Latest News

COLUMBUS, Ind. — The City of Columbus Common Council approved a first reading of a 30-year Payment-in-Lieu-of-Taxes (PILOT) agreement for the Fairington of Columbus senior residential property.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Bartholomew County Highway Department says County Road 200S, between Terrace Lake Road and County Road 400 W, will again be closed on Monday, October 26, and Tuesday, October 27, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - In recognition of the district's Summer Food Service program, the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation (BCSC) has received a Silver Award in the USDA’s 2025 "Turnip the Beet" Awards.

FRANKLIN, Ind. — Following local fall events downtown, Mayor Steve Barnett clarified the city's policy regarding street closures for non-city-sponsored public gatherings during the Oct. 19 Franklin City Council meeting.

GREENWOOD, Ind. — The Greenwood Common Council considered new regulations for shared motorized scooters and electric bicycles during its meeting on Monday, October 19.

COLUMBUS, Ind. — City of Columbus officials are moving forward with legal proceedings and a demolition order for a long-abandoned residential property at 1516 Sycamore St.

COLUMBUS, Ind. — The City of Columbus Common Council approved the first reading of an ordinance amending the Columbus Municipal Code to expand the boundaries of the Downtown Columbus Social District Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA).

COLUMBUS, Ind. – Ivy Tech Community College Columbus invites the community to help fight student food insecurity by participating in its Spooky (Canned) Food Drive benefiting the campus student food pantry.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. — The Jennings County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) arrested a North Vernon man on Thursday, October 22, after receiving several reports of residential entry.

GREENWOOD, Ind. — The Greenwood Common Council approved a new multi-year pay matrix for the city fire department at its meeting on Monday, October 19.

BARGERSVILLE, Ind. - Mallow Run Winery has announced that its "Tasting Room" in Bargersville will close in December.

BARGERSVILLE, Ind. - The Town of Bargersville begins fall leaf pickup this week, and the service continues through early December.

SEYMOUR, Ind. - The Schneck Foundation invites the community to a special seminar, "Live Well, Age Wisely," this Tuesday, October 27, at the Jennings County Public Library, 2375 State Road 3, in North Vernon.

COLUMBUS, Ind. — Columbus officials are moving forward with plans to revitalize the city's primary downtown entryway.

COLUMBUS, Ind. – Ivy Tech Community College Columbus has named Dr. Julie Bilz its first Professor Emerita, recognizing her contributions to teaching, faculty leadership, program development, and student success.

COLUMBUS, Ind. — Construction and downtown revitalization efforts in Columbus are progressing as key infrastructure deadlines approach.

SEYMOUR, Ind. - The City of Seymour issued a "Boil Water Advisory" on Wednesday afternoon, October 21, for about 75 Seymour customers. 

SCIPIO, Ind. - The children at Scipio Elementary School got a special treat on Wednesday morning, October 21.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. - The City of North Vernon Parks and Recreation presents "Hometown Harvest" this Saturday, October 24, at Tripton Park, 502 South Madison Ave. 

COLUMBUS, Ind. — The Columbus Redevelopment Commission is advancing efforts to unlock hundreds of acres of industrial ground. Commissioners unanimously approved Resolution 20-2026, allocating up to $386,500 for Phase 2 of the Walesboro Airport Master Plan.

COLUMBUS, Ind. — Local officials have boosted pedestrian safety and infrastructure connectivity near the Columbus Airpark. The Columbus Redevelopment Commission voted unanimously to approve up to $184,094 for sidewalk installations at the airport.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The annual YES Film Festival, "YESFEST," runs this weekend at YES Cinema downtown. Screenings begin Friday, October 23, and continue through the weekend. 

FRANKLIN, Ind. — The City of Franklin Parks and Recreation is actively exploring corporate sponsorship opportunities to support ongoing capital investments across its public park facilities.

FRANKLIN, Ind. – The Franklin College Student Entertainment Board (SEB) hosts trick-or-treaters on Thursday, Oct. 29, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. along Dame Mall on the Franklin College campus. The free event is open to alumni and members of the greater Franklin community.

WHITELAND, Ind. - Bright Beginnings Early Care and Education Coalition presents its next Provider Fair this Saturday, October 24, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Johnson County Public Library (JCPL) Clark-Pleasant Branch, 350 Clearwater Blvd., in Whiteland.

SEYMOUR/BROWNSTOWN, Ind. - The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) says lane restrictions on U.S. 50 in Jackson County, between Brownstown and Seymour, start Wednesday, October 21.

BUTLERVILLE, Ind. - The Jennings County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) was dispatched to a report of shots fired at a residence on County Road 555E in Butlerville on Saturday, October 17, just after 6 p.m.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The City of Columbus-Bartholomew County Planning Department will host a public open house and input session on Wednesday, October 28, from 6 to 8 p.m., in the Cal Brand Meeting Hall at Columbus City Hall.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Bartholomew County Highway Department announced that County Road 200S, between Terrace Lake Road and County Road 400 W, will be closed Tuesday, October 20, through Friday, October 23, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

COLUMBUS, Ind. – The "When Darkness Falls" haunted trail continues every Friday and Saturday at CERA Sports Park and Campground, 3989 South County Road 525E in Columbus.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Columbus Firemen’s Cheer Fund is bringing the heat back to NexusPark on Friday, November 6, as the Columbus Fire Department's (CFD) seven rookies compete to make the best chili and take on last year’s reigning champion.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The inaugural "Mill Race Monster Festival" is this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, October 23 to 25, at Mill Race Park. It is your chance to experience Columbus, Indiana’s own cryptid legend. 

TAYLORSVILLE, Ind. - The Bartholomew County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) and German Township Volunteer Fire Department (GTVFD) responded to a one-vehicle crash on southbound U.S. 31 in Taylorsville late Friday afternoon.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has announced that, starting on or after October 19, drivers heading east or west on Mallory Parkway in Franklin may only turn right onto U.S. 31.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - The 2026 Johnson County Community Foundation (JCCF) Unrestricted Community Needs Grant Cycle is still accepting applications.

GREENWOOD, Ind.— The Greenwood Fire Department (GFD) has earned an "ISO Class 1 Public Protection Classification" (PPC) rating, placing the department among the highest-rated fire protection organizations in the country.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. — The Jennings County School Corporation (JCSC) is urging state lawmakers to protect local income tax distributions for public education after alerting them to severe funding shortfalls under Senate Enrolled Act 1.

SEYMOUR, Ind. - Seymour Main Street, at 200 West 2nd Street, invites little ghosts and goblins to some downtown Halloween magic next Monday.  

NIKUMARORO, Kiribati — Almost 90 years after the plane went down, the search for what could be Amelia Earhart’s Lockheed Electra 10-E continued last week in Nikumaroro's Lagoon. Unfortunately, on Sunday, Oct. 18, the research team confirmed that the object it thought might be the plane was not Earhart's aircraft.

COLUMBUS, Ind. — The Columbus Board of Public Works and Safety has approved a contract renewal with The Resiliency Practice LLC to continue providing confidential mental health and counseling services for local police officers.

COLUMBUS, Ind. — The Bartholomew County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) arrested a Columbus man after an alleged battery on Saturday, October 10.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Ivy Tech Community College Columbus recently recognized Ashley Curry and Carolyn N. Pitt for their contributions during a statewide celebration in Indianapolis.

EDINBURGH, Ind. - The Town of Edinburgh is moving forward with major upgrades to its electrical infrastructure following approval of a key contract for its Industrial Park Substation project.

GREENWOOD, Ind. — AAA Hoosier Motor Club celebrated a grand opening and ribbon-cutting at its newly relocated Greenwood office on Tuesday, October 13, at 8603 S. Emerson Ave., Suite 101, in Indianapolis.

FRANKLIN, Ind. — During fall and winter, the Franklin Parks and Recreation Department invites residents to engage in hands-on art programs.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. — A proposed workforce housing community is closer to reality after the North Vernon City Council voted 5–0 on Wednesday, October 14, to conditionally rezone a 10-acre parcel located at 3075 North State Highway 3.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. — At Wednesday's October 14 North Vernon City Council meeting, nearby homeowners expressed uneasiness about traffic, drainage, and pedestrian safety on the proposed 46-unit multifamily housing development on Highway 3 near West County Road 300N.

COLUMBUS, Ind. — The City of Columbus is moving forward with infrastructure improvements at Fire Station No. 3 following action by the Board of Public Works and Safety.

BURNSVILLE, Ind. - The Eastern Bartholomew Water Corporation (EWBC) announced a water outage and Boil Water Advisory for customers near Grammer and Burnsville on Wednesday afternoon.

SEYMOUR/COLUMBUS, Ind. - NAMI Southcentral Indiana presents a new community workshop, "Ripples of Hope: A Family Perspective."  The sessions, on Tuesday, October 27, aim to foster connection and support for those navigating mental illness.

COLUMBUS, Ind. — Columbus streetscapes and public spaces will host several community events this fall following approval by the Board of Public Works and Safety.

SEYMOUR, Ind. - SPARK Shop, Jackson County’s new community coworking space at 301 E. Second St. in Seymour, will officially open its doors with a Grand Opening celebration on Thursday, October 22, from 4 to 6 p.m.

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

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Heritage Fund has announced the 10 local high school seniors selected as finalists for the 2027 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships for Bartholomew County. All are from the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation (BCSC).

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Bartholomew County residents can vote early at Gather Columbus, on 2508 25th St at the former Texas Roadhouse location until November 2.

EDINBURGH, Ind. - The Edinburgh Town Council approved the second reading of Ordinance 2026-14 at its Monday, October 12 meeting, formally adopting the town's 2027 budget appropriations and tax rates.

WHITELAND, Ind. - Organizers welcome residents and visitors to the Whiteland Fall Fest this Friday, October 16, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., at 141 S. State Street

GREENWOOD, Ind. — Greenwood Sports Park is preparing for a busy slate of regional and national youth athletics next year following key agreement approvals by the Greenwood Parks and Recreation Board.

SEYMOUR, Ind. — The Seymour Common Council has officially approved the city’s civil budget appropriations and tax rates for fiscal year 2027 following its second reading.

EDINBURGH, Ind. — The Town of Edinburgh has officially set its 2026 trick-or-treat hours for Halloween evening, October 31.

SEYMOUR, Ind. — The Seymour Common Council has approved a 10-year tax abatement for O&K America Corporation to support a major capital investment at its facility at 1625 A.W. Batey Drive in the Eastside Industrial Park.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. - Jennings County School Corporation (JCSC) Superintendent Nicole Johnson has resigned and will soon take the next step in her career at the Southwestern (Jefferson County) School System. She will start at Southwestern on October 28.

SEYMOUR, Ind. — The Seymour Common Council has voted 4–1 to authorize a formal letter to former Councilman Jerry Hackney requesting his official written resignation from the District 2 council seat.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce is teaming up once again with the Business Program at Indiana University Columbus to present "Futurecast 2027," the annual Economic Outlook Panel and Luncheon on Wednesday, November 18, at 11:30 a.m. at The Commons in downtown Columbus.

COLUMBUS, Ind. — Minor league hockey is back at the Hamilton Community Center and Ice Arena at Lincoln Park as the Indiana Sentinels opened their second season against Minnesota Northern Lights on Friday night, October 9, with a 4-2 win.

WAYNESVILLE/AZALIA, Ind. - The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) announced that a section of State Road 11 in southern Bartholomew County will be closed for most of the day on Tuesday, October 13.

SEYMOUR, Ind. - Schneck Medical Center has announced the addition of the "GE HealthCare SIGNA Artist MRI system," an advanced imaging technology designed to enhance both the patient experience and the quality of diagnostic care.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. - The Jennings County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) responded to an address in Scipio on Friday, October 9, to locate Jason Byrne, 48, of North Vernon. He was wanted on an outstanding Level 4 felony warrant out of Monroe County for Possession of Methamphetamine.

SEYMOUR, Ind. — The Seymour Board of Public Works and Safety addressed several utility adjustments and local business permits during its meeting on Thursday, Oct. 8.

COLUMBUS, Ind. — The Columbus Parks and Recreation Department is embarking on a multi-year effort to earn national accreditation as part of a broader strategy to compete for national recognition.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance has appointed Eder Arteaga as a new agent at the Columbus office,  221 Chestnut St.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - The Franklin Chamber is now accepting nominations for its annual awards to be presented at the 2027 Franklin Chamber Annual Meeting on February 11, 2027.

GREENWOOD, Ind. — Winterization efforts are nearly complete at Freedom Springs Aquatic Center following the end of the summer season.

GREENWOOD, Ind. — City leaders and local business community members will gather at the Greenwood Fieldhouse for next year's annual civic address.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. - The City of North Vernon has scheduled two public meetings this month about creating by-laws for the Historic Preservation Commission.

SEYMOUR, Ind. — The Seymour Board of Public Works and Safety approved an awarded contract with a deductive change order for new flow meters at its Water Pollution Control (WPC) facility during its meeting on Thursday, Oct. 8.

SEYMOUR, Ind. — The City of Seymour is projecting significant construction savings on the Second Street project as work continues across municipal infrastructure developments.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Columbus Parks and Recreation has announced plans to renovate Freedom Field, the city’s largest accessible playground on Parkside Drive, for $1.3 million, with construction slated for early 2027.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Ethnic Expo returns to downtown Columbus near City Hall at 123 Washington Street this Friday and Saturday. The popular two-day festival has brightened the community for over 40 years.

COLUMBUS, Ind. — The Columbus City Council approved a resolution authorizing the Columbus Redevelopment Commission to spend $1,798,040 in TIF funds for infrastructure improvements in the Central Allocation Area.

GREENWOOD, Ind. — The Greenwood Parks and Recreation Board approved a new three-year sponsorship deal with Franciscan Health during its October meeting.

FRANKLIN, Ind. — The Franklin Public Art Advisory Commission is looking to enhance downtown streetscapes with new public art installations this fall. Beginning soon, several locations will feature freshly wrapped utility boxes designed by local artists.

GREENWOOD, Ind. - The Johnson County Highway Department announced that Peterman Road (County Road 400W) in White River Township will close between Smith Valley Road and Fairview Road, Monday, October 12, through Friday, October 16.

INDIANAPOLIS - The Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) estimates that over 58,000 Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) members may not currently comply with, or be exempt from, the HIP Work Requirements that will begin January 1, 2027.

GREENWOOD, Ind. — The Greenwood Common Council has voted 8–0 to approve a rezoning request for a new residential development on the city’s west side.

SEYMOUR, Ind. - A pedestrian was struck and killed by a train in the area of Broadway Street in Seymour on Wednesday, October 7. Just before 10 p.m., Seymour Police Department officers responded to the scene.

COLUMBUS, Ind. — The Columbus City Council voted unanimously to approve a $3 million Tax Increment Financing (TIF) grant to support the restoration and expansion of the historic Crump Theatre as part of Project Encore.

COLUMBUS, Ind. — The Columbus City Council passed the second reading and official adoption of Ordinance No. 2026, establishing the city’s budget for fiscal year 2027.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Bartholomew County Historical Society presents the latest in its Open Door Tour Series, "A Bite of History," on Saturday, October 17, from 2 to 5 p.m.

SEYMOUR, Ind. - The Schneck Foundation invites the community to a special seminar, "Live Well, Age Wisely," designed to empower individuals with practical tips and proven strategies for staying healthy, active, and feeling their best as they age. 

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Heritage Fund - The Community Foundation of Bartholomew County announces that online applications are now open for two music scholarships that will be awarded in 2027. Completed applications are due by 4 p.m. Jan. 29, 2027.

COLUMBUS, Ind. — The Columbus Board of Public Works and Safety has approved two key expenditures for the Columbus Police Department (CPD), including upgrading the range and replacing a patrol vehicle.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Columbus City Utilities contractors will begin a waterworks project near Southside Elementary School and the Bartholomew County Fairgrounds on or after Friday, October 9, requiring temporary road closures on Spears Street.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. -The Jennings County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) arrested a 67-year-old woman after she drove in circles around the lawn of the Jennings County Courthouse, 24 N Pike St., on Monday, October 5.

GREENWOOD, Ind. — The Greenwood Fire Department (GFD) and Mayor Mark W. Myers recognized citizen Amanda Schultz for her life-saving actions over the Fourth of July weekend.

FRANKLIN, Ind. – Franklin College has received the largest gift in its history, a $15 million donation from Virginia Staff Shannon, Class of 1945, to construct the Charles B. Staff Center in honor of her father, a member of the Class of 1914.

FRANKLIN, Ind. — Johnson County REMC (JCREMC) announced that applications for the fall 2026 cycle of "Operation Round-Up" are open. Nonprofits in or near the JCREMC service area can apply for grant funding up to $5,000. The deadline is October 31.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. — The North Vernon Utility Service Board announced during its October 5 meeting that all municipal water customers will soon receive annual notifications regarding their service line materials.

SEYMOUR, Ind. - SPARK Shop, Jackson County’s new community coworking space at 301 E. Second St. in Seymour, will officially open its doors with a Grand Opening celebration on Thursday, October 22, from 4–6 p.m.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. — The North Vernon Utility Service Board reviewed several major infrastructure repairs during its October 5 meeting, including emergency repairs at the High Service Pump Station.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Visit Columbus has $14,000 remaining in grant funds available through its Tourism Development and Event Support programs.

COLUMBUS, Ind. -  "Battle of the Bowls - Greyson's Chili Cook-Off" is the senior project of Columbus North student Greyson Kesler. The community event, hosted by Fun on 4th, raises money for Toys for Tots in Columbus.

EDINBURGH, Ind. — The Edinburgh Town Council has officially approved an amendment to the Edinburgh Police Department’s vehicle-pursuit standard operating procedure, granting officers a new tactic to end high-speed chases safely.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The "Evening with the Music of Harry Chapin," featuring Dale Sechrest and Friends, has been postponed because a band member has a health emergency.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Ethnic Expo returns this weekend to downtown Columbus near City Hall at 123 Washington St. The festival has brought together the community for over 40 years.

COLUMBUS, IND. — Centra Credit Union and the Centra Foundation announced that Turning Point Domestic Violence Services has been awarded $75,000 in grants: $15,000 to the organization and $60,000 in Community Multiplier grant funds through the Indianapolis Community Multiplier–Member Match program.

EDINBURGH, Ind. — At its Monday, September 28 meeting, the Edinburgh Town Council took formal action to prepare for the completion of the Timbergate subdivision.

WHITELAND, Ind. - The Town of Whiteland invites residents to participate in a "Community Clean Up Day" this Saturday, October 10, from 8 a.m. to noon. The event will take place on Elm Street, east of the Whiteland Fire Department, at 141 S. State St.

SEYMOUR, Ind. - Step back in time to Indiana’s pioneer days and enjoy the history and natural beauty of Southern Indiana at the annual "Log Cabin Day" festival, Saturday, October 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge on U.S. 50, three miles east of Seymour.