Bartholomew County News

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.

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.

INDIANAPOLIS - Governor Mike Braun on Wednesday proclaimed a new statewide energy emergency and reinstituted his suspension of Indiana’s Gasoline Usage Tax and Gasoline Excise Tax through September 5, continuing nation-leading relief for Hoosiers from high gas prices. 

BROWNSTOWN, Ind. - The Jackson County Sheriff's Department asked the Indiana State Police (ISP) Versailles Post on July 25 to begin an investigation after an inmate in the Jackson County Jail was found unresponsive in his jail cell.

INDIANAPOLIS - The American Heart Association (AHA) recently recognized 53 Indiana hospitals for their commitment to improving care for patients with heart disease and stroke through the "Get With the Guidelines" quality improvement programs.

STATEHOUSE - Three local students studying to become teachers are among over 300 recipients of the "Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship." 

COLUMBUS, Ind. - A local man is in custody for felony charges following a 30-minute-long vehicle pursuit. The Columbus Police Department (CPD) was called to the 800 block of Reed Street for a disturbance at around 9:40 a.m. on Monday, August 3.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Milestone Contractors will begin roadway improvements starting Wednesday, August 5, on County Road 450S, from Old Lane Drive to County Road 50W as part of the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program.   

INDIANAPOLIS - Drivers are advised to fill up by Thursday night, because State officials say Indiana's temporary gas tax relief is expiring. That means normal state fuel taxes return on Friday.

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - After a 10-month investigation, seven Indiana University fraternity members were charged with two counts of felony hazing on Monday, August 3.   

COLUMBUS, Ind. -  Local News Digital (LND) has been experiencing an email delivery service problem for the last two days.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation (BCSC) announced Monday morning that music teacher Kaila Lifferth, of Clifty Creek Elementary School, was named as the 2025-26 BCSC "Teacher of the Year."

EDINBURGH, Ind. - Edinburgh Correctional Facility will become the first correctional institution to implement "The 4P’s of Freedom," a new reentry program created by author, educator, U.S. Navy veteran, and entrepreneur Trunnis Goggins II. 

TAYLORSVILLE, Ind. - In January, Alisha Roberts State Farm Insurance Agency launched "Protect Those Who Protect Us," a new community initiative pledging $1,000 each month to support a local volunteer fire department. The July donation will benefit the German Township Volunteer Fire Department.

SHRLBY COUNTY, Ind. - The Shelby County Sheriff Department, Shelbyville Fire Department, Shelbyville Police Department, and Fairland Fire Department responded early Saturday morning to an accident on County Road 400N, on the overpass of I-74. One man died in the 4:25 a.m. wreck. 

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Harrison Lake Country Club (HLCC) is hosting the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Legends Tour Championship the week of August 10.

OLUMBUS, Ind. - The inaugural Columbus Riverfest, featuring the first‑ever Ya Gotta Regatta, stayed afloat in more ways than one.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - A sentencing hearing was held for Charles W. Alexander, Jr., on July 28, following a jury trial that ended on July 1, in which Albertson was found guilty of Public Indecency (Level 6 felony).

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) will hold a public information meeting for a proposed pavement replacement, sidewalk, and drainage project along State Road 46 in Columbus.

FRANKLIN, Ind. – Johnson County Superior Court 3 sentenced a Columbus man to 20 years for causing the death of an Illinois man while operating a vehicle while intoxicated in Franklin last summer.

INDIANAPOLIS – Students at 72 Indiana schools will experience the outdoors during the 2026-27 school year thanks in part to a grant program that supports field trips to Indiana State Parks and other state park-managed properties.