

“We were very impressed with the relationships with the parents,” said Chase. “Everybody worked with contact tracing. Obviously, it’s very tough. Our community did pretty well with that.

“Right now, the big thing is looking at (standardized) test results and seeing where everybody is at … seeing what our deficiencies are and what we are doing. Then work with our teachers moving forward.”

Virtual learning was not easy to implement for a two-month period. It did, however, introduce many school systems to a different educational track.

“I think we all kind of got hit in the face,” said Chase. “It was almost like you were throwing stuff at the walls to see how it works. At that point, we knew this was going to extend into the 2020-2021 school year. And for a few it worked. But I don’t think for the community we are in, I don’t think it was what was best for the kids. The majority of our community wants their kids in the building.”

The Southwestern school system was familiar with e-Learning when the pandemic kicked in. That certainly helped with the transition.

“It was definitely helpful that we had already done it,” said Chase. “To do it in that large of a span, nobody was ready for that. And I don’t think we were equipped to only operate that way.

“There was a lot of great collaboration (amongst principals) of what’s working. I think for an extended period of time, e-Learning, we found, was not the best way to educate kids.”

One advantage Southwestern had in returning in August of 2020 was its student population size.

“When you are small and you pretty much know everybody, you kind of know where everybody goes,” explained Chase. “If you are in a bigger corporation, you have a lot of people that do different things that you don’t know about. I think smaller communities do have the advantage of kind of knowing everybody and knowing what’s going on.”

Class sizes also were limited enough that social distancing and classroom spacing were much easier.

Virtual learning is growing in popularity, though. Chase admits for the right kind of student, it can be a viable educational track.

“You have to have time management skills and you have to be self-driven,” he said. “There are a few people that thrive in that and it’s great it can be met.”

As the schools return back to a more normal track, Chase believes education will be filled with many great stories of how administrations and teachers made the most of a taxing situation.

“I think a lot of people did a lot of great things during the pandemic that we will look back on, if not now then soon, and appreciate the effort that was put in – both students and teachers,” he said.

The Indiana State Police in the Indianapolis District have had an increase of interstate shooting investigations in 2021. So far this year troopers have investigated 30 incidents that involve gunfire on Indianapolis area interstates. The majority of these investigations determined road rage initiated the incident that led to gunfire.

Troopers are asking for the public’s help to immediately report any instance of road rage by calling 911. Callers should attempt to gather as much identifying information about the vehicles involved, even if a license plate number can not be obtained.  

Drivers are strongly discouraged from engaging in any type of road rage, if you find yourself a target of a road rage incident the following tips could help keep you safe.

• Remain calm, agitation or counter aggressive maneuvers can escalate the situation
• Drive away from the aggressor by using a turn signal to change lanes, allowing the aggressor to pass, exit the highway, stop in a well-lit populated area
• If stopped in traffic or in an area where you must stop due to a stop sign or stop light ensure all of your car doors are locked and leave yourself a path of escape
• Immediately report the incident to police by calling 911 (Indiana Hands Free Law allows you to use a cell phone while driving to report an emergency to 911)

Last week, Troopers arrested Martez Jolly, 30, of Kansas City Missouri for criminal recklessness on I-70 eastbound near Post Road. Jolly, with juveniles present in his vehicle, allegedly fired at least one shot at another vehicle on I-70 which struck the dashboard of the victim’s car. He was located a short time later on I-70 in Hancock County and taken into custody. There were no reported injuries as a result of this incident and this investigation is ongoing.

Of the intestate shootings this year, one was a homicide. On April 2 troopers arrested Antonio King, 28, on the charge of murder for his alleged role in a March 31, 2021 shooting on I-65 near Lafayette Road.

In 2018 the state police investigated nine interstate shootings in the Indianapolis area, and nine again in 2019. Indiana State Police Crime Analyst and Detectives believe most of the 2018 / 2019 shootings were targeted among known parties to one another. During 2020 troopers investigated 23 intestate shootings in the Indianapolis area, of which the majority are believed to have started as road rage incidents, which is a trend that continues to increase in 2021.

A crime analyst assigned full time to Indiana State Police Indianapolis District Investigations provides real time data to investigators, commanders and troopers in the field. This data is used as a proactive measure to target specific areas with increased patrols. Recklessly discharging a firearm is not only extremely dangerous, it is illegal. The Indiana State Police diligently investigates each of these incidents with urgency, and continues to work with county prosecutors to ensure criminal charges are filed when warranted. 

The Indiana State Police would like to remind drivers to stay vigilant while driving, avoid confrontation with aggressive drivers and immediately report road rage to 911.

The Waldron Freedom Festival capped off its holiday weekend celebration with a massive fireworks show Saturday.  And the crowd that visited the Waldron schools grounds where the festival is hosted may have been a record.

As more and more people assemble for events coming off the pandemic and a weather forecast made for a 4^th of July weekend, Waldron Will hosted a festival that had food vendors running out of offerings dealing with a huge audience that maxed out parking and viewing areas for the Premier Pyro show.

Waldron Will President Mason Henderson.

Looking ahead to 2022, Henderson says they have formed an idea to have the parade help them set a world record.

Henderson says setting a world record would fit the spirit of Waldron Will.

Ryobi Die Casting (USA), Inc., a supplier of large complex aluminum die castings was recognized for a fourth consecutive year with an Excellence in Quality & Delivery Award from Honda. 

Honda does business with 743 OEM suppliers across North America which provide parts to the company’s 16 plants in the region that produce Honda and Acura cars and light trucks and the engines and transmissions that power them.  Honda is widely recognized in the industry as a high-quality vehicle manufacturer that only partners in-turn with high quality suppliers. 

Ryobi Die Casting was one of only 25 out of 743 OEM parts suppliers serving Honda with parts for mass production being recognized for excellence in quality and delivery with an award.  This puts Ryobi Die Casting in the top 3.4% of Honda North America’s excellent supply base for quality and delivery. 

“The COVID-19 pandemic challenged our suppliers in ways we could never have imagined, but through their incredible effort, our supply team helped keep Honda plants running to meet the needs of our customers,” said Mark Willoughby, vice president of procurement at Honda Development and Manufacturing of America. “The teamwork that has been so important over the past year will continue to be vital to our business in the days ahead as we get our plants back to a normal production cadence.”

Ryobi Die Casting (USA) President Ryan Willhelm stated; “2020 was of course extremely difficult throughout the whole world and 2021 has also been very challenging particularly in the auto industry due to various materials shortages.  However, through it all Honda has been a great partner to Ryobi Die Casting.  We value our long-term partnership with Honda, and we are proud each time we see the award-winning Honda Accords and Honda Civics driving down the road with our structural aluminum die castings that are both heat-treatable and weldable knowing that we are helping Honda reduce vehicle weight, increase fuel efficiency and improving driving performance.  We look forward to partnering with Honda for many, many years in the future.”   

About Ryobi Die Casting (USA), Inc.

Ryobi was founded as a die casting company in Japan in 1943 and as such brings 78 years of world class die casting and light-weighting expertise to the North American market. 

Ryobi Die Casting is well known as a valued partner for complex aluminum powertrain and structural die castings.  Ryobi has two North American manufacturing locations in Shelbyville, Indiana USA and Irapuato, Guanajauto, Mexico.  This year marks 36 years at its Shelbyville, Indiana USA location, and 14 years at its Irapuato, Guanajauto, Mexico location. 

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) reminds motorists to plan ahead this Independence Day as routes to your holiday celebrations may be impacted by the current closure of the North Split Interchange and some associated local street closures in downtown Indianapolis.

Currently, I-65 and I-70 between the North Split and Washington Street is closed to all traffic while bridges and roadways are reconstructed. The I-65 southbound to I-70 eastbound and I-70 westbound to I-65 northbound connections remain open to traffic during construction.

If traveling downtown to the Fourth of July fireworks show, motorists can still access downtown via the I-70 westbound exit ramp to Ohio Street. Also, the Pine Street entrance ramp to I-70 eastbound is open. At Washington Street, the entrance ramp to I-65 southbound and the exit ramp from I-65 northbound also remain open.

College Avenue between 11^th and 13^th streets reopened earlier today. Michigan Street between Davidson and Pine streets is anticipated to reopen later today, weather dependent.

Motorists traveling through the Indianapolis area for the holiday weekend are reminded to use detour routes on I-465, I-65 and I-70. Detour routes for the through traffic will use parts of I-465 between the I-65 north the I-70 east junctions. The detour for I-70 will use the south leg of I-465. The detour for northbound I-65 will use I-65 to I-70 in the South Split.

For more information and detour maps, please visit https://northsplit.com/maps/local-streets/.

Access to and from downtown Indianapolis will be maintained via:

• I-70 westbound exit ramp to Ohio St.
• Pine St. entrance ramp to I-70 eastbound
• I-65 northbound/I-70 eastbound exit ramp to Washington St.
• I-65 northbound and southbound to Martin Luther King. Jr./West St.
• I-65 southbound to Meridian St.
• All existing ramps on I-70 west of the South Split

Project information can be found at northsplit.com.

At the age of 25, Alex Engelbert received a phone call to gauge interest in a job he never really considered.

Four years later, that job as athletic director at Central Middle School in Columbus (Ind.) led to his new role, athletic director and assistant principal at Waldron Junior-Senior High School.

“I was young but I ended up really liking it and went the administrative route with a master’s program,” explained Engelbert from his new office that he has yet to arrange to his liking. “I started seeking out more leadership positions and was lucky to get this one.”

Engelbert is replacing Ken Howell, who stepped aside at the end of the 2020-2021 school year.

Engelbert graduated from Columbus East High School in 2010 where he played baseball, tennis and football. He was a member of the Franklin College baseball team while pursuing his Education degree with an emphasis on Social Studies.

Indian Creek provided his first teaching position and funneled him into coaching baseball at the junior varsity and varsity levels.

“I always wanted to be a (baseball) coach. I love coaching,” he said. “It’s one of my greatest passions. There is nothing like after school every single day having your own team … kids waiting for you to tell them what to do. I found coaching so much more enjoyable and fun than playing.”

After two years in Trafalgar, Engelbert returned home for a teaching position at Columbus North High School where he also served as the JV baseball coach.

Then he received a life-altering phone call from a former baseball coach asking him about a new career path.

“I had never thought about being an athletic director,” he admitted.

The position at Central Middle School was coming open and he applied for the job. He maintained his role, though, as JV baseball coach at Columbus North.

The coaching career, one that includes a stint as a cross country coach, will officially be on hold while at Waldron where Engelbert also will get his first assignment as an assistant principal.

“It’s an interesting bridge to cross,” he said. “This is my first position in education where I won’t be involved in coaching. I am entirely administrative as assistant principal and athletic director. It’s an interesting thing to explore.”

Engelbert credits Howell’s thoroughness in prepping for the fall sports season to easing his transition to the high school level of athletics.

“The biggest thing I’m coming up to speed with is this is my first position as a high school athletic director so I am reading through all the (Indiana High School Athletic Association) bylaws and rules,” he said. “It’s much stricter than what we have at the junior high (level). So that’s a big challenge right out of the gate.”

Engelbert also has the advantage of having a principal in Mark Shadiow that is a former athletic director.

“I cannot emphasize enough what a great job Mark Shadiow has done with helping me out, helping me adjust, and getting me ready to take on the reins of this position,” said Engelbert. “And knowing he was an AD (at Waldron) and had this exact position before me is great.

“A lot of times, in leadership, you start to get principals without a strong athletics background. I am so lucky to come into a school, working for a man that has been an athletic director and been a coach, so if I have these questions about the IHSAA or what to do, he is right next to me. I am looking forward to working with him and learning from him.”

What Engelbert does not have to learn is the importance of athletics at any school.

“We want to try and focus on our participation numbers,” said Engelbert. “It’s a small school athletic program. We want to figure out ways to get as many student-athletes to participate as possible.

“Our education-based athletics are the best citizenship builders in our country. I think you would struggle to find a CEO, business leader, or elected official that did not compete at one time on a school-based team at a junior high or high school. They are an extremely important part of our educational program in general. We want to open that up and have as many kids participate as possible.”

Born and raised in Columbus, Engelbert has thoroughly enjoyed the community hospitality since his hiring less than one month ago.

“The small school, small town charm has been on full display,” he said. “I’ve had such a great welcome from Mark and multiple people here. I could immediately tell within days of receiving this job it was going to be a great fit.”

Indiana’s richest horse race will headline a day with purses in excess of $1 million Wednesday at Indiana Grand.

The featured 27^th running of the Grade 3 $300,000 Indiana Derby will be the final event on the 12-race program that begins at 2:25 p.m.

Heading the list of seven entrants for the Indiana Derby is Fulsome from the Brad Cox Stable. The three-year-old Into Mischief colt owned and bred by Juddmonte Farms of Kentucky comes into Indiana on a three-race win streak.

He scored an allowance win at Keeneland in early April followed by a win in Arkansas in the $300,000 Oaklawn Stakes. His latest trip to the winner’s circle was in the Grade 3 $150,000 Matt Winn at Churchill Downs in late May.

Fulsome (photo) has drawn post one and will be guided by Florent Geroux, who won the 2020 Indiana Derby aboard Shared Sense.

Joining Fulsome as a likely favorite is Mr. Wireless from the Bret Calhoun Stable. The Dialed In gelding finished second in his last start, the $300,000 Texas Derby at Lone Star and is two for four this season.

Mr. Wireless has drawn post seven and will be ridden by Ramon Vazquez. Calhoun was the winner of the 2019 Indiana Derby with Mr. Money.

Missing from the entries is O Besos from the Greg Foley barn. O Besos had been pointing to the Indiana Derby at Churchill Downs, but a last-minute decision was made to skip the race.

“We’re just passing the race,” Foley said through correspondence with Jennie Rees, Eclipse Award winning turf writer. “We checked him out, didn’t really find anything. (But) I wasn’t going to run him if he wasn’t 100 percent. No sense entering him when I’m not going to run him. I don’t think it’s anything bad. Maybe the work the other day jammed something up a little. He wasn’t lame or off or anything. The exercise rider didn’t like the way he went, and I didn’t either. You don’t want to put him in a race like that when I didn’t like the way he went a few days before it.”

The entire field for the Indiana Derby, in post position order with jockey, includes Fulsome (Florent Geroux), WW Crazy (Victor Santiago), Starrininmydreams (Luis Saez), Convention (Francisco Arrieta), Sermononthemount (James Graham), Full Charge (Adam Beschizza), and Mr. Wireless (Ramon Vazquez).

Estimated post time for the Indiana Derby is 8:25 p.m.

Also featured on the 12-race card is the 26^th running of the Grade 3 $200,000 Indiana Oaks, slated as the 11^th race on the card.

A total of 11 sophomore fillies have been entered into the race with the early nod going to the inside filly Will’s Secret. Ridden by Jon Court, the Will Take Charge three-year-old finished third in her last start in the Grade 1 $1.25 million Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs. She is owned by breeder Willis Horton Racing and trained by Dallas Stewart and will start from post one.

Sitting directly to the right of her in the starting gate will be California invader Soothsay from the Richard Mandella barn. The Distorted Humor filly is two for three this year after going unraced at two. Her last start was a second-place finish in the Grade 2 $200,000 Summer Oaks Stakes at Santa Anita. Flavien Prat guides Soothsay from post two.

The entire field for the Indiana Oaks includes Will’s Secret (Jon Court), Soothsay (Flavient Pratt), Oliviaofthedesert (Brian Hernandez Jr.), Malloy (Adam Beschizza), Lovely Ride (Gabriel Saez), Sweet Pearl (Luis Saez), Li’l Tootsie (James Graham), Marion Francis (Florent Geroux), Lady Aces (Umberto Rispoli), Moon Swag (DeShawn Parker), and Forever Boss (Robby Albarado).

Estimated post time for the Indiana Oaks is 7:43 p.m.

Indiana Derby Day will feature numerous activities to complement the racing program, including five $1,000 Megabet Win Wagers on the Indiana Derby, courtesy of the Indiana Thoroughbred Alliance. The twilight card also will feature a $500 Indiana Derby Hat Contest, cigar rolling station, $1,000 Derby Warriors Handicapping Contest, strolling entertainment, and a community food booth featuring sno cones and cotton candy with all proceeds going to the Shelbyville High School girls basketball program.

Free parking and free general admission will be offered for all racing fans with ample seating available on a first come, first serve basis.