Columbus Indiana News

03/04/2025

*****COMMUNITY EVENT*****

02/10/2024

HE HAS BEEN FOUND SAFE!!!!!! THANK YOU FOR ALL THE SHARES!!!!!!!

*****MISSING FUR BABY*****

Missing from my brothers home in Vernon near the Commiskey Split. Biff is very loved and missed by his family!!!!!

Please message Columbus Indiana News directly or you can call or text 812-657-1083!!!!

01/02/2024

Celebrating Sandy Watts: BCSC Education Hall of Fame Honoree

The Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation (BCSC) extends its warmest congratulations to Sandy Watts on her selection as the honoree of the BCSC Education Hall of Fame for this year.

The BCSC warmly invites the public to attend the celebration honoring Mrs. Watts, scheduled for Monday, February 5, at 6 p.m., in the Terrace Room of the BCSC Administration Building.

Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy refreshments before the School Board meeting commences, where Sandy Watts will receive recognition at the start of the session.

01/02/2024

2024 Housing Assistance Resources Released by United Way of Bartholomew County

The "2024 Help is Here" guide and the directory for Housing Assistance in Bartholomew County have been released by the United Way of Bartholomew County. This directory serves as a comprehensive resource for those needing affordable housing options within Bartholomew County, providing essential details for contacting the Brighter Days Homeless Shelter for individuals needing a place to stay and Horizon House for families in similar circumstances.

To obtain your copy of the "2024 Help is Here" guide, you are encouraged to contact the United Way via email at [email protected]. Additionally, those interested in staying informed about the United Way's ongoing efforts and updates can subscribe to their newsletter.

Always be the first to know about what's going on with our organization. Sign up for our newsletter and join our social community.

30/01/2024

Tragic Collision Involving a Columbus Man Investigation Ongoing

On the afternoon of Monday, January 29th, 2024, around 2:55 pm, Shelby County Sheriff's Department responded to a distress call about a vehicular accident on South State Road 9 near the 10,000 block.

At the scene, officers discovered a severe collision between two vehicles: a grain-loaded tractor-trailer operated by 65-year-old Gary Jaquess of Columbus, Indiana, and a Jeep Liberty steered by 23-year-old Johnathan May from Shelbyville, Indiana. Preliminary findings, supported by eyewitness accounts, suggest the Jeep, heading south, veered over the median and directly into the path of the northbound tractor-trailer.

The collision tragically claimed the life of Johnathan May at the site. The other individuals involved, Gary Jaquess and Alexis Eversole, a 22-year-old passenger from Shelbyville in the Jeep, sustained injuries and were promptly taken to IU Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis by the Shelbyville Fire Department's medical team.

In response to this catastrophic event, the Shelby County Fatal Crash Team took charge of the investigation, which remains active to decipher the full circumstances of this incident.

30/01/2024

High-Speed Chase in Columbus Leads to Arrest of Intoxicated Driver

In Columbus, a 24-year-old man named Kolby A. Mitchell finds himself in legal turmoil following a high-speed chase that ended in his arrest. In the early hours of a Saturday morning, around 12:40 a.m., Columbus Police Department officers observed a vehicle hurtling down Indianapolis Road near Lowell Road. The vehicle was traveling at a breakneck speed, registering at 111 mph in a zone designated for 55 mph.

The pursuit began when the officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop. However, Mitchell extinguished his vehicle's headlights instead of complying and continued his rapid southward journey on Indianapolis Road.

Ultimately, a combined effort by the Columbus Police and Bartholomew County deputies led to the vehicle's halt near the intersection of Third and Lindsey Streets. Upon confronting Mitchell, officers noted his bloodshot, glossy eyes and detected a pronounced scent of alcohol emanating from him. After he failed several field sobriety tests, a breathalyzer test indicated his blood alcohol concentration at 0.137 percent, significantly above the legal limit.

Mitchell now faces a series of charges, including operating a vehicle while intoxicated with endangerment, resisting law enforcement with a vehicle, reckless driving, and criminal recklessness.

30/01/2024

Hope Town Square to Host 11th Annual Groundhog Day Celebration

In the northeastern region of Bartholomew County, the community of Hope is gearing up for its annual Groundhog Day celebration. The town square will buzz with excitement this Friday morning as the event marks its 11th year. A special highlight of the celebration is Hope, a groundhog hailing from Utopia Wildlife Rehabilitators, who has been a key participant for the past four years.

The festivities kick off at 8 a.m. with live music, creating an atmosphere of anticipation. The main event, featuring the groundhog ceremony, is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Following the ceremony, attendees can enjoy warm beverages and snacks at Willow Leaves, located on the north side of the Town Square.

This event, a testament to the town's spirit, will proceed regardless of weather conditions – rain, snow, or freezing temperatures. It's a collaborative effort organized by Main Street of Hope and Utopia Wildlife Rehabilitators and supported by Indiana Main Street and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs.

27/01/2024

Former Prosecutor Bill Nash Faces Disciplinary Action Over Neighbor Dispute, Jeopardizing Legal License

Bill Nash, who previously served as the Prosecutor for Bartholomew County, is currently facing disciplinary action that threatens his legal practice license.

The Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission has recently initiated a formal charge against Nash. This development stems from a neighborly conflict that escalated into a legal matter in May 2022, culminating in Nash pleading guilty to two misdemeanor charges after initially facing nine charges, including two felonies. In March of the previous year, Nash received a sentence of 360 days, which was suspended in favor of probation.

The legal complaint against Nash involves an altercation with his neighbor, Scott Salazar-Stuck. Documents indicate Nash confronted Salazar-Stuck, warning him about the danger posed by his dogs and suggesting legal counsel if the dogs were not leashed. The situation intensified when Salazar-Stuck discovered an animal collar bearing Nash's phone number in his yard. This discovery led to a heated exchange where Nash's language reportedly became more aggressive and threatening.

Salazar-Stuck and his wife, Monica, who recorded part of the incident on her cellphone, expressed serious concerns for their safety to the Indiana State Police. They cited Nash's volatile behavior and his authoritative position as the county's chief law enforcement officer at the time.

The Disciplinary Commission's complaint against Nash alleges violations of two specific Rules of Professional Conduct, citing that Nash's actions reflected poorly on his character as a lawyer and hindered the proper administration of justice. The commission emphasized the heightened responsibility of lawyers in public office to maintain appropriate conduct.

As of the report, Nash had not commented on the charges. He is recognized for his over two-decade tenure as the county's elected prosecutor and, more recently, for his unsuccessful bid against State Rep. Ryan Lauer and his current private law practice.

The Disciplinary Commission will propose a suitable professional sanction for Nash to the Indiana Supreme Court. The court has the final decision-making power in this matter, and possible disciplinary actions range from a simple reprimand to complete disbarment.

27/01/2024

Sheriff's Yearly Summary Highlights Commitment to Wellness and Drug Law Enforcement

Reflecting on his inaugural year as the Bartholomew County Sheriff, Chris Lane has presented his first annual report, underscoring the progress made in five key priority areas he established at the outset of his tenure.

In this comprehensive report, Sheriff Lane has outlined his primary objectives:

Unyielding Drug Enforcement
Advancing Efficiency and Innovation
Fostering Partnerships with Fellow Agencies
Promoting Mental and Physical Resilience
Enhancing Employee Attraction and Retention

In the realm of drug enforcement, Sheriff Lane noted a significant achievement - a 40% increase in felony drug arrests compared to 2022, totaling over 127. He emphasized the community's concern about the impact of drugs and affirmed his department's unwavering commitment to thwarting the influx of illegal substances into the county.

Turning to the well-being of his staff, Sheriff Lane highlighted establishing a peer support network to bolster employees' mental and physical health. Selected deputies have received specialized training to offer confidential assistance to colleagues grappling with personal or professional challenges. Additionally, funds from drug forfeitures have been allocated to upgrade equipment in the employee gym. In a notable collaboration, a grant from the Heritage Fund: The Community Foundation of Bartholomew County has enabled access to services at the Breathe Halotherapy and Wellness Center, offering up to two complimentary monthly sessions to aid in stress relief and promote overall wellness.

Concluding his report, Sheriff Lane expressed his conviction that the department's focus is well-placed. He voiced his pride in the department's teams and their collective achievements, signaling a positive trajectory for the future.

27/01/2024

Ivy Tech Leads a Winter Expedition Along the Driftwood River

At Ivy Tech Community College in Columbus, the spirit of exploration and education comes alive with their ongoing series of nature hikes, an initiative designed to bring the community closer to the wonders of the natural world.

Mark your calendars for a remarkable journey on Saturday, February 3rd, as you can traverse the picturesque Driftwood River near Edinburgh. This excursion, steeped in educational value, will be guided by the knowledgeable Dr. Tom Sobat, a distinguished member of Ivy Tech Columbus's faculty, focusing on the hidden gems of the winter landscape.

The adventure is set to commence at 10 A.M. in the foremost paved parking space of the Driftwood State Fishing Area, situated at 8825 S. U.S. 31, near the town of Edinburgh.

Bringing binoculars is recommended for enthusiasts eager to capture an up-close view of nature's splendors. The college will provide a limited number for those without.

This expedition is an open invitation to the public, warmly welcoming all interested participants. It's important to dress in attire suited for outdoor exploration and the weather's demands.

Should you seek further details or have questions, Dr. Sobat is available for contact at [email protected].

26/01/2024

United Way of Bartholomew County Extends a Helping Hand with Complimentary Tax Filing Services

In a benevolent gesture to the community, Bartholomew County's residents are now afforded an opportunity for free tax filing, courtesy of the United Way's VITA Volunteer Tax Assistance program. This commendable initiative is tailored for individuals with annual incomes not exceeding $66,000.

The program enlists IRS-certified volunteers dedicated to providing confidential and secure assistance in preparing basic income tax returns. This includes the provision of electronic filing, ensuring a seamless and efficient process for those eligible.

For those seeking this valuable service, it's important to note that it is strictly by appointment. The venue for this assistance is the Doug Otto United Way Center, where doors will remain open for this purpose until mid-April. Availability operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Those interested in securing an appointment should promptly contact 812-375-2216. Calls are accepted between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, to accommodate as many as possible within this generous offering.

United Way offers FREE income tax filings for qualified Bartholomew County residents each year through the VITA Volunteer Tax Assistance programs.

24/01/2024

A Dense Fog Advisory has been issued. It started on January 24 at 1605 hours Eastern Standard Time and will continue until 1000 hours on January 25. This comes straight from the National Weather Service in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The counties impacted are Putnam, Hendricks, Marion, Hancock, Vigo, Clay, Owen, Morgan, Johnson, Shelby, Rush, Sullivan, Greene, Monroe, Brown, Bartholomew, Decatur, Knox, Daviess, Martin, Lawrence, Jackson, and Jennings.

Here's what you need to know:

- **Visibility**: You're looking at a quarter mile or less. That's dense fog.

- **Location**: This is happening in central, south central, southeast, southwest, and west central Indiana.

- **Timing**: This advisory is in effect until 1000 hours EST, Thursday.

- **Impacts**: Driving is going to be tough. Visibility is low. That means hazardous conditions on the road.

- **Additional Details**: Just like this morning, expect some improvement from south to north on Thursday morning. Why? Because the next wave of rain is coming in.

Here's your tactical advice if you're driving: Slow down. Use your headlights. Keep a solid distance between you and the vehicle ahead. Stay sharp. Stay safe.

24/01/2024

Upcoming Culinary Addition: A New Pizza Restaurant Set to Fill Vacant Spot in The Commons

A new chapter is set to unfold in the heart of downtown Columbus as The Commons, a central hub of community and culture, prepares to welcome a fresh face. The Columbus Redevelopment Commission, in a decisive move on Monday, greenlit a lease for Upland Brewing Company to breathe new life into a long-vacant space, transforming it into a brick-oven pizza restaurant.

Once the home of Puccini's Smiling Teeth and later Bucceto's Pizza restaurants, this spot has stood empty since June, awaiting a new occupant to revive its walls. The Commons, a tapestry of retail and public spaces, finds its commercial areas under the diligent stewardship of the Columbus Redevelopment Commission, while the public spaces are nurtured by the Columbus Parks and Recreation Department.

Upland Brewing, seizing this opportunity, is poised to start renovations in February, with aspirations of opening doors to a hungry public by early June. In a commitment to history and progress, the company is set to finance these renovations, ensuring the new establishment complements the architectural grandeur of this downtown icon.

While the lease's finer points are still under negotiation, guided by Redevelopment Commission attorney Mary Stroh, they are expected to align with the prevailing terms of other downtown eateries. This initial seven-year agreement, with options to extend for five years, awaits the final nod from the company's legal team.

Redevelopment Director Heather Pope notes that the city stands ready, anticipating the final seal of approval on this lease agreement. This development marks a new culinary destination and a symbol of ongoing revitalization as Columbus continues to weave its story—one of community, heritage, and an ever-evolving downtown tapestry.

24/01/2024

BCSC's United Effort: Students and Staff Rally to Raise Over $26K for Bartholomew County's United Way

In communal solidarity and support, the Bartholomew County Consolidated School Corporation (BCSC) showcased its unwavering commitment to the greater good. At Monday night's BCSC School Board meeting, a significant gesture was made - a generous donation of $26,868 was presented to the United Way of Bartholomew County.

This substantial sum, a result of the school corporation's annual campaign project, is a testament to the spirit of unity and cooperation within the district. Each year, students, staff, and families alike embody the ethos, leading fundraising endeavors with a singular goal: to bolster the community that nurtures them.

The BCSC and the United Way share a vision of a community where every child is supported in the classroom and beyond its walls, every family's fundamental needs are met, and every individual is on a path to stability and success.

In a moment that marked more than just a financial transaction, BCSC Superintendent Dr. Jim Roberts handed the check to Sarah Davis, the Director of Resource Development at United Way of Bartholomew County. This act of giving symbolizes much more than the sum of its parts – it's a beacon of hope, a commitment to collective prosperity, and a reminder that we can create a brighter future for all.

24/01/2024

This past weekend, the German Township Volunteer Fire Department paid tribute to two steadfast Bartholomew County Sheriff's Office deputies, Lt. Andrew Dougan and Sgt. Andrew Densford bestowed upon them honors for their heroic deeds.

In April 2023, a raging inferno engulfed a residence on Dacia Street in Taylorsville. Answering the call with valor, Lt. Dougan and Sgt. Densford plunged into the fiery maw. Inside, they found a man trapped by the blaze. With determination and disregard for their own safety, these two guardians of the community hauled him to safety, a life saved by their unflinching courage.

Standing proud of his ranks, Sheriff Chris Lane declared, "We are proud to have selfless people like these two at BCSO." A sentiment echoed by all who witnessed their gallantry. These awards are not just metal and ribbon; they are a testament to bravery, a symbol of unwavering commitment to others, and a reminder that in the heart of danger, some will always run towards it, not away.

24/01/2024

At Columbus Indiana News, we're deep in the trenches making strategic changes. Right now, our focus is locked on providing only weather updates. We've temporarily halted our news updates, but this is a tactical move, not a retreat. We're gearing up, recalibrating our systems to come back with full force in delivering news updates. Expect us to come back soon, with more vigor and better coverage. Keep your eyes on us, we're about to make a powerful comeback. Stay tuned.

24/01/2024

Attention to all in central, east central, north central, southwest, and west central Indiana.

It's time to brace up. We've got a Dense Fog Advisory in effect. Issued by the NWS Indianapolis IN, it's been set from January 23, 9:27 PM EST, stretching until January 24, 10:00 AM EST.

Here's the situation: Visibility is down to a quarter mile or less. That's challenging. The affected areas? Shelby, Rush, Monroe, Brown, Bartholomew, Decatur.

The timeline? It's happening now and will continue until 10 AM EST Wednesday.

The impact? Driving is going to be tough. Visibility is low, and that means the potential for hazardous conditions on the road.

More details? Conditions will change rapidly. Visibilities might get better late tonight into Wednesday morning as more rain hits the region.

Here's the strategy if you're driving: slow down. Use your headlights. Keep a solid distance ahead of you. Stay sharp, stay safe.