​60 Years Ago This Week - 1962
The Indianapolis Senior Citizens Center, 324 E. New York St., reopened after having been closed three weeks because of financial issues.
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The Central Indiana Boy Scout Band, directed by Harvey Gill, performed at Garfield Park, 2450 Shelby St.
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The Rev. Guy Edmiston Jr. was organizing a new Lutheran church in Perry Township and planned to hold services at a temporary site until a permanent facility could be constructed.
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Ground was broken on the $1 million, 5-acre Children’s Storybook Zoo at George Washington Park on the Eastside.
50 Years Ago This Week - 1972
The Golliwogs, a group of teenage actors from the Indianapolis Department of Parks, staged a show at University Heights United Methodist Church in the 1400 block of East Hanna Avenue.
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J.G. “Hans” Sopke, a native of Germany who immigrated to the United States to escape the political catastrophe that enveloped his homeland, opened an optical business at 5144 Madison Ave. He and his wife, Gladys, had five children, Karl, Dan, David, Mike and Doris.
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The Perry Township Board of Education elected Ken Wheeler as president.

40 Years Ago This Week - 1982
The archives from 1982 were ruined when The Spotlight’s lower level was flooded in June of 1992.

30 Years Ago This Week - 1992
St. Francis Hospital awarded its monthly Family Spirit Award to Rita Nolan for her volunteer work and sense of humor.
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The Marion County Health Department opened an office at 505 E. National Ave.
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Bishop Leroy Hodapp retired from the Indiana United Methodist Church after 50 years of service.
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St. Jude Church’s summer festival featured a raffle with a grand prize of $10,000.
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Katie Bertsch, daughter of Carl and Joyce Bertsch and a student at Winchester Village Elementary School, took first-place honors in the 100-meter dash at the White River State Park Regional Games at Fort Benjamin Harrison.
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After a $3 rebate, a case of motor oil (12 quarts) cost $8.28 at Dinner Bell Markets, 2824 Shelby St., where 24 12-ounce cans of Budweiser, Coors Lite and Miller Draft were $10.79.

​20 Years Ago This Week - 2002
The 72nd Marion County Fair opened for a 10-day run.
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Ryan Yates, a recent graduate of Roncalli and a member of the Rebels’ 1999 Class 3A sectional baseball championship team, signed a letter of intent to play at the University of Indianapolis.
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The Braves from Edgewood Little League finished their season with a 20-0 record and won the postseason tournament. The team featured (front, from left) Dylan Evans, Shawn Marker, Ethan Willis, Keegan Caughey, Andrew Oliver, Will Fossett, Jared Williams, Tyler Carr; (back) coach Rob Oliver, Conner Basch, Kyle Gregoire, Kevin Roel, Jacob Merrick and Darryl Willis.
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Southport High School wrestlers Sean Little (left) and Brandon Macy (right), seen with their coach, Aaron Dowden, competed in the freestyle and Greco Roman tournament in Fargo, N.D.
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Former Center High School baseball standout A.J. Zapp of the Richmond Braves was in town to pitch against the Indianapolis Indians in Triple-A action at Victory Field.
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The starting pay for laborers and forklift operators at a Greenwood distribution center was $8 and $10, respectively.
10 Years Ago This Week - 2012
The Perry Township Kiwanis Club planned to serve nearly 3,000 dinners during its annual fish fry. Longtime members of the philanthropic organization included Skip Booher, Ken Wheeler, Max Oldham, Jeri Warner, Terri Bradley and John Rossman.
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Monsignor Downey Knights of Columbus installed its new officers: (seated, from left) Dan Constantino, grand knight; the Rev. Gerald Burkert, chaplain; Kevin Klaiber, deputy grand knight; (standing) Jim Milmaric, Jeff Spitz, Kenny Murdock, Charlie Corliss, Bill Sherman, Harold Mathews, Dick Miller and Mike Risch.
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Amy Hammer, a recent graduate of Beech Grove High School, was awarded the Hudson Scholarship, which was established many years ago by Mildred Hudson and her recently deceased husband, Earl, both of whom taught for years in the district.

60 Years Ago This Week - 1962 
Red Skelton and Robert Horton headlined the list of celebrities scheduled to appear at the Indiana State Fair. 
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The work of Mrs. William Haver, a production engineer for the “Timothy Churchmouse” television show, was praised by John Block, one of Hollywood’s renowned scriptwriters.
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Enrollment in Indianapolis Public Schools was expected to be around 96,000 students when classes resumed in September (it’s less than 25 percent of that today).
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Lots were for sale in the Golfmoor subdivision at Troy and Perkins avenue. The area abutted Sarah Shank Golf Course on two sides and was 8 blocks west of St. Francis Hospital.
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Girls from the Peas and Pans 4-H Club held a picnic and workshop at the home of Mrs. George Irish. The young ladies made cakes and cookies and did a fine job of cleaning up their mess.
 
50 Years Ago This Week - 1972
Garfield Park hosted a horseshoe tournament.
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Paula Stafford, a junior at Southport High School, attended a camp for baton twirlers at Purdue University, where she was named the best performer.
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Leo M. Pfister was appointed president of Shelby Street Savings & Loan Association, which had been in business for 80 years.
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New technology that used sound waves to monitor the growth of fetuses led researchers to believe that women who smoked during pregnancies caused harm to their unborn children.

40 Years Ago This Week - 1982
The archives from 1982 were ruined when The Spotlight’s lower level was flooded in June of 1992.

30 Years Ago This Week - 1992

The Indianapolis Business Boosters’ news officers were (front, from left) Jim Stewart, president; Bob Beck, treasurer; (back) co-secretaries Shirley Roller and Janet Swigert flank Art Timpe, vice president.
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Jeanna Ratz and Mary Glover celebrated their 30th and 40th birthdays, respectively.
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Stylists at Kellie’s Hair Designers, 930 E. Hanna Ave., were Nancy Baker, Kellie Green, Krissy Lohman, Mary Shine Clapper, Nancy Kammerer, Kathy Brown, Debbie Oskins, Mindy Fromer and Marina Mills. 
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Eli Lilly and Co. announced plans to build a $125 million biotechnology laboratory on Kentucky Avenue.
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The run-off of heavy rains washed away an embankment at Fletcher Avenue and I-65, causing the latter to resemble an inland waterway.

20 Years Ago This Week - 2002
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra performed at Garfield Park. 
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Decatur Township hoped to increase the size of Southwestway Park to 300 acres by purchasing 100 acres along the ground’s north side. However, a large roadblock stood in the way: $400,000 had to be raised in five days by the Indianapolis Parks Foundation and the Sierra Club. 
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Travel correspondent Spencer Moore recapped his trip to Panama, reporting on the country’s beautiful mountains, lush jungles and people, “whose villages seemed frozen in time -- not a recent era but an ancient one.” 
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Francie Corsaro and Paul Rossman were planning the 40-year reunion for Sacred Heart High School’s Class of 1962. 
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In a battle of the bars, these were some of the specials: longnecks, well drinks and shots of schnapps for $1 at the Point After, 3940 S. Keystone Ave.; a pitcher of beer and a one-topping pizza for $10 at Kelly’s Sunshine Inn, 5449 S. Harding St.; two sloppy joes and chips for $2 at Lucky’s, 3652 S. Meridian St.; and Long Island teas for $2.75 at City Life, 2362 E. Stop 11 Road.  

10 Years Ago This Week - 2012

The Indy Air Bears jump rope team took second-place honors at the world championships at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
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​April McDivitt, a former Indiana Miss Basketball from Connersville High School, was named to coach Roncalli’s girls hoopsters. McDivitt was a four-time collegiate Academic All-American

The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids named Indiana State Sen. Lawrence Borst as its National Legislator of the Year for his anti-smoking programs.

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Lutheran High School golfers Jason Clagg, Mark Brimmer and Gregory Moore were named to Indiana’s All-State Academic Team. 
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The Perry Township Fire Department auctioned its excess and obsolete equipment, including a pickup truck, the fire chief’s former sedan, a sport utility vehicle and hoses. Mike Heimel conducted the sale, which raised more than $12,000. 

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60 Years Ago This Week - 1962 
Terri Oliver, Sherrie Smith and Janice Bosma, students at Jean’s School of Dance on Madison Avenue, were named to Starlight Musicals’ dance chorus.  
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In the “Advice-for-Dummies” section an article on grilling noted that steaks cooked medium were much juicier than those well-done.
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A veteran of World War II, William Chaney was elected commander of American Legion Post 494 in Southport. Other officers were John Keenan, first vice commander; Thomas Drake, second vice commander; Jack Trowbridge, adjutant; Clark Stewart, chaplain; Wilmer Keller, service officer, James Gootee, sergeant at arms; and John Hammond, advocate.
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J.C Penny used the slogan “Swim at 6 ... Date at 8” to promote its new Westinghouse hair and nail dryer, which cost $24.88.
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As reported in the “Nutcracker” column: “Verdie Harrell was naughty patient at St. Franci Hospital. While in for some tests, Verdie just wouldn’t abide by the rules. When a skimpy breakfast was served he put on his clothes and went to a nearby restaurant to eat. He then returned to his room ... smiling smugly.”  
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 50 Years Ago This Week - 1972
Editor George Cafouros closed shop and went fishing to celebrate Independence Day.

 40 Years Ago This Week - 1982
The archives from 1982 were ruined when The Spotlight’s lower level was flooded in June of 1992.

30 Years Ago This Week - 1992
Lincoln Elementary School was recognized by the Indiana Department of Education for having the state’s most outstanding curriculum for promoting a drug-free life. On hand for the ceremony were Perry Township Schools administrators Keith Brown, Sharon Wilson, Mrs. McCoun, Drs. Raymond Fatheree and Dan Bolin, Roger Roembke, students/Just Say No officers Mona Desi, Tracy Marshal, Jenny Ancelet, Candice Moore and Brad Brown. 
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Carol Murphy, Martha Henderson, Connie Roberts, Virginia Gale and Diana Windhorst, teachers for Perry Township’s Religious Education Association, were honored for instructing nearly 1,200 fourth- and fifth-graders.
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The Indianapolis Department of Public Works was struggling in its efforts to haul away the growing piles of tree limbs that residents had placed roadside, the result of recent storms.  
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Another hearing on rezoning 26 acres west of the 4300 block of South Meridian Street for a concrete recycling plant was held. Proponents of the petition were greeted by a large crowd of remonstrators who had collected the signatures of 600 property owners wanted the proposal killed.
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The Edgewood Expos junior softball team finished its season undefeated. Coached by John Griffin and managed by John Jaffe, the squad featured Kristin Sears, Amber Moschell, Sarah Lentz, Katie Stephon, Tabitha Naugle, Megan Beaver, Mandy Jaffe, Megan Griffin, Christina Marx, Suzanne Riedeman, Rachel Yates and Kim Scoville. 

20 Years Ago This Week - 2002
The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids named Indiana State Sen. Lawrence Borst as its National Legislator of the Year for his anti-smoking programs.

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Lutheran High School golfers Jason Clagg, Mark Brimmer and Gregory Moore were named to Indiana’s All-State Academic Team. 
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The Perry Township Fire Department auctioned its excess and obsolete equipment, including a pickup truck, the fire chief’s former sedan, a sport utility vehicle and hoses. Mike Heimel conducted the sale, which raised more than $12,000. 

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​

Perry Township Kiwanian David Heise (left) presented a $500 check to Hunger Inc. President Pat Musall. 
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Indy Air Bear medalists from the U.S. Jump Rope National Championships at Disney World in Orlando, Fla., were (front, from right) Brittany Mills, Amie Martin, Jessica Gilpatrick; (back) Felicia Hutchison, Mary Beth Arnold and Becky Jaggers.

10 Years Ago This Week - 2012

Kayla Sullivan (center), who attended the University of Indianapolis, was crowned Marion County Fair queen. Ten-year-old Kloe Neuenschwander (left), daughter of Brandon and Krista Neuenschwander, was little miss queen, and the fair princess was Emma Mumford, 7, daughter of Perdue and Keith Mumford
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Southport Lions Club President Pauline Ulrey presented the group’s Citizen of the Year Award to Joan Miller, president of the Greater Southport Business/Community Alliance.  

60 Years Ago This Week - 1962 
Claude Kendall, who owned the Key West Shrimp House at 2861 Madison Ave. planned to open a similar restaurant on East 38th Street.  
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Outgrowing its facility at Shelby Street and Dudley Avenue, Calvary Lutheran Church broke ground for a new worship center and school at 6111 Shelby St. 
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Facing being sued by the Stream Pollution Control Board for contaminating Little Buck Creek, the town of Southport was asked to design plans for a sanitary sewer system.
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Funeral director Daniel O’Riley was elected grand knight of Monsignor Downey Knights of Columbus Council 3660.

 50 Years Ago This Week - 1972
Resurrection Lutheran Church confirmed Wendy Harshbarger, Sandy Carey, Gene Medcalf, Cheryl Rayback, Kim Ryan and Debra Schnarr.
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John Brown bought Walt’s Market, 2824 Shelby St., and renamed it to reflect his last name. Brown, a grocer for 16 years, and his wife, Judy, had four children, Denise, Robin, Roger and Jeff.
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Mr. and Mrs. Leo J. Landwerlen celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. The couple had six children, Ralph, Leo J. Jr., John, Shirley Dilger, Mary Lou Jansen and Joyce Wuensch, 27 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
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LaMar Updike, who owned Ace Exterminating, offered a 20 percent discount on his services.
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Garfield Park Little League hosted a parade, in which the Yankees took first place with their float. The team was represented by Marty Fogleman, Jimmy Mullins, Richard Vester, Michael Henshen, Jeff Parker, Michael Day, Keith Allison, Denny McGlaughlin, Paul Turner, Billy Hughes and coaches Jack Hughes, Danny Sparks and Snowden Hughes.

40 Years Ago This Week - 1982
The archives from 1982 were ruined when The Spotlight’s lower level was flooded in June of 1992.

30 Years Ago This Week - 1992
Melba Kenison and Diana Doyle opened Shear Sun at 3826 Madison Ave. They had 14 years of service in the styling and tanning business and were assisted by Frances Jones.
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After losing their first four games, the Edgewood Minor League Tigers rallied to win 12 of their last 13 contests and the league title. Coached by Bill Click, Scott Colglazier and Ed Vargas, the team featured Scott Manifold, Eric Vargas, Vince Schoettle, Ben Merrick, Jared Jesulaitis, Brendon Wagner, Drew Colglazier, Phillip Kemp, Paul Warner, Brent Moore and Aaron Ransdell.
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Drummer Brian Slack, son of Susan and Michael Slack and a fourth-grader at Lincoln Elementary School, won the intermediate division of the State PTA Reflections Program, which allowed students to showcase their talents in music, photography, literature and visual arts. 
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The Rev. Larry Schwartz was installed as pastor of Rosedale Hills United Methodist Church.

20 Years Ago This Week - 2002

First-grader Ronnie Hubbard enjoyed coloring at Mount Pleasant Christian Church’s vacation Bible school. 
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Dura Builders President Paul Shoopman created the Carl Asaro 9/11 Scholarship Fund, which was launched to express his gratitude to first responders.
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Indianapolis Public Schools named Lisa Ott as its Teacher of the Year. A sixth-grade instructor at McFarland Middle School, she was recognized for invigorating students and staff.
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Gary G. Robinson was named principal of Rosa Parks-Edison Elementary School, which was under construction in the Southern Dunes subdivision. 

10 Years Ago This Week - 2012

David and Robbin Overbeck opened Emporium Beech Grove. Publisher’s memo: David lost his battle with cancer on July 20, 2014. Robbin recently moved Emporium Beech Grove to 10435 E. Washington St., a mile west of Cumberland and renamed it Emporium 40E. She also owns and operates, Emporium 40 off W. Washington/I-465, Emporium 31 in Greenwood, and Emporium 1101 in Anderson. She is married to Lee Hollis.
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Alyssa Coffey, the 5-year-old daughter of Joe and Samantha Coffey, was second runner-up in the Marion County Fair princess pageant.