The Hope Volunteer Fire Department is close to getting a new fire truck. The department’s leaders visited the offices of E-One fire engines in Ocala, Fla.this week to make the final inspection of their new pumper truck, according to the company.
The department secured a grant of $492,000 to fund the purchase of the new truck. Fire officials said at the time of the grant announcement that they would be replacing an engine that is more than 20 years old.
Ivy Tech Community College in Columbus will be having an Express Enrollment Day on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the school campus on Central Avenue.
An Express Enrollment Day means staff will be on hand to help you take your first steps to become a student including completing enrollment steps, get your financial aid questions answered, meet with an advisor or other activities.
You are encouraged to RSVP and you should bring your high school or college transcripts and your SAT/ACT or PSAT transcripts. To schedule an appointment, or get more information, you can call Ivy Tech Columbus at 812-372-9925.
Columbus city government offices will be going back to their regular schedules on Monday. Many offices have been on the energy-saving summer hours schedule. Normal hours are 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday.
A local professional wrestling troupe will be putting on a free show tomorrow in downtown Columbus to benefit Developmental Services, Inc.
EMERGE Pro Wrestling is holding it’s third annual “Downtown Throwdown” outside on Fourth Street. One of matches features Justin Wells, a DSI client, who will be taking part in his first professional wrestling match. Wrestler “Donny Idol” is one of Justin’s tag team partners…
Idol, who holds Emerge’s Outbreak championship, is also a Columbus native:
Casey Johnson, EMERGE’s director of production, says this event is an annual effort to give back to organizations in Columbus:
Local businesses have provided thousands of dollars worth of merchandise to be raffled off throughout the event to benefit DSI.
Downtown Throwdown begins at 5 p.m. near Fourth Street Bar. Organizers suggest that you bring a lawn chair.
Local and state officials are honoring the sacrifice made by Sgt. Jonathon Hunter, a 23-year-old Columbus East graduate who died in a suicide bombing this week in Afghanistan.
Gov. Eric Holcomb released a statement saying:
Words will never convey the sorrow that Janet and I feel for the loss of Sgt. Jonathon Michael Hunter, an Army sergeant and Columbus, Indiana native killed in a NATO convoy attack in Afghanistan. We offer our prayers for his family and friends and ask all Hoosiers to honor his selfless service to our country.
U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly said:
I am saddened to hear that Columbus native, Jonathon Michael Hunter, has been killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan. His service and sacrifice in defense of our country will never be forgotten. My prayers and condolences go to his family, friends, fellow soldiers, and the entire Columbus community.
U.S. Rep. Luke Messer said:
Sergeant Jonathon Hunter is a true American hero, and our entire nation grieves this loss. My thoughts and prayers are with Sergeant Hunter’s family, friends and the entire Columbus community. Sergeant Hunter gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country. His bravery and legacy will live on.
Columbus East High School’s administrators issued a statement.
The Columbus East High School Community is sad to hear of the passing of one of its own. We were made aware that Jonathon Michael Hunter was killed in military action in Afghanistan. Jonathon was a 2011 graduate of Columbus East High School, and a member of the football team. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Hunter family, friends, the Columbus East community, and the BCSC community during this difficult time.
This is the second Columbus East graduate that has given his life for his country while serving in Afghanistan. In 2010 Jeremy McQueary was killed while conducting searches for Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDS). He was 27.
Columbus East High School & The Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation are proud of the commitment and dedication of these two young men in service to their country.
East Principal Mark Newell said that he will be making an announcement Friday morning, reminding current students about the sacrifices made by their peers…
Bartholomew Consolidated Schools officials also released a statement on Hunter’s death:
The Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation (BCSC) family is mourning the loss of one of our own… Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Hunter family, friends, and the BCSC community during this difficult time. We express our deep appreciation for all who have served, and continue to serve, in the military in order to protect the rights and freedoms we are blessed to have.
The commander of the 1st Brigade Combat team, Col. Toby Magsig, said that the unit also lost 25-year-old Specialist Christopher M. Harris of Jackson Springs, N.C., in the attack.
The entire Devil Brigade is deeply saddened by the loss of two beloved team members… Sgt. Jonathon Hunter was the leader we all want to work for – strong, decisive, compassionate, and courageous. He was revered by his Paratroopers and respected throughout his unit.
Chris and Jon lived and died as warriors. They will always be a part of the legacy of the Devil Brigade and their memory lives on in the hearts and minds of their fellow Paratroopers. Our thoughts and prayers are centered on the families and loved ones of these two great Americans.”
A Columbus East High School graduate was one of two soldiers killed this week during a suicide bombing in Afghanistan.
Sgt. Jonathon Hunter was a 2011 graduate of Columbus East, where he played on the football team. The 23 year old was just 32 days into his first deployment.
His father, Mark Hunter, talked with our news-gathering partners at RTV6 about his son’s loving heart.
Mark Newell, principal at Columbus East, said that Hunter loved his country…
East Football Coach Bob Gaddis talks with RTV6 about Hunter’s character. The Pentagon said the attack happened in the southern province of Kandahar. A suicide bomber reportedly drove a vehicle rigged to explode into the convoy near an airport where international troops are aiding Afghan security forces against the Taliban.Also dying in the attack was 25-year-old Specialist Christopher M. Harris of Jackson Springs, North Carolina. Both served with the 2nd Battalion, 504th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division.
According to his unit, Hunter joined the Army in April 2014 and, following Basic Combat Training, Advanced Individual Training, and Airborne School at Fort Benning, Ga., was assigned to 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division. This was his first deployment.
Hunter is the second East graduate to die while serving in Afghanistan. In 2010 Jeremy McQueary was killed while conducting searches for Improvised Explosive Devices.
Germany has been named the host country of this year’s Ethnic Expo. The expo, presented by First Financial Bank, is celebrating its 34th year. It will be held October 13th and 14th outside of Columbus City Hall.
Friends of Germany, will represent Germany at this year’s event. As host country, the cultures and foods of Germany will be featured in the main booth of the festival village and will be celebrated in the Ethnic Expo parade.
Ethnic Expo is organized by the City of Columbus and is made possible by generous donations from the presenting sponsor First Financial for the eighth consecutive year. Other sponsors include Coca-Cola, Vectren Foundation, ERMCO Electric and Milestone. City officials note that the expo is also made possible with support from the Indiana Arts Commission, the Columbus Area Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.
“First Financial is proud to be a part of the Columbus community. We are honored to participate again in the annual Ethnic Expo, which focuses on gathering together to showcase our hometown’s diverse culture and heritage.” said Al Roszczyk, Regional President for First Financial Bank. “First Financial is proud to be the title sponsor for the eighth year and our team looks forward to celebrating with the community this October.”
The application deadline for International Food and Bazaar vendors is August 31st. Applications, rules regulations and other information can be found at www.ethnicexpo.org.
The relocation of a water line has resulted in a Boil Order for some Nashville Utilities customers. Residents and businesses in the following areas should boil all cooking and drinking water prior to consumption:
4106 Yellowwood Road to 4127 Yellowwood Road;
3505 Mockingbird Lane to 3601 Mockingbird Lane;
3479 Somerset Lake Road;
4294 Somerset Lake Road
This order is in effect through 4 p.m. Friday.
Customers with questions should call Nashville Utilities at (812) 988-5526.
A Columbus East High School graduate was one of two soldiers killed in Afghanistan, according to the high school.
School officials said on Twitter that Sgt. Jonathon Hunter was killed in the suicide bombing attack. He was a 2011 East alumni and played football with jersey number 22 according to the announcement.
Two soldiers died in the attack on a NATO convoy in Afghanistan yesterday. The Pentagon said the attack happened in the southern province of Kandahar. A suicide bomber reportedly drove a vehicle rigged to explode into the convoy near an airport where international troops are aiding Afghan security forces against the Taliban.
The school released a statement this morning:
“The Columbus East High School Community is sad to hear of the passing of one of its own. We were made aware that Jonathon Michael Hunter was killed in military action in Afghanistan. Jonathon was a 2011 graduate of Columbus East High School, and a member of the football team. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Hunter family, friends, the Columbus East community, and the BCSC community during this difficult time.
“This is the second Columbus East graduate that has given his life for his country while serving in Afghanistan. In 2010 Jeremy McQueary was killed while conducting searches for Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDS). He was 27.
“Columbus East High School & The Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation are proud of the commitment and dedication of these two young men in service to their country.”
TTWN Media Networks is reporting that President Trump is upset with the way the war in Afghanistan is being run. In a recent meeting with top military officials, Trump reportedly declared that the U.S. isn’t winning, it’s losing. Trump even suggested that the top U.S commander in Afghanistan should be fired over the way the military mission in the country is going. He also reportedly complained that the U.S. isn’t benefiting from the estimated one-trillion-dollars worth of rare minerals in Afghanistan.
The State Street Area Association in Columbus will be celebrating its one year anniversary on Saturday with a block party at the Roby and America Anderson Community Center on McClure Road. Julie Bilz, president of the association, explains how the State Street Area Association took over the reigns of the former Eastside Community Center on McClure Road.
Bilz says that they are working to build programming at the center.
Bilz also touched on the project to revitalize State Street. She says that the State Street Implementation Team has done some great work in helping to improve the bridge area that connects the east side to downtown.
Bilz says that these improvements have already helped to land a few new businesses on State Street. She, as well as city officials, are hopeful that these are just the first of several new businesses who will call State Street “home.
Saturday’s festivities at the Roby and America Anderson Community Center are scheduled for 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and will include food, games and door prizes, along with music from “Mama’s Headache.” Other organizations taking part Saturday include Thrive Alliance, Turning Point and the Ivy Tech School of Education.