Bartholomew County News

COLUMBUS, Ind. – Portions of 18th and Elm Streets will close in early September for a Columbus City Utilities water tower replacement project scheduled through Sept. 30.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. - Jennings County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) Deputy Alex Campbell was recently on patrol when he saw something approaching that immediately caught his attention. It was a motorcycle and he clocked it at 118 mph in a posted 35 mph zone.

INDIANAPOLIS - Columbus Mayor Mary Ferdon was honored last weekend by the Asian Pacific American Public Affairs (APAPA) Indiana Chapter for her leadership in making Columbus a welcoming, inclusive, and resilient community.

COLUMBUS, Ind. — A Duke Energy power outage in downtown Columbus forced the closure of the Bartholomew County Courthouse and other Columbus City offices on Monday, August 24. About 250 Duke Energy customers were affected.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Country music icon, actor, and philanthropist Dolly Parton died Tuesday at the age of 80.

COLUMBUS, Ind. – Five men were arrested during a sting operation targeting online child sex offenders. Led by the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, the operation involved federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies working undercover to intercept predators seeking unlawful contact with minors.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce presents "Discover Columbus: How It's Made" on September 2, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Attendees will get a behind-the-scenes look at local businesses while exploring the people, processes, and jobs that keep the community running.

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - For over five decades, Don Fischer has been synonymous with Indiana University athletics. He has narrated the defining moments of Hoosier sports history. Now, his career is the subject of a new Indiana Public Media documentary, "Timeless: Don Fischer’s Half-Century Broadcasting IU Sports." 

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Columbus Police Department (CPD) released a statement on Monday, just before 7 a.m., saying that due to the ongoing power outage, the traffic lights downtown along Lindsey, Brown, and Jackson Streets are out on Monday, August 24.

SEYMOUR, Ind. - A two-vehicle collision involving a wrong-way driver claimed three lives on I-65 near Seymour early Sunday morning, August 23. Shortly after 2:30 a.m., a caller reported a head-on crash on southbound I-65 in Jackson County, about one mile south of Seymour. 

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Columbus City Hall welcomed 18 students from Miyoshi-Minami Junior High School in Miyoshi, Japan, for a tour and a firsthand look at city government as part of the long-standing sister‑city exchange on Thursday, August 20.

INDIANAPOLIS - At the Indiana State Fair on Wednesday, August 19, the Indiana Department of Agriculture presented several Bartholomew and Johnson County farm families with a Hoosier Homestead Award in recognition of their commitment to Indiana agriculture.   

INDIANAPOLIS — Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Indiana and the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation are committing $116,500 to support relief and recovery efforts after severe storms and flooding impacted Central, East Central, and Northwest Indiana.

SEYMOUR/COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Indiana State Police (ISP)-Versailles Post and other first responders were called to a two-vehicle fatal crash on Thursday, August 20, at 7:30 a.m., on State Road 11 near County Road 800S in southern Bartholomew County.  

COLUMBUS, Ind. - In coordination with Columbus/Bartholomew County Recycling, Cummins Inc. will host a free, community-wide recycling event on Thursday, September 3, inviting all local households to participate. 

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation (BCSC) recently announced the latest iREAD results, and the news is good.

FISHERS, Ind. - Indiana State Police (ISP) troopers are investigating a fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred Wednesday night, August 18, on I-69 in Fishers. Dispatchers began receiving emergency calls around 9:45 p.m. about what appeared to be a dead body in front of a van on the northbound right shoulder, just south of exit 210.

COLUMBUS, Ind. — City officials are taking action following rising concerns from residents over the safety of electric bikes and motorized scooters operating on local pedestrian trails.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce announced Wednesday that Jon Myers is its new President and CEO following a nationwide search. A Columbus native and former business owner, Myers is scheduled to begin his tenure on September 14. 

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Columbus City Council approved the annexation and rezoning for a new 80-acre development by Abundant Home Solutions on first reading during Tuesday's meeting.

INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana Department of Homeland Security's (IDHS) August Disaster Resource Hub is now available. The hub serves as a comprehensive resource center for individuals seeking state and federal assistance and updates related to the severe weather events that began on August 11.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce presents the "Women in Leadership Luncheon" on Friday, August 28, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Commons.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The City of Columbus invites the public to the Wendy H. Elwood Animal Care Services Center Groundbreaking Ceremony on Wednesday, August 26, at 2730 Arnold St., near the airport in Columbus.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Love Chapel is set to host its inaugural Community Fair, an event designed to foster local connection and support within Columbus.

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Governor Mike Braun has announced several actions in response to historic flooding and storm damage.

EDINBURGH, INDIANA - The inaugural Edinburgh "Rubber Duck Regatta," originally scheduled for this Saturday, August 22, at Irwin Park, has been postponed due to flooding and unsafe river conditions.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Heritage Fund has announced the 2026 recipients of the Donald W. & Catherine G. Jurgemeyer Community Awards, honoring exceptional local contributions.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation (BCSC) congratulates 2025 BCSC Teacher of the Year Amelia Shaw on being named a Top 10 Finalist for the Indiana Department of Education’s 2027 Indiana Teacher of the Year.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - United Way of Bartholomew County is inviting residents across Bartholomew County to take part in its annual "Day of Service," a one-day, community-wide celebration of volunteerism that brings together individuals, families, businesses, civic groups, churches, and local government.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The City of Columbus has initiated comprehensive renovation and repair projects at fire stations 3 and 5 to rectify moisture issues, remediate mold, and modernize heating/air-conditioning systems. These efforts underscore the city's commitment to providing a safe and healthy environment for its firefighters.    

COLUMBUS, Ind. - ColumBUS Transit will be rolling out upgrades to the bus loop system beginning this Tuesday, August 18. To better serve the community, riders will see enhancements to the Blue, Green, and Red-Taylorsville loops.    

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The 2026 "Moonlight Loop" bike ride to benefit Columbus Animal Care Services (CACS) is this Saturday, August 22. The leisurely 19-mile, police-escorted ride through Columbus leaves from the Bartholomew County Public Library Plaza at 9 p.m.

STATE OF INDIANA - Governor Mike Braun has declared a statewide disaster emergency due to the flooding, severe weather, and tornadic activity that have impacted the state since August 11.

COLUMBUS, Ind. -Bartholomew County Emergency Management (BCEM) received reports of storm damage in the north Columbus area following thunderstorms on Friday night, August 14.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - According to Bartholomew County Emergency Management (BCEM), the National Weather Service (NWS) now says the Flood warnings for three rivers in the county remain in effect until Monday, August 17.   

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has announced a road closure for State Road 46 in Bartholomew County.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - City of Columbus and Bartholomew County Fire, Law Enforcement, and EMS personnel dedicated numerous units to a water rescue call on Clifty Creek near US 31 and County Road 50N early Thursday morning.

SHELBYVILLE, Ind. - The City of Shelbyville’s community rebranding initiative was recently named a finalist in PR Daily’s 2026 Media Relations Awards in the Brand Messaging category, placing it alongside entries from organizations including PepsiCo Foods, Purdue University, and PwC. 

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The City of Columbus government and business offices will be closed on Friday, August 14, from 10:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., to accommodate the annual City of Columbus Employee Picnic.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Bartholomew County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) responded to the intersection of W. State Road 46 and N. County Road 675W regarding a vehicle crash at around 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 12. 

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Bartholomew County Emergency Management (BCEM) says flooding remains a significant concern in Bartholomew County. Additional impacts are expected as rain continues over the next few days.   

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The United States Department of Justice announced Wednesday, August 12, that it had sentenced Teresa Palmer, 55, of Columbus, to three years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release after she pleaded guilty to two counts of bank fraud. She was also ordered to pay $381,400 in restitution.

SOUTH-CENTRAL, Ind. - The National Weather Service in Indianapolis has issued a Flood Warning for parts of Bartholomew, Johnson, Jennings, Jackson, and Shelby Counties in south-central Indiana until 6:45 p.m. on Wednesday.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. – A four-year-old child was killed when a tree fell on a Country Squire Lakes home along Honey Locust Drive during a thunderstorm on Tuesday afternoon, August 11.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Cummins Inc. has announced increases in revenues and net income for the second quarter of 2026 vs. the second quarter of 2025.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Bartholomew County Emergency Management (BCEM) and the Bartholomew County Highway Department have announced lane closures and partial road closures for Tuesday and Wednesday, August 11 and 12.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - City of Columbus officials will hold a series of public budget hearings next week to gather input on the proposed 2027 city budget. The hearings will take place in the council chambers at Columbus City Hall. 

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The National Weather Service (NWS) in Indianapolis says that south-central Indiana has the potential for severe weather beginning late Tuesday afternoon and continuing through early Wednesday. The threat is at an "Enhanced Risk" (level 3/5).

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Former Bartholomew County Council Candidate Mark Bense is suing his opponent Leah Beyer and her husband Mathew Beyer for defamation due to alleged comments made on social media.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Mill Race Center will host the 'Senior Expo' this Friday, August 14, from 9 a.m. to noon, at 900 Lindsay St., in Columbus.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Cancer Center at Columbus Regional Health (CRH) presents an important screening opportunity on Saturday, August 29, from 10 a.m. to noon.

SOUTH-CENTRAL, Ind. - The National Weather Service (NWS) has advised that South-Central Indiana, including Bartholomew, Johnson, Jackson, and Jennings counties, is under a "slight risk" (2 out of 5) for severe weather on Monday, August 10.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - A Jennings County man is in jail after fleeing from police and crashing his car. A Columbus Police Department (CPD) sergeant observed the vehicle driving recklessly on Central Avenue at around 6:15 p.m. on Friday, August 7.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Lincoln-Central Neighborhood Family Center (LCNFC) has announced the creation of the annual "Dan Greene Service Award." Greene was a founding member of the LCNFC and a longtime, dedicated volunteer. He passed away in 2025.   

INDIANAPOLIS - Crew Carwash has announced the results of its 17th annual "Crew for Kids" fundraiser that took place on July 18 and 19. The two-day effort at all locations in three states, including those in Columbus and Greenwood, raised $268,632 in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS). 

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Toyota Material Handling North America (TMHNA) on Wednesday opened a new $100 million, 295,000‑square‑foot manufacturing facility in Columbus dedicated to producing electric forklifts.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is holding a public information meeting for a proposed pavement replacement, sidewalk, and drainage project along State Road 46 in Columbus this Monday, August 10.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The City of Columbus has received three responses from development firms to its Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeking a lead development partner for the Downtown 2030 Finish Fourth District. 

EDINBURGH, Ind. – Edinburgh Main Street has been awarded a grant from Festival Country Indiana to help launch the first annual "Edinburgh Rubber Duck Regatta," a new family-friendly festival on Saturday, August 22, at Irwin Park.