60 Years Ago This Week - 1962 
 Denise Shockley was elected president of Manual High School’s junior class and became first girl to hold the office in many years. Also serving were Gene Voelkel, vice president; Patsy Briggs, secretary; and Ronnie Rae, treasurer. 
* * *
George Kopetsky, who owned a laundry business at 7020 Madison Ave., garnered first-place honors in the Midwest region of the Coin-Operated Beautiful Contest, which featured nearly 35,000 contestants.
* * *
The Perry Township Board of Education hired the architectural firm of Fleck, Quebe & Reid Associates to draw plans for six new classrooms at Glenns Valley School.
* * * 
Southport High School graduate John May was named manager of the Flackville branch of People’s Bank & Trust on the Northwestside.

 50 Years Ago This Week - 1972
Prospect Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star (a Masonic organization), 2901 S. Meridian St., held a craft bazaar and served a spaghetti dinner and for $1.75.
* * *
J.D. Kavich was the guest evangelist for a revival at Edgewood United Methodist Church.
* * *
Indiana Pacer star and Indianapolis City-County Councilor Roger Brown addressed the Perry Township Teenage Republicans and discussed the role he played on the council.
* * *
The Women’s Guild of the Southside Boys Club held its semiannual drapery sale.

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

​Howard Hubler of Hubler Dodge, 3800 S. U.S. 31, displayed the dealership’s 1992 Viper RT/10 (cost $50,000), whose V-10 engine powered the car from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds.  
* * *
Cheryl Robinson, a registered nurse, was named St. Francis Hospital’s October Family Spirit Award recipient. Recognized for her caring demeanor, she received $100.
* * *
Bob Evans Restaurant introduced a new breakfast menu that included 10 meals for less than $3. 
* * * 
Margaret Ann Hillan and daughter Clare Trumble made the “Business By-lines’’ section for their achievements in the real estate industry.
* * *
U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar addressed the Economic Club of Indianapolis.
* * *
Nationally renowned musician Jeff Weiler played Manual High School’s Wurlitzer pipe organ during a showing of “Phantom of the Opera,” a silent movie from 1925. 

20 Years Ago This Week - 2002
The Federal Emergency Management Agency was still on hand at the Perry Township Government Center to assist those affected by the tornadoes that ripped through the area Sept. 20.
* * *

Recognized for their community service, Greenwood Masons Joe Scott (left), grandfather of Whitney and Vanessa Scott, and Cleon Wright received their 33rd Degrees, the highest honor achievable in Scottish Rite Freemasonry.
* * *

Southport High School’s cross-country team finished fourth at the Greensburg regional to qualify for the Carmel semistate.   
* * *  

Katie Gaskill checks out a potential jack-o’-lantern during Indiana’s giant pumpkin contest at Adrian Orchards, 500 W. Epler Ave., where Tom Beachy of Woodburn took first-place honors for his 786-pound monster. Greenwood’s Brad Walters placed third with a 245-pound pumpkin.  

10 Years Ago This Week - 2012
Scott Sims, right, from Big Dad’s Nappy-Q grilled hamburgers during the Greater Southport Business Alliance’s car and truck show.
* * *
The marching bands from Beech Grove, Center Grove and Greenwood high schools earned gold ratings during the Indiana State Schools Music Association’s regional competition.

60 Years Ago This Week - 1962 
 The top winners in Sacred Heart Church’s raffle were Theresa Gruner, $1,500; John Battiato, $500; Carl Beck, $200; and Martha Dwenger, $100. 
* * *
Morrison’s downtown department store needed a sales lady and guaranteed a weekly salary of at least $60, and Block’s Tea Room in Southern Plaza was looking for an experienced waitress.
* * *
Sacred Heart Bowling Lanes & Equipment Center, 1502 Union St., was a happening place on weekends.
* * * 
Marvin’s Drive-in Liquors, 2850 S. Meridian St., was open until 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

50 Years Ago This Week - 1972
Roncalli’s homecoming court featured Susie Massing, Mary Sue Sullivan, Lisa Heid, Peggy Zahn, Debbie Pierle, Gretchen Lindblom, Toni Ford, Dick Nalley, Jeff Rampone, Bob Hammett, John Povenelli, Joe Maguire and Rick Carroll. 
* * *
St. Roch Catholic Church and School celebrated its 50th anniversary.
* * *
DePauw University graduate Michael Allee was named executive director of Marion County’s chapter of the American Cancer Society.
* * *
The PTA of Homecroft Elementary School hosted its annual fall festival.

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

Perry Meridian’s Homecoming court consisted of (front, from left) Anne Curbox, Lourdes Tansinsin, Marianne Holloway, Trisha Etchison, Megan Miller; (middle row) Nikki Forte, Nicole Gary, Heather Birk, Candie Mynatt, Chris Fahy; (back) A.J. Wilkerson, Bill Journey, Ian Dagley, Deric Vaught and Ambrose Garcia.
* * *
Frank Lovejoy was elected president of the Greenwood Kiwanis Club and awarded a perfect attendance pin for not missing a meeting in 13 years. Other officers were Dallas Allegra, vice president; Jim Black, secretary; Maurice Rudolph, assistant secretary; Gene Nay, treasurer; and Glenn Morrison, assistant treasurer. Board members were Norman Akers, Ben Gunn (14 years of perfect attendance), Aly Hyatt, Ed Koehm, Gary Lindenmayer and Robert Thompson. 
* * *
Ascension Lutheran Church in Beech Grove celebrated its 29th anniversary with a special service and dinner at Jonathan Byrd’s Cafeteria.

20 Years Ago This Week - 2002
The inaugural Kristi’s Games was launched at Lutheran High. Named in honor of the late Kristi Schultz Brougham, the fundraiser featured carnival rides, a dunk tank, karaoke and other activities. Brougham, killed in an automobile accident in 2001, was the school’s cheerleading coach and taught kindergarten at Emmaus Lutheran at the time.
* * *
The football teams from Perry Meridian and Franklin Central upped their records to 6-0 by defeating Southport 35-10 and Decatur Central 56-0.
* * * 

Heather Burleson and William “Pat” Corbett were crowned queen and king of Perry Meridian’s homecoming festivities.
   * * *
Homecroft Elementary School collected thousands of dollars worth of food and clothing for families affected by the Sept. 20 tornadoes. While the twisters wreaked havoc on many businesses, homeowners and the Baxter YMCA, the Y continued to offer programs by moving them to one of Hubler Chevrolet’s vacant facilities, the University of Indianapolis and a number of churches and schools.

10 Years Ago This Week - 2012

Haley Bougher, daughter of Ron and Rebecca Bougher and a senior at Beech Grove High, received the school’s Outstanding Student Award for her academic achievements, athleticism and volunteer work with Special Olympics and Youth as Resources.
* * *
Rusty Brief served as executive director of the Indiana State School Music Association. Located at 100 E. Thompson Road, the organization conducted music contests for more than 200,000 high school students annually. 
* * *
Bill Yates was installed as senior pastor at Calvary Lutheran Church, where he previously served as associate pastor for 22 years

60 Years Ago This Week - 1962
​C.R. Wilsey was elected president of El Dorado County Club & Golf Course (now Dye’s Walk), 2080 S. State Road 135. Other officers were Bill Winingham, vice president; Jay Kress, secretary; Bob Rawley, treasurer. Board members were Dick Dawson, George May, Don Wilsey, Denny Morrow, Bill Farrington, George Hoss and Roy Zahn. 
* * *
Carolyn Askin was installed as worthy matron of Southport’s Order of Rainbow for Girls, a Masonic organization that stressed leadership and community service.
* * *
Our Lady of Grace Convent in Beech Grove broke ground on a four-story, $210,000 addition.
* * * 
Southport High School’s Alumni Association held a dinner dance at Monsignor Downey Knights of Columbus, 511 E. Thompson Road.

 50 Years Ago This Week - 1972
Fred Cox, the son-in-law of President Richard Nixon, spoke at Indiana Central College (now the University of Indianapolis). 
* * *
Francis and Mary McNamara, daughters of the late Frank and Mary Doherty McNamara, celebrated their golden jubilees of belonging to the Catholic sisterhood.
* * *
The Southern Plaza Merchants Association was planning Indianapolis’ inaugural Oktoberfest, for which a colossal 200-by-40-foot beer tent would be constructed. A smaller one would house interesting exhibits.
* * *
After Indianapolis police officers issued tickets to motorists for parking in the fire lane at Southern Plaza, the shopping center offered to pay the fines and then put up no-parking signs.

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

Southport High School’s Doug Smith plays the mellophone during halftime of the Cardinals’ football game. 
* * *
Former Olympic cyclist Erin Hartwell, a bronze medalist, served as grand marshal of Southport High School’s homecoming parade. Queen candidates were seniors Monica Hanza, Erin Shepherd and Jennifer Shepherd, whose escorts were Chris Lytle, Justin Puckett and Matt Beckom, respectively. The court featured freshman Megan Metelko, sophomore Vanessa Riggs and junior Molly Snodgras, who were ushered by Justin Wiseman, Tyler Clark and Jimmy Schopper. 
* * *
The Frogs won the annual Oldtimers kickball tournament for the fourth year in a row. Team members were Erin Lind, Kary Kesterson-Smith, Michelle Shaw, Dayna Hanson, Brenda Christ, Colleen DeVore, Barb Axom, Janie Killion, Alyson Gurganus, Leslie Challis, Maura Hamilton, Nancy Prather, Linda Stahl, Theresa Wells-Ditton, Fran Moran and Cathy Buergler.
* * *
Roncalli’s homecoming court featured Ann Sahm, Ann Stewart, Michelle Kappes, Keri Miller, Allyson Biasius, Karrie Stahley, Missy Abbott, Danny Patrick, Soloman Baase, Joffre LeFevre, Phil Agresta, Dan Lawson, James Ladd, Shane Minor and Matt Schroeder. 
* * * 
Students from Southport Elementary were challenged to see if they could package eggs to keep them from breaking when dropped off the school’s rooftop.
20 Years Ago This Week - 2002
Roncalli running back Marcus Nalley, son of former Olympic bobsledder and University of Indianapolis football standout Dick Nalley, set a single-game school record of 327 rushing yards while scoring six touchdowns in a 42-7 win over Elkhart Central. 
* * * 
Roncalli student Audra Hillan compiled “Rebel Report,” noting that Nick Armbruster had traveled to France over the summer and that Becca Noe, Tyler Warner, Brendan Murphy and Katie Tolle were National Merit semifinalists.
* * *
Becky Retz owned Southport Pet Grooming, 7110 Madison Ave., and was assisted by Amy McClellan and Tammy Herald.
* * *
Cynthia Moriarty, daughter of Carl and Joan Shock and a third-grade teacher at Stephen Decatur Elementary School, was presented an Apple Award for excellence in teaching from the Indianapolis Power & Light Co. She and her husband, Kevin, had two children, Paul and Erin.
​* * *

Leslie Dawes’ second-grade class at Clinton Young Elementary School recited the “Pledge of Allegiance” during a morning talk show on radio station WFMS 95.5 FM. 
* * * 
Lifelong Southsider Rick Commons was named a Kentucky Colonel for his 30 years of helping the needy. The award was similar to Indiana’s Sagamore of the Wabash, presented for distinguished service to the state.

​10 Years Ago This Week - 2012 

Mary Grace Lawler (seated from left), Judy Webb, (standing) Jeanne Saunders and Lyn Shonk, wife of Southsider Voice columnist Fred Shonk, proved to be “poker sharks” at the Ave Maria Guild’s card party.  

* * *
​

​Street racers from the 1970s who burned up “The Strip” (Madison Avenue) and I-65 when under construction were on hand for a car show at Beck Service Center. The “retired” dragsters were (in no particular order) Fred Kellemeier, Don Rayburn, Greg Gaskin, Kevin Linson, Art Dye, Paul, Eddie and Jesse Rippy, John Pielemeier, Mike Shortridge, Jeff McKee, Mark Johnson, Danny Tye and Jim Hildebrand.

60 Years Ago This Week - 1962 
The Indianapolis Liederkranz, 1417 E. Washington St., hosted its annual fall dance.  
* * *
Woolworth’s in Fountain Square featured numerous sales, including candy bars for 3 cents; 2 pounds of chocolate-covered peanuts, $1; men’s shirts, $2.99; and quilted robes, $3.99.  
* * *
The Southport American Legion served a barbecue dinner at Southern Plaza, 4200 S. East St., where many new Fords were displayed.
* * * 
More than 1,500 people attended the dedication of Chartrand High School, 3300 Prague Road, (later renamed Roncalli). The facility cost $1.3 million and opened with only a freshman class of 187 students. The capacity enrollment of 750 was expected within three years, when four grades would attend the school.

 50 Years Ago This Week - 1972
Third-grader Rob Taylor was avidly collecting the football cards that Sunoco gas stations were distributing. 
* * *
Sizzler Steak House, U.S. 31 and Stop 11 Road, served chopped sirloin dinners for 99 cents.
* * *
A case of 24 12-ounce bottles of Pepsi-Cola cost 99 cents at Ketterman Sunoco, 2022 Shelby St., where blemished tires were sold for $19.
* * *
Bruce Haddix, a graduate of Manual and a sophomore at Indiana Central College, had the lead role in the school’s production of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.”

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
Ronald Morris, who taught fourth-graders at Mary Bryan Elementary, was named Perry Township Schools’ Teacher of the Year. He graduated magna cum laude from the University of Indianapolis and earned a master’s degree from Purdue.
* * *
A retirement party for Katie Flike, a longtime employee of Parkcrest Hair Care, 2660 Shelby St., was held at the Old Country Buffet in Southern Plaza. She and her husband, “Red,” planned to spend their free time traveling in their RV.
* * *
Methodist Hospital offered free tests for hepatitis B and C. 
* * * 

Referees Craig Moore (left) and Dan Scarborough blew bubbles during halftime of the Southport-Roncalli football game. 

20 Years Ago This Week - 2002

Tornadoes packing 200 mph winds ripped through the Southside. Among the demolished or partially damaged buildings were Shoe Carnival, Pier I import (above), Baxter YMCA, apartment complexes and many homes. Vehicles in front of Harry C’s (below) at Carson Avenue and Thompson Road were flattened by flying debris. Because the twisters left more than 100 families in need of food, clothing and shelter, Perry Meridian High School was designated as an emergency shelter.  

* * * 
Arthur Cook celebrated his 52nd birthday.
* * *
Pfc. Jeremy Richard, son of Danny and Jamie Richard, completed basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego. James Sandefur, son of Barry Sandefur and Sheila Harrison, graduated from Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, as did Daniel Dashiell, son of William and Donna Dashiell.
* * * 
Perry Meridian High School’s football team was 4-0; Roncalli was 0-4. 

10 Years Ago This Week - 2012

In celebrating the 198th anniversary of Francis Scott Key writing “The Star-Spangled Banner,” Nativity students (from left) Dawson Texira, Colin Flanigan, Sam Smith, Cliff LaMarca, Halley Engel and Lily Daming participated in a ceremony to honor the American flag.
* * *
James Scifres, a freshman at Perry Meridian, was honored for making care packages for Marines serving in Afghanistan.
* * *
Waterman’s Family Farm on East Raymond Street and State Road 137 in Greenwood was holding its annual Fall Harvest Festival.