The Columbus Redevelopment Commission is scheduled to hold a special meeting this afternoon focused on a community partnership with the Indiana University School of Art, Architecture and Design.

Today’s meeting, scheduled for 3:30 p.m. at City Hall, is set to include Mayor Jim Lienhoop, John Burnett with the Community Education Coalition and Tom Morris, Vice-President of Facilities and Capital for IU.

A March draft document from IU to city officials requested $2 million from the community to support the launch the IU Master of Architecture program. The Community Education Coalition has pledged to help the school refurbish the building on Second Street that used to house The Republic newspaper. The J. Irwin Miller Masters in Architecture program is slated to begin this fall.

Legal Aid has announced a number of free Legal Aid Clinics in our area. These clinics are aimed at low-income residents. Organizers add that they are held each month in Bartholomew County.

The Legal Aid Clinic and Pro Bono Program utilizes local volunteer attorneys. Organizers say these attorneys offer free legal consultations to low-income individuals to further the mission of equal access to justice within our community. They say that even those who are unable to afford an attorney should have legal assistance.

Individuals coming to the Legal Aid Clinic can expect to receive a 10 minute consultation to answer general questions, offer legal information or to receive other limited assistance or advice. These in person consultations are on a first come, first serve basis. Legal Aid says there is no need to register in advance.

Upcoming regional clinics will be held in:

BARTHOLOMEW COUNTY: Legal Aid Office, United Way Center from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday, May 21
Monday, June 25

BROWN COUNTY: Brown County Public Library from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday, July 10

JACKSON COUNTY: Jackson County Public Library from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Wednesday, June 6

RUSH COUNTY: Rush County Public Library from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday, July 9

In addition, the Johnson County Bar Association also holds a Free Legal Clinic for low income residents the second Wednesday each month from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Law Resource Center, located at 170 North Jackson Street in Franklin. Their upcoming clinics will be June 13th and July 11th.

You still have a few days left to buy tickets for the Columbus Human Rights Commission’s annual dinner.

The deadline is by the end of business on Friday to buy tickets for the May 17th event. The dinner will be honoring Sherry Stark with the William R. Laws Human Rights Award.

This year’s guest speaker will be Lecia Brooks, the outreach director for the Southern Poverty Law Center who will be talking about immigration, hate and extremism.

The program begins at 6:30 p.m., on Thursday, May 17th at The Commons. Tickets are $30.

Tickets are $30 and are available at the Human Rights Commission office in City Hall or by going online to columbus.in.gov.

The primary election is tomorrow, but there is still a little time to vote early in Bartholomew County. You can cast your ballot until noon today at the voter registration office in the Bartholomew County Courthouse.

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.

Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to to 6 p.m. tomorrow at 18 voting centers throughout Bartholomew 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

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

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

Indy 500 driver Stefan Wilson, driver of the No. 25 Driven2SaveLives Honda of Andretti Autosport, will be in Seymour on Monday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Freeman Field Airport. The Seymour Police Department says that Wilson will be driving one of their police cars through several different driving courses set up by the department and the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute/Traffic Safety Division.

Wilson and the Indiana Donor Network will be in Seymour promoting the Driven2SaveLives campaign which raises awareness for organ, tissue, and eye donation. This campaign is an extension from 2016 in which Stefan drove in the 100th running for the Indiana Donor Network. The 2018 Driven2SaveLives car will feature the names of 25 people who are on the waiting list for a lifesaving transplant.

Organizers say that Wilson’s personal connection to organ donation is through his older brother, Justin Wilson, who was killed in a racing accident in 2015. They say that Justin was able to save five lives through the gift of organ donation.

Wilson will also assist the Seymour Police Department and the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute by promoting seat belt awareness as they begin their “Click It or Ticket” seat belt blitz starting on May 11th. The blitz, lasting through June 3rd, targets those drivers and passengers throughout the country not wearing a seat-belt.

A Columbus woman wanted on a warrant was arrested Thursday after a Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Deputy spotted her at her job. Judy Jackson, spokeswoman for the sheriff’s department, says that at approximately 11:01 p.m., Deputy Leah Burton stopped at a business in the 2600 block of West Jonathan Moore Pike when she saw 38-year-old Taressa Stargel waiting on customer. Deputy Burton knew that Stargel had an outstanding warrant so she parked her patrol vehicle and entered the business.

No longer seeing Stargel inside, Deputy Burton went outside to the back door. She reports that Stargel exited the back door as Columbus Police Officer Drake Maddix arrived to assist.

Police say that Stargel was in possession of a cut white and green straw with white residue inside. Her purse allegedly contained marijuana. When Stargel was arrested, she reportedly told authorities that had no additional drug-related items in her possession. However, when Stargel was booked in the Bartholomew County Jail, a correction’s officer reported finding a cut bag containing a white crystal substance in her possession.

In addition to the warrant, Stargel was arrested on preliminary charges of Probation Violation, Possession of Methamphetamine, Trafficking with an Inmate, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Paraphernalia.

Stargel is being held without bond.

The Columbus Redevelopment Department has announced that Kelly Geckler will serve as its Project Coordinator. Heather Pope, department director, says the position “will assist the Commission’s implementation efforts of various public and private improvement projects to further grow the City’s economic base.” Geckler is set to serve as a community advocate to build awareness of redevelopment issues, participate in special project teams and assist in conducting studies of future projects in Columbus.

Officials say that Geckler, a Columbus resident of 16 years, has been involved with various community organizations. These include Turning Point Domestic Violence Services, Dwellworks LLC, Lincoln Center Figure Skating Club, Energy Matters Community Coalition, Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation and First Presbyterian Church. She is currently a Board Member of the First Presbyterian Church Foundation and the Women’s Giving Circle of Bartholomew County.

The Hope museum on the northwest corner of the Town Square is hosting events Saturday aimed at children and on Sunday so adults can reminisce.

The Saturday Sampler series of workshops for children are continuing at the Yellow Trail Museum/. Those are held on the first Saturday of each month. Tomorrow’s program is Farm Friends: Animals on the Farm The one-hour program includes a lesson, crafts or a hands-on experience, and a snack for participants

The series runs from 10 to 11 a.m.

The museu will be hosting a discussion group on Sunday for residents and former residents to talk about their life in the small town and northeastern Bartholomew County. The group will meet at 2 p.m. on Sunday afternoon at the museum to talk about life in Hope, Hartsville, Clifford and St. Louis Crossing.

Light refreshments will be served and the program is free.

For more information, call 812-371-7969.

Bartholomew County voters will have an effect on three races for the Indiana statehouse, when they cast ballots next week.

The largest part of the county is represented in Indiana House District 59, which has been held by Republican State Rep. Milo Smith of Columbus. But Smith decided not to seek re-election, leading to a wide open race for the seat. Five Republicans are actively campaigning for the seat and two Democrats. Republicans John Counceller, JoAnne Flohr, Ryan Lauer, Allen Smith and Lew Wilson are running to face the winner of the Democratic primary in the November general election. That will be either Mary Kohen or Dale Nowlin.

In northeastern Bartholomew County, Republican State Rep. Sean Eberhart of Shelbyville is running for re-election against Luke Campbell for the House District 57 seat. And in very southern Bartholomew County some voters will be helping choose the winner of the House 69 District race, where Republican Rep. Jim Lucas of Seymour  is running for re-election against Nancy Franke and Charles Johnson. The winner of the Republican primary will be facing Democrat Steve Schoettmer in the fall.

Bartholomew County voters will have two State Senate races on their ballot, with both being unopposed in the primary. Republican Sen. Greg Walker is running for re-election in District 41. He will face Democrat Ross Thomas in the fall election. Republican Sen. Chip Perfect is unopposed in both the primary and general elections.

The primary election is Tuesday, May 8th.

Early voting is setting new records in Bartholomew County. Clerk Jay Phelps says we have already passed the totals from four years ago, and there are still two and a half days of early voting left.

Phelps says that as of yesterday afternoon, more than 2,000 county residents had already voted early. In comparison, four years ago, only 939 people had voted at this point.

Before this year, the previous all-time total was 1,420 votes in 2014, which we passed on Tuesday.

You can still vote early today and tomorrow. Early voting is available at the Bartholomew County Courthouse from 8 a.m. to 5 today and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow. There are three early voting satellite locations open today and tomorrow at Donner Center, Flintwood Wesleyan Church and MainSource Bank on Jonathan Moore Pike. Those are open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. today and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow.

Your last chance to vote early is Monday morning, before noon, at the Bartholomew County Courthouse.