Tuesday, August 4, 2026

ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: STEPHENSON RIFE ATTORNEYS

Top left, then clockwise: Cindy Leahy; Martha Showers; Luke Schonfeld with his prairie dog, Tumbleweed, and Wyatt Schonfeld; and Justin Stenger participate in the Shelby County Players’ annual meeting and awards program Sunday. | photos by KRISTIAAN RAWLINGS

Shelby County Players celebrated a year of growth Sunday while recognizing the volunteers, performers and directors who brought its 38th season to life. But the evening’s biggest applause was reserved for longtime executive director Cindy Leahy, who was honored with tributes from fellow volunteers and community leaders.

The annual meeting opened with newly elected board president Martha Showers highlighting the organization’s first full fiscal year in the Wortman Family Civic Theatre and reporting a profit of approximately $100,000. Showers also reflected on the organization’s history through a trivia game that celebrated memorable moments from productions across the decades.

Executive Director Justin Stenger highlighted several milestones from the past year, including the Shelby County Players receiving the American Association of Community Theatre’s Twink Lynch Organizational Achievement Award and securing a $1 million READI grant that will fund lighting, sound and other technology improvements at the theater. He also recognized Darcy Greene, the organization’s first summer intern, funded through the Blue River Community Foundation, and welcomed new board members Barbara McFarland and Jim Stafford.

The evening also featured the inaugural SCP Awards, recognizing outstanding performances and technical achievements from the organization’s 38th season. Volunteer judges attended each production throughout the season before selecting recipients in acting, directing and technical categories.

Following the awards presentation, the organization turned its attention to Leahy, who recently stepped down as executive director after helping guide the nonprofit through years of growth and ultimately the transition into its permanent home. Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Courtney Chapella returned to recognize Leahy’s recent selection as the inaugural recipient of the Chamber’s ElevateHER Impact Award.

“Your legacy is reflected not only in the organizations you’ve helped build, but in the thousands of lives you’ve touched,” Chapella said.

Friends and fellow volunteers then honored Leahy in typical SCP fashion, mixing appreciation with humor. Chris Cox shared “Cindy by the Numbers,” highlighting milestones from Leahy’s 15 years as executive director, while others presented “Top 10 Things You Can No Longer Ask Cindy.” Video messages from former volunteers and friends, including Leahy’s 94-year-old mother, reflected on her impact both on and off the stage.

Accepting the recognition, Leahy said she has confidence the organization will continue to grow because of the volunteers who have always stepped forward when needed.

“A very wise person, Noell Krughoff, said to me, ‘Whenever someone leaves, someone will step up,’” Leahy said. “From that point on, I realized someone’s going to step up. People stepped up and stepped up, and that’s what’s going to happen next. People are going to be stepping up and doing things and making this even greater. It’s just endless what can happen, and I’m so excited to see where this is all going.”

Leahy credited her mother for introducing her to the arts and said she eventually discovered her greatest gift was helping others succeed rather than being in the spotlight herself.

“Artists like to create ... but you need marketing, you need business, you need all these other things,” Leahy said. “I’m exactly where I was meant to be from the beginning.”

Outstanding Lead Performer in a Male Role
Winner: Aaron Mann
Presented by: Hilary Haymond and Abby Andrews.

Outstanding Lead Performer in a Female Role
Winner: Chanta Quillen
Presented by: Tiffany D. Wilson.

Outstanding Major Supporting Performer in a Male Role
Winner: Braiden Adams
Presented by: Chanta Quillen.

Outstanding Major Supporting Performer in a Female Role
Winner: Bre Knopf
Presented by: De’Jon Le’Tray Marshall-Fisher and Ian Marshall-Fisher.

Outstanding Minor Supporting Performer in a Male Role (Tie)
Winners: Luke Schonfeld and De’Jon Le’Tray Marshall-Fisher
Presented by: Alicia and Russ Gross.

Outstanding Minor Supporting Performer in a Female Role
Winner: Abigail Andrews
Presented by: Tawni and Kelly Short.

Outstanding Performer Under Age 18
Winner: Zoe Graves
Presented by: Tyler and Julie Amos.

Outstanding Costume Design
Winner: Toby Schonfeld
Presented by: Lindy Meyer.

Outstanding Set Design and Décor
Winner: Russ Gross
Presented by: Luke and Wyatt Schonfeld.

Outstanding Lighting Design
Winners: Cassie Gross and Chris Gross
Presented by: Cindy Leahy.

Outstanding Director (Tie)
Winners: Tiffany D. Wilson and Debbie Stafford
Presented by: John Barker.

ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: FULL CANOPY REAL ESTATE

• Shelby County Commissioners yesterday approved a new long-term disability benefit for full-time county employees. Human resources director Donna Cook presented the proposal, which Commissioner Jason Abel said would strengthen the county’s compensation package when large annual raises are not always possible. The Humana plan will cost about $35,000 annually, provide up to 60% of an employee's wages after a 90-day waiting period and take effect Sept. 1. The benefit does not apply to elected officials.

• Commissioners approved nearly $344,300 in road preservation projects for Country Club Heights, north of Shelbyville; Blue River Trails, west of Morristown; and Forest Brook, near the London Road interchange on Interstate 74. Highway Superintendent Ben Taylor said the cape seal treatment is expected to extend the life of the roads by 10 to 12 years while costing significantly less than milling and resurfacing.

• Emergency Management Director Denis Ratekin reported that Saturday’s storms dropped 4.65 inches of rain near the county’s emergency management office in about two hours, causing widespread flooding. Despite the heavy rainfall, he said only two reports of residential damage had been received and the county was not expected to qualify for an emergency declaration.

• Commissioners adopted a new agenda distribution policy that limits emailed meeting agendas to government officials and media organizations while directing the public to access agendas through the county website. Officials said the policy is intended to formalize the county’s process and is not meant to reduce public access.

• The board set a bid schedule for landscaping at the Pleasant View roundabout near the commerce park. Bids are due Aug. 27 by 4 p.m. and will be opened during the Aug. 31 commissioners meeting.

• HOOSIER NEWS: Indiana’s Medicaid enrollment has fallen by more than 343,000 people over the past year and nearly 687,000 since June 2023, with many recipients losing coverage because of paperwork or verification issues. Health care advocates and hospitals say these procedural disenrollments are increasing the number of uninsured Hoosiers, leading patients to delay care, miss medications and rely more heavily on emergency departments while creating additional financial strain for providers. State officials say stricter eligibility verification requirements have contributed to the decline. (IBJ)

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ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: MAJOR HEALTH PARTNERS

Local headlines reported on or around this date in Shelby County history. Selections are curated by The Addison Times from Shelby County Public Library Genealogy Department materials. | edited by HANNAH BAKER | compiled by MYRON RAWLINGS

2016: Shelbyville Middle School celebrated the grand opening of its new cafeteria, featuring a food court with five serving stations. Students could choose from Hispanic-inspired entrees, grilled items, deli sandwiches, pizza, fruits and vegetables, and an “Indiana Comfort Food Station” serving favorites such as chicken and noodles and meatloaf.

Greg Weaver won the Shelby Idol Open Division, joining Katie McDaniel and McKenna Hall as winners of the event, which was in its final year.

2006: Ground was broken for Twin Lakes, a housing development that was slated to expand to 102 acres and include 250 residential lots. The developers were local businessmen Jay Preidt and John Preidt.

1996: Shelby County residents prepared to voice their opinions at a public hearing on a proposal to divide the county among three telephone area codes. Mayor Betsy Stephens urged more than 150 businesses and residents to attend the meeting.

1986: David Spurlin, 26, was killed by an intoxicated driver while walking along the emergency shoulder of Interstate 74. The crash marked Shelby County’s second traffic fatality of 1986.

More than 1,200 people bought tickets for the Forester Sisters’ concert at the fair. Margaret Boilanger, fair board president, said the board made a profit from the show.

1976: The Angels won their division of the Girls Softball Tournament. Team members were Traci James, Tina Sebastian, Andrea Napier, Kelly Sebastian, Yvette McDuffy, Holly Kincaid, Ann Hession, Leslie Benson, Wendy Keplinger, Barbara Tracy, Tonya Napier, Dawn Schnaiter, Angela Hall, Jacala Randolph and Shirly Rogain. Randy Napier was the coach, and Thom Tracy and Jay Keplinger were the assistant coaches.

1966: Harlan “Speedy” Cole accepted the City Softball League fast-pitch division traveling trophy after leading Thomas Market to the league championship. League director Jim Kerr presented the trophy.

1956: The Rotary Club team won the Midget League championship. Players included Larry Moberly, Steve Lancaster, Don Titus, Bill Hume, Louis Posz, Mickey McDuffey, Mike Tragesser, Don Turner, Jim Plymate, Don Benefiel and Mike Howell. Russell Titus and Bob Wetnight were the coaches.

1946: Shelbyville’s new four-man aviation board held its first meeting. Members of the board, appointed by Mayor Jim Pierce, were Clyde Yater, Major T. Jester, L.E. Harrell and Thompson Morgan.

1936: W.R. Teltoe, the only Spanish-American War veteran remaining in Shelby County, announced he would be attending the ninth annual reunion of the 34th U.S. Volunteer Regiment, along with 29 other Indiana vets.

1926: Mrs. Frances Martel, an official with the American Cosmeticians Society, claimed at the organization’s annual convention in Chicago that bobbed hairstyles caused women to grow facial hair. She said the warning against continued bobbing was “scientifically grounded.”

ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: Freeman Family Funeral Homes & Crematory

Merrie “Jo” or “Meah” Cherry, 83, of Shelbyville, passed away on Friday, July 24, 2026. Not many people can call out to God and say that they are ready to come home after giving all that they can give and living their life to their fullest. Our Meah was one of those people. She was born on September 30, 1942, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the daughter of Bernard and Celia (Waters) Cranford. On June 29, 1962, she married James Henderson “Jim” Cherry III, and he preceded her in death on May 25, 2017. Jo is survived by her daughter, Anna Cherry, of Lexington, South Carolina; son, Jonathan Cherry of Shelbyville; brother, Bernard Cranford of Inman, South Carolina; and five grandchildren, Jason Henderson Cherry, Caroline Michelle Cherry, David Linn Cross, Ian Joseph Cross, and Lydia Lauren Cross. In addition to Jim, Jo was preceded in death by her parents; and son, James Henderson Cherry IV.

Her participation in her community was broad, and her impact on individuals and her family, and in her community was deep and meaningful. Jo attended the University of South Carolina. She formerly worked at Ameritrust Bank from 1988 to 1991. Jo was a member of the First United Methodist Church, where she served as Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees and was a Lay Leader from 1984 to 1996. She was also a member of numerous other organizations including, PEO Sisterhood (and past president) Chap. B.L. (ES), Woman’s Club, History Club, Unique Supper Club, DOM club, BSF, United Methodist Women (where she was past president), Chamber of Commerce, director of Newcomer’s Welcoming, the Shelby County Cancer Board, the Library Board, and the Salvation Army Board. When others her age were entering retirement, she continued to serve others and her God as the wife of a pastor.

She had a remarkable gift for making every person she met feel seen, valued, and loved. Her generosity of spirit, unwavering faith, and ability to bring people together created a lasting impact. She leaves behind a legacy of love, grace, and a community made stronger because she was part of it.

A Gathering of Friends and Family will be held Saturday, August 8, 2026 from 11 am until 1 pm at the First United Methodist Church, 34 W. Washington St., in Shelbyville, Indiana. A memorial service will follow at 1 p.m. Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, 136 E. Washington St., Shelbyville, Indiana 46176. Or donations can be made to Shelby County Public Library Friends of the Library, Become A Friend - Shelby County Public Library. Online condolences may be shared with Jo’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Carol S. Myers, 80, of Shelbyville, passed away Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at her home. Born Aug. 2, 1945, in Greensburg, she was the daughter of Roscoe and Emma Rafferty. After the death of her first husband, Carol married Steve Myers in 1999, and he survives. Other survivors include two children: Jerry Reed (Christina Bryant) of Clarksville, Tennessee, and Scott Allen Moore of Indianapolis; two sisters: Linda Gibbs and Darlene Wainscott (Phil), both of Shelbyville; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her first spouse, a son, Daniel Moore, three brothers: Ricky, Randy and Bill Rafferty, and two sisters: Judy Robinson and Donna Thompson.

Mrs. Myers was a lifelong resident of this area and attended St. Paul High School. She had worked at Culpepper Wood Preservers, retiring after 10 years. Carol enjoyed playing bingo, gambling and surfing the internet.

No services will be observed at this time. Online condolences may be shared at glennegeorgeandson.com.

Carolyn Jean Austin, 75, of Fairland, passed away on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at The Willows of Shelbyville. She was born on August 26, 1950, the daughter of Gerald and Ruby (Lee) Gurley. Carolyn is survived by her sons, Duane Fannin and wife, Tammy, of Franklin, Daryl Fannin of Shelbyville, and David Fannin and wife, Andrea, of Fairland; brother, Richard Gurley of Cookeville, Tennessee; grandchildren, Nick, Zach, Brittany and Elijah; great-grandchildren, Lydia, Tatum Jean and Phineas; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Etheleen Swango, Geraldine Brown and Tammy Gurley; and brother, Barry Gurley.

In 1968, Carolyn graduated from Knightstown High School. Carolyn was a pharmacy technician, working for People’s Drug, Marsh, Blue River Pharmacy, and retired from Medworks in August of 2025. She was a member of the Indiana Federation of Business and Professional Women, Moose Lodge Auxiliary and American Legion Auxiliary. Carolyn enjoyed playing cards and board games, and working puzzles. She also enjoyed watching game shows.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St., in Shelbyville. Funeral services will follow. Interment will be at Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Carthage. Online condolences may be shared with Carolyn’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.