Officials with the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department says that they continue to work to keep contraband material out of the jail. Bartholomew County Sheriff Matt Myers says that jail staff are seeing an increase in drugs, mostly Suboxone, coming in through the mail to inmates. Sheriff Matt Myers is defiant and says that he is “dead serious” about keeping drugs out of the jail.

In order to reduce the chances of contraband, Sheriff Myers has released an Administrative Directive, effective immediately, that includes several changes. They include:

– No incoming correspondence with colored paper or colored envelopes, including cards and postcards;

– Only plain white paper and non-security envelopes are approved;

– No crayon, colored pencil or marker;

– No fragrance, stains, or discolorations;

– All stamps will be removed and discarded,

– Envelopes must include full name and address of the sender.

Myers says that inmates have been notified about these changes. He adds that these changes are necessary, noting that jail staff have already intercepted contraband three times this year. Last year, there were 12 interceptions and only two in 2016. “As we research treatment programs for our inmates, we certainly are going to do everything we can to keep drugs from getting into the jail,” said Sheriff Myers. “Our K9’s are more frequently being brought into the jail and we have increased random shakedowns. We are also researching scanner options that will allow us to be able to scan all mail coming into the jail,” adding “we will do whatever it takes to stop trafficking.”

Sheriff Myers also says that authorities will be going after those who are mailing contraband to the jail. He says those attempting to mail or smuggle unlawful items “will be charged to the fullest extent of the law.”

Columbus police want to warn you that there have been several vehicles stolen recently, after being left to warm up in the morning.

The police department reports that several times in January, a vehicle’s owner left the car running to warm up and when they went back outside, their car was gone.

Police say that you should not make it easy on would-be car thieves. Do not leave your car running with the keys in it. Also don’t leave your laptop, purse or other valuables in an unlocked car. And if you have firearms in a vehicle, make sure they are secured. You should not leave them in a vehicle overnight. Instead, always take them inside with you.

Area high school students interested in criminal justice will be taking part in a competition tomorrow at Columbus East High School, organized by Skills USA and the C4 program

Chris Schilling with Ivy Tech Community College in Columbus says that the first place winner of the competition will receive a scholarship to Ivy Tech. Students from  Southeastern Career Center, Prosser Career Education Center, and C4 who are members of the Skills USA career and technical student organization will be competing.

The skills competition will start at 8 a.m. at the school’s auto shop and in Room 142. Skills tests will include a simulated traffic stop, a written exam, and collecting finger prints.  The winners will represent Southeastern Indiana at a statewide competition, which could lead to representing Indiana at a national competition in Kentucky.

They will be celebrating Groundhog Day Friday morning in Hope. Town Manager JT Doane says Grubby the Groundhog will be making her return, courtesy of Utopia Wildlife Rehabilitators.

Doane says the event will also include a presentation from “Grubby’s Groupies,” who will be wearing top-hats and tails.

Doane says this will be Grubby’s fourth year serving as Hope’s weather forecaster.

The Alliance for Substance Abuse Progress in Bartholomew County will be having a fundraising concert Saturday night at Viewpoint Books in Columbus. Organizers are calling it a “Book Cellar Benefit,” featuring Josh Morningstar, a former addict and inmate, father and troubadour. Morningstar says that it’s important for him to perform at this event. He explains what you can expect to hear…

Mornigstar says that he was a heroin addict for five years after getting started on pain pills. He says that he’s been in recovery for six years and that he’s thankful to have survived and to be able to tell his story in the hopes of helping others.

Saturday night’s show begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance and may be purchased at Viewpoint Books, located at the corner of Washington and Sixth Streets in downtown Columbus. Only 100 seats are being offered for the event. If seats are still available Saturday, they will be $20 at the door, with all proceeds going to support ASAP.

Two people are in custody after Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a report of suspicious people at a rest stop off of Interstate 65.

Judy Jackson, spokeswoman for the Sheriff’s Department, says that at about 12:20 a.m. on Thursday, Sgt. Kris Weisner responded to the complaint at the I-65 northbound rest park. When Weisner arrived, he reportedly found the suspect’s vehicle in the southbound rest park.

Sgt. Weisner made contact with the occupants, 36-year-old Daniel S. Shuffitt, of Columbus, and 27-year-old Sarah O. Callon, of Franklin. During his investigation, he learned that both Shuffitt and Callon were wanted on outstanding warrants.

Indiana State Police Troopers arrived on the scene to help. Trooper Jacob Tolle reportedly saw drug-related paraphernalia on the driver-side floorboard of the vehicle, leading to K9 Bolt being brought in. Authorities say that Bolt was alerted to narcotics inside the vehicle. A search allegedly resulted in the discovery of several additional drug-related items inside.

Shuffitt was transported to Columbus Regional Health after complaining of feeling ill. Jackson says that he remains at the hospital, where his condition is unknown. Callon was arrested for her warrant and remains behind bars on $5,000 bond.

Sheriff Matt Myers says this incident illustrates the importance of reporting suspicious behavior. “If there are individuals who may be engaging in activities that could be threatening to our community, the best way we can prevent this is for people who see something that is suspicious to call law enforcement,” says Myers.

The Alliance for Substance Abuse Progress in Bartholomew County will be having a fundraising concert Saturday night at Viewpoint Books.

They are calling it a Book Cellar Benefit concert featuring Josh Morningstar, a former addict and inmate, father and troubadour.

Tickets for the event are $15 in advance and may be purchased at Viewpoint Books. Only 100 seats are being offered for the event. If seats are still available Saturday, they will be $20 at the door.  All proceeds will be donated to support ASAP.

The show starts at 7:30 p.m. at Viewpoint Books, on the corner of Washington and Sixth Streets in downtown Columbus.