Latest News

COLUMBUS, Ind. — By a 6–3 vote Tuesday, the Columbus City Council scrapped the Railroad Overpass Fund and created a Gateway Entrance Fund, clearing the path for downtown improvements, including the redesign of Gateway Plaza.

GREENWOOD, Ind. - The White River Township Fire Department in Greenwood was dispatched to a barn Fire on South Morgantown Road last Monday, November 2, just after 5:30 p.m.

COLUMBUS, Ind. — Motorists are advised that traffic patterns in downtown Columbus have changed to accommodate active work on the water main improvement project.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Bartholomew County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) found a man, identified as Lakota Slaughter, 38, of Flat Rock, and a motorcycle beneath a shelter house at Owens Bend Park on Wednesday, November 4.

COLUMBUS/GREENSBURG, Ind. - The Indiana State Police (ISP)-Versailles Post arrested a Bartholomew County man Thursday morning, November 5, on a charge related to a criminal incident that occurred in Decatur County three months earlier.   

FRANKLIN, Ind. - The Johnson County Community Foundation has announced that the 2027 scholarship application season will open a little earlier this year. 

EDINBURGH, Ind. - The South Central Indiana Master Gardener Association (SCIMGA) and the Bartholomew County Historical Society (BCHS) are hosting two holiday wreath workshops this month.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - The Franklin Chamber of Commerce invites you to its 14th annual "Start Here Open House" in support of Small Business Saturday on November 28, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Chamber office, 120 E. Jefferson Street.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. - The Jennings County Community Foundation (JCCF) recently awarded nearly $5,000 in Classroom Grants. 

SEYMOUR, Ind. - JCBank (JCB) recently announced that two experienced bankers are joining the team as Vice Presidents.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Families seeking assistance with holiday gifts can now contact the United Way of Bartholomew County’s "United We Help Line" for support.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Residents are invited to volunteer at a river and park cleanup on Saturday, Nov. 7, at Owen’s Bend Park. Organized by Ivy Tech science faculty, the aim is to help maintain and preserve one of Bartholomew County’s favorite natural destinations. 

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Brad Branham, math department chair at Columbus North High School and Northside Middle School, has been announced as one of three finalists for the Indiana Association of School Principals Academic Coach of the Year.

SEYMOUR, Ind. - Covered Bridge Health Campus will host a special "Community Open House" on Thursday, November 12, from 4:30–6:30 p.m., at 1675 W. Tipton Street.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - In Tuesday's local elections, residents voted to renew the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation's (BCSC) operating referendum, funding competitive teacher and staff compensation and school safety personnel for an additional eight years through 2034.

INDIANAPOLIS/USA - While most Indiana state races remained in Republican hands, Democrat Beau Bayh won the Secretary of State contest, taking nearly 52% of the vote in Tuesday's General Election.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Bartholomew County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) was dispatched to the 74-mile marker on I-65 on Monday, November 2, at around 7:30 p.m., regarding a reckless driving complaint.

INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana State Police Superintendent Anthony Scott recently announced that Sergeant Jonathan Haugh was promoted to Lieutenant. Lt. He will serve as the District Commander for the Indianapolis Post.   

FRANKLIN, Ind. - Whiteland 31 Co/JOCO K9 Fundraising Events, a Whiteland-based nonprofit, raises funds to support local law enforcement, military, and search-and-rescue K9 units.

BARTHOLOMEW COUNTY, Ind. - Bartholomew County reminds residents of its General Election Day voting locations and hours for Tuesday, November 3.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The James A. Henderson Playground inside The Commons, 300 Washington Street, in Columbus, will close for general maintenance, cleaning, and repairs during the week of November 16.

JOHNSON COUNTY, Ind., - For individuals casting ballots on the traditional Election Day, 15 Johnson County vote centers will be open on Tuesday, November 3, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Columbus Parks and Recreation Department said Thursday, October 29, that winterization activities have begun and are expected to be completed by mid-November.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. - The Jennings County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) was dispatched to a report of a 4-year-old boy with autism who had wandered away from home in a rural area of Jennings County on Sunday evening, November 1.

INDIANAPOLIS - At the recent 43rd Annual Indiana MPO-IARC Conference in Kokomo, Indiana Governor Mike Braun presented nearly $110 million in state matching funds to local communities to improve infrastructure in 346 Indiana cities, towns, and counties.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Columbus Fire Department (CFD) says a leadership transition is underway as Deputy Chief Mike Kutsko returns to frontline emergency operations within the Fire Suppression Division.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Most Bartholomew County and City of Columbus offices will be closed on General Election Day, Tuesday, November 3.

BROWNSTOWN, Ind. - According to the Brownstown Central Community School Corporation (BCCSC) Facebook page, School Resource Officer (SRO) Levi Caudill was conducting a routine security check at Brownstown Elementary School Friday morning when he observed a male individual behaving suspiciously in the school parking lot. 

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office took two individuals into custody for allegations of interfering with pending court proceedings and attempting to influence a witness.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - The friendly, engaging person who welcomes people to the Festival Country Indiana visitor center most days and customizes a fun list of things to do won a Hoosier Hospitality Award on Tuesday, October 27.  

FRANKLIN, Ind. — Franklin College recently recognized six faculty members for excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service during its sixth annual Faculty Recognition Luncheon, hosted by the Board of Trustees during Homecoming Week.

GREENWOOD, Ind. - "Bourbon & Bag Bingo," hosted by Ferrer and benefiting Joshua Center and Mission 22, is set for 6 p.m. on Friday, November 13, at the Greenwood Moose Lodge, 813 W. Smith Valley Road.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. — The North Vernon Police Department (NVPD) has been awarded a federal public safety grant to support local traffic enforcement and equipment needs.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. — Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Disaster Assistance have established local operations to assist Jennings County residents and business owners recovering from recent disaster damage.

BROWNSTOWN, Ind. - Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney Lynsey N. Fleetwood says that paperwork for a proposed guilty plea has been filed with the Jackson Circuit Court in the case against Emiliano Cuevas Bravo, stemming from the April 30, 2025, shooting at the Jackson County Library in Seymour.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. - UPDATE: The Jennings County Sheriff’s Office says the missing woman has been found and she is safe.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. - A narcotics investigation by the North Vernon Police Department (NVPD) resulted in three arrests and the execution of two additional search warrants in Columbus on October 28.

COLUMBUS, Ind. — The City of Columbus has announced that Unused American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds from the PAACT housing program are being redirected to the CHIP 2.0 initiative to ensure full expenditure before federal deadlines.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Two people are in custody following a traffic stop in which a large amount of methamphetamine and fentanyl were allegedly found. 

COLUMBUS, Ind. — High school senior projects will bring multiple charitable community events to downtown Columbus this November following approval from the Board of Public Works and Safety.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - Beginning Friday, October 30, Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) crews will close the left-turn lane from northbound U.S. 31 to westbound Jefferson Street for center curb construction.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - The Franklin Chamber of Commerce presents a new accolade in 2027, the "4 Under 40 Award," to celebrate young professionals making a positive impact in Johnson County.

GREENWOOD, Ind.- The Greenwood Police Department (GPD) announced that, in anticipation of the planned promotion being held at 7Brew Coffee, 1120 N. State Road 135 in Greenwood on October 31, a temporary traffic plan will be utilized.

SEYMOUR, Ind. - Jackson County Industrial Development Corporation (JCIDC) announced at its annual Reports, Reviews and Rewards Luncheon on Thursday, October 29, that it established the Jim Plump Legacy Endowment at the Community Foundation of Jackson County.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. - The Jennings County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) announced Thursday, October 29, that the JCSO app, in the works for several months, will be available to download in the next few days.

SOUTH-CENTRAL, Ind. - The weather looks like it will cooperate for this Saturday's Halloween activities in south-central Indiana. Law enforcement urges motorists and kids to look out for one another.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The City of Columbus invites residents to take part in a public survey about the use of e-bikes and other micromobility devices on city streets, bike lanes, sidewalks, and The People Trail.   

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) and the Hope Police Department responded to the 600 block of Washington Street in Hope at 10:15 p.m. on Tuesday, October 27, concerning a disturbance involving a firearm.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - A free showing of the classic film, "Eight-Legged Freaks" (2002), is scheduled for this Saturday morning, October 31, at YES Cinema, 328 Jackson Street.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Centra Credit Union is strengthening its community ties through the Centra Foundation’s "Pay It Forward" campaign, which empowers employees to lead volunteer projects.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Bartholomew County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) is investigating a possible domestic battery incident that began late Sunday and continued into the early morning hours of Monday at a residence in the 11000 block of S. 800W.   

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Meridian Kiwanis Club is sponsoring a "Spooktacular Pancake Breakfast" on Saturday, October 31, from 8 to 11 a.m., at Asbury United Methodist Church, 1751 27th St., in Columbus.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) contractor Milestone Contractors, LP continues work on Phase 3 of the six-phase U.S. 31 corridor improvement project in Franklin.

FRANKLIN, Ind. — The Franklin City Council approved Budgetary Ordinance No. 26-11 at a public hearing on Monday, Oct. 19, authorizing additional appropriations from proceeds from property sales for upcoming park developments.

SEYMOUR, Ind. - The City of Seymour announced a "Boil Water Advisory" late this week for customers on E. Oak Street due to planned water system improvements.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. - North Vernon's "Sweet Street Trick or Treat" is this Saturday, October 31, from 5 to 7:30 p.m., on and around Madison Avenue, Brick Street, and surrounding side streets.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - The Johnson County Community Foundation (JCCF) thanked Mutual Savings Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis on Monday for a $60,000 Community Multiplier-Member Match grant to support housing initiatives in Johnson County.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - This is the last week to vote early for Bartholomew County residents. Early voting takes place at Gather Columbus, at 2508 25th St., the former Texas Roadhouse location, until November 2.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Northside Middle School health teacher Lindsey Prozanski has been named the 2026 Indiana Health Education Teacher of the Year by the Indiana Society of Health and Physical Educators (INSHAPE).

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Ivy Tech Community College in Columbus invites families to celebrate Halloween at its annual "Trunk or Treat" this Wednesday, October 27, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Moravec Hall, 4475 Central Ave.

COLUMBUS, Ind. — The City of Columbus Common Council approved a first reading of a 30-year Payment-in-Lieu-of-Taxes (PILOT) agreement for the Fairington of Columbus senior residential property.

ELIZABETHTOWN, Ind. - The Eastern Bartholomew Water Corporation (EBWC) issued a Boil Water Advisory on Sunday for customers in the Elizabethtown area with low or no water pressure.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Bartholomew County Highway Department says County Road 200S, between Terrace Lake Road and County Road 400 W, will again be closed on Monday, October 26, and Tuesday, October 27, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - In recognition of the district's Summer Food Service program, the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation (BCSC) has received a Silver Award in the USDA’s 2025 "Turnip the Beet" Awards.

FRANKLIN, Ind. — Following local fall events downtown, Mayor Steve Barnett clarified the city's policy regarding street closures for non-city-sponsored public gatherings during the Oct. 19 Franklin City Council meeting.

GREENWOOD, Ind. — The Greenwood Common Council considered new regulations for shared motorized scooters and electric bicycles during its meeting on Monday, October 19.

FRANKLIN, Ind. — The Franklin City Council introduced two companion measures last week to annex and rezone roughly 34 acres of land along State Road 44 for future industrial development.

SEYMOUR, Ind. - Thanks to the generosity of the local Home Depot Seymour, the Seymour Fire Department (SFD) recently received a large donation of carbon monoxide alarms, and they are passing them along to the Seymour community absolutely free,

NORTH VERNON, Ind. - The Jennings County Community Foundation announced that, thanks to special matching opportunities, your monetary gift can be doubled or even tripled, creating immediate impact while building permanent endowments for Jennings County nonprofits.

COLUMBUS, Ind. — City of Columbus officials are moving forward with legal proceedings and a demolition order for a long-abandoned residential property at 1516 Sycamore St.

COLUMBUS, Ind. — The City of Columbus Common Council approved the first reading of an ordinance amending the Columbus Municipal Code to expand the boundaries of the Downtown Columbus Social District Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA).

COLUMBUS, Ind. – Ivy Tech Community College Columbus invites the community to help fight student food insecurity by participating in its Spooky (Canned) Food Drive benefiting the campus student food pantry.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. — The Jennings County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) arrested a North Vernon man on Thursday, October 22, after receiving several reports of residential entry.

GREENWOOD, Ind. — The Greenwood Common Council approved a new multi-year pay matrix for the city fire department at its meeting on Monday, October 19.

BARGERSVILLE, Ind. - Mallow Run Winery has announced that its "Tasting Room" in Bargersville will close in December.

BARGERSVILLE, Ind. - The Town of Bargersville begins fall leaf pickup this week, and the service continues through early December.

SEYMOUR, Ind. - The Schneck Foundation invites the community to a special seminar, "Live Well, Age Wisely," this Tuesday, October 27, at the Jennings County Public Library, 2375 State Road 3, in North Vernon.

COLUMBUS, Ind. — Columbus officials are moving forward with plans to revitalize the city's primary downtown entryway.

COLUMBUS, Ind. – Ivy Tech Community College Columbus has named Dr. Julie Bilz its first Professor Emerita, recognizing her contributions to teaching, faculty leadership, program development, and student success.

COLUMBUS, Ind. — Construction and downtown revitalization efforts in Columbus are progressing as key infrastructure deadlines approach.

SEYMOUR, Ind. - The City of Seymour issued a "Boil Water Advisory" on Wednesday afternoon, October 21, for about 75 Seymour customers. 

SCIPIO, Ind. - The children at Scipio Elementary School got a special treat on Wednesday morning, October 21.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. - The City of North Vernon Parks and Recreation presents "Hometown Harvest" this Saturday, October 24, at Tripton Park, 502 South Madison Ave. 

COLUMBUS, Ind. — The Columbus Redevelopment Commission is advancing efforts to unlock hundreds of acres of industrial ground. Commissioners unanimously approved Resolution 20-2026, allocating up to $386,500 for Phase 2 of the Walesboro Airport Master Plan.

COLUMBUS, Ind. — Local officials have boosted pedestrian safety and infrastructure connectivity near the Columbus Airpark. The Columbus Redevelopment Commission voted unanimously to approve up to $184,094 for sidewalk installations at the airport.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The annual YES Film Festival, "YESFEST," runs this weekend at YES Cinema downtown. Screenings begin Friday, October 23, and continue through the weekend. 

FRANKLIN, Ind. — The City of Franklin Parks and Recreation is actively exploring corporate sponsorship opportunities to support ongoing capital investments across its public park facilities.

FRANKLIN, Ind. – The Franklin College Student Entertainment Board (SEB) hosts trick-or-treaters on Thursday, Oct. 29, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. along Dame Mall on the Franklin College campus. The free event is open to alumni and members of the greater Franklin community.

WHITELAND, Ind. - Bright Beginnings Early Care and Education Coalition presents its next Provider Fair this Saturday, October 24, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Johnson County Public Library (JCPL) Clark-Pleasant Branch, 350 Clearwater Blvd., in Whiteland.

SEYMOUR/BROWNSTOWN, Ind. - The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) says lane restrictions on U.S. 50 in Jackson County, between Brownstown and Seymour, start Wednesday, October 21.

BUTLERVILLE, Ind. - The Jennings County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) was dispatched to a report of shots fired at a residence on County Road 555E in Butlerville on Saturday, October 17, just after 6 p.m.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The City of Columbus-Bartholomew County Planning Department will host a public open house and input session on Wednesday, October 28, from 6 to 8 p.m., in the Cal Brand Meeting Hall at Columbus City Hall.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Bartholomew County Highway Department announced that County Road 200S, between Terrace Lake Road and County Road 400 W, will be closed Tuesday, October 20, through Friday, October 23, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

COLUMBUS, Ind. – The "When Darkness Falls" haunted trail continues every Friday and Saturday at CERA Sports Park and Campground, 3989 South County Road 525E in Columbus.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Columbus Firemen’s Cheer Fund is bringing the heat back to NexusPark on Friday, November 6, as the Columbus Fire Department's (CFD) seven rookies compete to make the best chili and take on last year’s reigning champion.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The inaugural "Mill Race Monster Festival" is this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, October 23 to 25, at Mill Race Park. It is your chance to experience Columbus, Indiana’s own cryptid legend. 

FRANKLIN, Ind. - The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has announced that, starting on or after October 19, drivers heading east or west on Mallory Parkway in Franklin may only turn right onto U.S. 31.

SEYMOUR, Ind. - Seymour Main Street, at 200 West 2nd Street, invites little ghosts and goblins to some downtown Halloween magic next Monday.  

NIKUMARORO, Kiribati — Almost 90 years after the plane went down, the search for what could be Amelia Earhart’s Lockheed Electra 10-E continued last week in Nikumaroro's Lagoon. Unfortunately, on Sunday, Oct. 18, the research team confirmed that the object it thought might be the plane was not Earhart's aircraft.