A sixth-grade student at Maxwell Intermediate School could face criminal charges after bringing a BB/pellet gun to school on Wednesday. 

The male student showed the gun to another student and a teacher was informed, according to a press release by the Greenfield Police Department. 

After the teacher was informed, the school resource officer, who is a Greenfield police officer, was called to investigate the incident. The student was removed from class and searched. A search of the student's backpack turned up what appeared to be a black Glock 17 pistol, as well as a tan handgun magazine that contained five 9mm bullets. The magazine was inserted into the gun when located. Further investigation revealed the gun was a BB/pellet gun.

The student is a 13-year-old male and is being disciplined by the Greenfield-Central School Corporation. Law enforcement officials did not identify the student due to his age, and no threats were made by the student. 

Local law enforcement turned a probable cause affidavit over to Hancock County Prosecutor Brent Eaton, whose office will decide if criminal charges will be filed. 

"The Greenfield Police Department and the Greenfield Central School Corporation take these matters very seriously. Parents and guardians should be having conversations with their children about the dangers of guns and other items that resemble guns. These items should never be taken to school. We thank the student that reported what they saw to a teacher. It takes courage to do the right thing, even though doing the right thing is sometimes hard," Deputy Chief Charles McMichael said.

The annual Tree Giveaway takes place Saturday morning at Blue River Memorial Park.

The set-up will be near the splash pad.

The giveaway will not begin until about 8:30 a.m., after the start of the Tree Trot 5K.

MS4 Director Derrick Byers says they again have a variety of trees...while supplies last.

The Blue River Cross Country Course in Shelbyville will again benefit from the Tree Trot 5K Run/Walk. All proceeds from the event will go to purchasing big trees to plant along the cross country course.

The 5K run/walk will begin at 8:15 a.m. on Saturday with awards to follow.

Race-day registration is $45 and shirts are not guaranteed.

Racing categories include 12-and-under, 13-18, 19-39, 40-59, 60-80 and 80-and-over.

Age group (male and female) winners will receive a potted tree sapling. The top three finishers overall will receive a homemade medal.

For those choosing to walk the “Tree Trot,” a member of the local environment advocate group, Master Gardeners, will lead an informative overview of the Little Blue River watershed at Blue River Memorial Park.

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Two people, including a Decatur County man, were killed Monday in a two-car crash just south of Bloomington.

The drivers of the cargo vans died at the scene of the head-on crash on State Road 37 just after 3 p.m. Monday. Brian Hersley, 47, of Westport, was the driver of one vehicle and Darra Jones, 43, of Bedford, drove the other vehicle.

Autopsies and toxicology studies are scheduled as part of the investigation.

The initial investigation shows that the van driven by Jones was southbound and that she signaled to the right, then came back to the left and crossed the median. The Jones van crashed into the northbound van driven by Hersley.

The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office is working a fatality accident on northbound Interstate 65 at the 96-mile marker near Whiteland. A pedestrian has been struck and killed.

There have been restrictions for northbound Interstate 65 as the accident is being investigated.

The  Johnson County Sheriff’s Office and Whiteland Fire Department responded with Indiana State Police assisting with a vehicle inspection of a semi-tractor and trailer.  

As soon as the investigation and  accident report is complete more details will be released.

The Indiana Department of Transportation is reopening I-65 through the North Split interchange this weekend.

Crews will work in stages, first on northbound lanes. After northbound lanes are open, crews will work to reopen southbound lanes.  

All I-65 NB and SB lanes are expected to be open by Monday, weather permitting. Crews will begin with reopening I-65 NB, followed by I-65 SB. After both northbound and southbound lanes are reopened, the detour on I-465 will be lifted. 

Click here to view timelapse footage of the North Split project progressing. 

During the opening process, drivers can expect multiple short-term lane restrictions as crews install pavement markings and move barrels to open the lanes.   

With the new movements, motorists will be able to travel along I-65 through the North Split interchange from both directions.  

As a reminder, under the permanent North Split interchange configuration, there will no longer be access to I-65 SB via the Delaware/11th Street ramp and access to the Meridian/Pennsylvania Street exit will only be available through I-65 NB.  

Access to downtown Indianapolis will be maintained via:  

• I-70 WB collector/distributor (C/D) exit ramp to Michigan Street  
• I-65 NB/ I-70 EB exit ramp to Washington Street  
• I-70 WB to Martin Luther King, Jr./West Street  
• I-65 SB to Meridian Street  
• I-65 SB to West Street 
• All existing ramps on I-70 west of the South Split 

The I-65 SB to C/D movement, Ohio Street exit ramp, and Meridian/Pennsylvania exit ramp remain under construction. All ramps and movements are expected to be open by the end of May. 

As we continue through spring and enter summer and fall of 2023, crews will work on local street paving and aesthetic design updates, including planting.  

The North Split Reconstruction Project provides safer, more free-flowing travel for the thousands of motorists who use the interchange each day. The new system features a smaller footprint and increases the walkability of surrounding downtown Indianapolis neighborhoods. The redesigned interchange improves safety by eliminating weaving and merging, leading to better traffic flow.

The City of Shelbyville spent more than $50,000 during spring clean-up week.

The five-day “heavy trash” collection week (April 17-21) had its challenges, according to Street Department supervisor Dave Fannin, who appeared before the Board of Works Tuesday morning at City Hall.

A total of 117 trash truck loads were collected and dumped at a cost of $25,811.

Twenty-nine employees worked 40-hour weeks at a cost of $22,008.

Over 800 gallons of diesel fuel were used totaling just over $3,000.

Three trash truck tires had to be replaced during the week for another $1,500 in expenses.

A big cylinder in a trash truck had to be replaced at another $3,000.

“It was a whole department effort,” said Fannin. “I can’t say enough about the guys. I couldn’t have asked for a better crew to make that possible.”

Fannin thanked several city businesses and restaurants that purchased lunch for the street department during its busiest week of the year.

One week each year, the street department loosens trash collection restrictions to help residents clean out unwanted items. A total of 686 mattresses were collected, according to Fannin.

In other board business Tuesday:

• Issued an order to appear to the owner of a nuisance property at 350 E. Pennsylvania St.
• Reaffirmed a motion regarding an unsafe building at 492 E. Mechanic St. The owner has offered to sell the property to the City of Shelbyville but it does not have a clean title, according to plan commission director Adam Rude. Two separate fires have rendered the house and garage unsafe and the owner does not have the means to “fix” the property. The city is interested in purchasing the property with a clean title.
• Awarded the paving contract to Crim & Sons, Inc. to pave a stretch of walking trail from Habig St. to near the Shelbyville/Shelby County Animal Shelter.

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The Shelbyville Fire Department was dispatched just after 7:30 a.m. Wednesday for a fire at Heritage House of Shelbyville, 2309 South Miller Street.

The fire was located in a staff area and was quickly controlled by the sprinkler system. The facility team was quick to respond to protect the residents andno injuries were reported.

There was no word on the cause of the fire in the posting by the fire department.

A shot was fired in a multiple county pursuit that ended with the arrest of a Madison man Tuesday.

About 10:30 p.m. Tuesday , a Hope police officer tried to make a traffic stop on a Pontiac. The driver, later identified as Joseph Morrow, 41, refused to stop and led multiple law enforcement agencies on a pursuit that lasted about 30 minutes through Bartholomew and Decatur counties.

About 11 p.m., Morrow drove into a residential neighborhood east of Columbus and drove through yards and then toward an Indiana State trooper who was outside of his vehicle. The trooper fired at Morrow's car but neither party was injured.

A short while later Morrow got out of his vehicle. He was on foot when located and arrested a short time later.

Morrow was taken to the Columbus Regional Hospital for evaluation and then to the Bartholomew County Jail on several felony and misdemeanor charges.

Area residents have a unique opportunity to join one of the most prestigious companies in gaming, racing, dining, and hospitality with the National Day of Hiring set for Tuesday at Horseshoe Indianapolis.

The program allows those seeking employment to explore opportunities not only locally, but with more than 35 locations over 19 states managed by Caesars Entertainment.

The 2023 National Day of Hiring will be held from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tuesday in the Caesars Suite, located on the third floor of the racing building. The session will include a walk-in format with on-the-spot interviews and hiring opportunities. Current local positions available include casino games, food and beverage, security and surveillance, housekeeping, facilities and maintenance, and seasonal racing positions for both the grandstand area as well as the barn area.

Ample signage will be visible at Horseshoe Indianapolis to those attending the National Day of Hiring. Free parking is available in the garage or the surface parking lot. Individuals should dress professionally as interviews will be conducted during the five-hour session.

More information about positions available may be found on the website at www.caesars.com/horseshoe-indianapolis at the very bottom under the “Careers” tab. To gather more details on the 2023 National Day of Hiring, contact Annette Torres in the Human Resources Department at (317) 421-8882 or by email at atorres@caesars.com

Attorney General Todd Rokita is warning Hoosiers of post-tax season scams, which occur far too often in communities across Indiana.

“Scammers will steal innocent taxpayers’ identities and use it to file fraudulent tax returns,” Attorney General Rokita said. “Many families are looking forward to tax refunds to help pay their currently inflated bills or to simply get away for a few days this summer. Don’t let these con artists steal your identity and eventually, your money.” 

Tax identity thieves use other people’s Social Security numbers to file taxes and/or even obtain jobs. Most victims will likely not even be aware this has happened. Some will be notified upon e-filing that a tax return has already been filed using their SSN.

Attorney General Rokita reminds Hoosiers to review the warning signs released by the IRS on possible tax-related identity theft related to tax scams: 

• More than one tax return was filed for you. 
• You owe additional taxes, have a refund offset, or have had collection actions taken against you for a year you did not file a tax return.
• IRS records indicate you received wages or other income from an employer for whom you did not work. 

If you believe you have been the victim of tax-related or any other type of identity theft, you can file a complaint online by visiting indianaconsumer.com or by calling 1-800-382-5516. 

The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) recently honored a select group of police officers for their efforts in reducing impaired driving and making Indiana roads safer.

During the March event, the following awards were presented: (20) Longevity Awards, (2) DRE Performance Awards, the Officer David Moore DRE of the Year Award and the Lt. Gary Dudley DRE Instructor of the Year Award.

The officers recognized, 23 in total, are part of the state’s Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) program.  Jeff Dewitt with the Shelby County Sheriff's Department received a Longevity Award at the event.

DREs receive specialized training to recognize impairment in drivers under the influence of drugs. Because of their training, they are often called upon by law enforcement to assist with traffic stops with the goal of keeping impaired drivers off the road.

The DREs were recognized during the Indiana Traffic Safety Conference, celebrating the officers after the eighth annual awards ceremony that took place in March. The awards ceremony was hosted by the Indiana Farmers Coliseum at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

"It is an honor to acknowledge the crucial role that these officers play in ensuring the safety of our roads and communities," stated Devon McDonald, Executive Director of ICJI. "Their top priority is to prevent drug-impaired drivers from endangering lives on the road.”

A Sunday I-74 crash in Decatur County appears to have been caused by a rock through the truck's windshield.

The Decatur County Sheriff's Department says they received the call of the FedEx semicrash about 3 a.m. Sunday at the 127 mile marker of I-74. The semi was in the median and deputies found the driver in the truck semi-conscious with a significant head injury. There was also damage to the windshield.

The driver was flown by Stat Flight to St. Vincent's Hospital. The juvenile child of the driver was not injured.

Evidence indicates that a rock was thrown through the windshield of the semi and struck the driver in the head, rendering him unconscious.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Decatur County Sheriff's Department at 812-663-8125.

Shelbyville’s Advantage Tool Rental, 2500 E. Michigan Road, and Sean Eberhart have been one and the same for a long time. But that time has come to a close with the acquisition of the business by Sunbelt Rentals.

Eberhart says the transition took place in just a matter of days last week.

Sunbelt Rentals is a private company with over 14,000 employees and over 1,000 locations with headquarters in South Carolina.

Eberhart says the decision to sell Advantage was simply a matter of good timing and having the right situation present itself.

Customers of Advantage Tool will see much the same look regarding the people staffing the new Sunbelt site.

Eberhart says, for his immediate future, there are no set plans.  Not yet, anyway.

Eberhart notes Sunbelt will establish some larger equipment available for rentals at the site and the company’s multiple locations, including Indianapolis and Columbus, will mean more equipment offerings available.

Indiana’s unemployment rate in March stands at 3.1% according to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. By comparison, the national unemployment rate for March stands at 3.5%.

In addition, Indiana’s labor force participation rate increased to 63.5% for March, remaining above the national rate of 62.6%. Indiana’s total labor force, which includes both Hoosiers employed and those seeking employment, stands at 3,416,350 – an increase of 6,653 from the previous month.

Private sector employment in Indiana increased by 3,300 jobs over the last month, translating to a gain of 70,200 jobs from this time last year. Indiana’s March private employment stands at 2,830,500. This is a new private employment peak for Indiana.

Industries that experienced job increases in March included:

• Professional and Business Services (+4,400)
• Trade, Transportation and Utilities (+800)
• Leisure and Hospitality (+700)
• Manufacturing (+400)

As of April 17, there were 130,218 open job postings throughout the state. In March, 17,039 unemployment insurance claims were filed in Indiana.

Individuals looking for work, training or career information are encouraged to visit in.gov/dwd/job-seekers.

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In her first session as a state legislator, State Rep. Jennifer Meltzer (R-Shelbyville) successfully authored a new law to track whether a dangerous street drug that's sweeping the country is resulting in overdose deaths in Indiana.  

Meltzer said that xylazine, also known as the street drug "tranq," is a veterinary sedative used in livestock surgeries but has been found in a growing number of overdose deaths across the United States.

"We are seeing more overdose deaths being linked to xylazine and this bill can help us track it's prevalence, and ultimately develop strategies to combat it and save lives," Meltzer said. "Many users may not know this veterinary sedative is being mixed with more common street drugs, and that it's not responsive to overdose reversal medications."

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, xylazine is a central nervous system depressant that can cause drowsiness and amnesia, and slow breathing, heart rate and blood pressure to dangerously low levels. Repeated xylazine use is also associated with skin ulcers, abscesses and related complications.
She said xylazine is being mixed with other dangerous substances, like fentanyl and other illicit opioids. Because the drug is not an opiate, overdose reversal medication like Naloxone or Narcan are less effective. According to the Drug Enforcement Agency, xylazine-related overdose deaths in the Midwest increased by more than 500% from 2020 to 2021. Additionally, DEA forensic labs have identified the sedative 370% more across the United States in 2021 compared to 2020.

Meltzer's legislation, unanimously supported at every point in the process, will task coroners with testing for any trace of xylazine in suspected and known drug overdose deaths. This includes if the victim was resistant to reversal medications. She said the data gathered from these reports will help Indiana get a clear picture of the drug's presence in the state and begin to form an action plan.

House Enrolled Act 1286, which is Meltzer's first law to have enacted, will go into effect July 1.

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Shelbyville Central Schools sent a letter late Friday afternoon to parents and guardians detailing responses to a March 30 school board meeting regarding bullying issues within the school system.

Based on common concerns, the school system has enacted new strategies to be implemented.

Many that spoke at the March 30 meeting expressed concerns over how bullying was initially reported and the follow-up communication regarding incidents.

The school district currently uses the STOPit reporting system which allows for anonymous reports. According to the SCS letter, “The administration is investigating other reporting systems to ensure that this mechanism meets all suggested functions, such as privacy and ease of use.”

SCS also will add more training for students on how to report bullying and different intervention strategies that can be used.

SCS bullying policy will now include a parental or guardian notification within 24 hours of a bullying allegation and details of their student’s involvement.

The letter stated, “Immediate supportive measures during the bullying investigation will be put into place to protect the alleged victim.”

And no later than seven days after the initial bullying report, parents will receive information as to whether the incident was a substantiated case of bullying or how the outcome of the investigation will affect students.

SCS will now contract with an outside agency to conduct a student bullying/safety audit that will help guide future anti-bullying measures.

SCS was questioned on the accuracy of reporting substantiated cases of bullying. Schools will now report annually how many allegations of bullying were documented, how many of the cases were substantiated or unsubstantiated, and if the unsubstantiated cases would have a numerical breakdown of their categorization as outlined on bullying allegation reports, such as peer conflict, horseplay, fighting, hazing, harassment or stalking.

The school board will monitor policy to ensure school administrators comply with state legislation to investigate alleged bullying incidents.

The district bullying policy, C200, can be found on the district’s website (scs.shelbycs.org) under the “Parents” tab. It is reviewed annually for any legislative or district amendments.

All bullying investigative reports are sent to the Central Office and reviewed by the superintendent and assistant superintendent.

The school board reviews corporation data for each school in the district and disciplinary data, which includes bullying incidents or harassment.

The letter closes with, “Shelbyville Central Schools is continually evaluating the district’s responses to student safety. When the school district and the school community work together to acknowledge areas of concern, solutions and progress take place, as it has in this case. The Board will keep the community apprised as we progress through this process of enhanced, proactive anti-bullying measures.”

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Members of the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, Franklin Police Department, Edinburgh Police Department, and the Johnson County Prosecutor’s Office conducted a child solicitation sting in the northern part of Johnson County.

The detail ended Thursday night. By the end of the sting 32 individuals had been arrested including a Shelby County man.

The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office reports Matthew D. McMahon, 37, of Fairland, was arrested on a charge of Child Solicitation - Level 4 Felony.

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Bruce A. Williams II, 31, Zackary Dean Doss, 26, and Kevin Todd Jones, Jr. 21, have been charged in a federal indictment with Conspiracy to Receive, Possess, Store, or Sell Stolen Firearms.

Williams and Doss have also been charged with Possession of Firearms by a Felon, and Jones has been charged with Possession or Sale of a Stolen Firearm.

A fourth man, Ryan Hurt, 28, also of Indianapolis, has been charged in a related criminal complaint with Possession of Stolen Firearms.

As of today, Williams, Doss, and Hurt have been arrested. On April 20, each of them made their initial appearance in federal court. Williams and Doss have been detained by the U.S. Marshal Service as they await a detention hearing at a later date. Hurt has been released on GPS monitoring.

Kevin Jones, Jr. is still at large. If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Kevin Jones, Jr., please contact Crime Stoppers at 317-262-TIPS (8477).

According to court documents and information presented in open court, beginning on or before March 2, 2022, Williams, Doss, Jones, and others conspired together to steal over 200 firearms from the Indianapolis terminal of an interstate shipping company. Williams and other participants in the conspiracy were employees of the shipping company. These insiders identified shipments of firearms at the terminal, stole firearms from the shipments, and arranged to sell the stolen firearms. Members of the conspiracy also kept some of the stolen firearms for their own personal use.

Doss and Jones purchased stolen firearms from other members of the conspiracy. Doss and Jones sold some of the stolen firearms to other individuals. Doss and Jones are prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law because they are previously convicted felons.

On April 19, 2023, as part of this investigation, law enforcement officers with the ATF and IMPD executed a search warrant at Hurts’ residence and seized two stolen firearms. Hurts was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession of stolen firearms.

To date, law enforcement officers have recovered approximately 33 stolen firearms as a part of this ongoing investigation. If you have any information regarding the theft, sale, or location of any of the stolen firearms, please contact Crime Stoppers. If you believe you are in possession of or have purchased one or more of the stolen firearms and were not aware they were stolen, please reach out to Crime Stoppers at 317-262-TIPS (8477).

If convicted of the conspiracy charge, each of the defendants face up to 5 years in federal prison. Each of the defendants also faces up to 10 years in federal prison if convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm or possession of stolen firearms. A federal district court judge will determine any actual sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Randal Taylor, Chief of Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, and Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Columbus Field Division made the announcement.

“Thefts of firearms from interstate shipping are a significant source of the guns that drive the bloodshed in our streets,” said U.S. Attorney Myers. “This investigation and prosecution demonstrate that our office is determined to work with ATF and IMPD to get illegal guns out of the hands of dangerous criminals and to hold gun traffickers accountable. We urge the public to join us in this effort, and to contact the ATF and IMPD with any information relevant to this ongoing investigation.”

U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Pamela S. Domash and Brad P. Shepard, who are prosecuting this case.

This case was brought as part of the Indiana Crime Guns Task Force (ICGTF). ICGTF is a partnership of law enforcement officers and analysts from several central Indiana law enforcement agencies in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan, Johnson, and Shelby counties. In cooperation with state, local, and federal partners, ICGTF collaborates to address violent crime through a comprehensive strategy including innovative approaches to locating suspects and evidence related to violent crimes and illegal possession of firearms.

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A Hancock County man has been arrested for drugs that were involved in a man's death.

Greenfield Police Detectives have arrested James B. Woolsey, 37, of Greenfield, on suspicion of dealing drugs that resulted in the death of a Greenfield man in February.

On February 24, Greenfield Police and EMS personnel were dispatched to a home on Sherwood Drive for a cardiac arrest. When officers arrived on scene, a man later identified as Joseph Shephard, 41, was found to be unresponsive. Officers administered Narcan and performed CPR but despite all lifesaving measures, Shephard died at the scene.

From evidence located at the scene detectives were directed to James Woolsey. Woolsey had been communicating with Shephard via cell phone just prior to his death.
Woolsey was located and interviewed Thursday. As a result of this interview and investigation, he was arrested and transported to the Hancock County Jail where he is being held on a preliminary charge of Dealing in a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death, a Level 1 felony.
Formal charges will be determined and filed by the Hancock County Prosecutor.

The Grover Center and the Shelby County United Fund For You (SCUFFY) are building up the community's artistic spirit with a new pop-up exhibit that celebrates the 2023 campaign theme of "Building Shelby County One Heart at a Time."

 The exhibit, which runs from April 12 through May 12, features the award-winning art created by students from around the county, artifacts on loan from the Shelby County United Fund, and selected SCUFFY-related artwork from George Stubbs Sr.’s “This Week in Shelby County” comic.

The SCUFFY Campaign is an annual fundraising effort that supports their 13 membership agencies, and the pop-up exhibit is part of the campaign. Builders Lumber owner Brian Baker is chairing this year's campaign, which seeks to unite the community and make a positive impact on the lives of those who live in Shelby County.

In collaboration with SCUFFY, the Grover Center, 52 W. Broadway in Shelbyville, hosted an exhibition opening night on April 11, which was attended by the students and their families, teachers, and community members.

"The contest and exhibit showcase the incredible work of these young artists and demonstrates how these types of projects can elevate our entire community," said Alex Krach, director of the Grover Center: Museum and Historical Society. “Witnessing the participants' faces light up upon seeing their artwork on display, and the pride beaming from parents, highlights the immense effort and dedication these kids put into their work. It's a heartening reminder that every contribution to this fundraiser makes a meaningful impact.”

The exhibit is now open to the public.

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Horseshoe Indianapolis is set to participate in the 2023 National Day of Hiring from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. on May 2.

The event encompasses all properties across the United States under the Caesars Entertainment umbrella with opportunities to seek employment at any of these facilities through the local hiring session.

“The National Day of Hiring is a great way to find out about so many positions available throughout our entire company,” said Annette Torres, Talent Acquisition Manager for Horseshoe Indianapolis. “Those seeking to obtain employment right now can explore all types of jobs at one session. It is such a unique way to become knowledgeable about not only our facility, but operations across the country, including Las Vegas.”

The National Day of Hiring is a walk-in format with on-the-spot hiring opportunities. Current local positions available include casino games, food and beverage, security and surveillance, housekeeping, facilities and maintenance, and seasonal racing positions for both the grandstand area as well as the barn area.

“We have such a wide range of positions available it will fit almost any skill set out there,” added Torres. “We will have a full staff available to answer questions, provide interviews, and take the next step on placing someone on our team, either locally or at another location.”

The National Day of Hiring spans five hours, providing lots of opportunities to stop by for the event. Professional dress is required, and check-in is conducted in an efficient format to get interested individuals through the steps of employment in a timely manner.

To attend the National Day of Hiring, arrive at Horseshoe Indianapolis on May 2 between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Parking is free in the garage or the surface parking lot. The event is slated for the racing building on the third floor in the Caesars Suite. Ample signage will be available to guide potential team members to the right location for the event.

More information about positions available may be found on the website at www.caesars.com/horseshoe-indianapolis at the very bottom under the “Careers” tab. To gather more details on the 2023 National Day of Hiring, contact Annette Torres in the Human Resources Department at (317) 421-8882 or by email at atorres@caesars.com.

A Red Flag Warning is in effect Thursday from noon to 8 p.m. for critical fire weather conditions.

The National Weather Service in Indianapolis has issued the warning for much of central Indiana. Factors include winds out of the south at 20 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph and relative humidity as low as 20 percent.

Temperatures Thursday will climb well into the 80s before potential rainfall joins a cold front that will cause temperatures to drop for the upcoming weekend.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest disaster loans to businesses and residents in Indiana following the announcement of a Presidential disaster declaration due to damages from severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes from March 31 to April 1. 

The disaster declaration covers Allen, Benton, Clinton, Grant, Howard, Johnson, Lake, Monroe, Morgan, Owen, Sullivan and White counties in Indiana, which are eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA.

Small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations in the following adjacent counties are eligible to apply only for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs): Adams, Bartholomew, Blackford, Boone, Brown, Carroll, Cass, Clay, De Kalb, Delaware, Greene, Hamilton, Hendricks, Huntington, Jackson, Jasper, Knox, Lawrence, Madison, Marion, Miami, Montgomery, Newton, Noble, Porter, Pulaski, Putnam, Shelby, Tippecanoe, Tipton, Vigo, Wabash, Warren, Wells and Whitley in Indiana. 

Businesses and private nonprofit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. These centers are designed for businesses and not individual homeowners.

Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed personal property.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is June 14, 2023. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Jan. 15, 2024. 

Apply online

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website and should apply under SBA declaration # 17881.

Business Recovery Center

A Business Recovery Center (BRC) will open at 9 a.m. on Friday, April 21, at the Grace Assembly of God Church in Johnson County. SBA Customer Service Representatives at the center will assist business owners and residents in filling out a disaster loan application, accept documents for existing applications and provide updates on an application’s status. The center will operate as indicated below until further notice:

Grace of Assembly of God Church
6822 North US 31
Whiteland, IN 46184

Hours: 

Monday to Friday
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
Starting: Saturday, April 28
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Shelbyville Central Schools will add three Building Level Behavior Support staff members who will be assigned to each of the three Shelbyville elementary schools in the 2023-2024 school year.

“Each elementary school next year will have a behavior support position. It will more than likely be a certified position. It could be non-certified but it would depend on what the qualifications of the applicants are,” said SCS Superintendent Dr. Matt Vance following Wednesday’s April school board meeting. “We are looking at an additional layer here to help with any kind of behavior issues that students may be dealing with in the elementary buildings.

“A lot of times it ends up being a principal or an assistant principal in terms of discipline. We are hoping this position can run some different programs and do some different things to help us. It’s not always discipline … help with corrective behavior and help students with some issues they may be having and help our social workers. It’s just another layer that we are putting in our elementary schools to try and help our students.”

The new staff member also will be utilized to support, train and coach teachers and paraprofessionals on strategies to help with student behavior.

“We are going to pay next year mostly out of title money,” said Vance. “It is not coming out of our education fund or our operations fund or any other of our current funds. We will reallocate some title money and pay for these positions for next year and see how it goes.”

If successful, SCS could hire similar positions for Shelbyville Middle School and Shelbyville High School.

“We will see how it goes,” said Vance. “At the elementary schools, students are getting started in the school corporation and it’s important to help as much as we can at the lower ages.”

Following an open board meeting in late March where bullying within the school system was discussed, SCS board president Curt Johnson announced that the school system is working on an informational release to update concerned parents and family members. Johnson and Vance confirmed the release will be out either later this week or next week.

In other board business Wednesday:

• Approved the 2024-2025 SCS calendar so families and staff members can now see the calendars for the next two schools years.
• Approved an out-of-state field trip request for SHS students Elizabeth DeRolf and Connor Zobel to attend the BPA National Leadership Conference from April 26-30 in Anaheim, California. DeRolf and Zobel qualified for the national event through regional and state competitions.
• Approved an out-of-state field trip request for eligible eighth-grade students to go to Washington D.C. trip from March 15-19, 2024.
• Agreed to pay support staff for April 14 when the school system was closed due to a bomb threat to more than three dozen schools around Indiana. Dr. Vance made the request to the board to pay the support staff, which is typically not paid when school is not in session.
• Hired Stephanie Munger as the new head girls soccer coach at Shelbyville High School. Munger is currently serving as the assistant junior varsity softball coach.

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The Grover Center: Museum and Historical Society will host Vintage Board Game Night Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Shelbyville museum, 52 W. Broadway St.

The event will feature a collection of classic board games from the 1950s placed throughout the exhibits at the Grover Center. From popular titles like “Sorry” and “PIT” to lesser-known games like “Touring” and “Mr. Rhee: Fireside Detective,” attendees will have the chance to enjoy a variety of games from this era.

The games have been carefully selected to pay homage to the building’s history, as the Grover Center was constructed in the 1950s. The vintage board game night promises to be a unique and entertaining experience that blends history with gameplay.

Attendees will be treated to pizza from Greek’s Pizzeria in Shelbyville and a cash bar from Capone’s Speakeasy.

Tickets for the event are $15, which includes admission and pizza. Tickets may be purchased only at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vintage-game-night-tickets-609500702007.

The event is restricted to those 21 years of age and older.

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The Shelby County Players appeared on GIANT fm Sunday with a live performance of Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar.

The bodies of Siddhant Shah, 19, and Aryan Vaidya, 20, have been recovered from Monroe Lake.

Just before 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Indiana Conservation Officers located and recovered the bodies of the victims in 18 feet of water in an area east of the Paynetown Marina. 

Release as of April 18, 2023, at 10:05 a.m.

Conservation officers will continue the search today at Monroe Lake for the two missing men using multiple types of side scan sonar, remote operated vehicles (ROV) and scuba divers.

Search crews battled heavy wind and waves on the water yesterday. Today’s subsiding wind conditions will aid in the search and recovery operation.

Release as of April 17, 2023, at 9:23 a.m.

The search for two men who went missing Saturday afternoon while swimming at Monroe Lake is ongoing.

Crews used side scan sonar and scuba divers all day Sunday to search the area where the men were last seen in the water. High winds and rough water created obstacles for officers conducting the search.

Conservation officers are back on the water this morning to continue the search and recovery operation.

Release as of April 16, 2023, at 9:30 a.m.

Indiana Conservation Officers are resuming the search this morning for two missing Indiana University students in the water at Monroe Lake. 

Siddhant Shah, 19, and Aryan Vaidya, 20, were boating on a pontoon with friends on Monroe Lake yesterday afternoon when the group anchored to swim. When both men did not resurface, friends tried to help but were unsuccessful.

Rescue units utilizing side scan sonar and scuba divers searched the area before suspending search operations for the night due to darkness. Conservation Officers will resume their search this morning. 

Indiana University Student Services assisted with transporting the group back to campus and providing counselling services.

Units assisting in the search include the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, Bloomington Police Department, IU Police Department, Monroe County Dive Team, IU Dean of Students Office, Monroe Fire Protection District, and IU Health EMS.

A Morristown student was killed Monday morning in a pickup-tractor-trailer collision.

About 8 a.m., Colt Andry, 18, of Morristown, was southbound in the 1700 block of Miller Ave. A tractor-trailer owned by Thomas Oil Company, of Franklin, driven by Peter Crater, of North Vernon, was northbound also in the 1700 block of Miller Ave. 

The investigation shows that the pickup truck driven by Andry left its lane of travel and crossed over into the northbound lane. Andry’s truck then made contact with the tractor-trailer causing Andry’s pickup to flip onto its side and then onto its roof.

Andry was pronounced deceased at the scene of the crash.  A juvenile passenger was transported for medical treatment and has since been released.

At this time the investigation is not showing any signs of intoxication by either driver. Toxicology results are pending which is standard procedure in any fatality accident.

The Shelbyville Police Department sends its thoughts and prayers out to the Andry family, the community of Morristown, and all those affected by this tragedy. 

A Morristown student was killed in a Monday morning car crash.

Details on the accident have yet to be released by Shelbyville Police.  However, the folllowing message was released by Morristown Junior - Senior High School Principal Jeremy Powers.

A truck crashed into a Shelbyville home early Sunday morning.

The Shelbyville Police Department and Shelbyville Fire Department responded just before 3 a.m. Sunday to 454 West Mechanic Street. The Shelbyville Police report says Jason Marcum, 40, told officers that he had just recently been driving the utility truck and wasn’t used to the bed sticking out so far. 

Marcum’s truck struck a parked car and then had some sort of mechanical failure.  Marcum said he kept stepping on the brake but ran off the street and struck the house.

The home sustained structural damage. 

There were no injuries to the occupants of the truck or home were injured.

Shelbyville Fire Department photo

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A large house at the Five Points intersection in Shelbyville is being restored to its original configuration as a duplex.

Residing at 331 and 335 S. Miller St. (photo), the residence, which has been a nuisance property for the city in recent years, has been gutted in preparation for the remodel. A new roof has already been installed.

The property owned by Frank Sundvall is in the process of being rezoned from R1, single family residential, to R2 for two-family use as a duplex.

The house has two separate entrances and two separate driveways.

At the city’s Common Council meeting Monday morning, the council approved the resolution to rezone the property to R2. The case will be remanded back to the Plan Commission for its next step.

In other business Monday, the council approved an annexation request for the property at the intersection of State Road 9 and Morristown Road on the city’s north side.

The property, located across Morristown Road from Culver’s, has traffic concerns at that busy intersection that must be addressed. No specific site plan is in place for the property, according to local attorney Jake Brattain, who represented the property owner Monday.

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As of this report on Monday, no identity has been released in a Shelby County death investigation after a body was found last week.

Shelby County Coroner Bradley Rund stated there was no identity at this time. No other information could be released due to the nature of the investigation.

If anyone thinks they may have any information, please contact Capt. Darren Chandler of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Dept. at 317-398-6661. 

Original release

The Shelby County Sheriff's Department has confirmed that a body was found in the county on Wednesday.

The body was off the roadway in a brushy area in the 6900 block north of 250 East. The body was noticed by a National Guard helicopter conducting exercises in the area.

The Shelby County Sheriff's Department stated they didn't know the identity or the cause of death. They believed the body was that of a  male. An autopsy was being scheduled.

If anyone thinks they may have any information, please contact Capt. Darren Chandler of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Dept. at 317-398-6661. 

Indiana Conservation Officers are resuming the search this morning for two missing Indiana University students in the water at Monroe Lake. 

Siddhant Shah, 19, and Aryan Vaidya, 20, were boating on a pontoon with friends on Monroe Lake yesterday afternoon when the group anchored to swim. When both men did not resurface, friends tried to help but were unsuccessful.

Rescue units utilizing side scan sonar and scuba divers searched the area before suspending search operations for the night due to darkness. Conservation Officers will resume their search this morning. 

Indiana University Student Services assisted with transporting the group back to campus and providing counselling services.

Units assisting in the search include the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, Bloomington Police Department, IU Police Department, Monroe County Dive Team, IU Dean of Students Office, Monroe Fire Protection District, and IU Health EMS.

A fatality was reported in a Friday afternoon Johnson County crash.

Just after 3:30 p.m., the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office responded to an automobile accident at State Road 135 and County Road 500W in Trafalgar. 

Jeremiah J. May,16, of Morgantown, was driving a 2013 GMC Sierra truck. Hugh K. Gossage, 79, of Trafalgar, was operating a 2005 GMC Sierra truck with Mary L. Gossage, 79, of Trafalgar, as a passenger.

As stated in the accident report, May was turning left with Gossage going straight.

May told the deputies on the scene that he was traveling west on State Road 135 and attempting to turn left on to County Road 500W when he struck the Gossage vehicle that was traveling eastbound on State Road 135. May said he didn't see the other vehicle.

Hugh and Mary Gossage were transported to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis by ambulance.  Mary Gossage died of her injuries.

May was transported to Riley Hospital in Indianapolis by ambulance.

The 174^th Annual Shelby County Fair will open with a Kick-Off concert on June 12.

Multi-platinum country music artist Deana Carter will perform at the fairgrounds grandstand in Shelbyville.

“We were looking for some grandstand events for the fair and this conversation happened back in the fall,” said Christa Weaver in an interview Friday with Johnny McCrory of GIANT fm. “We decided to offer something a little different that we hadn’t had in the grandstand for many years.”

Carter’s albums have produced three Billboard country charts No. 1 singles – “Strawberry Wine,” “We Danced Anyway,” and “How Do I Get There.”

The grandstand is traditionally busy throughout fair week with motorsports events. The board agreed it was time to add something new to the schedule.

“When you literally have the nicest grandstand around, and maybe in the state of Indiana for a county fair, you need to figure out some different stuff,” said Thopy, fair board president. “This was an opportunity to go outside of our comfort box and try to figure out what we can do to make something huge happen. Christa has been all over it. She has made tons of phone calls and gotten sponsorships.”

The Shelby County Co-Op, Knauf, and Peterman Brothers are the lead sponsors for the Kick-Off concert.

“None of this would be possible if it weren’t for, I don’t even want to call them sponsors, I want to call them community partners because that is what they most definitely are,” said Weaver. “Those (three) are our biggest sponsors and we do have a lot of others as well.”

The Shelby County Fair, running June 12-17 this year, will release the Kick-Off concert’s ticket purchasing information Sunday on its Facebook page.

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Dr Phil Batton’s service to the Boys and Girls Club movement was recognized Thursday at the Indianapolis downtown Sheraton when he was inducted into the Indiana Boys and Girls Club Hall of Fame.

Batton, a 45-year Shelby County Boys and Girls Club board member, received Indiana Area Council Lifetime Achievement and Service to Youth Awards at previous state meetings. Batton is the second representative of the Shelby County Club organization to be so honored. Joe Harlan was inducted in 2018.

“It was great to see Phil inducted,” said local Boys and Girls Club board president Matt Haehl. “It is a well-deserved honor for someone who has dedicated 45 years of his life to the youth of our community. He has worn many hats on our board and is a big reason the Boys and Girls Club has had such a positive impact on Shelby County.”

“I first visited the Boys Club as a youth,” said Batton. “That initial experience opened my eyes to the potential this organization could have to enhance so many young lives.”

Batton currently oversees Club maintenance and building and grounds, however he has served in multiple capacities during his lengthy board tenure including: member of the executive committee, two terms as board president, vice-president, secretary and personnel committee chairman. He played instrumental roles in the club’s multi-million-dollar capital campaigns of 1992-96 and 2015-2018.

“Phil was very valuable in getting the Morristown Boys and Girls Club established,” stated Chris Ross, chairman of the Morristown Club project. “Phil has a great deal of respect and his efforts were key to stabilizing that whole venture.”

Batton is a Morristown native who was a standout high school athlete. He was a three-year basketball letter winner and held school 100-yard and 220-yard track records prior to those marks being retired due to the sport’s conversion to the metric system. He also was a member of the record-setting half-mile relay team. Batton along with other pre-metric record holders will be recognized at a December 2023 Morristown basketball game.

The hall of fame recipient was quick to acknowledge his wife of 52 years, Michelle, who has lent unwavering support to him and his community service efforts over the course of so many years. He cited his children, Jennifer and Nathan, who were also in attendance, for all their love and support.

Batton is a graduate of Indiana State University and the Indiana University School of Dentistry. He has maintained a dental practice in Shelbyville since 1976. He also has served as a board member of the Shelby County Health Department.

Boys and Girls Clubs of America Regional Service Director Andre Arrington recognized Batton’s remarkable record of service at Thursday’s Indiana Area Council program

“Dr Phil’s commitment to the Shelbyville Club is indeed something special,” said Arrington. “To have given such tremendous service and to do it for so many years is truly great.”

Shelby County Boys and Girls Club CEO Scott Spahr (photo, left) expressed his appreciation for Batton’s assistance during his first three years on the job.

”Phil is always there to help,” said Spahr. ”He has provided advice and consultation so many times. I am impressed and appreciative for his dedication and his constant willingness to be of help. He is all about the Club.”

The newly-inducted Batton displayed his characteristic humility following the ceremony.

“I have been part of a remarkable team for a long time,” said Batton. “I am humble and thankful beyond words.”

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General Motors recognized Ryobi Die Casting (USA), Inc. as a 2022 Supplier of the Year.

GM recently celebrated honorees at its 31^stannual Supplier of the Year event in San Antonio, Texas.

GM’s Supplier of the Year award recognizes global suppliers that distinguish themselves by exceeding GM’s requirements, in turn providing customers with innovative technologies and among the highest quality in the automotive industry. This is the fourth time RYOBI has received the award. 

Pictured left to right: Brendan Fahy - VP of GM China Purchasing; Ryan Willhelm – President & COO, Ryobi Die Casting; Humberto Juarez, General Manager, Ryobi Die Casting Mexico, Dave Drouillard – GM Executive Director, Puchasing

"Ryobi is very honored and thankful to again receive this distinguished award. GM’s recognition of Ryobi for the fourth year in a row, especially under such challenging supply chain conditions, is a true testament of the resolve and steadfast commitment of each and everyone of our team members," states Ryan Willhelm, President & Chief Operating Officer.

"We are thrilled to recognize these outstanding suppliers after yet another challenging year in the automotive industry," said Jeff Morrison, GM vice president of Global Purchasing and Supply Chain. "They overcame countless obstacles and exemplified what it means to be resilient, resourceful and determined. Beyond that, these suppliers demonstrated their commitment to sustainable innovation and to driving advanced solutions in collaboration with the GM team."

Each year, GM’s Supplier of the Year recipients are selected by a global, cross-functional GM team for their performance in criteria such Product Purchasing, Global Purchasing and Manufacturing Services, Customer Care and Aftersales and Logistics.

About RYOBI DIE CASTING

Established in 1986, Ryobi manufactures large, complex, high-pressure die castings from two campuses located in Shelbyville, Ind., and Irapuato, Mexico. Our services also include machining, engineering, and more.

Southwestern Consolidated has announced that an E-Learning day is in place for Friday.  FCA is also canceled.

Southwestern says there has not yet been a decision made on extracurricular activities for this afternoon.

The Northwestern Consolidated School District has posted the following response to Friday's story on a bomb threat that has named several Indiana schools:

"NWCSD has been made aware of an email received by other schools in the State of Indiana early this morning threatening their campus. The Triton Central campus is not listed in that email. At this time, Triton Central Schools does not view this as a clear and credible danger to our campus. Triton Central Schools will continue to monitor the situation in collaboration with local law enforcement officials. Triton Central Schools will be operating on a normal schedule for Friday, April 14."

As of 6:55 am, students at Shelbyville Central and Shelby Eastern were announced to be on an E-Learning day today. The decision is prompted out of an abundance of caution based upon a bomb threat.

Initial information indicated the threat may not be at any one school system.  Center Grove in  Johnson County has also announced it will be closed today due to the threat.

More details will come as they are made available by schools and law enforcement.

Following is the message sent to Shelby Eastern families this morning:

"Early this morning we were notified by the Shelby County Sheriff's Department of a bomb threat their office received targeting several Indiana schools. In their opinion and ours the threat is credible enough that we believe the safest path forward is to call for an elearning day today, so that we can have time to assess the situation. Teachers will communicate with students and their have lessons posted by 10 a.m.  Only essential staff should report to school and you will be notified directly if you need to report. We will provide a more detailed update later.  Thank you for your patience and understanding as we investigate the situation."

State Senator Jean Leising (R-Oldenburg) provided an update on the ongoing legislative budget session in a visit on The Morning Show on April 12.

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has issued an Air Quality Action Day (AQAD) and is forecasting high ozone levels for tomorrow, April 13, 2023 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 – Vigo, Carroll, Tippecanoe

Note: The counties referenced in the region(s) above are equipped with ozone air quality monitors. However, all counties within an AQAD region should heed the forecast. Air quality information for all Indiana counties can be found at SmogWatch.IN.gov. 

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

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

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

The Shelby County Sheriff's Department has confirmed that a body was found in the county on Wednesday.

The body was off the roadway in a brushy area in the 6900 block north of 250 East. The body was noticed by a National Guard helicopter conducting exercises in the area.

Currently, we do not know the identity or the cause of death. We do believe it is a male. An autopsy is being scheduled.  

If anyone thinks they may have any information, please contact Capt. Darren Chandler of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Dept. at 317-398-6661. .

The three Republicans vying for the nomination to be the next mayor of Shelbyville squared off in a friendly debate Tuesday at Landwerlen Hall at the FOP Lodge No. 84.

David Finkel, Scott Furgeson (main photo) and Brad Ridgeway answered several questions posed by GIANT fm radio’s Johnny McCrory for about 60 minutes. The debate was broadcast live on GIANT fm and is available to be listened to at the radio station's digital newspaper, the Shelby County Post (www.shelbycountypost.com).

Listen to the debate in its entirety at https://shelbycountypost.com/local-news/684142

“I think it went great. I think you saw three great candidates with great ideas and solutions,” said Ridgeway after the debate. “I think it’s a win-win for the city to have this quality of candidates running. We all have different ideas but we want the same things for the city.”

More support for emergency services and more options to treat mental health issues were at the forefront of the topics presented. The trio also discussed what the future holds for Shelbyville and how they would handle their personal careers if elected mayor.

“I think it went exactly how I thought it was going to go,” said Furgeson, formerly the mayor of Shelbyville. “We’ve all been friendly throughout the whole campaign. We all think alike. The bottom line is, can they get it done?

“I know I can get it done. I’m not saying they can’t but I think we need to choose that way.”

While Furgeson has been mayor and Ridgeway was the Republican nominee four years ago, Finkel is a first-time candidate for mayor.

“I think that this whole affair is a natural progression for me,” said Finkel (photo), the director of the Strand Theatre in Shelbyville. “I have been in the public eye since 1991. I have done very difficult things and this is the next step and shame on me if I don’t do it. I am in a position in my life where I am able to do it. I have the skill to do it. And I have the knowledge and the experience.”

All three men are local businessmen. Ridgeway owns and operates Nuesound Hearing. Furgeson is the owner of Cagney’s Pizza King.

Early voting for the May 2 election starts Monday. Over the next three weeks, the candidates must convince voters that they are the right person to potentially lead the city.

“I’ve always been my own person. I’ve had my own business. I’ve done everything that is needed in city government in my own life,” said Finkel, who is currently a member of the city’s Board of Works and Public Safety and is a board member for Shelbyville Central Schools. “Fiscal spending is something that I am used to. When you have your own business, it’s out of your pocket. I do not drink the kool-aid of public funds.

“I don’t need any accolades or glory. The people in our city that deserve the glory are the people that are helping you as a citizen – whether it’s taking your trash or helping you with an emergency when you call 911.”

Furgeson is leaning heavily on his past experience as mayor.

“For me, I will hit the job running on day one because I’ve done that before,” said Furgeson, who currently is a member of the city’s Common Council. “I know from 20 years ago, it was overwhelming that first month because you are trying to get everything into place and trying to figure out what is going on. Already having that experience helps.

“I’m not saying not getting going within a month is a bad thing, but we need to get going right away. I plan on doing four years and if we can be successful, I plan on doing eight (years).”

Ridgeway (photo), a former common council member, believes he has a rock-solid plan to improve the city.

“I need to keep talking about my 10-point plan,” said Ridgeway. “It’s a common sense solution and it works. It’s a lot of good ideas that will do exactly what we’re talking about.”

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Republican candidates for Mayor of Shelbyville met in a debate format at the Shelby County FOP Lodge #84 on Tuesday.

A note for this particular link - GIANT fm has experienced audio difficulties with this version of the recorded debate.  We hope to replace this with another version soon. We thank you for your patience.

Major Health Partners(MHP), a leading healthcare provider in Shelbyville and southeastern Indiana, and Unite Us, the nation’s leading software company enabling cross-sector collaboration to improve people’s well-being, are unveiling a new partnership and coordinated care network that will enhance community members’ health and well-being — even outside of hospital walls.

Through this partnership, MHP can use Unite Us’ software to collaborate across sectors and securely connect members with unmet health and social needs to services such as housing and food assistance, transportation, and employment assistance.

“At MHP, we are fully embracing the effort of becoming a true community health improvement organization — one that can make a meaningful and measurable generational improvement in health and well-being in our region,” said Stephen Black, MHP's Director of Behavioral Health and Health Equity. “For MHP to be successful — and for our community to thrive — we all have to reach beyond our four walls and build partnerships to harness the power of collective impact.”

Within MHP, the Unite Us Platform will allow specially trained staff conducting health-related social needs screenings for gaps in care, such as food and housing insecurity, transportation challenges, or other obstacles, to connect with community organizations committed to resolving those issues. The network, however, is not dependent on MHP. Participating organizations can also refer clients to each other even if the people they refer aren’t MHP patients.

Through this collaboration, Major Health Partners hopes to better standardize their sites' social care referral process, allowing for less burdensome workflows for staff members and eventually using the Unite Us Platform to identify and bridge service gaps in Shelby County.

Major Health Partners and Unite Us will securely connect people in need with community-based resources that can be difficult to navigate otherwise. The Unite Indiana network provides a central point of contact where healthcare providers, social service organizations, and individuals can securely access and refer people to needed services that will enable them to thrive and live healthier lives.

MHP group of participating organizations is composed of more than 40 community partners from local and regional businesses, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, healthcare organizations, schools, and more, working together to improve the overall health and well-being of Shelby County.

Healthcare, education, and economic success — are all interrelated, says Black. And likewise, social challenges such as housing, transportation and economic stability are also barriers that impede access to healthcare and impact health outcomes. The conjoined efforts of MHP community organizations, the Unite Us Platform, and regional community health partnerships are all intertwined and working hand in hand to get upstream of generational health issues and create a stronger, brighter future for children and grandchildren.

Knowing someone has unmet needs is not enough. Knowing who can meet those needs, what barriers might be in the way of serving those needs, and confirming that those needs are actually resolved is very difficult in today’s fragmented healthcare and social support systems. However, with the software now in place, when an individual is served by an MHP team member or one of the Unite Us network partners, their specific social needs will be noted in the system.

If, after obtaining the community member’s consent, a referral for social service is made, the organization receiving the referral will be notified, and that individual’s progress in receiving the service will be recorded. This allows for closed-loop communication, which currently does not exist across the many different organizations in the region.

The Unite Us Platform provides an up-to-date network of community resources and offers insights that will help all network partners identify needs and opportunities to better serve the region’s needs.

“The collective goal of our partnership with the Major Health Partners is to effectively address drivers affecting health and wellness, increasing equitable access to care for all residents regardless of circumstance,” said Kathleen Banfield, State Director at Unite Us. “Major Health Partners and Unite Us efforts will work to redefine the quality, impact, and intersection of health and social care across this community."

The system integrates with MHP's Meditech electronic medical record system and other systems and platforms used by community-based providers. In its first year of operation, Unite Us will have network users from MHP and accept unlimited community-based organizations as partners to join the network free of cost.

Nonprofits, community-based organizations, and other providers who want to connect their clients and patients to services within the network can reach out to uniteus.com/contact/.

About MHP

Major Health Partners is a leading healthcare provider for patients from not only Shelby County, Indiana but also from the southeastern part of the state. Since 1924, Major Hospital/Major Health Partners has grown to offer a wide spectrum of services, leading the region in many areas of healthcare delivery.

In January 2017, MHP moved Major Hospital into the state-of-the-art MHP Medical Center, which features larger patient rooms, a concourse design to aid in ease of navigation and a significant increase in parking, which includes an option for valet parking. The new facility is home to 60 physicians and over 1,000 employees and provides one convenient location to patients for their healthcare needs.

MHP provides quality care through our unique combination of advanced technology, modern facilities, and individualized service. MHP offers all of the advantages found at the large urban hospitals paired with genuine personal care.  That’s how we move healthcare forward in a Major way.

About Unite Us:
Unite Us is the nation’s leading software company enabling collaboration across sectors to improve the health and well-being of communities. Unite Us’ secure solutions establish a new standard of care that identifies social care needs, helps connect people to services, and leverages meaningful outcomes data to further drive community investment.

Through Unite Us’ national network and software, community-based organizations, government agencies, health plans, and healthcare providers are all connected to better collaborate and meet the needs of the individuals in their communities. Follow Unite Us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Department and the Shelbyville Police Department working together as the Shelby County Traffic Safety Partnership will be out in full force this spring to ensure that students remain safe when traveling to and from school.

Over the next couple of weeks, officers will be positioned along bus routes and in school zones where they will be on high alert for stop-arm violations, speeding and other forms of reckless driving.

The overtime patrols are part of the state’s Stop Arm Violation Enforcement (SAVE) program and funded with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) grants administered by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI).

“Every time you see a bus, slow down, be ready to stop and watch for children,” said Sheriff Louie Koch. “If the overhead lights flash red and the stop arm extends, you are required by law to stop. Under no circumstances should you speed up in an attempt to beat the bus. That’s beyond reckless and puts every child boarding or exiting the bus in danger.”

The department joins more than 200 police agencies for the spring enforcement campaign, as part of an ongoing effort to prevent reckless driving in school zones and around buses. Last year alone, more than 2,700 drivers were cited for stop-arm violations by Indiana law enforcement, according to ICJI.

To address this, officers will be conducting high-visibility patrols in the morning and afternoon hours along routes identified in cooperation with local bus drivers and school transportation officials.

“School buses have several highly visible indicators to let drivers know when to stop,” said Devon McDonald, ICJI Executive Director. “The only way you’re going to miss those — the activated stop arm and flashing lights — is if you’re on your phone or not paying attention to the road. That choice can be deadly.”

As part of the campaign, the department is urging motorists to slow down, pay attention to the road and to never pass a bus that has its red lights flashing and stop arm extended. This applies to all roads with one exception. On highways divided by a physical barrier, such as a concrete wall or grassy median, only vehicles traveling in the same direction as the school bus are required to stop.

It’s also important when approaching a school bus to be prepared to stop. Plan ahead and factor in extra time during each commute for school bus stops.

“You’ll never regret playing it safe, but you will regret driving past a stopped bus and injuring someone’s child,” said Jim Bryan, ICJI Traffic Safety Director. “These are people who have their whole lives ahead of them. No hurry is worth the possibility of robbing someone of their future or a family of their child.”

Disregarding a school bus stop arm is a Class A Infraction and a serious offense. Violators could pay a fine of up to $10,000, have their license suspended for up to 90 days (for the first offense) or up to 1 year (for the second).

Shelbyville Central Schools is in the process of purchasing electronic message centers for all three elementary schools.

The Board of Zoning Appeals approved special exception requests Tuesday to add electronic message centers at Coulston Elementary, 121 N. Knightstown Road (photo), Hendricks Elementary, 1111 St. Joseph St., and Loper Elementary, 901 Loper Drive.

A representative of Green Signs, who installed the message center at Southwestern High School as well as the message center at First Presbyterian Church in Shelbyville, appeared before the board meeting Tuesday at City Hall.

The special exceptions were approved 3-0 with board members Nicole Terrell and Vince Bradburn, both teachers within the Shelbyville Central Schools system, not participating in the discussion and not voting on the special exceptions.

In other board business, the board approved three development standard variances for GSSR Investments for its hotel and retail space project on the southeast side of Shelbyville.

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The Shelbyville Street Department has proclaimed itself ready for spring cleanup week.

The annual “heavy trash” pickup runs Monday through Friday next week.

“The trucks are ready and prepared,” said street department supervisor Dave Fannin during an appearance Tuesday morning before the Board of Works.

Six trucks – four trash trucks, a lumber truck and a metal truck – will handle more than 8,500 stops over five days.

The street department asks that all trash be curbside by 7 a.m. on trash collection days. There should not be loose trash. Wood and metal should be separated to make for easier collection stops.

No more than four mattresses may be set out for collection at any stop. Any mattress or any other material with live infestations will not be collected, according to Fannin.

Refrigerators or air conditioners will not be collected unless they are tagged as having the freon drained by a professional.

The street department will not collect televisions or computers. They can be dropped off at the transfer station on Michigan Road.

“Anything that is left by the trash crews that we cannot pick up is the responsibility of the homeowner or resident to deal with and dispose of,” said Fannin.

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The Shelby County Election Board will have the following polling locations in Shelbyville open for the Primary Election on May 2. 

All locations will be open from 6 a.m.  to 6 p.m.

West Street Methodist Church

629 S. West Street

Crossroad Community Church

475 Progress Parkway

Shelby County Fairgrounds

Family Arts Building

500 Frank Street

If you have any questions, or need further information, contact the Election Board at 317-392-6324.

GIANT fm and the Shelby County Post will host an election debate featuring the Republican candidates for Shelbyville mayor.

The debate will be Tuesday at the Shelby County F.O.P. Lodge #84, 1237 North Knightstown Road, Shelbyville. Doors will open to the public at 6:30 p.m. with the debate to begin at 7 p.m.

Republican candidates David Finkel, Scott Furgeson and Brad Ridgeway have agreed to participate.

The debate also will air live on GIANT fm (96.5, 106.3, AM 1520, giant.fm and GIANT fm app).

Five South American men have been arrested on burglary charges by Greenfield Police.

The Greenfield Police Department says a criminal gang referred to as South American Theft Group (SATG) targets people of Asian and Indian descent and commits burglaries of their residences while they are away from home.

Early on the evening of March 28, officers were dispatched to an address on Collins Way for a found burglary. Officers found the rear door damaged and several items missing.

At that time, officers had received word of the group SATG. At the scene, officers were quickly able to develop a description of a suspect vehicle. It was stopped about an hour later on I-65 in Jasper County. Five suspects were taken into custody and items taken in the Greenfield burglary were found in the vehicle.

Formal charges have been field by the Hancock County Prosecutor’s Office. Those arrested include:

Miguel Alfonso Lozano-Pineda, 37

Bairon Estiven Vasquez-Ortiz, 29

John Alexander Ruiz Acero, 40

Camilo Andres Marique-Barrera, 25

William Alberton Guzman-Castano, 30

Detectives are working with law enforcement agencies to determine if the suspects have been involved in other burglary cases with similar factors in Indiana and surrounding states.

Mental Health America of Indiana presented State Sen. Michael Crider (R-Greenfield) with its 2023 Legislator of the Year Award on Wednesday.

Crider received the award for his unwavering commitment to supporting legislation for Hoosiers who have been impacted by behavioral health issues.

This session, Crider authored Senate Bill 1, which would improve mental health care access by building out a system of certified behavioral health clinics in Indiana, establishing the next step for improving Indiana's mental health care system.

“Hoosier mental health care has been a legislative priority of mine for many years," Crider said. "There isn't a single solution for those suffering from mental illness, but we must do all we can to help those who are suffering. I would like to thank my fellow legislators for supporting me in this fight against mental illness and improving the lives of Hoosiers. I am humbled by this recognition and look forward to continuing my work to improve Indiana's mental health care system."

Southwestern Elementary fifth grader Harper McInerny is the Grand Prize winner of the 2023 SCUFFY Art Contest.        

McInerny will receive a new bicycle courtesy of Walmart.

First place winners receive a $20 gift card to Walmart.

SCUFFY will have an art exhibition and reception at Grover Museum on Tuesday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. to honor the winners.

2023 SCUFFY Art Contest Winners

“SCUFFY – Building Shelby County One Heart at a Time”

Hendricks Elementary 5^th Grade                       

1. Mason Miano                                                     

2. Eli Stone                                                             
3. Kelby Castillo                                                    

Hendricks Elementary 4^th Grade

1. Millie Hughes
2. Lauren Kent

3. Samuel Tweedy

Loper Elementary 5^th Grade                               

1. Emma Coffey                                                     
2. Oliver Thurston                                                 

3. Abad Garcia Moreno                                        

Loper Elementary 4^th Grade

1. Lucio Jesus Guillen Tovar

2. Autumn Gooding

3. Kate Swonger

Coulston Elementary 5^th Grade                         

1. Norah Higdon                                                                                        

2. Kimberly Pursley

3. Bailey Conners                                                 

Coulston Elementary 4^th Grade

1. Camila Castillo-Vega

2. Sienna Parsley

3. Galatea James
 

Waldron Elementary

No Entries

Triton Central Middle School 5^th Grade                          

No Entries                                                                

Triton Central Elementary 4^th Grade

1. Rose Tormoehlen

2. Charlee Wagner

3. Nora Sadler

Morristown Elementary 5^th Grade                     

1. Lainey Collier                                                    
2. Ella Renee Shuttleworth                                 
3. Kailee Valagae  

Morristown Elementary 4^th Grade

1. Sierra Jacobs

2. Abigail Krebs

3. Samantha Yockey

Southwestern Elementary 5^th Grade                

1. Harper McInerny                                                           

2. Olivia Pruitt                                                        
3. Georgie Taggart      

Southwestern Elementary 4^th Grade

1. Eastin Stickford

2. Ethan Stamper

3. Madison Higgins

St. Joseph Elementary 5^th Grade                      

1. Maggie Kolkmeier                                             
2. Camille Chaney                                                
3. Cristopher Ricardo                                           

St. Joseph Elementary 4^th Grade

1. Nolan Barger

2. Rebeca Duffy

3. Sophia Jones Sandoval

Grand Prize Winner

Name:            Harper McInerny                             School: Southwestern Elementary

Special Entries

1. Emma Stamper

Shelbyville absentee voting for the primary election will begin in the lobby of the Shelby County Courthouse on April 17.

Voting hours will be Monday through Friday starting April 17 to April 28 during the hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Courthouse also will be open for voting on Saturdays, April 22 and April 29, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and May 1 from 8 a.m. to noon. 

Voters also may vote at Crossroad Community Church on April 22 and April 29 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Anyone wishing to vote at the Courthouse should use the west entrance off the parking lot. Absentee voting will be conducted on the first floor of the Courthouse.

April 20 is the deadline by 11:59 p.m. for the Circuit Court Clerk to receive an absentee ballot application from an applicant requesting delivery of an absentee ballot by mail. Applications may be submitted to the Circuit Court Clerk in person, by fax, by mail or by e-mail. 

Any questions regarding the Primary Election to be held May 2, the public can call the Voter Registration Office at 317-392-6324.

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Groundbreaking for the Nick and Julia Runnebohm Early Learning Center in Shelbyville is expected to happen in June.

Allison Coburn, Executive Director of Early Learning Shelby County, and Chris King of Runnebohm Construction appeared before the Shelbyville Common Council Monday to provide an update on a project that was part of the READI grant presentation.

Expected to open in August of 2024, the 15,000 square-foot facility located in Intelliplex Park will initially service approximately 100 children. Once it reaches maximum capacity, the facility will service up to 225 boys and girls and employ as many as 70 full-time educators to work in the classrooms.

The facility will be for newborns through age 5, according to Coburn.

The READI grant provided $3 million for the project with a matching $3 million coming from public funding. The estimated $8 million project also will receive $2 million in private funding.

Coburn noted that Early Learning Shelby County has partnered with the Community Mental Health Network and will have a licensed clinical social worker on staff and possibly two direct service providers in the building to provide infant, toddler, and early childhood mental health consultations.

“I think the wraparound service of the mental health component is extremely important,” said Shelbyville Mayor Tom DeBaun. “I think it mirrors what we are trying to do at Advantage Shelby County and the Excel Center.”

Brian Asher, Executive Director of the Shelby County Economic Development Corporation and member of the Common Council, informed the council of the growing desire statewide for early learning centers.

“One of the things they are pushing for with projects is early learning centers,” said Asher. “So you are on the cutting edge of that. So we are ahead of the game compared to some of the other areas and regions working on this.”

Early Learning Shelby County was created in 2018 to provide greater access to early childhood programming after it was determined that quality day care and preschool offerings were not adequate.

The Early Learning Center proposal that was part of the READI grant application stated, “Inadequate access to childcare is a major hindrance to the attraction of talent to the region and, more importantly, prevents youth from reaching the educational start that they need to be successful in school, evident by 70% of Shelby County youth not being kindergarten ready when they progressed to that point in their educational journey.”

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The Strand Theatre received approval Tuesday morning from the Board of Works to have two food trucks operating on April 15 in support of comedian Donnie Baker’s two shows.

The food trucks will set up in the parking spaces just south of the marquee of the Strand Theatre, located at 215 S. Harrison St.

The first show at 7 p.m. on April 15 is sold out, according to David Finkel of the Strand. The second show follows at 9:30 p.m.

The event brings several people from out of town to the shows, according to Finkel, and a large audience usually is waiting outside the theatre as the first show ends.

The food trucks also will service the large crowd exiting the theatre from the first show.

Finkel also pointed out that downtown restaurants and entertainment establishments have been notified of the event and will be prepared for the potential of larger than normal crowds on the night of the event.

In other board business Tuesday, the board approved a request to appear for the owner of 124 E. Taylor St., which has been deemed a nuisance property based on its appearance.

The property is owned by K Bar Investments out of Sugar Land, Texas.

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The City of Shelbyville continues to push for the institution of a food and beverage tax.

On Monday at the Common Council meeting at City Hall, the council approved a resolution supporting the passage of a bill by the Indiana General Assembly that would allow the city to enact a food and beverage tax.

The city must have state approval to create the tax that Shelbyville mayor Tom DeBaun would like to use to support the Shelbyville Parks and Recreation Department.

“We’ve talked openly about (the tax) going into its own standalone fund to serve as debt service for the parks department or programming for the parks department,” explained DeBaun when questioned by councilwoman Joanne Bowen about how the tax would be utilized.

The city is currently working on the creation of an indoor sports facility at Blue River Memorial Park which would draw more people to the city. In addition, the city’s downtown redevelopment project has created space for larger events around the Public Square.

Tourism is responsible for bringing approximately $26 million into the local economy over the last two years – and that figure should rise with the creation of the indoor sports complex at an already busy Blue River Memorial Park that hosts softball, baseball, soccer and cross country events as well as concerts and other activities.

Councilman Scott Furgeson, a former mayor of Shelbyville, stated there was a time when he was mayor that all the donut counties around Marion County were offered the opportunity to create a food and beverage tax. He did not accept the offer then.

Several municipalities around Marion County currently have food and beverage taxes, including Greenwood according to DeBaun.

Shelby County does have a food and beverage tax that is used to pay for sheriff retirements. The county received just over $700,000 last year from the tax.

The resolution approved Monday does not establish a food and beverage tax. It only establishes that the City of Shelbyville supports the legislature enabling us to adopt it, according to DeBaun.

If the legislature approves it, the city would still have to go through the adoption process. The earliest it could start assessing a food and beverage tax would be in 2024.

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The Blue River Cross Country Course in Shelbyville will once again benefit from the Tree Trot 5K Run/Walk.

Scheduled for April 29 at Blue River Memorial Park, 725 Lee Boulevard, all proceeds from the event will go to purchasing big trees to plant along the cross country course.

The 5K run/walk will begin at 8:15 a.m. on April 29 with awards to follow.

Pre-registration is $30 and includes a T-shirt. Pre-registration ends at midnight on April 24.

Race-day registration is $45 and shirts are not guaranteed.

Racing categories include 12-and-under, 13-18, 19-39, 40-59, 60-80 and 80-and-over.

Age group (male and female) winners will receive a potted tree sapling. The top three finishers overall will receive a homemade medal.

For those choosing to walk the “Tree Trot,” a member of the local environment advocate group, Master Gardeners, will lead an informative overview of the Little Blue River watershed at Blue River Memorial Park.

To preregister, go to https://secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=138276

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Indiana American Water filed a rate adjustment request with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) reflecting $875 million in water and wastewater system investments to be made through 2025 to continue providing safe and reliable service as well as a significant increase in the cost of procuring chemicals, goods and services.

“Indiana American Water has made significant investments in aging infrastructure and its treatment and distribution facilities to ensure service reliability, water quality, and fire protection capabilities that help protect customers and the communities we serve,” said Indiana American Water President Matt Prine. “We also remain steadfastly committed to addressing the needs of our most vulnerable customers and have included components in our request to keep their rates affordable.”

In today’s filing, Indiana American Water is seeking to increase revenues over a phased, three step process through May 2025 that would result in $86.7 million of additional annual revenue when fully implemented. If the company’s proposed rates are approved as requested, the bill for a typical residential customer using 4,000 gallons per month would increase approximately $14 per month when rates are fully implemented in 2025. The company last filed for new rates through a general rate filing in September 2018 and last implemented new rates in 2019.

The increases for residential wastewater customers will vary depending on the community served. Additional information on current rates is available on the company’s website at https://www.amwater.com/inaw/customer-service-billing/your-water-rates.

Results of a customer affordability study conducted as part of the filing demonstrate that the affordability of the company’s water and wastewater services as a comparison of monthly bills to monthly household income has steadily improved over the past decade and will remain affordable under the company’s proposed rates.

Recognizing that affordability may still be an issue for some customers, the company is proposing a new rate design that provides 1,500 gallons of water usage at no additional cost above the fixed monthly customer charge for all water customers. The proposed change would provide relatively low-cost basic water service for customers on fixed incomes that use a lower volume of water than the typical residential customer.

The filing also includes a proposed Universal Affordability Tariff to provide multiple tiers of discounts to address the affordability needs of different levels of household income. Under the new rate structure, eligible households would receive monthly bill discounts of between 30 and 80 percent for water service.

The IURC’s rate review process offers multiple opportunities for customer involvement. Customers can participate through written comments, attendance at public input hearings, and consumer advocacy organizations that participate in the proceedings.

For more information on the company’s rate proposal and to find out what actions customers may take, visit us online at https://www.amwater.com/inaw/customer-service-billing/your-water-rates. 

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The Shelby County Post is going international.

Professor Todd Jay Leonard, a professor in Japan who is originally from Shelbyville, Indiana, is now a “Featured Contributor” to the Shelby County Post.

His first column he refers to as “Letters Home,” is online at www.shelbycountypost.com now.

Born and raised in Shelbyville, Leonard has called Japan home for over 34 years. He is a professor at the University of Teacher Education Fukouka in Kyushu, where he lives.

Leonard was recently honored as the recipient of the 2022-2023 Frank P. Forwood Award for Academic Excellence in Presented Research.

The award was announced by the Association for the Scientific Study of Religion (ASSR) at the annual meeting of the Southwest Commission on Religious Studies (SWCRS) on March 4 in Irving, Texas.

The Frank P. Forwood Award for Academic Excellence in Presented Research was created in 2008 to honor the service and dedication of Frank P. Forwood, a founding member and long-time program chair of the ASSR. He was a Professor of Sociology and Religion at Northeast Louisiana University (now the University of Louisiana-Monroe) for more than 30 years.

Dr. Forwood passed away in 2007 and the award commemorates his memory, honoring his career service to the ASSR and SWCRS and his many contributions to the study of religion in society.

By virtue of being the recipient of the 2022-2023 Forwood Award, Professor Leonard will be serving as a member of the ASSR awards committee for the 2023-2024 Forwood Award selection process.

From 2020 Professor Leonard has served as the Department Head for the English Section for the Graduate School of Education. His research and teaching areas encompass several areas, most notably the history of religion (specifically the American-made religion of Spiritualism); cross-cultural understanding and studies; curriculum and materials development in English as a Foreign Language; and English Education.

Prior to his current position at Fukuoka University of Education (since 2010), he taught for 18 years at Hirosaki Gakuin University in Japan. In addition, he served as an Assistant Language Teacher on the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program (JET Program) from 1989-1992, and was a course coordinator in the Spanish Department at Purdue University from 1988-1989 where he oversaw a paced-Spanish program for undergraduate students.

Leonard has lived in Madrid, Spain, San Jose, Costa Rica, and Fukuoka, Japan.

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