Bartholomew County News

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Columbus Police Department (CPD) is investigating an accidental shooting that occurred on Tuesday afternoon. Officers were dispatched to a report of a person shot at a business located in the 2100 block of North National Road, at around 1:45 p.m.   

HAMMOND, IN – UPDATE (11:26 p.m. on May 26): Detectives continued to gather information and evidence related to the investigation. The female passenger has been released pending further investigation. More details will be released in the days ahead.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), in partnership with ASAP and medical provider Quality Correctional Care, has committed to addressing mental health and substance abuse challenges both inside the jail and beyond release.

BARTHOLOMEW COUNTY, Ind. - A Monroe County man was arrested Sunday evening after fleeing from Indiana State Police (ISP) on southbound I-65 and later striking two vehicles before coming to a stop. A Senior ISP Trooper was on his way home from working the Indy 500 when the incident began.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation (BCSC) held commencement ceremonies over the weekend for seniors at Columbus North, Columbus East, and CSA New Tech High Schools.

COLUMBUS, Ind. – The Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) has announced that Detective William Kinman Jr., a 23-year BCSO veteran, has officially been sworn in as an FBI Task Force Officer (TFO).

ELIZABETHTOWN, Ind. – Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) contractor Enneking Pressure Cleaning, Inc. is scheduled to begin a bridge deck overlay project on State Road 7 over Little Sand Creek, on or after Monday, June 1.

EDINBURGH, Ind. – ChampionZone Virtual Golf and Patriot Cafe, 3258 W. Market Place Drive, next to Indiana Premium Outlets in Edinburgh, will celebrate its opening on Thursday, May 28, at 4:30 p.m., with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The public is invited.

RIPLEY COUNTY, Ind. - The Indiana State Police (ISP) has released body camera footage from the water rescue on Wednesday in Ripley County, near Holton.

COLUMBUS, Indiana – River Valley Legal Aid is offering a free Legal Walk-in Clinic this Tuesday, May 26, from 3 to 5 p.m., at the Bartholomew County Public Library, 536 Fifth St., in Columbus.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Columbus Department of Public Works (DPW) officially opened its new workplace on Arcadia Drive with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - City of Columbus and Bartholomew County officials announce that all of their offices will be closed this Monday, May 25, to commemorate the Memorial Day holiday.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Community members interested in participating in this summer’s "Columbus Riverfest: Ya Gotta Regatta," are invited to attend an informational team-captain meeting at 5:30 p.m. on May 28, at United Way Firehouse, 1304 Hutchins Ave., in Columbus.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The 2025-2026 Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation (BCSC) school year came to a close for students on Wednesday. Teachers will have their last day this Friday, May 22.

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COLUMBUS, Ind. - (SECOND UPDATE: 5-21) - In an official statement, Judge James D. Worton has recused himself from the Bartholomew County Council recount case involving Mark Bense and Leah Beyer due to a conflict of interest.

COLUMBUS, Ind. — Columbus Parks and Recreation has temporarily closed Mill Race Park after significant rainfall caused flooding throughout low‐lying areas of the park on May 20. Bartholomew County officials have also announced at least two road closings.

COLUMBUS/EDINBURGH, Ind. – The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued Flood Warnings for three local rivers that will continue until the early parts of the weekend.

COLUMBUS, Ind. -  Colton Ross (Badge CPD 312) joined the ranks as the newest officer in the Columbus Police Department (CPD) on Tuesday morning. Mayor Mary Ferdon swore in Ross at the weekly Board of Public Works and Safety meeting.

JONESVILLE, Ind. – Due to an overnight fire in the early morning hours of Tuesday, May 19, just past midnight, the popular Jonesville bar and grill, "The Brick," is now temporarily closed.

COLUMBUS, Ind. — Jason Hatton, Director of the Bartholomew County Public Library, has turned in his resignation after nearly 20 years of service to the library system.

COLUMBUS, Ind.- Friends of Columbus Animal Care Services (FCACS) will be handing out pet food through their Furry Friends Food Bank distribution this Thursday, May 21, at Columbus Municipal Airport, 4770 Ray Boll Blvd.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Bartholomew County Superior Court 1 sentenced a local man on May 6 to five years for charges including attempted residential entry and theft.

SEYMOUR, Ind. - Columbus Regional Health (CRH) has announced a new Seymour location for Southern Indiana Heart and Vascular.

JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. -A suspect wanted on robbery charges was arrested following a vehicle chase that ended on the Kennedy Bridge on I-65 at the Indiana/Kentucky border on Friday, May 15.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - PromptMed is closing its doors on 25th Street and moving to its new, upgraded location on 10th Street this week.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team (JNET) released information on Monday afternoon about two drug arrests last week. After a long investigation into narcotics activity, a search warrant was executed on Tuesday, May 12, in the 1300 block of Woodleigh Ct., in Tiption Lakes.

COLUMBUS, Ind. – The Columbus Fire Department (CFD) has announced the advancement of two of its members. Lt. Bryan Bailey has been promoted to the rank of Captain, and Firefighter Ben Noblitt is now a Lieutenant.

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University’s Board of Trustees has announced that President Mung Chiang has informed them that he is leaving and has accepted an offer to become president of Northwestern University.

JENNINGS COUNTY, Ind. - Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Conservation Officers are investigating a drowning that occurred Thursday evening at Crosley Lake, south of Vernon in Jennings County.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Columbus Indiana Philharmonic (CIP) is still needing volunteers to assist at the 26th annual Salute! Concert this Friday night, May 22, at the Columbus Airport, to kick off the Memorial Day holiday weekend. 

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The National Weather Service (NWS) says a Flood Warning is in effect for Bartholomew and Jennings Counties on Saturday morning, May 16, until noon.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - United Way of Bartholomew County will debut a new community event this summer, inviting residents to race cardboard boats, enjoy family-friendly activities, and fund a great cause. The inaugural Columbus Riverfest featuring "Ya Gotta Regatta" is on July 31 at Mill Race Park.

COLUMBUS, Ind. – The annual Memorial Day service in downtown Columbus is set for Monday, May 25, starting at 11 a.m., at the Bartholomew County Memorial for Veterans.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Mill Race Center is celebrating National Senior Health and Fitness Day on Wednesday, May 27, with programs offered throughout the day.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The second annual Columbus Asian Fest is this Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Downtown Columbus. The event celebrates the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of Asian communities.

COLUMBUS, Ind. — A local man is hospitalized after a Wednesday morning accident on Indianapolis Road in Columbus on Wednesday, May 13.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Friends of Columbus Animal Care Services (FCACS) invites you to ride in the 2026 "Moonlight Loop" to benefit Columbus Animal Care Services (CACS). Registration is now open for the 19-mile evening bike ride through Columbus.

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INDIANA STATEHOUSE – Gov. Mike Braun, while he was at the Clark-Pleasant Community Schools Administration Building in Whiteland on Wednesday morning, signed into law a bill to prohibit student use of personal wireless communication devices during school hours.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The City of Columbus has announced a coordinated water safety campaign to educate residents about local waterway hazards, promote safe practices, and strengthen community awareness throughout Water Safety Month in May.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Dove Recovery House for Women is expanding with a new home in Columbus, its third in the state, addressing a critical need for residential substance use disorder treatment in Southern Indiana, serving 15 women nightly at no cost.

COLUMBUS, Ind. — L.C. Schmitt Elementary School instructional coach Jill Bless is the recipient of the 2026 Bill and Sally Hanley Excellence in Teaching Award administered by Heritage Fund.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - To kick off the Memorial Day weekend, the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic (CIP) presents the SALUTE! concert, a public patriotic event honoring U.S. Armed Forces veterans and current Service Members. 

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Columbus Area Arts Council (CAAC) will celebrate the grand opening of Studio C, a new community ceramics space, on Wednesday, May 13, from 4 to 7 p.m., at 4760 Ray Boll Blvd., in Columbus. The event is free and open to the public.

HOPE, Ind. - The Hope Police Department and the Town of Hope remind residents that this Saturday, May 16, is an opportunity to register/renew your golf cart or "side by side" at the police station, from 10 a.m. to noon.

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) is partnering with the Indiana State Police (ISP) and local law enforcement agencies across the state to urge Hoosiers to buckle up as part of the national “Click It or Ticket” campaign, which focuses on increasing seatbelt use.

GREENWOOD, Ind.- The Indiana State Police is investigating a serious accident that occurred Saturday morning on northbound I-65 near Greenwood. The crash was the result of a woman fleeing from police.

HOPE, Ind. - The Town of Hope welcomes the annual "Smoke on the Square" this weekend, featuring mouthwatering BBQ, great company, and plenty of fun.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The City of Columbus Fire Department (CFD) has announced the retirement of Captain David Dwyer after a 47-year career with the Department. Dwyer joined CFD on January 10, 1979. He retires as the most senior member of the agency with a career spanning nearly five decades.

EDINBURGH, Ind. - ChampionZone USA Virtual Golf and Patriot Café has opened in Edinburgh, offering a unique destination that combines virtual golf with classic American cuisine. It is located next to Mann's Harley Davidson, adjacent to Indiana Premium Outlets.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Bartholomew County Council Republican candidate Mark Bense is considering filing an appeal to ask for a recount or pursue other legal options following an extremely close Tuesday election.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Columbus Police Department (CPD), Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), and the Indiana State Police (ISP) will be participating in an annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service at 9 a.m. on Friday, May 15, in the Public Safety Plaza near 2nd and Brown Streets, in Columbus.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Bartholomew County Sheriff's Office responded to a one-vehicle accident on southbound I-65 at around 3 a.m. on Friday.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The third annual "Columbus On Tap" Craft Beer, Wine and Spirits Fest returns this Saturday, May 9, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Custer-Nugent Amphitheatre and Festival Field at Mill Race Park in Columbus.

COLUMBUS, Ind. -The 2026 Columbus Farmer's Market summer season kicks off this Saturday, May 9. The market features locally grown and produced foods, plants, art, and handcrafted items. Support your local produce farmers at 123 Washington St., just south of Columbus City Hall.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - A man is in custody on multiple felony charges following a traffic stop earlier this week. On May 6 at 1:51 p.m., the Columbus Police Department (CPD) pulled over a vehicle for speeding near 1st St and Lafayette Ave.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Columbus Propeller, located on the Columbus Municipal Airpark campus, has officially transitioned to an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a member-led board of directors, marking an important new chapter for one of the community’s most unique learning and innovation hubs.

SEYMOUR, Ind. - The annual meeting for Bancorp. of Southern Indiana (BSI) was held recently at The Copper Top in Seymour.

EDINBURGH, Ind. - Edinburgh Municipal Utilities starts flushing water mains this Sunday, May 10, at 7:30 a.m., and it will continue the process through May 19.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Columbus Area Arts Council invites the public to a free reception and pop-up musical performance at the 6th Street Arts Alley this Thursday, May 7, from 5 to 7 p.m.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Columbus Area Chamber Foundation on Thursday announced the creation of the Catalyst 100 Fund, a new initiative designed to strengthen at least 100 small businesses across Bartholomew County over the next 500 days.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Bartholomew County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) pulled over a van for going left of center in the 3000 block of S. Gladstone Ave., on Wednesday, just before 11 p.m.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The City of Columbus announced Wednesday that the Columbus Encampment Task Force has been named the 2026 Advocate of the Year by the United Way of Bartholomew County, recognizing the Task Force’s collaborative efforts to address the unhoused population and expand access to permanent housing in the community.

JACKSON/BARTHOLOMEW COUNTIES, Ind. - The Indiana State Police (ISP)-Versailles Post conducted a targeted enforcement patrol last week, focusing primarily on the unsafe operation of commercial motor vehicles.

COLUMBUS, Ind. – A 13-year-old boy is recovering in the hospital after being hit by a vehicle on Tuesday, April 28, at 4:45 p.m.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Ivy Tech Community College will celebrate its graduating class of 2026 from its Columbus, Franklin, and Shelbyville campuses at two upcoming commencement ceremonies at 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on May 5 at the Judson S. Erne Auditorium, 1400 25th St.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The third annual "Columbus On Tap" Craft Beer, Wine and Spirits Fest returns Saturday, May 9, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Custer-Nugent Amphitheatre and Festival Field at Mill Race Park in Columbus.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Bartholomew County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) Youth Academy is set for June 2-4 at Cera Sports Park.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Columbus Regional Health (CRH) has announced the upcoming move and renaming of its PromptMed facility. On May 20, PromptMed will change its name to CRH Urgent Care and relocate to a new location, joining CRH Occupational Health at 3015 10th Street.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Bartholomew County area was hit with two rounds of thunderstorms on Monday. Rain and storms started late Monday afternoon and evening, and then a second, more severe system developed late Monday night.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Exhibit Columbus and Landmark Columbus Foundation invite you to the annual "High Five Day" at the Upland Pump House on Tuesday, May 5, from 5 to 7 p.m.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Outdoor Learning Lab at St. Bartholomew Catholic School will be holding its annual plant sale this Sunday, May 3, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., near the school entrance at 1306 27th St., in Columbus.

EDINBURGH, Ind. - If you are a citizen of the Town of Edinburgh and own a golf cart that you want to drive on city streets, it must be registered. The time to register that type of vehicle is now.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Applications are now open for the Columbus Police Department (CPD) Cadet program. Opportunities include ride-alongs with CPD officers, volunteering for community service, and building leadership skills. All lead to a potential career with the Columbus Police Department.

ARLINGTON, Texas - Peyton Gray, a 2014 graduate of Columbus East High School, had his dream come true on Thursday night. After 12 years of College, Minor League, Independent League, Mexican League, and Dominican League baseball, Gray made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut on Thursday night.

COLUMBUS, Ind. – Columbus Police Department (CPD) detectives are actively investigating the death of a child.

INDIANAPOLIS – Bartholomew County Assessor Ginny Whipple was elected District President of the Association of Indiana Counties’ (AIC) Southeast District during the annual meeting in Switzerland County.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Columbus City Council passed an ordinance allowing Golf Carts and Utility Task Vehicles on roads at Tuesday evening's meeting.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Hutchfest 2026 was a "British Invasion" themed annual fundraiser is at The Crump Theatre on Saturday, April 25, featuring The Revelators and The Rigbys.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Columbus Engineering Department says Edward and Jones Concrete will begin street repairs in the Everroad Park West neighborhood on or after Thursday, April 23.

HOPE, Ind. - The Town of Hope is giving individuals who still need to renew or register their golf cart another chance this Saturday morning from 10 a.m. to noon at the Hope Police Department, 711 Harrison St. No appointment necessary.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), in partnership with The Arc of Bartholomew County, announces the implementation of the Blue Envelope program, effective May 1.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Following IU's historic 16-0 College Football Playoff National Championship season, Indiana University Athletics brought the football program's National Championship trophy to Indiana University-Columbus at the Columbus Learning Center on Tuesday afternoon.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - April 19-25 is National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, an annual observance that brings communities together and raises awareness about victims’ rights and the services available to them. This year's theme is "Listen. Act. Advocate: Protect victims, serve communities."

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Two respected community organizations are joining forces for an impactful evening of fun. Mill Race Center and Advocates for Children have partnered to host "Jackpot for Generations:" An Evening of Chance and Charity, a 21+ casino-style fundraiser taking place on Friday, June 5, from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Commons.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The next GriefShare support group event in Columbus is Sunday, May 3, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at St. Peter's Lutheran Church.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Six local high school graduates have been awarded the Loretta M. Burd Scholarship from Centra Credit Union. The program awards one graduating high school senior per Centra Credit Union location with a $2,500 scholarship each year.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - After dedicating more than 40 years to a career in community and economic development, Cindy Frey has announced her retirement from the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce.