Two Jefferson County residents were arrested Tuesday morning after North Vernon Police investigated a disturbance on State Street at Hurly Drive. According to the report, officers arrived at 8:28 a.m. and spoke with people at the scene. During the conversations, they became suspicious of drug activity.

A search allegedly uncovered drug paraphernalia, including a syringe, meth smoking device and scales. Arrested were 28-year-old Cory Meadows and 39-year-old Angela S. Hibbard, both of Madison. Police say that Meadows is facing preliminary charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of a Syringe, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Maintaining a Common Nuisance and Possession of Paraphernalia. Hibbard is facing preliminary charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Legend Drug Violation, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Paraphernalia.

A North Vernon man was arrested on drug charges after a Tuesday night traffic stop. Lt. Mike Mowery, spokesman for the Jennings County Sheriff’s Department, says that at approximately 11:13 p.m. Deputy Thomas Mellencamp attempted to stop a car at Poplar Street and North State Street in North Vernon. Police say the car accelerated, turning left onto Rogers Lane and then onto Main Street before coming to a stop at Main Street and South Gum Street.

Deputy Mellencamp made contact with the driver, 35-year-old Jeremy Clark, who reportedly confessed to having a suspended driver’s license. During the investigation, Deputy Mellencamp reported finding a small bag containing approximately ½ gram of heroin. Clark then allegedly grabbed the heroin and threw it, then resisted arrest. Deputy Mellencamp, Deputy Sgt. Allen Ritchie and NVPD Officer Isaac Barkes attempted to detain Clark but they say he continued to resist and fought with them. Sgt. Ritchie then deployed his K-9 Partner Vampir, allowing the officers to gain control and make the arrest.

Police say that a search of the vehicle also revealed a glass smoking device with white residue commonly used to smoke methamphetamine.

Clark is facing preliminary charges of:

Resisting Law Enforcement, Level 6 Felony
Possession of a Narcotic Drug, Level 6 Felony
Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 6 Felony
Obstruction of Justice, A Misdemeanor
Resisting Law Enforcement, A Misdemeanor
Possession of Paraphernalia, B Misdemeanor

Clark was treated at the scene by Rescue 20 and then transported to the Jennings County Jail where he is being held on a $3,155 bond.

A local man was arrested Tuesday afternoon after Columbus Police say he crashed a stolen car into a house and fled on foot. Lt. Matt Harris, spokesman for the police department, says that at approximately 12:38 p.m., officers observed a stolen car speeding in the area of Hinman Street and Indiana Avenue. Harris says the stolen vehicle nearly struck a Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department patrol car before crashing into a house on South Hinman Street. The house suffered minor injuries.

Police say the driver, 26-year-old Cameron B. Sampson, of Columbus, fled on foot before being apprehended a short time later. Sampson, who was wanted on a Bartholomew County Warrant, is facing preliminary

charges of Auto Theft, Leaving the Scene of an Accident and Resisting Law Enforcement.

Republican Ryan Lauer won his primary for the Statehouse District 59 race with 36 percent in the six-way race.

District 59 covers most of Bartholomew County. The seat is now held by Rep. Milo Smith, a Columbus Republican, who decided not to seek re-election. That led to an eight-candidate race for the open Statehouse seat.

His closest competitor was Joanne Flohr with 25 percent. Lauer says the work is far from over, as he looks ahead to the November general election.

Lauer will face Democrat Dale Nowlin, who defeated Mary Kohen with 62 percent of the vote yesterday.

Incumbent Republican State Rep. Sean Eberhart has won his primary race in District 57  which centers in Shelbyville. but includes northeastern Bartholomew County, while incumbent State Rep. Jim Lucas has won the District 69 GOP primary, which includes the very southern portion of Bartholomew County in that Seymour district.

Bartholomew County Sheriff Matt Myers had a relatively easy win in yesterday’s Republican primary — nearly doubling his two opponents’ combined vote totals.

Myers, a former Columbus police officer, is seeking re-election to the sheriff’s office. He won 64 percent of the Republican primary, compared to opponent Rob Kittle’s 19 percent and Tami Watson’s 17 percent.

Myers says he is grateful that county residents understand the challenges facing the community.

The Sheriff adds that his mission remains the same as when he first took office…

There is no Democrat running for the sheriff’s office to challenge Myers in the November general election. However there is still time for Democrats to call a party caucus and add a name to the ballot.

All three of the incumbents for Bartholomew County Council have won their Republican primary races for re-election.

Laura DeDomenic won in the District 2 race against Glenn Petri, 63 to 37 percent. There is no Democrat slated to run against DeDomenic in the fall election. Council District 2 covers northwestern Bartholomew County.

Mark Gorbett won the District 3 race against Dave Jones, 67 to 33 percent. Gorbett says he is grateful for the voters who educated themselves.

No Democrats have yet filed to run against Gorbett in the fall. District 3 covers the central part of the county, including most of Columbus.

Jorge Morales won over Tom Owens in Council District 4, 57 to 43 percent. Morales talks about what he hopes to accomplish, should he win re-election in the fall.

Morales will face Democrat Lynne Fleming in November. The district includes southwestern Bartholomew County.

In the District 1 race where there is no incumbent, Scott Bonnell defeated Marcus Speer 55 to 45 percent in northeastern Bartholomew County. Democrat Hanna Omar will face Bonnell in the fall election.

Republican Chris Ogle currently holds the council seat, but opted not to run for re-election.

Sheriff Matt Myers, who won his primary for re-election yesterday, says he is grateful that county residents understand the challenges facing the community. He gave a lot of credit to the incumbent council members for having the fortitude to approve an increase in the local income tax rate to generate revenue for public safety.

Columbus native Greg Pence, brother to Vice President Mike Pence, is the winner of the Republican primary for Indiana’s Sixth Congressional District.

The vice president held the same seat in Congress for 12 years before running for governor.

Pence, a former Marine, talks about why he ran for office.

Pence talks about what he hopes to accomplish in Congress…

Pence says the race is only half-finished…

Pence defeated his closest opponent in the Republican primary, Jonathan Lamb 65 to 34 percent.

 

 

In the Democratic primary in the Sixth Congressional District, Jeannine Lake won her race to oppose Pence in the November general election. She defeated her closest opponent, Jim Pruett, 38 to 26 percent.

 

In the Ninth Congressional District primaries, incumbent Republican Congressman Trey Hollingsworth won with 79 percent of the vote compared to his opponent, James Alspach. He will face Democrat Liz Watson in the November General Election. She defeated Daniel Canon 66 to 31 percent in yesterday’s voting.

The Ninth Congressional District includes Johnson, Jackson and Brown counties.

The city of Columbus is being asked to help fund renovations for the former offices of “The Republic.” The building, situated across the street from City Hall and the Bartholomew County Courthouse, will house the IU School of Art, Architecture + Design, J. Irwin Miller Masters of Architecture Program. Mayor Jim Lienhoop says that Indiana University is pouring millions of dollars into the program locally.

Lienhoop says he believes the program will further the city’s goal of expanding employment opportunities.

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Total renovations are expected to cost $2 million, with half of that amount coming from other area partners. The Redevelopment Commission will be asked to fund the other $1 million. Mayor Lienhoop says that it’s important for the city to show a willingness to partner with the university.

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That formal request is expected at the Redevelopment Commission’s May 21st meeting. If approved, the request will go to city council for consideration on June 5th.

With more than 12 thousand voters casting their ballots in Bartholomew County, incumbents are the big winners in today’s primary election.

Sheriff Matt Myers won the Republican primary for re-election as the county sheriff. He has 64 percent of the vote, compared to opponent Rob Kittle’s 19 percent and Tami Watson’s 17 percent. There is no Democrat running for that office.

All three of the incumbents for Bartholomew County Council have won their Republican primary races for re-election.

Laura DeDomenic has won in the District 2 race against Glenn Petri, 63 to 37 percent. Mark Gorbett has won the District 3 race against Dave Jones, 67 to 33 percent and Jorge Morales has won over Tom Owens in District 4, 57 percent to 43 percent. The winner of that race will face Democrat Lynne Fleming in the fall.

As a percentage though, turnout only amounted to 24.7 percent of the 49,865 registered voters in the county.

Bartholomew County instituted vote centers three years ago, moving away from the traditional precinct voting. Under this plan, voters can cast ballots at any of the voter centers throughout the county. Those with the highest turnout today, as of 5 p.m.,  were Grace Lutheran Church, with 927 voters, Donner Center with 912 and St. John’s Masonic Lodge with 747. The three least used vote centers were Faith Lutheran Church with 266, Clifford Fire Station with 219, and White Creek Lutheran Church with 125 voters.

It is primary election day in Indiana and polls are open until 6 p.m.

Primary voters will be deciding races ranging from the Republican candidate to run against Democratic Sen. Joe Donnelly in the fall general election, all the way down to township advisory board races.

In the Senate race, Congressmen Todd Rokita and Luke Messer and former state lawmaker Mike Braun are all vying for the chance to run against Donnelly. Election observers have said their race for the Republican nomination has been the nastiest in the nation. Although the candidates do not differ much on policy, their ads have been focused on which is the most supportive of President Donald Trump.

Voters will be choosing from a slew of candidates seeking to replace Congressman Luke Messer, who is running in that Senate primary race. In the Congressional 6th District race, Republicans have a choice between Mike Campbell, Jonathan Lamb, Stephen Mackenzie, Greg Pence and Jeff Smith, while Democrats are choosing from. George Holland, Jeannine Lake, “Jasen” Lave, Jim Pruett, Lane Siekman and Joshua Williamson.

Bartholomew County voters will be choosing from three candidates for county sheriff, as well as four contested County Council races, all on the the Republican primary ballot. There will also be contested races on both the Republican and Democratic primaries for the Statehouse District 59 races.

County Clerk Jay Phelps says that almost 3,400 early voters have already cast ballots in this election.

In Bartholomew County, you can cast your ballot at the 18 voting centers throughout the county .  Those sites are:

1. Flintwood Wesleyan Church, 5300 25th St, Columbus, IN 47203
2. St. John’s Masonic Lodge, 4131 Rocky Ford Rd., Columbus, IN 47203
3. Grace Lutheran Church, 3201 Central Ave., Columbus, IN 47203
4. Healing Waters Church, 2330 Midway St., Columbus, IN 47201
5. Donner Center, 739 22nd St., Columbus, IN 47201
6. East Columbus Fire Station, 935 Repp Dr, Columbus, IN 47201 (Off of State Street)
7. The Commons, 300 Washington St., Columbus, IN 47201
8. Main Source Bank, 2310 W. Jonathan Moore Pike, Columbus, IN 47201 (West side location)
9. Terrace Lake Church, 4260 W. 200 S., Columbus, IN 47201
10. Faith Lutheran Church, 6000 W. State Road 46, Columbus, IN 47201
11. Bartholomew County REMC, 1697 W Deaver Rd, Columbus, IN 47201
12. Elizabethtown Fire Station, 10203 E. Legal Tender, Elizabethtown, IN 47232
13. Shiloh Baptist Church, 11988 E. State Road 46, Columbus, IN 47203
14. Hope Moravian Church, 202 Main St., Hope, IN 47246
15. Clifford Fire Station, 7850 N Depot St., Clifford, IN 47226
16. German Twp. Fire Station, 9428 Main St., Taylorsville, IN 47280
17.  Southwest Fire Station, 8500 S. State Road 58, Columbus, IN 47201
18.  White Creek Lutheran Church, 16270 S. 300 W., Columbus, IN 47201

We’ll be airing live election coverage on News Talk 1010 WCSI and 98.1 FM starting as soon as the polls close at 6 tonight. And we will have coverage of the statewide races from Network Indiana.

Government offices are closed today include Columbus City Hall, and Bartholomew County administrative offices. The Columbus City Garage says that trash, recycling and yard waste routes will be running as normal today. The Columbus/Bartholomew County Recycling Center will be closed today, but the landfill will be open normal hours, 7:30 to 4:30.

To vote, you must have a photo ID. According to the Indiana Secretary of State’s office that can include an Indiana driver license, Indiana photo ID card, Military ID or U.S. passport. Interim IDs issued by the BMV are also acceptable. f you are unable or unwilling to present an ID you can cast a provisional ballot.

Indiana BMV offices will be open until 6 today to help residents who need to get an ID in order to vote.

In Bartholomew County, voters will be choosing candidates to run in the fall general election including:

U.S. Senate

• Republicans: Mike Brain, Luke Messer, Todd Rokita.
• Democrats: Joe Donnelly.

U.S. House District 6

• Republicans: Mike Campbell, Jonathan M. Lamb, Stephen M. Mackenzie, Greg Pence, Jeff Smith
• Democrats: George T. Holland, Jeannine L. Lake, K. “Jasen” Lave, Jim Pruett, Lane Siekman, Joshua Williamson.

State Senate District 41

• Republican: Greg Walker
• Democrat: Ross Thomas

State Senate District 43

• Republican Clyde A. “Chip” Perfect

State Representative District 57

• Republicans: Luke Campbell, Sean R. Eberhart

State Representative District 59

• Republicans:  Benjamin C. Chastain, John D. Counceller, Joanne Flohr, Ryan Lauer, Allen K. Smith, Lew Wilson.
• Democrats: Mary Kohen, Dale Nowlin.

State Representative District 69

• Republicans: Nancy L. Franke, Charles Johnson, Jim Lucas
• Democrat: Steve Schoettmer

Superior Court 1 Judge

• Republican: Jim Worton

Prosecuting attorney

• Republican: William M. “Bill” Nash

Clerk of Circuit Court

• Republican: Jay Phelps

County Auditor

• Republican: Pia O’Connor

County Treasurer

• Republican: Barb Hackman

County Sheriff:

• Republicans: Robert K. “Rob” Kittle, Matthew A. Myers, Tamara Watson.

County Assessor

• Republican: Ginny Whipple

County Recorder:

• Republican: Tami Hines

County Commissioner District 2

• Republican: Carl H. Lienhoop

County Council District 1

• Republicans: Scott Bonnell, Marcus D. Speer
• Democrat: Hanna Omar

County Council District 2

• Republicans: Laura DeDomenic, Glenn Petri

County Council District 3

• Republicans: Mark E. Gorbett, David Jones

County Council District 4

• Republicans: Jorge “George” Morales, Tom Owens
• Democrat: Lynne Fleming

Columbus Township Trustee

• Republican Ben Jackson

Clay Township Trustee

• Republican John A. McDonald

Clifty Township Trustee

• Democrat: Mark S. Romine

Flatrock Township Trustee

• Republican Lisa Moore

German Township Trustee

• Republican Chris West

Harrison Township Trustee

• Republican David Dwyer

Hawcreek Township Trustee

• Republican Ronald D. Hatton

Jackson Township Trustee

• Republican Bruce F. Bartells

Ohio Township Trustee

• Republican Rob Simpson

Rockcreek Township Trustee

• Republican Gary W. Jaquess
• Democrat: Dennis Brooks

Sandcreek Township Trustee

• Republicans: Sandy Bayles, Andrew Brunni

Wayne Township Trustee

• Republican Brenda K. Mijares

Clay Township Advisory Board (3)

• Republicans: Frank Anderson, Roger L. Fromer

Clifty Township Advisory Board (3)

• Republican William L. Erfmeier

Columbus Township Advisory Board (3)

• Republicans: J. Stuart “Stu” Cundiff, Lloyd E. Miller, Michael Shireman

Flatrock Township Advisory Board (3)

• Republicans: Christi Bruer, Charlie Deweese, Tom R. Finke

German Township Advisory Board (3)

• Republicans: Larry W. Hoeltke, James A. Stevens
• Democrats: James Mahoney. Kari G. Tyree

Harrison Township Advisory Board (3)

• Republicans: Robert H. Fear, Dana Lynn Parks, Sharon Voelz
• Democrats: Bob Hyatt , Georgia C. McCarty,

Hawcreek Township Advisory Board (3)

• Democrat: Kim A. Miller

Jackson Township Advisory Board (3)

• Republicans: Sue Anne Lee, Luke C. Otte
• Democrats: Joe Hoene, Paul A. Newkirk

Ohio Township Advisory Board (3)

• Republican Carolyn Massengale

Rockcreek Township Advisory Board (3)

• Republicans: Garry L. Barker, Jim Reed, Ronald W. Speer
• Democrats: F. Norma Carson, Terry L. Sweasy, Stephen Whiteside

Sandcreek Township Advisory Board (3)

• Republican Ronald H. Hoevener
• Democrats: David R. Skinner, Roger Williams

Wayne Township Advisory Board (3)

• Republicans: Michael R. Bell, Joshua W. Ogle
• Democrat Dennis Tibbetts

Elizabethtown Clerk-Treasurer (1)

• Republican Judy L. Nichols

Clifford Town Council At-Large (3)

• Republicans: Bonnie “BJ” Everroad, Charlie Bob Moore
• Democrats: Danny James, Ed Stone, Carroll D. Thompson

Edinburgh Town Council At-Large (2

• Republicans: William (Bill) Jones, Marshall Ryan Piercefield
• Democrat Ron Hoffman

Elizabethtown Council At-Large (3)

• Republicans: Shannon Henson, Robert Tertocha
• Democrats: Rick Mullins, Shirley J. Nugent

Hope Town Council At-Large (2)

• Republicans: Clyde Compton, Lou K.
• Democrats: Jerry Bragg, Chelsea A. Warriner

State Convention Delegates Republican

• Roger D. Hackman Commissioner District 1
• Barb Hackman Commissioner District 2
• Greg Harter Commissioner District 2
• Marilyn Harter Commissioner District 2
• Dewayne Hines Commissioner District 3
• Tami L. Hines At-Large
• Ben Jackson At-Large
• Isaac P. Jackson At-Large
• Matt Miller At-Large
• Chris D. Monroe At-Large
• John Shoaf At-Large
• Teresa Shoaf At-Large

State Convention Delegates Democratic

• Brandon J. Allen At-Large
• Heather Anne Allen At-Large
• Lydi Davidson At-Large
• Ramon L. Gerber At-Large
• Susan Gerber At-Large
• David A. Harpenau At-Large
• Judith Harpenau At-Large
• Ann L. Jones At-Large
• William D. Jones At-Large
• Mark Kevitt At-Large
• Sharon Krieg At-Large
• Bob Moats At-Large
• Richard (Rick) Scalf At-Large
• Steve Schoettmer At-Large
• Jean Marr Wilkins At-Large

Precinct Committeeman Democratic

• Susan Gerber Precinct 0300
• Mark Kevitt Precinct 0600
• Sandra L. Crawford Precinct 0800
• David A. Harpenau Precinct 1100
• Dennis W. Baute Precinct 1200
• Virginia Moats Precinct 1300
• Richard (Rick) Scalf Precinct 1400
• Sharon Krieg Precinct 2200
• Brandon J. Allen Precinct 2500
• Bob Moats Precinct 2600
• John Keele Precinct 3000
• Robert “Bob” Pitman Precinct 3100
• Jean Marr Wilkins Precinct 3200
• Maria C. Larson Precinct 3300
• Mark S. Romine Precinct 3700
• Mary Kohen Precinct 4400
• Robert L. Forste Precinct 4450
• PNellie Meek Precinct 4800
• Marsha Morgan Precinct 4900
• Brad Woodcock Precinct 5200
• Steve Schoettmer Precinct 5400