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COLUMBUS, Ind. - Work to remove the low-head dam along the riverfront in downtown Columbus is officially underway following the release of frozen federal funds.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Bartholomew County was honored at the annual Association of Indiana Counties (AIC) conference on Wednesday, September 23, with the 2026 Local Government Corporation Award for its Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.

COLUMBUS, Ind. — The Columbus Redevelopment Commission has unanimously passed Resolution 19-2026 to commit $3 million toward the restoration and reopening of the historic Crump Center for the Performing Arts.

GREENWOOD, Ind. – Amazon plans to invest more than $100 million to establish a new advanced manufacturing operation in Greenwood, bringing 300 high-paying jobs and a significant new investment to Johnson County.

GREENFIELD, Ind. - An Indiana State Police investigation has led to the arrest of 33-year-old Hancock County Sheriff’s Deputy James Heneghan on charges of intimidation, official misconduct, and fraud. 

FRANKLIN, Ind. - The 2026 Johnson County Community Foundation (JCCF) Unrestricted Community Needs Grant Cycle opens on Monday, October 5.

GREENWOOD, Ind. — The Greenwood Common Council unanimously passed the first reading of Ordinance 2629 on Monday, authorizing the creation of four municipal riverfront district development project areas.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. - The Jennings County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) went to the North Vernon Wal-Mart on September 21 to follow up on a fraud case. Upon arrival, a deputy noticed a Wal-Mart Asset Protection (AP) officer was trying to stop someone in the parking lot.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. — Work on the North Vernon Quarry Park project is entering its final stages despite weather and equipment delivery delays, according to city officials.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - A Columbus child is a finalist in the 2026 Stan Lee’s Super Kid Competition and is seeking community support to get into the Top 20.

BARTHOLOMEW COUNTY, Ind. –UPDATE: 4:25 p.m.: Northbound I-65 is currently heavily backed up and traffic is moving at almost a standstill due to emergency crews cleaning up the wreckage of a double semi-trucker crash from earlier this morning, September 24.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Columbus Area Arts Council (CAAC) presents the inaugural "Mill Race Monster Festival," October 23-25 at Mill Race Park. Experience Columbus, Indiana’s own cryptid legend. 

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Since 2021, the State of Indiana and Lilly Endowment Inc. have committed $1.25 billion to local quality of place through the Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI), and communities have matched it with local and private dollars.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The City of Columbus will begin landscaping improvements at Parking Lot #10, at Franklin and 6th Streets, as part of ongoing efforts to expand the downtown tree canopy with native, sustainable, and low‑maintenance plantings.

GREENWOOD, Ind. — City officials officially introduced the proposed 2027 municipal budget at Monday evening's Greenwood Common Council meeting, outlining key updates to public safety and civilian employee compensation.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. — Water Department Superintendent Will Spencer provided operational and regulatory updates during the North Vernon Utility Service Board meeting on Monday, September 21.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. — The North Vernon Utility Service Board reviewed financial and administrative items at its regular session on Monday, September 21.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. — The North Vernon Redevelopment Commission is evaluating a potential land sale to local business owner Steve Gasper for an approximately 20-acre parcel of city-owned industrial property located north of the bypass.

HOPE, Ind. - Hope Heritage Days returns to the Hope Town Square this Friday, September 25, through Sunday, September 27. The 58th annual event promises three days of community celebration, 125 craft and food booths, music, fireworks, and a parade.

SEYMOUR, Ind. — Damage to downtown infrastructure following local car-cruising events prompted council discussion on enforcement and event management during last Monday's meeting, September 14.

COLUMBUS, Ind. — The Columbus Board of Public Works and Safety has approved a request for banners for the 2026 Ethnic Expo.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. — The North Vernon Utility Service Board convened on Monday, September 21, 2026, to address potential industrial contamination in the city’s municipal sewer system.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Columbus Regional Health (CRH) has named Chris Winters as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective September 21. He has been the Interim CFO since June 2025.

COLUMBUS, Ind. — United for Youth, a United Way of Bartholomew County Impact Commons group, presents a drive-through tenderloin fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, October 2, at the American Legion, 2515 25th St., in Columbus.

GREENWOOD, Ind. — The Greenwood Common Council approved re-zoning approximately 80.15 acres on the southeast corner of Interstate 65 and Worthsville Road to accommodate a new Buc-ee's travel center on Monday, September 21.

SEYMOUR, Ind. — Seymour Police Department (SPD) officials presented updated operational statistics and addressed privacy considerations regarding the city's automatic license plate reader (ALPR) system at last week's Common Council meeting.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. — Mayor Shawn Gerkin announced that the city is preparing to formally commit local matching funds for a proposed multi-million-dollar community youth center anchored by the Boys & Girls Club.

COLUMBUS, Ind. — The City of Columbus is evaluating the Columbus People Trail safety regulations after public feedback regarding the rise of motorized transportation devices.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Downtown Columbus and other areas of the City will be busy on Saturday, September 26. The day begins with the Mill Race Marathon, followed by the race "After Party." After the Mill Race Marathon activities, the second annual Columbus Oktoberfest will take place.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Bartholomew County Historical Society invites you to attend the third Evelyn Seward Speaker Series event of 2026 on October 8, when paranormal investigator, writer, and researcher Matthew D. Jackson presents "Haunted History and Lore of Bartholomew County."  

JOHNSON COUNTY, Ind. – Health insurance costs are rising for many local employers, yet "taking no action" was the most common response when businesses were asked how they are managing those costs, according to a recent survey by Aspire, the economic development organization and chamber of commerce serving Johnson County.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - River Valley Legal Aid and Pro Bono Indiana announce a Free Legal Walk-In Clinic for low-income residents on Friday, September 25, from 3 to 5 p.m., at the Franklin Branch of the Johnson County Public Library, 401 State St.

SEYMOUR, Ind. — The Seymour Common Council voted 4–2 on first reading to pass an annexation ordinance for an 80-acre industrial parcel at 6693 North County Road 1000E at last week's council meeting.

SEYMOUR, Ind. — Discussions surrounding the prolonged vacancy of the District 2 city council seat were brought before city leadership by residents during last week's Common Council meeting.

PARIS CROSSING, Ind. - UPDATE: Sept. 21 at 12:48 p.m.: The Silver Alert on Lisa Bedel has been canceled. According to the Jennings County Sheriff's Office, Lisa Bedel has been located safely.

COLUMBUS, Ind. — The Columbus City Council passed the first reading of the 2027 City Budget during its regular meeting at Columbus City Hall on Tuesday, September 15. The measure was approved in a 7–1 roll-call vote, advancing the financial framework for the upcoming fiscal year.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - On September 17, Columbus Police Department (CPD) Lieutenant Alyson Eichel graduated from the 299th FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Fewer than 1% of officers have the opportunity to attend the program.

COLUMBUS, Ind. — The Columbus Police Department (CPD) has issued nearly 400 traffic citations since the beginning of September as part of its ongoing "Operation Safe Driving" enforcement initiative.

FRANKLIN, Ind. — Downtown Franklin is preparing for a busy autumn lineup featuring major community festivals, cultural events, and a statewide conference.

WHITELAND, Ind. — The Whiteland Town Council recently paused action on a proposed ordinance regulating golf carts and utility task vehicles (UTVs) on municipal streets.

JOHNSON COUNTY, Ind. - The Johnson County Highway Department will be performing maintenance on a couple of roads beginning on or after Tuesday, September 22, and continuing into October, weather permitting.

SEYMOUR/BROWNSTOWN, Ind. - Schneck Medical Center has announced three drive-thru flu shot clinics for Jackson County this flu season.

COLUMBUS, Ind. – Bartholomew County Prosecuting Attorney Lindsey Holden has formally charged Tyshawn Bryant, 17, with one count of Murder related to the recent investigation into events that took place on September 11 in the 3200 block of Country Brook Street North.

COLUMBUS, Ind. – A Columbus man is in jail after a Wednesday, September 16, two-and-a-half-hour standoff during which he was armed with a knife.

COLUMBUS, Ind. — The Columbus City Council approved the second reading of an ordinance fixing the salaries for elected city leadership for the 2027 payroll calendar year. The council addressed executive and legislative compensation during its regular meeting at City Hall.

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JOHNSON COUNTY, Ind. - Clark-Pleasant Community School Corporation Superintendent Dr. Timothy Edsel answered questions from Rob West of KORN Country 100.3 concerning the 2026 Referendum Renewal that will appear on the November ballot.

COLUMBUS, Ind. — The City of Columbus is accepting bids for a new municipal utility vehicle following approval from the Board of Public Works and Safety at its September 15 meeting.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. — The North Vernon Street Department has presented a targeted downtown maintenance plan to address safety concerns and tree care across key commercial corridors.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Columbus Police Department (CPD) reported that its Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team was dispatched for a situation on Wednesday night, September 16.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation (BCSC) invites the community to a virtual presentation on Tuesday, September 22, at 7 p.m. to learn more about the proposed renewal of BCSC’s operating referendum, which will appear on the November ballot.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) announces various traffic shifts and an approach closure on U.S. 31 starting Thursday, September 18, to accommodate milling and paving work in Franklin.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Ivy Tech Community College Columbus will welcome prospective students, families, and community members to campus for its Fall Open House on September 22, from 4:30 to 6 p.m., at 4475 Central Ave.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. — The City of North Vernon has renewed its commitment to school safety by approving an updated Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the School Resource Officer (SRO) program.

EDINBURGH, Ind. — The Edinburgh Town Council approved two major utility purchases totaling more than $777,000 for the Industrial Park Substation at its September 14 meeting.

BROWNSTOWN, Ind. - The Jackson County Chamber will host its 4th annual "First Responders Appreciation Breakfast" on Friday, Oct. 23, at 8 a.m. at Pewter Hall in Brownstown. 

NORTH VERNON, Ind. - The North Vernon Police (NVPD) and Fire Departments responded to the North Vernon City Park regarding a reported fire on Monday, September 14.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. - The North Vernon Police Department (NVPD), assisted by the Jennings County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO), executed a search warrant at a residence in the 400 block of Stockwell Street on Wednesday, September 9, just after 1:30 a.m.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The City of Columbus and race organizers are making last-minute preparations for the 2026 Mill Race Marathon on Saturday, September 26. The 5K, Half Marathon, and Full Marathon races all start at 7:30 a.m.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The National POW/MIA Recognition Day Ceremony in Columbus is this Friday, September 18, at 6:30 p.m., at the Bartholomew County Memorial for Veterans behind the Courthouse.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Columbus City Cemetery, 739 22nd St., at the southeast corner of Donner Park, is scheduled for a fall cleanup on Thursday, October 1.

EDINBURGH, Ind. — The Edinburgh Town Council approved a formal letter of support during its September 14 meeting for the newly formed Pixy Forever Foundation to help purchase, restore, and reopen the historic Pixy Theater in downtown Edinburgh.

FRANKLIN, Ind. — The City of Franklin Redevelopment Commission approved Resolution 2026-18 during its meeting on Tuesday, September 15, allocating an $80,000 grant to assist Hobson Tool & Machine with major building repairs and upgrades.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. — The North Vernon City Council has formally approved Ordinance 131-2026, establishing a comprehensive unpaid parental leave policy for municipal employees.

FRANKLIN, Ind. — The Franklin Redevelopment Commission voted unanimously on Tuesday, September 15, to transfer ownership of multiple city properties directly to the City of Franklin.

SEYMOUR, Ind. - The Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge in Seymour presents its annual “Take A Kid Fishing Day” on Saturday, September 26, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. It's free fishing and more for the entire family, hosted by the Muscatatuck Wildlife Society friends group in conjunction with Indiana’s Fall Free Fishing Day.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. — The North Vernon City Council has passed Ordinance 1032-2026, which officially establishes the city's Historic Preservation Commission.

GREENWOOD, Ind. — The City of Greenwood has initiated a strategic infrastructure plan to overhaul and improve traffic flow along Smith Valley Road. This proposed upgrade targets segment three of the corridor to enhance safety, capacity, and overall quality of life for local commuters.

WHITELAND, Ind. — The Whiteland Town Council has reorganized its executive leadership following the recent resignation of its former council president.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Cummins Engine Company and the Columbus Fire Department (CFD) will conduct a joint training exercise from 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, September 15, at Cummins Plant 1, 500 Central Ave. 

EDINBURGH, Ind. - The Edinburgh Fall Festival begins this Wednesday afternoon, September 16, and continues through Saturday night, September 19, in downtown Edinburgh near the John R. Drybread Community Center, 100 E. Main Cross St.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Young musicians in the area have a shot at the spotlight as the Columbus Area Arts Council (CAAC) announces the return of the "Battle of the Bands."

WHITELAND, Ind. — The Whiteland Town Council has approved critical electrical infrastructure enhancements for the St. Charles water tower. Building on routine municipal water system maintenance, the initiative strengthens local utility resilience during power emergencies.

GREENWOOD, Ind. — The Johnson County Republican Party will hold a special caucus to select a replacement for Greenwood Common Council District 3 Representative Michael Williams.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Columbus Police Department (CPD) has released an update on the Friday evening shooting death of a 17-year-old boy that took place at Parkview Rental Townhomes, in the 3200 block of Country Brook Drive.

COLUMBUS, Ind. – A Bartholomew County woman is in custody for felony arson charges after two fires in Bartholomew County on Thursday, September 10, that resulted in serious property damage.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - UPDATE at 10:05 p.m. SUNDAY: Columbus City Utilities (CCU) has lifted a Precautionary Boil Water Advisory for the west side of town. All affected customers will receive a notice. If you have any further questions, call Columbus City Utilities at 812-372-8861.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Under clear blue skies and a light breeze reminiscent of the morning 25 years ago, hundreds gathered Monday on the steps of Columbus City Hall to mark the anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Columbus Police Department (CPD) and other first responders were called to the 3200 block of Country Brook Street North about a shooting on Friday, September 11, at around 6:30 p.m. 

COLUMBUS, Ind. — The Office of Downtown Development announced that the Columbus Oktoberfest will take over downtown Columbus this year on the afternoon and evening of Saturday, September 26.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - The Johnson County Election Board recently announced the early voting schedule for the 2026 General Election this autumn. It starts Tuesday, October 6, and continues through Monday, November 2.

FRANKLIN, Ind. — The City of Franklin has selected The Skillman Corporation as its private partner to lead a major $35 million quality-of-life development involving two key city parks.

SEYMOUR, Ind. - The Jackson County Chamber presents its Economic Development Summit on Friday, September 25, at 8:30 a.m. in the Evergreen Room at The Pines in Seymour.

GREENWOOD, Ind. - The Greenwood Fire Department (GFD) has announced a "Memorial Blood Drive for Fallen Firefighters" on Saturday, October 3, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Fire Station #91, 155 E. Main St., in Greenwood.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Bartholomew County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) responded to a reported domestic disturbance in the 1800 block of W. Shady Lane on Wednesday, September 9, at around 10 p.m.   

FRANKLIN, Ind. — The Franklin City Council has introduced a new budgetary ordinance to appropriate federal grant funds awarded through the Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP) program on Tuesday, September 8.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Columbus, IN Pride Inc. presents the 2026 Columbus Pride Festival on Saturday, September 12, at Mill Race Park, from noon to 6 p.m.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The City of Columbus alerts motorists that Dave O’Mara Contractor will close 2nd Street at Franklin Street from 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, to about 6 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, for storm sewer installation.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation (BCSC) is now accepting nominations for the 2027 BCSC Education Hall of Fame Award.

FRANKLIN, Ind. — City of Franklin leadership is finalizing a conceptual flood mitigation and stream stabilization plan for Youngs Creek ahead of an upcoming trip to advocate for federal infrastructure support.

FRANKLIN, Ind. — The City of Franklin Board of Public Works and Safety has approved a noise ordinance variance to allow nighttime construction along the US 31 corridor to help secure the route for winter travel.

FRANKLIN, Ind. — The Franklin Common Council has introduced a new bond ordinance to fund comprehensive capital improvements for the city’s parks and recreational facilities. Building on previous investment, the funding proposal establishes a long-term financing structure to enhance public amenities across the community.

CRANE, Ind. - A new U.S. military initiative reports that Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Crane, about 25 miles southwest of Bloomington, will be Indiana’s first advanced Micro Modular Reactor (MMR) site, to be installed by 2028.

GREENSBURG, Ind. - Four men have been apprehended following a multi-agency sting operation into underage sex in Greensburg.

JACKSON COUNTY, Ind. – The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has announced lane closures for later this month on U.S. 50 in Jackson County.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - In a recently published Travel + Leisure article, Columbus was named the safest and most affordable place to retire in 2026, according to a new ranking by personal finance website GoBankingRates. The study reviewed crime rates, housing costs, and retirement income tax data across the USA.

HOPE, Ind. - Night Owl Country Band presents the third annual "Thunder on the Square" on Saturday, September 12, from 4 to 7 p.m., on the Hope Town Square.

SOUTH-CENTRAL, Ind. - The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is looking for dedicated, qualified individuals to serve fellow Hoosiers this winter. Several statewide locations will host winter seasonal hiring events in September and October.

INDIANAPOLIS - Andrew Wade Case, 39, of Columbus, was sentenced on Tuesday, September 8, to 27 years and three months in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, after pleading guilty to sexual exploitation of a child, as well as distribution and possession of child sexual abuse material.

SEYMOUR, Ind. - Schneck Medical Center recently announced that Deborah Mann, Executive Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), has been named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s 2026 list of “Rural Hospital CFOs to Know." 

GREENWOOD, Ind. - The Greenwood Fire Department (GFD) has officially joined the top tier of public safety agencies nationwide, earning an ISO Class 1 rating from the Insurance Services Office.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Columbus Parks and Recreation has launched a new Strategic Master Plan to guide the city’s parks, recreation, and overall quality of life. Building on the success of the 2022 Master Plan, this new initiative establishes a forward-thinking vision for the city’s green spaces.

SEYMOUR, Ind. - The Seymour Police Department (SPD) responded to a vehicle/pedestrian accident in the 1000 block of N. O'Brien Street on Saturday, September 5, just after 7 p.m.    

COLUMBUS, Ind. - This year's Our Hospice Concert returned to the Bartholomew County Public Library on Saturday, September 5, for an afternoon of music benefiting Our Hospice of South Central Indiana. Community partners, raffle participants, sponsors, benefactors, and attendees raised over $110,000 for Our Hospice patients and their loved ones.

EDINBURGH Ind. - After flooding forced the postponement of the inaugural Edinburgh Rubber Duck Regatta, the ducks are getting a second chance to make a splash this weekend.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - The City of Franklin has announced that, as part of the ongoing construction in Phase 3 of the US 31 corridor improvement project, Milestone Contractors will close Hospital Road at US 31 on Wednesday, September 9. This closure only involves the approach to Hospital Road at US 31.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Walgreens and the Lincoln-Central Neighborhood Family Center (LCNFC) are hosting a flu shot clinic on Tuesday, September 15, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at YES Cinema, 328 Jackson Street, in downtown Columbus.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Aubreigh Campbell, a C4 Graphic Design student, has been chosen as the 2026 winner of the Mill Race Marathon Poster Design contest. Her work has earned her a $750 scholarship toward her future creative journey.

FRANKLIN, Ind. -  The Johnson County Community Foundations (JCCF) recently congratulated its 2026 Mental Health Programming Grant recipients.

GREENWOOD, Ind. - The Greenwood Fire Department (GFD) has announced that Station 95, located at 1763 S Graham Road, is nearing completion and its grand opening celebration.

SEYMOUR, Ind. - The Jackson County Chamber and Seymour Main Street present the inaugural "Taste of Our Town," this Saturday, September 12, from 6 to 8 p.m., in downtown Seymour. 

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Thrive Alliance, the local area agency on aging serving Bartholomew and surrounding counties, will present the "Rooted and Renewed Caregiving Seminar on September 15, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at The Sanctuary Church in Columbus.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The City of Columbus invites the community to join in commemorating the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. A Patriot's Day remembrance ceremony will be held on Friday, September 11, at Columbus City Hall Plaza, 123 Washington St., beginning at approximately 8:30 a.m.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Columbus City Council gave initial approval to the 2027 civilian salary ordinance during its Tuesday night meeting, paving the way for two new full-time municipal roles and a planning internship.

JOHNSON/JACKSON COUNTIES, Ind. – The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) announced that it will soon install delineators at three Indiana locations.

GREENWOOD, Ind. — A massive, interactive climbing sculpture is headed to the Greenwood Fieldhouse Plaza after approval by the Greenwood Park Board on Tuesday, September 1.

EDINBURGH, Ind. - Edinburgh Fire and Rescue recently received a donation from the Shelbyville Fire Department. The gift was the Shelbyville Fire Department's old boat, motor, and trailer.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. - The City of North Vernon congratulates North Vernon Airport intern Seth Burton for recently earning his private pilot license.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Thanks to the community, Landmark Columbus Foundation (LDF) has reached both of this year's goals for its endowment campaign. There were over 100 donations, and $62,000 was raised.

INDIANAPOLIS – Recent Columbus East High School graduate Sidney Johnson has received a $500 scholarship from the Association of Indiana Counties (AIC), sponsored by SRI, Inc. Her check was presented to her grandfather, a county employee, at the Bartholomew County Governmental Building.