COLUMBUS, Ind. - On September 8, 2025, Daniel S. Houchens was charged with Dealing in Methamphetamine (Level 4 felony).
He was arrested during Operation Cold Front, which was a closely coordinated operation between the Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team (JNET), Bartholomew County Sheriff - Sheriff Chris Lane, Columbus Police Department, and Bartholomew County Prosecutor’s Office.
Operation Cold Front also resulted in the arrest of eight other individuals for dealing drugs and narcotic-related offenses.
On December 15, 2025, Houchens entered a guilty plea to Dealing in Meth (Level 4 felony). Following a hearing on March 11, Judge James Worton of the Bartholomew Superior Court 1 sentenced Houchens to nine years to be served in the Indiana Department of Correction.
The sentencing range for a Level 4 felony is from two to 12 years, with an advisory sentence of six years.
COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation (BCSC) Board of School Trustees voted unanimously on Monday night to place an operating referendum renewal on the November 3 general election ballot, asking voters to continue funding competitive teacher and staff compensation and school safety personnel for eight more years through 2034.
COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Bartholomew County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (BCICAC) is welcoming a new four-legged member to its team. Rico, an Electronic Storage Detection (ESD) K9, has been partnered with Detective Jarod Aspenson of the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office.
SOUTH-CENTRAL, Ind. - The National Weather Service (NWS) is tracking a weather pattern that could develop this week for south-central Indiana, with multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms on Tuesday and Wednesday.
HOPE, Ind. - The Hope Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire in the area of Jackson Street and Aiken Street, just after 2 a.m. on Monday, June 15. While responding, Engine 11 observed significant flames and smoke in the area.
BARTHOLOMEW COUNTY, Ind. - The German Township Volunteer Fire Department responded to northbound I-65 near the 73-mile marker for a multi-vehicle crash early Monday morning, June 15.
BCSC Board votes to place 'operating referendum renewal' on November ballot
Task Force welcomes new Electronic Storage Detection K9 Rico
Severe weather possible Tuesday, more likely on Wednesday
Hope, Columbus fire crews fight massive barn fire
Early morning I-65 crash
