Latest News

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team (JNET) received information that a husband and wife were possibly dealing drugs from their home at 525 Parkway Drive in Columbus. 

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.

INDIANAPOLIS – An investigation initiated by the Indiana Gaming Commission’s (IGC) Law Enforcement Division resulted in six arrest warrants and three search warrants for cockfighting in Jennings and Jackson counties on Tuesday, August 25.

FRANKLIN, Ind. — Franklin Community Schools (FCS) announced the official launch of its new, dedicated police department during a joint meeting with the Franklin City Council on Monday, August 24.

FRANKLIN, Ind. — The City of Franklin announced major progress on a massive $50 million quality-of-life investment during a joint meeting of the Franklin Common Council and Franklin School Board on Monday, August 24.

FRANKLIN, Ind.- Franklin Community Schools (FCS) will celebrate the opening of Franklin Cub Academy with a ribbon-cutting and community open house on Saturday, August 29. All community members are invited to attend.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. – The North Vernon Police Department (NVPD) has been conducting a special traffic enforcement campaign targeting high-risk areas throughout local school zones.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. – The North Vernon City Council introduced a new ordinance establishing a formal paid parental leave policy for municipal employees on Monday, August 24.

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.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. - The Jennings County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle near U.S. Highway 50 and 5th Street after observing a traffic infraction on Monday, August 24, at around 2 a.m.

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.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - Phase 1 of the Graham Road project in Franklin begins on or after Monday, August 24. The contractor says Graham Road will be fully reconstructed from Earlywood Drive to Paul Hand Boulevard, and the bridge over Canary Creek will be replaced.

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.   

FRANKLIN, Ind. - Main and Madison Market Café in downtown Franklin has announced that Kathy Jones was recently appointed as general manager.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. - The Jennings County Sheriff’s Office conducted a narcotics investigation in North Vernon on Friday afternoon, August 21. Deputies applied for and were granted a search warrant for a residence in the 1200 block of Country Manor Street.

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.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - The Johnson County Recycling District (JCRD), in partnership with Shares, Inc., is hosting its summer document-shredding evening on Thursday, August 27, from 4 to 6 p.m.

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.

WHITELAND, Ind. - The Town of Whiteland honored local legend and NHRA champion Bob Glidden on Tuesday by dedicating a new roundabout to his memory. 

NORTH VERNON, Ind. - The City of North Vernon and 180 RCO present a "Community Cookout" on Friday, August 28, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the North Vernon City Park Shelter House #2.

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.

JENNINGS COUNTY, Ind. – The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has announced that speed limit will be raised on State Road 3 near Vernon.

BROWNSTOWN, Ind. - Detectives from the Indiana State Police-Sellersburg Post were requested by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department to begin an investigation after a Jackson County Jail inmate was found unresponsive in his jail cell on Sunday, August 16.

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.

SEYMOUR, Ind. - The Jackson County Industrial Development Corporation (JCIDC) has appointed Trevor Lane as its new executive director. A Jennings County native, Lane brings over 26 years of industrial and economic development experience to the role and will officially begin his duties early next month.

BARGERSVILLE, Ind. - A Bargersville Community Fire Department Lieutenant was injured while Rescue 201 was returning to the district after a mutual-aid water rescue in Madison Township on Monday morning.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - Johnson County Community Foundation (JCCF) has officially completed its final "Color the County" mural, marking the conclusion of a decade-long program that transformed public spaces throughout Johnson County.

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.

SEYMOUR, Ind. - Officials at the City of Seymour have announced that a "Boil Water Advisory" will be in effect for a small portion of town beginning Thursday, August 20, at 9 a.m. 

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.    

MADISON TOWNSHIP, Ind. -  The Madison Township Fire Department (MTFB), along with several surrounding fire departments, was dispatched to the area of Smokey Row Road and State Road 144, and Centenary Road and Centenary Lane on Sunday, August 16, just before 8 p.m.   

BARGERSVILLE, Ind. - The Bargersville Fire Department (BFD) responded to two separate water rescues early Sunday morning. The first was at 5:30 a.m. Both involved vehicles being stranded in high water.

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.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - The ultimate networking event of the year, the 2026 BizBash Business and Community Expo presented by the Franklin Chamber of Commerce, is set for Wednesday, September 2, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Garment Factory Events.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. - A traffic stop in North Vernon led to a significant drug bust and the resolution of an unreported burglary on August 13.

SEYMOUR, Ind. - As one of the seminars of its ongoing three-part educational series, "Covered and in Control," Schneck Foundation invites the community to attend Advance Care Planning: Preparing for the Unexpected on Monday, August 31, in the Schneck Professional Building, Classroom 500.

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.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - The Johnson County Community Foundation (JCCF) recently received a $200,000 allocation from the Johnson County Commissioners using remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to strengthen early childhood education and literacy throughout Johnson County.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - The City of Franklin Fire Department (FFD) honored Lt. Chuck Ridpath this week on completing 25 years of dedicated service to the department and the citizens of Franklin.

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. 

NORTH VERNON, Ind. - The Jennings County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) on Wednesday, August 12, announced the arrest of 70-year-old Ronald Brown of North Vernon on felony charges arising from an investigation into the sexual abuse of a child.

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.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - The Johnson County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) is alerting the public to an increase in incidents involving the social media trend of juveniles kicking doors at random homes.

SEYMOUR, Ind. - The Jackson County Chamber and Seymour Main Street present the inaugural "Taste of Our Town," a brand new community dining experience set for downtown Seymour on September 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. 

JENNINGS COUNTY, Ind. - UPDATE: According to the Jennings County Sheriff's Office (JCSO), Highway 50 is back open for the time being.

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.

JENNINGS COUNTY, Ind. - Because of excessive flooding, the Jennings County School Corporation (JCSC) has officially canceled school for Wednesday, August 12.

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.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - Franklin Community Schools announced Tuesday, August 11, that Custer Baker Intermediate School math teacher Amanda Ray, has been named one of the Top 10 finalists for the 2027 Indiana Teacher of the Year.

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. 

WHITELAND, Ind. - (UPDATE): Whiteland officials have released the name of the man who died in the two-vehicle wreck at U.S. 31 and Whiteland Road on Monday afternoon. Medical and Whiteland Fire personnel at the scene determined that the driver who perished was Danny Fine, 72, of Indianapolis.

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.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - Discover Downtown Franklin announced Monday, August 10, that for the second time, the Franklin Farmers Market has been voted Indiana's Ultimate Farmers Market by "Indiana Grown." 

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.   

FRANKLIN, Ind. - Franklin Mayor Steve Barnett presented the "Marty and Carolyn Williams Volunteer of the Year" award to Deb Stubbeman at the August Franklin City Council meeting last week. 

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). 

GREENWOOD, Ind. - The Johnson County Community Foundation (JCCF) presents the next workshop in its free "Elevate Impact" series on Wednesday morning, September 23, at the Greenwood Fieldhouse, 411 S. Madison Ave.

SEYMOUR, Ind. - Schneck Medical Center has been named one of the nation's top hospitals by Forbes, earning the highest possible five-star rating in the publication's 2026 hospital quality rankings.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. - The Jennings County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) and North Vernon Police Department (NVPD) responded to a residence in Spencer Township on Tuesday, August 4, after receiving a report of a man who was choking and turning blue.

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.

GREENWOOD, Ind. - Raise a glass and celebrate summer at WAMMfest, a one-day festival highlighting Wine, Art, Music, and Microbrew on Saturday, August 15, from noon to 8:30 p.m., at Craig Park in Greenwood. 

SEYMOUR, Ind. - The Seymour Narcotics and Detective Divisions assisted Jackson County Probation Officers with a probationary search in the 200 block of South Park St. in Seymour just before noon on Tuesday, August 4.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. - The City of North Vernon announced Thursday, August 6, that residents should be aware of a railroad maintenance project being completed by CSX Transportation.

JACKSON COUNTY, Ind. – SPARK Jackson County has announced that applications are now being accepted for the third annual SPARK Tank Pitch Competition. The contest gives aspiring entrepreneurs the chance to make their business dreams come true.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - Franklin Parks and Recreation and the Franklin Family Aquatic Center have scheduled "Doggie Pool Day" for Wednesday, September 2.