Latest News

COLUMBUS, Ind. - A Bartholomew County man was recently sentenced to six years for posting a bomb threat to his Facebook page on January 26, 2025.

WHITELAND, Ind. - The Town of Whiteland has announced that the Whiteland Road/Bob Glidden roundabout will be partially opened on Monday, July 6, weather permitting.

NASHVILLE, Ind. - The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will hold a public information meeting on Thursday, July 16, for the proposed Mountain Tea State Forest access improvement project in Brown County.

COLUMBUS, Ind. – River Valley Legal Aid Pro Bono Indiana announces a free Legal Phone Clinic for residents of their eight-county district this Tuesday, July 7, from 3 to 5:30 p.m.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - QMIX 107.3 once again welcomes the community to AirPark Columbus, the evening before Independence Day for the 36th edition of QMIX Musical Fireworks on Friday, July 3.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The final two days of the weeklong "Celebrate 250" Festival, presented by the City of Columbus and commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States, are today, Friday, July 3, and tomorrow, Saturday, July 4.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - City of Columbus and Bartholomew County officials announce that all of their offices will be closed this Friday, July 3, to commemorate the Independence Day holiday. County offices will reopen Monday, July 6, while City offices remain closed that day and reopen on Tuesday, July 7.

EDINBURGH, Ind. - The annual Edinburgh Firecracker Festival will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America this Saturday, July 4, in downtown Edinburgh.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - Crews will temporarily close the west approach of Mallory Parkway at U.S. 31 on or after Monday, July 6, to complete pavement and curb installation activities, as well as signal and drainage improvements.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. - The City of North Vernon announced on Wednesday, July 1, the acquisition of the former Arvin Manufacturing property on South Madison Avenue, marking a significant milestone in the City’s long-term efforts to revitalize our downtown core.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - The Johnson County Community Foundation (JCCF) recently marked its 35th anniversary with an Open House, thanking everyone who has made the last three and one-half decades possible. 

The Bartholomew County Prosecutor's Office has announced that after a four-day jury trial and just over three hours of deliberation, a Bartholomew County jury found Brent Clayburn guilty of Attempted Murder and Criminal Confinement with a Deadly Weapon.

COLUMBUS, Ind. -  Centra Credit Union recently supported four local nonprofits in the Bartholomew County area with $2,000 in donations as part of the Centra Foundation’s "Pay It Forward" campaign. 

SOUTH-CENTRAL, Ind. - The National Weather Service (NWS) in Indianapolis has extended the "Extreme Heat Warning" for most of central and southern Indiana for another 24 hours. It will now expire on Friday at 8 p.m.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Columbus Police Department (CPD) Public Information Officer Lt. Skylar Berry says the agency has prepared for the "All-American Festival on Central" celebration on Friday, July 3. Special traffic patterns will be in effect, and motorists should be aware of them.   

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Columbus City Councilor Grace Kestler officially announced her candidacy for Mayor of Columbus in the 2027 Election on Tuesday evening. She launched her campaign centered on inclusivity with a vision to build upon Columbus' strengths while preparing the community for the opportunities and challenges of the future.   

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The weeklong "Celebrate 250" Festival, presented by the City of Columbus and commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States, continues through Saturday, July 4. 

COLUMBUS, Ind. – Columbus Regional Health (CRH) welcomes Andrew “Andy” Guz, MHA, for his first day as its next President and Chief Executive Officer on Wednesday, July 1.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - The Franklin Parks and Recreation Department and the City of Franklin present the 2026 Franklin Firecracker Festival this Friday, July 3, at the DriveHubler.com Amphitheatre at Youngs Creek Park. 

SOUTH-CENTRAL, Ind. - South-Central Indiana has been upgraded from a Heat Advisory to an Extreme Heat Warning. The Warning is issued for all south-central Indiana Counties from Noon Tuesday through Thursday at 8 p.m.

GREENWOOD, Ind. - The Greenwood Fire Department (GFD) recently announced the promotion of Chris Harrell to the rank of Assistant Chief of Operations.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. - The Jennings County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) and Jail Division has announced Tuesday that it has become the 11th Hoosier County to transition to "INJail," Indiana's statewide jail management system. The Indiana Supreme Court funds the system.

STATE OF INDIANA - The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) offers numerous opportunities around the state to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday, with four July 4 fireworks displays leading the way.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Bartholomew County Emergency Management (BCEM) says the National Weather Service forecasts excessive heat and humidity for the rest of the week. The extreme temperatures are predicted to reach the mid-90s, with heat index values exceeding 100 degrees, posing a serious threat to health and safety, particularly for vulnerable populations.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) congratulates Lt. Gary Knoef on graduating from the FBI National Academy in the 298th session at the FBI Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia. It is the same facility where the FBI trains its new special agents and intelligence analysts.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Columbus Police Department, Columbus Fire Department, and the City of Columbus want residents to be aware of when you can light personal fireworks over the long Independence Day holiday week.

FREETOWN, Ind. - Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) maintenance crews plan to begin chip seal operations in Jackson and Lawrence counties on or after Monday, July 6.   

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Bartholomew Circuit Court Judge Kelly Benjamin sentenced Tyler Roberts last week for crimes he was convicted of earlier this year. Roberts will spend five years in the Indiana Department of Corrections for Domestic Battery (level 5 Felony) and 2.5 years for Intimidation (level 6 Felony).

SOUTH-CENTRAL, Ind. - The National Weather Service in Indianapolis has announced that a Heat Advisory is in effect for a large portion of the Hoosier State from noon on Monday, June 29, through Thursday, July 2, at 8 p.m.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The City of Columbus is partnering with Red Arch Community Events, Inc., to present "Celebrate 250," a weeklong festival marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. 

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The City of Columbus has installed 21 commemorative banners along Washington Street in downtown Columbus honoring Revolutionary War soldiers buried in Bartholomew County.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation celebrated the "Catalyst Academy Demo Day" on Thursday evening, June 25, at Helen Haddad Hall, awarding $40,000 in startup funding to eight entrepreneurs who completed the six-month business incubator program.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - "Bloom Johnson County," a new initiative of the Johnson County Recycling District (JCRD), has announced its first community clean-up on August 13-15.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - The Franklin Chamber of Commerce says there is still time to sign up for "Marketing Summer School" on July 15 at the Franklin College Dietz Center, 201 S. Forsythe St., in Franklin.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Friends of Columbus Animal Care Services (FCACS) is encouraging potential participants to sign up for this year’s "Moonlight Loop" evening bike before the price increase on July 1.

BARGERSVILLE, Ind. - Bargersville Town Council has taken an important first step toward achieving Tree City USA designation with the recent adoption of an ordinance establishing a Bargersville Tree Board and formalizing policies to protect, manage, and enhance the Town’s tree canopy.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Bartholomew County Prosecutor's Office handed down a five-year sentence last week to Timothy Munn, of Columbus, for felony offenses that occurred in late 2024.

JACKSON COUNTY, Ind. - The Indiana State Police (ISP) -Versailles Post responded to an accident on northbound I-65, near the 44-mile marker between Crothersville and Seymour, on Friday morning, June 26.

GREENWOOD, Ind. - One of Central Indiana's biggest summer celebrations, KORN Country Musical Fireworks, returns to Craig Park in Greenwood this Saturday, June 27, immediately following the annual Greenwood Freedom Festival.

EDINBURGH, Ind. - The annual Edinburgh Firecracker Festival will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America on Saturday, July 4, in downtown Edinburgh.

COLUMBUS, Ind. (UPDATE: 6/25) - Columbus Police Department (CPD) detectives continue to investigate the death of a 39-year-old Seymour man that occurred at Mill Race Park on Wednesday, June 24.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. - Detectives and deputies with the Jennings County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO), assisted by the Indiana State Police (ISP), served a search warrant at a residence in the 300 block of Laurel Street in North Vernon on Thursday, June 25. It followed a lengthy investigation involving Child Sexual Abuse Material.

HOPE, Ind. – The Town of Hope has announced that the "Old Fashioned Independence Day" event has been greatly scaled down due to the forecasted rain and threat of severe thunderstorms on Friday, June 26.

SEYMOUR, Ind. - The team of Tyler Bullard, Andon Self, Joe Bullard, and Dave Self combined to score a 55 and placed first in the 45th Annual "Dr. Bud” Golf Scramble at Shadowood Golf Course on June 24.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - The Franklin Chamber of Commerce is supporting the businesses along the U.S. 31 corridor during construction with a free "Brave the Barrels" bag giveaway this Friday, June 26, at 11:30 a.m.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - The Indiana State Champion Wildlife Team from Franklin Community Schools (FCS) was recently honored at the Indiana FFA State Convention for their success this year.

SOUTH-CENTRAL, Ind. - The National Weather Service (NWS) in Indianapolis says that south-central Indiana will see an increasing chance for showers and thunderstorms this weekend. The biggest concern is from late Thursday night into Friday, when widespread, heavier rainfall may lead to flooding. 

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The 2026 Bartholomew County 4-H Fair at the fairgrounds on State Road 11 will conclude its nine-day run this Saturday, June 27.

HOPE, Ind. - The Town of Hope has announced that its new sidewalk loop is finished. The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) was in Hope last week to help open the new two-mile sidewalk loop.   

INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced that over 1,400 additional acres of forestland in northern Indiana will soon be part of the Indiana State Parks system.

SELLERSBURG, Ind. — A 20-year-old Salem man has surrendered and now faces murder and attempted murder charges in connection with the June 13 shooting and vehicle crash in Washington County.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The investigation continues following a shooting that killed a local man on Monday, June 22. More details were released on Tuesday.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Uncommon Cause turns 50 this year, and the Columbus Area Arts Council (CAAC) is celebrating by throwing a "Monster Ball" party this Friday, June 26, from 7 to 11 p.m.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the 2026 "Women in Leadership" award.   A recognition luncheon will be held on August 28 at The Commons to honor the recipient.   

FRANKLIN, Ind. - Habitat for Humanity Johnson County board members met last week with Mayor Steve Barnett, City of Franklin officials, Storm Warrior Roofing, Family Services, Mount Auburn Church, volunteers, and supporters to celebrate with Kelly on her future Habitat home in Franklin.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. - During the Wednesday, June 17, severe storms, the outdoor warning sirens in Jennings County failed to activate. Jennings County 911 engaged its radio/siren contractor to diagnose the problem. Preliminary investigation indicates an electrical issue caused the failure of two battery backups and the primary siren radio.

SEYMOUR, Ind. - The Seymour Parks and Recreation Department's "Pop-Up Party in the Park" for kids this Friday, June 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Westside Park, has been canceled due to the rainy weather forecast.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - Discover Downtown Franklin hosts the 2026 Ethos Celebration of the Arts event in the heart of historic Downtown Franklin this Saturday, June 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

GREENWOOD, Ind. – Center Grove Community School Corporation (CGCSC) Superintendent Dr. William K. Long was honored Thursday, June 18, with the Circle of Corydon Award, a recognition jointly presented by Indiana's executive and legislative branches to individuals who have made significant contributions to the state.

CLIFFORD, Indiana — Alisha Roberts Insurance Agency has announced Clifford Volunteer Fire Department as the June recipient of a $1000 pledge to local fire agencies that "Protect Those Who Protect Us."

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The City of Columbus is partnering with Red Arch Community Events, Inc., next week, to present "Celebrate 250," a weeklong festival marking the 250th anniversary of the United States.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - UPDATE: 9:40 AM: Water has receded from roadways. No closures due to high water or downed lines at this time.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. - Jennings County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) Deputy Blake Maynard was on patrol on Saturday, June 20, when he observed Eric Wilson, of North Vernon, on a motorcycle pull into the parking area of a church in the Commiskey area.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - A squad of Indiana State Police (ISP) troopers targeted Bartholomew County to focus on safe operation of motor vehicles and criminal interdiction on area roadways on Friday evening, June 19.

SOUTH-CENTRAL, Ind. - The National Weather Service (NWS) has announced that south-central Indiana is included in the area that has potential for severe weather from late Sunday afternoon through Monday morning. An NWS Flood Watch has also been issued for the region.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Columbus Police Department (CPD) has announced that Sgt. Eric Stevens was recently named the Indiana School Resource Officers Association (INSROA) Region 9 School Resource Officer (SRO) of the Year.  

GREENWOOD, Ind. - Greenwood Police Department K9 Zorro recently received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Zorro’s vest was sponsored by Justin Tetrick of Indianapolis.

SOUTH-CENTRAL, Ind. - The National Weather Service (NWS) in Indianapolis announced on Saturday morning that there is a Flood Watch in effect for south-central Indiana from Sunday afternoon, June 21, until 8 a.m. on Monday, June 22.

FRANKLIN, Ind. -  The Franklin Parks and Recreation Department and the City of Franklin have announced that there is a new addition to the Hubler.com Amphitheatre lawn at Youngs Creek Park.

COLUMBUS, Ind. — Anthony “Tony” Pope, retired Chief of Police and Director of Emergency Management at Columbus Regional Health (CRH) was awarded the Douglas J. Leonard Indiana Caregiver of the Year Award by the Indiana Hospital Association (IHA) at the 20th annual Indiana Quality and Safety Summit, held June 18 at the Forum Events Center in Fishers.

NASHVILLE, Ind. - The Brown County Lions Club announces "America’s Best Small Town Fireworks" is moving in 2026. The show has traditionally been held at the Brown County High School football field, but its new home is at Eagle Park, just west of the north entrance to Brown County State Park.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. - North Vernon Police officers conducted a complex narcotics operation that resulted in the arrest of James Wade Baker of Indianapolis on Thursday, June 18.

SCOTT COUNTY, Ind. - The Indiana State Police (ISP) responded to a reported shooting just after 2:30 p.m. on Friday, June 19, on northbound Interstate 65 near the 27‑mile marker, a few miles south of Scottsburg in Scott County. 

INDIANAPOLIS - Governor Mike Braun has declared a state of disaster emergency for 63 Indiana counties impacted by severe weather from June 6 through June 18.

INDIANAPOLIS – Hoosiers in Clark and Floyd counties won’t be penalized at the pump or face a potential shortage of fuel this summer thanks to the temporary suspension of an outdated and unnecessary state environmental requirement.

CROTHERSVILLE, Ind.- UPDATE: 11:25: The crash has been cleared and all lanes are back open.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Following the recent severe weather and concerns from residents about the sirens, Bartholomew County Emergency Management (BCEM) wants to reiterate the purpose of the warning sirens.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Columbus Regional Health (CRH), in partnership with Ascension Recovery Services, announced on Thursday, June 18, the launch of an initiative to transition the ownership and operations of CRH’s Treatment and Support Center (TASC) to Indiana Recovery Homes.

BARGERSVILLE, Ind. - The Bargersville Fire Department was dispatched to the 4600 block of Shelby Circle just after 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, after 9-1-1 callers reported flames visible from the roof of a residence.

MADISON, Ind. - The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the City of Madison celebrated the opening of the Clifty Connector Trail with a ribbon-cutting, which aligns with Governor Mike Braun’s focus on making Indiana healthy and supporting time outdoors.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - The Johnson County Community Foundation (JCCF) announced the recipients of the 2026 Youth Programming grants on Wednesday, June 10. 

FRANKLIN, Ind. - Franklin College has announced the appointment of Beth Young as director of communications at the institution. The position was previously held by Deidra Baumgardner, who retired from the College in May after 24 years of service.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. - The North Vernon Police Department (NVPD) has arrested Isaiah Tungate, 18, of North Vernon, following an investigation into a disturbance that occurred on June 5 at a local business.

COLUMBUS, Ind.- UPDATE: 10:30 A.M: Due to severe weather on Wednesday evening, several hundred homes in South-Central Indiana have been left without power in Bartholomew, Johnson and Jennings counties. Monroe and Owen County received significant storm damage from a potential tornado.

AMITY, Ind. - The National Weather Service (NWS) in Indianapolis has issued a Flood Warning for Youngs Creek at Amity in Johnson County until Friday afternoon.  Flood stage for Youngs Creek at Amity is 7 feet. At 2:25 a.m. on Thursday, the Creek was at 5.3 feet.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Following a two-week search, the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation (BCSC) has hired Dr. Dominick Stella as the next principal at Columbus North High School.

HOPE, Ind. - The annual Hope "Old Fashioned Independence Day" celebration is Friday, June 26, from 5:30 to 10 p.m., on the Hope Town Square.

BROWNSTOWN, Ind. - The Town of Brownstown will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the new playground on Tuesday, June 23, at 1 p.m., at 715 W. Bridge St.

SOUTH-CENTRAL, Ind. - Pop-up thunderstorms traveled through parts of central and southern Indiana on Tuesday, and the National Weather Service (NWS) in Indianapolis says a more potent system could move into the state on Wednesday. It might mean an increased risk of severe weather in the region. 

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Although there have already been some pre-fair activities, the 2026 Bartholomew County 4-H Fair officially opens this Friday, June 19, at 5 p.m., at the fairgrounds, on State Road 11, in Columbus. The fair continues for nine days.

SEYMOUR, Ind. - The Jackson County Sheriff's Department confirmed that a woman was killed in a single-vehicle accident Monday afternoon in Seymour. Deputies were called to the 3600 block of West County Road 225N at around 2:15 p.m. 

FRANKLIN, Ind. - The Franklin Parks and Recreation Department and the City of Franklin present the 2026 Franklin Firecracker Festival on Friday, July 3, at the Drivehubler.com Amphitheatre at Youngs Creek Park.   

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Landmark Columbus Foundation has announced that "Yes And," the 2024–25 cycle of Exhibit Columbus, has received an Honorable Mention in the Place Art category of the 2026 Great Places Awards presented by the Environmental Design Research Association (EDRA).

BARGERSVILLE, Ind. - At its meeting last week, the Bargersville Town Council approved the procurement of new warning sirens for the Town. 

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.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Upon receiving reports of a shooting and possible hostage situation, the Columbus Police Department (CPD) responded to a home in the 300 block of Sunset Drive on Friday, June 12, just after 9:30 p.m.