The Columbus Food Co-op is closing in on its financial goal to open the community-owned, locally sourced food store.

The group held an event Friday called The Feast that raised $32,680 toward the goal. The Feast featured an 8-course-meal provided by local farmers and prepared by local chefs

Co-op President Mike Johnston explains the co-op plans to focus on locally grown and healthy food.

The end goal is to open the store in early 2019, Johnston said.

It will take up 8,400 square feet of the converted industrial building in the 1500 block of Central Avenue

The organization is in the last weeks of its capital campaign. The co-op is planning an update to the community owners on July 26th.

Bartholomew County veterans will still continue to receive the services they need, despite the county commissioners’ decision to terminate the county veterans services officer, officials say.

Tom Crawford has held that position since 2013.

The personnel decision was made Monday, according to county officials. Larry Kleinhenz, commissioner president, says that he is unable to discuss individual personnel matters and would not elaborate of Crawford’s firing. We have been unable to reach Crawford for comment.

Despite the loss of their boss, there are still three people working in the veterans services office. There should be no disruption to the transportation of veterans for medical care or any other services, according to county officials.

There has yet to be a formal announcement seeking a new veterans services officer. The county generally advertises a job internally to other county employees for five days before opening the hiring process to general applicants. That process will likely start next week.

*Story updated after receiving comments from Commissioner Larry Kleinhenz

Columbus Young Professionals held their Amazing Race event on Saturday.

According to the group, this year’s race focused on area nonprofits, with challenges targeting awareness to help each organization.

The first place team of Corner Ladies finished in four hours and three minutes. That team was made up of Kaitlyn Yancey & Veronica Pirie.. The second place team, of Nathan Cooper & Mackenzie Standeford, finished a minute later. The third place team of Chips and Queso, made up of Emily and Matt Behling finished in four hours and nineteen minutes. The best attitude award went to Maranna & Ryan Hollist.

The race highlighted community not for profits including:

• Sans Souci
• Columbus Indiana Philharmonic
• Lincoln Central Neighborhood Family Center
• Bartholomew County Public Library
• Columbus Parks & Rec
• Heritage Fund — the Community Foundation of Bartholomew County
• Love Chapel
• Columbus Farmer’s Market

Indiana State Police have arrested a 45-year-old North Vernon man accused of soliciting a child on the Internet.

Christopher Blackburn is facing charges of child solicitation, attempted vicarious sexual gratification and attempted possession of child pornograpy.

State Police say that Blackburn reached out to the 15-year-old girl on Snapchat in February, sending her a sexually suggestive music video, then asking her to send him inappropriate pictures.

A Jennings County warrant was issued for his arrest and he was arrested early last week without incident, according to troopers.

North Vernon police are looking for information about burglaries at local fireworks stands.

The police department says this morning on their Facebook page, that they have little to go on. The suspects are two white men in their late 20s. Both are heavily tattooed with short hair.

More than $1,000 in fireworks have been stolen from the fireworks stands.

If you have any information that might be helpful in the investigation, you can call the police department at 812-346-1466.

An Edinburgh man is being accused of a slew of charges after a traffic stop revealed syringes in his vehicle, including under the seat where a child was sitting.

Columbus Police report that they pulled over a vehicle being driven by 54 year old Brian K. Gabbard because of an obscured license plate and making a turn without a signal at about 12:50 a.m. Sunday morning near 25th Street and Fairlawn Drive.

Police say that Gabbard at first gave a fake name and it turned out that his license was permanently suspended for being a habitual traffic violator. He also had two outstanding Bartholomew County warrants. As he was being searched before being arrested, police found a syringe in his pocket says Sgt. Alyson M. Rech, spokeswoman for the police department.

A search of the vehicle allegedly revealed several more syringes, a digital scale, marijuana grinder and glass smoking pipes with drug residue.

He was arrested and the child was released to relatives.

Gabbard is facing charges including:

• Bartholomew County Warrant
• Body Attachment Warrant
• Operating a Vehicle after a Lifetime Suspension: Level 5 Felony
• Possession of Methamphetamine: Level 6 Felony
• Possession of a Legend Drug Injection Device: Level 6 Felony
• Neglect of a Dependent: Level 6 Felony
• Possession of Paraphernalia: Class C Misdemeanor
• False Informing: Class B Misdemeanor

A local volunteer has been recognized with the Golden Hoosier award for her aid to non profit organizations. Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch presented the award to Peggy Wampler of Columbus at the Statehouse last week.

State Rep. Milo Smith, R-Columbus, says that Wampler has heen volunteering for more than 20 years in the community, completing more than 10,000 hours of volunteer work. That includes working with Thrive Alliance, Mill Race Center and the Salvation Army. She works in the emergency department every Friday night for Columbus Regional Hospital, helping the information desk and delivering flowers to patients.

State Sen. Greg Walker, R-Columbus, said that Wampler is an example for all Hoosiers.

“The countless hours of volunteering she does for important organizations in our community makes Peggy the ideal candidate to receive this award,” Walker said.

The Golden Hoosier Awards recognize outstanding Hoosiers for their lifetime of service to their communities, and is the highest honor bestowed on those in Indiana who are at least 65 years old.

About 100 people came out to remember Sgt. Jonathon Hunter on Saturday, many wearing Army green T-Shirts in his honor.

The city of Columbus dedicated a small park in Hunter’s memory at the corner of Indiana Avenue and State Street that morning. The Bartholomew County Veterans Honor Guard performed a 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps.

Hunter, a Columbus East High School graduate, was killed by a suicide bomber while serving in Afghanistan in August. The newly dedicated park includes a plaque with an engraved image of Hunter and a summary of his Army career.

Hunter posthumously was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart among other medals.

The Indiana Avenue green space features a pedestrian friendly landscaped brick way, crushed pavement, and puzzle-piece shaped benches. Engraved bricks adopted by community members in order to celebrate the revitalization of State Street, have been installed as part of the brick way.

Mayor Jim Lienhoop and Councilman Dascal Bunch offered remarks.

An Indiana State Police dog named after NASCAR driver and Columbus native Tony Stewart has retired.

Smoke, an 11-and-1/2-year old German shepherd, was purchased by the state police more than nine years ago with money provided by the Tony Stewart Foundation. Before his service in Indiana, the dog served for two years as a police dog in Iowa.

The dog was named after Stewart’s well-known racing nickname.

Smoke and his handler, Master Trooper Kyle Freeman, primarily patrolled the Indianapolis area. During one search Smoke located more than 19 Kilos of Cocaine and $500,000 cash.

Freeman thanked Stewart for giving him a phenomenal partner and friend. Smoke will live out his retirement with Freeman and his family.

The Columbus Police Department is inviting the owner of 10 pounds of marijuana that was sent to an incorrect address to claim it. The department posted about the weed on Thursday. They estimate the street value to be $30,000. This incident follows a similar one several weeks ago where vials of THC were sent to an address in Columbus. When the resident saw the package, they contacted police.

If you do decide to try to claim the marijuana, CPD encourages you to bring your ID.