Latest News

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Kindergarten sign-up is open for the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation (BCSC) Class of 2039.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - All City of Columbus offices, including Columbus City Utilities, will be closed this Monday, February 16, to observe the Presidents' Day holiday.

GREENWOOD, Ind. - The City of Greenwood recently hosted its second open community workshop to update the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).

BARGERSVILLE, Ind. - The Bargersville Fire Department held its "Pinning Ceremony" this week, honoring several team members. The awards celebrated new hires and those receiving well-earned promotions.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. –The 28th Annual Our Hospice Jennings County Gala, held Saturday, February 7, at The Barn at Willow Lake in North Vernon, raised over $65,000 to support care for patients and loved ones served by Our Hospice throughout Jennings County.

NASHVILLE, Ind.– The Brown County Music Center in Nashville, Indiana, announced that a total of $252,500 is being given back to the community and county.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. - As part of an ongoing narcotics investigation, the North Vernon Police Department (NVPD) executed a search warrant and took three people into custody at 354 Long St., Apartment 3A, on Sunday, February 8.

TAYLORSVILLE, Ind. - The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has announced temporary lane and ramp closures on I-65 for patching work near Taylorsville on Thursday, February 12.

COLUMBUS, Ind.- Ignite Columbus is holding its "One Small Thing" event next month and is now seeking presenters for the Idea-sharing competition.

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COLUMBUS, Ind. - The 2026 City of Columbus State of the City Address commemorated Columbus's accomplishments and looked "Forward" to the future at the Commons on Tuesday night, February 10

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Columbus Police Department (CPD) arrested a man following an attempted robbery in the parking lot of Dunham's Sports at Nexus Park on Tuesday afternoon, February 10.

NORTH VERNON, Ind.- The North Vernon Police Department (NVPD) took a local man into custody last Friday in connection with an assault that occurred near Ivy Park Apartments on January 31.

INDIANAPOLIS — On Presidents Day this Monday, families can enjoy adventures together across the state as the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites offers free admission on February 16 at most locations, including three in central Indiana.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The death of a Taylorsville man is being investigated by the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) after a house fire in the 1800 block of W County Road 650 N on Sunday, February 8.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce has disclosed that author and speaker Steve Gutzler will address the business community at its annual meeting at The Commons on Wednesday, March 25, at 11:30 a.m.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Friends of Columbus Animal Care Services is selling raffle tickets for the capital campaign to build a new, modern facility for Columbus Animal Care Services (CACS).

FRANKLIN, Ind.— Ivy Tech Community College in Franklin will hold an Information Open House for the Johnson County Advanced Manufacturing Program (JCAMP) on February 26, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the 2205 McClain Drive campus.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - The Johnson County Recycling District (JCRD) has launched a new residential composting collection service at the Johnson County Recycling Center.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. - The Jennings County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) arrested a North Vernon man after DNA confirmed paternity of a child born to a 13-year-old victim on Monday, February 9.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - Franklin College has received a $56,000 grant from the Elba L. and Gene Portteus Branigin Foundation. It will support the expansion of the Branigin Engaged Learning Program, strengthening student professional development opportunities and enabling faculty to broaden department-specific outreach to area high school students.

SEYMOUR, Ind. - Belinda “Billi” Bruner recently joined JCBank as Vice President of Human Resources, according to Melodie Yarnell, Senior Vice President/Chief Risk and Management Services Officer.

COLUMBUS, Ind.—The Columbus 2026 State of the City Address will be held on Tuesday, February 10 at The Commons in downtown Columbus.

COLUMBUS, Ind. —The City of Columbus plans to overhaul and improve its city bus routes, including a color-coded 'loop' system, the relocation of several transit stations, and alterations to existing routes starting Monday, March 23.  

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ind. — A Sellersburg man has been charged with impersonating an Indiana State Police (ISP) detective.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Ivy Tech Community College Columbus will welcome local homeschool families to campus on Tuesday, February 17, for "Pathways and Possibilities: Navigating the College Transition."

TAYLORSVILLE, Ind. - The German Township Volunteer Fire Department and Edinburgh Fire and Rescue were among the crews that responded to the 1800 block of County Road 650N in Taylorsville early Sunday afternoon for a residential blaze.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - Due to decreasing federal and state insurance reimbursement rates and coverage and the rising costs of services, Johnson Memorial Health (JMH) announced on Friday that it would be phasing out its obstetrics services and Maternity Care Center on the Franklin campus. The hospital will also take other steps to reduce costs, including staff reductions.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - A Bartholomew County woman, 83-year-old Cheri Hart of Columbus, got the chance at a recognition ceremony on Friday afternoon to meet and thank the first responders who saved her life last fall.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Landmark Columbus Foundation (LCF) recently announced a transition in board leadership and governance, and added two new directors, as the organization enters a new phase focused on long-term institutional strength, disciplined stewardship, and deepened impact rooted in Columbus.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) contractor Milestone Contractors, L.P., will begin preliminary work for Phase 3 of the U.S. 31 corridor improvement project in Franklin on Monday, February 9.

SEYMOUR, Ind. - The Jackson County Chamber hosts its 95th Annual Awards Dinner on Thursday, March 12, at the Jackson Live and Event Center, 981 C Avenue E in Seymour.

GREENWOOD, Ind. - The Center Grove Police Department and Johnson County Sheriff’s Office investigated social media posts claiming a threat of violence had been circulating among Center Grove High School students on Thursday, February 5. Those threats were not substantiated.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - River Valley Legal Aid Pro Bono Indiana announces a Free Legal Phone Clinic for residents of their eight-county district on Tuesday, February 10, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. The counties include Bartholomew, Johnson, Jackson, Jennings, Brown, Decatur, Rush, and Shelby.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - In a report released on Thursday, Feb. 5, Cummins announced its fourth-quarter 2025 revenues of $8.5 billion were up 1% from the same quarter in 2024. Sales in North America decreased 2% while international revenues increased by 5%.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. - The North Vernon Police Department (NVPD) Narcotics Task Force led a narcotics investigation in the area of North Buckeye Street in North Vernon on Wednesday, February 4.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Lee Hamilton, who served 34 years as a U.S. Representative representing Indiana's 9th District, died on Tuesday. He was 94.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - The City of Franklin and Franklin Chamber of Commerce present the Chamber's annual meeting featuring the State of the City Address by Mayor Steve Barnett this Wednesday, February 11.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Board of Directors of Columbus Elks Lodge #521 presented Columbus Fire Department (CFD) Station #2 on Tuesday evening, February 3, with a $5000 donation to support mental health and wellness initiatives for the city's first responders.

COLUMBUS, IN – The Alliance for Substance Abuse Progress (ASAP), Bartholomew County Substance Abuse Advisory/Accountability Committee, and Substance Abuse Public Funding Board have announced the opening of the application period for opioid settlement funds.

GREENSBURG, Ind. - The City of Greensburg announced Wednesday the upcoming retirement of long-time Utilities Manager and Controller Donna Lecher, effective April 1.

BROWNSTOWN, Ind. - There is still time to sign up for the annual Jackson County Chamber Agri-Business Breakfast on Friday, February 13, at 8 a.m., at Pewter Hall in Brownstown.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Greater Columbus Economic Development Corporation (EDC) hosts its 2026 Annual Meeting on Friday, February 27, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Commons in downtown Columbus.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation (BCSC) welcomed Kathy Dell into its Education Hall of Fame on Monday evening.

EDINBURGH, Ind. - Ivy Tech Community College Columbus science faculty offers another free environmental nature hike this Saturday, February 7, at 10 a.m., at the Driftwood State Fishing Area, 8825 S. U.S Hwy 31, in Edinburgh.

SEYMOUR, Ind. - The Seymour Fire Department (SFD) was dispatched to the 100 block of E. Laurel Street for a reported structure fire early Monday morning, February 2.

SOUTH-CENTRAL, Ind. – A large multi-agency investigation which began in late 2024 has concluded after a 15-month effort targeting illicit narcotics, firearms, and U.S. currency.

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ind. — Indiana State Police (ISP) troopers arrested a 43-year-old Washington County man on Wednesday on multiple felony and misdemeanor charges related to the alleged sexual abuse of a minor.

COLUMBUS, Ind. – A Columbus woman and her child survived a Chestnut Street fire on Tuesday morning. Several cats perished in the blaze, and now investigators are working to identify the cause.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Nonprofit organizations serving Bartholomew County residents are encouraged to apply for Community Fund grants through Heritage Fund. The community foundation is now accepting competitive applications for the awards.

COLUMBUS, Ind. -  The South Central Indiana Talent Region (SCITR) has announced the completion of its first-ever regional Arts and Culture Plan, setting a new course for creative investment and community vitality across Columbus, Edinburgh, Seymour, and North Vernon.

SEYMOUR, Ind. – The Seymour Police Department (SPD) arrested a local man on child abuse and neglect charges on Tuesday, February 3.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - The Johnson County Community Foundation (JCCF) reminds students and parents that scholarship applications are now open.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Columbus City Council seeks residents of the City of Columbus or Bartholomew County who are interested in serving on the Columbus Human Rights Commission.

BARGERSVILLE, Ind. - The Bargersville Fire Department (BFD) paramedics are participating in HALO (High Acuity, Low Occurrence) training alongside regional EMS partners throughout Johnson County this week.

VERNON, Ind. - The Town of Vernon welcomes the public to an open house for the new space at the Vawter Recreational Center (old Vernon Gym) on Wednesday, February 11, from 6 to 8 p.m.

SOUTH-CENTRAL, Ind. - The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Bartholomew, Jackson, Jennings, and Decatur Counties on Tuesday, February 3, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Snow is expected with accumulations up to two inches.

HOPE, Ind.- The Town of Hope hosted its local Groundhog Day on Monday morning, February 2, and it turned out to be good news for Bartholomew County residents.

QUEENSVILLE, Ind. - The Indiana State Police (ISP) and Jennings County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) are investigating the death of a North Vernon man after a house fire that was reported in northern Jennings County at around 7:30 a.m. on Sunday.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The second water main break in Columbus in three days closed Sunset Drive and southbound Washington Street from 19th to 22nd streets Sunday morning.

NORTH VERNON/COLUMBUS, Ind. - The North Vernon Narcotics Task Force, in a joint operation with the Joint Narcotics Team (JNET) in Bartholomew County, executed a search warrant on Friday, January 30, at a house at 3326 Deerbrook Drive in Columbus.

PARIS CROSSING, Ind. - In the past two weeks, two former Montgomery Township Volunteer Fire Department Chiefs in Jennings County have been arrested on multiple felony charges following an Indiana State Police (ISP) investigation into the theft of thousands of dollars from the fire department where they served.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - At around 9 p.m. on Friday, Columbus City Utilities restored water to the properties on Washington, Franklin, 6th, and 7th Streets affected by the water main break that occurred late Thursday night. A "Boil Water Advisory" is in effect for 48 hours for several addresses in downtown Columbus.

COLUMBUS, Ind. – The Columbus Police Department (CPD) arrested an Elizabethtown man following a report of intimidation with a firearm at a local Walmart on Thursday, January 29.

EDINBURGH, Ind. - Edinburgh Fire and Rescue responded to a fire at a detached garage behind a house in the 1000 block of E. Center Cross Street just after 4:30 p.m. on Friday. 

BARGERSVILLE, Ind. - The Town of Bargersville has announced its lineup for this year's Bargersville Parks & Recreation Summer Concert Series.

GREENWOOD, Ind. - The Greenwood Fire Department and White River Township Fire Department responded to a small blaze at a house in the 2500 block of Wildfire Lane on Thursday afternoon, January 29.

EDINBURGH, Ind. - Edinburgh Fire and Rescue responded to a car fire at 11995 N. US 31, near McDonald's and Indiana Premium Outlets, on Thursday night, January 29.

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COLUMBUS, Ind. - UPDATE 9:20: Washington St is now open. 7th Street between Washington and Franklin will remain closed so workers can repair the break.

HOPE, Ind. - The Town of Hope welcomes residents and visitors to its annual Groundhog Day event this Monday, February 2, starting at 8 a.m., on the Hope Town Square. "Hope" the groundhog makes her appearance at 8:30.

SOUTH-CENTRAL, Ind. - Seymour and Jennings County schools will be closed on Friday, while all other school systems in south-central Indiana will start two hours late.

SEYMOUR, Ind. - Seymour Main Street Facade, Awning, and Signage Grant Program is now open. It provides financial incentive grants to building owners or commercial tenants located within the Seymour Main Street District.

NINEVEH, Ind - A groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the start of construction of the new headquarters for DNR Law Enforcement, District 6, took place Thursday afternoon.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - With road conditions continuing to improve, the Bartholomew County travel status was downgraded to the "Advisory" (Yellow) level early Thursday afternoon.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - Leadership Johnson County is now accepting applications for the Youth Leadership Academy.

Plainfield, IN - For the sixth time in the past five days, an Indiana State Police (ISP) car was struck along the interstates in the Indianapolis District.

EDINBURGH, Ind. - Edinburgh Police Department K9 Batu was presented with a bullet- and stab-protective vest thanks to a donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., on Wednesday, January 28.

SOUTH-CENTRAL, Ind. - Following the snowstorm last weekend, a few schools in south-central Indiana are still closed on Thursday, but most will reopen, with students reporting two hours late.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Community members who need their taxes done can sign up for free tax filing through United Way Bartholomew County’s "My Free Taxes" program.

INDIANAPOLIS — The 49th annual Richard G. Lugar Symposium for Tomorrow's Leaders hosted by The Richard G. Lugar Academy at the University of Indianapolis will bring more than 175 top high school juniors from Indiana together for a day of discussion on public issues and world events on Saturday, Jan. 31.

GREENWOOD, Ind. Update: 10 a.m.- Crash has been cleared

FRANKLIN, Ind. - A semi-truck accident on southbound I-65 at the 86.5 marker left at least one person injured, the truck badly damaged and overturned on its side, and snarled traffic for about five hours on Tuesday evening.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - UPDATE: The gas leak has been resolved. As of 2:30 a.m. on Wednesday, BCSO said that those living in the evacuated area can return home.

SOUTH-CENTRAL, Ind. - Things are slowly returning to normal after the snowstorm, but a lot of schools in south-central Indiana are still closed or on a two-hour delay for Wednesday.

COLUMBUS, Ind.– Following Bartholomew County's Travel Status being downgraded to Orange, Columbus Regional Health resumed normal operations starting at noon on Tuesday, January 27.

COLUMBUS, Ind. –The Columbus Police Department (CPD) arrested a local man on several charges following a crash, pursuit, and drunk driving investigation on Monday afternoon, January 26. 

COLUMBUS, Ind. - As of 8:20 a.m., Bartholomew County has downgraded its travel status to the "Orange" Watch level based on improving conditions across the county.

COLUMBUS, Ind. – Jacob Hendricks has been announced as the Associate Director of Recreation for the Columbus Parks and Recreation Department.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - Habitat for Humanity of Johnson County recently announced Carissa Long as its next executive director, effective Feb. 9.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - Franklin College recently elected four new members to its board of trustees. They will contribute to the board’s efforts to shape policies, guide strategic priorities, and advance the College’s long-term vision.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Three Bartholomew County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) Deputies, Sgt. Andy Whipker, Sgt. Dustin Newland and K9 Deputy Dylan Prather were heroes to an elderly couple this past weekend during the height of the snowstorm.

SOUTH-CENTRAL, Ind. - With roads still snow-covered and frigid temperatures forecast, several schools in south-central Indiana and other local organizations have announced closings on Tuesday, January 27.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Since Bartholomew County will remain under a Travel Warning (Red) until at least Tuesday morning, City of Columbus and Bartholomew County officials have determined that most employees will have an E-working Day on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

SOUTH-CENTRAL, Ind. - An Extreme Cold Warning has been issued for all of south-central Indiana from Monday at 7 p.m. through Tuesday at 9 a.m.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Public officials with Bartholomew County Emergency Management concluded a meeting early Monday afternoon, January 26, that evaluated the latest road conditions across Bartholomew County.

INDIANAPOLIS– Indiana Governor Mike Braun directed all state executive branch offices to close on Monday, January 26.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Columbus Regional Health (CRH) has announced that outpatient provider practices and clinics will be closed on Monday, January 26. Inpatient, Emergency, and EMS services remain fully open and functioning.

SOUTH-CENTRAL, Ind. - The National Weather Service says the Winter Storm Warning ends at 7 a.m. today. However, an Extreme Cold Warning is in effect for Bartholomew, Johnson, Jackson, Jennings, Brown, Decatur, and Shelby Counties from Monday at 7 p.m. until Tuesday at 7 a.m.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - The City of Franklin has announced that trash and recycling pick-up will be delayed one day this week.

SOUTH-CENTRAL, Ind. - The travel status of all south-central Indiana counties remains at the Warning (RED) level. This includes Bartholomew, Johnson, Jackson, Jennings, Shelby, Brown, and Decatur Counties.

SOUTH-CENTRAL, Ind. - There will be more to add to the list, but some school corporations are already officially closed on Monday, January 26.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - As of 8:30 a.m., the Columbus Police Department has responded to 30 motorist assists.

SOUTH-CENTRAL, Ind. - Indiana State Police (ISP) are alerting residents to stay off the roads this morning.

SEYMOUR, Ind. - The Seymour Fire Department (SFD) responded to a reported apartment fire at the Canterbury Apartments, 630 East Oak St., on Saturday, at around 4:45 p.m.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - The Johnson County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) was dispatched to northbound I-65 near the 90-mile marker early Saturday morning for a one-vehicle accident.

SOUTH-CENTRAL, Ind. - The National Weather Service (NWS) on Friday issued a Winter Storm Warning and a Cold Weather Advisory for south-central Indiana beginning at noon on Saturday.

SOUTH-CENTRAL, Ind. - According to Hoosier Energy, high demand for electricity and tight power supplies throughout the Midwest are causing a serious power supply emergency for central/southern Indiana and Illinois, including local REMC customers.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Due to the Winter Weather Warning issued for this weekend, the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation (BCSC) will be closed and operate on an eLearning Day this Monday, January 26. 

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The City of Columbus Public Works and Safety Department (DPW) has announced that all trash and recycling collections will be delayed one day the week of January 26. There will be no pick-ups on Monday, January 26. 

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Due to the frigid weather, Bartholomew County Emergency Management (BCEM) has announced that several Warming Centers will be open starting Saturday, January 24, and continuing through January 30.

COLUMBUS, Ind.—The Columbus East High School Olympians boys' basketball game against the Jeffersonville Red Devils, previously scheduled for Saturday, January 24 has been cancelled and rescheduled due to the severe winter weather.

SOUTH-CENTRAL, Ind. - The National Weather Service (NWS) has announced that it has issued a Winter Storm Warning for a good portion of Indiana this weekend.

NORTH VERNON, Ind.—Jennings County Deputies responded to a fatal single-vehicle crash on County Road 1000W, near County Road 500N, on the Jackson/Jennings County line, on Wednesday, January 21.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - Ongoing improvements to U.S. Highway 31 have significantly impacted traffic patterns and affected businesses along the corridor. 

Columbus, IN — Black History Month Columbus (BHMC) has announced its February 2026 community-wide celebration commemorating the 100th anniversary of Black History Month.