Bartholomew County News

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.

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%.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The annual "Always Ready for Chocolate" fundraiser (previously known as A Taste of Chocolate) continues an over 25-year-long tradition on Saturday, February 7, from noon to 3 p.m.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Columbus Area Arts Council (CAAC) series, First Fridays for Families, kicks off the 2026 season on Friday, February 6, at 5:30 p.m. at The Commons. Doors open at 5:00.

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

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. - 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Heritage Fund - The Community Foundation of Bartholomew County announces the launch of its "Golden Joybilee," a year-long celebration honoring 50 years of philanthropy, partnership, and community impact.

EDINBURGH, Ind. - The Evergreen Indiana Consortium has welcomed the Edinburgh Wright-Hageman Public Library to its growing family of libraries throughout the state.

COLUMBUS, Ind. – Bartholomew County Prosecuting Attorney Lindsey Holden announced Wednesday, January 21, that Benjamin Jackson, former Columbus Township Trustee, has been sentenced by Special Judge Matthew Bailey to a term of 28 years.

Hope, Ind. – The Hope Volunteer Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire involving a detached garage in the 7600 block of North County Road 1000E on Tuesday, January 20.

COLUMBUS, Ind. – Columbus City Utilities (CCU) has announced the reappointment of Patrick Andrews to the Utility Service Board (USB) by Mayor Mary K. Ferdon.

COLUMBUS, Ind. – Columbus Police Department (CPD) and Columbus Fire Department (CFD) are working in the area of 3rd Street and Chestnut Street with wires down across the roadway.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Bartholomew County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) said that deputies responded to the 5000 block of E. County Road 600N at around 12:40 p.m. on Monday, after receiving reports of a two-vehicle traffic collision with unknown injuries.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Bartholomew County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) welcomed its newest merit deputy when Daniel Brenneman took his oath on Tuesday, January 20.

MIAMI - The Indiana Hoosiers completed their dream season on Monday night. The College Football National Championship trophy is coming to Bloomington. 

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Hope Volunteer Fire Department was called to a local structure fire on Sunday night, January 18.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Registration is now open for the Columbus Police Department's (CPD) 2026 Women's Self-Defense classes.

COLUMBUS, Ind. – Columbus City Utilities (CCU) has appointed Melissa Lin to the Utility Service Board.