The Winter Storm Warning for our area has prompted Bartholomew County Sheriff Matt Myers to offer a few reminders on winter driving:

Reduce speed. Many crashes occur simply due to driving too fast for weather conditions. There is no designated “safe” speed so drivers must exercise caution based on conditions. The safe speed may be well below the posted maximum speed limit.

Conditions may deteriorate rapidly and may change due to traffic patterns, available sunlight or snow treatment on pavement, or other factors. Don’t be lulled into thinking that easy driving in one location means the same everywhere. The same road may suddenly become hazardous a short distance away.

Leave extra room between vehicles. This is true both while traveling and while stopped at lights or signs. Normal following distances should be increased to 8-10 seconds minimum.

Accelerate and brake slowly. Sudden moves create problems on snow and ice.

Keep all windows clear of debris. Don’t start driving until all windows are clear of ice, snow, and frost.

Minimize distractions. Even more than on nice days, keep eyes on the road and attention on driving. Put away phones and other distractions.

Use your lights even during daylight hours. This is not so much for you to see but to assist others with seeing you. Make sure to clear lights of snow and ice.

Keep vehicles maintained. Check tire pressure, fill washer fluid, replace windshield wipers, keep gas tank at least half full, and have general maintenance performed.

Have an emergency kit in each vehicle. Suggested items include a blanket or extra clothes, flashlight, water, snacks, and a fully charged cell phone.

Sheriff Myers says his deputies will continually monitor road conditions around the county and will announce any travel advisories on our Facebook page and through other media outlets.

Plow trucks will be out in full force across the Indiana Department of Transportation’s Southeast District in anticipation of significant snowfall that begins tonight. INDOT says drivers will work 12-hour shifts until the snow event subsides.

The schedule for areas throughout the district is as follows:

Aurora – 29 plow trucks begin patrolling area highways at 8 p.m.;
Bloomington – 32 plow trucks begin patrolling area highways at 9 p.m.:
Columbus – 29 plow trucks begin patrolling area highways at 10 p.m.;
Falls City – 31 plow trucks to be dispatched at 8 p.m.. That includes 15 from the Sellersburg unit and 16 from the Corydon unit;
Madison – 30 plow trucks begin patrolling area highways at 8 p.m.;

INDOT adds that mechanics will fully staff subdistrict garages during the storm.

Officials say that all state highways and interstates have been pre-treated with salt brine. Early rain could wash away pre-treatments, but INDOT drivers are prepared to begin salt applications as soon as conditions warrant.

You should avoid unnecessary travel, but if you have to be on the road, INDOT has these tips:

– Reduce speeds. Plan ample time to reach your destination safely. Be patient.;
– Don’t tailgate and give snowplows room to work;
– Pay attention and don’t be distracted;
– Drive defensively;

If you are looking for more traffic information, download the WAZE app, powered by Crew Car Wash, and join the WCSI Traffic team. You can find updated traffic information online, on-air and on the app.

Snow is in the air tonight. The National Weather Service in Indianapolis has issued a winter storm warning for our area, forecasting 4 to 7 inches of snow.

This would be the first significant snow of the season so far. The winter storm warning goes into effect at midnight and lasts through 7 a.m. Sunday morning.

Most of the state should see some snow, with the heaviest band falling between Lafayette and Seymour.

Keep listening to our White River Broadcasting stations for any weather related closings and delays. Or you check our our website closings list here.

After a rash of vehicle break-ins on the west side of Columbus, police are asking you to make sure to lock up your vehicle.

Lt. Matt Harris said there have been more than 20 recent reports of thefts from vehicles in the Wildflower, Shadow Creek and Cross Creek Subdivision.

In each of those cases, the vehicles were left unlocked. Harris talked last month about the importance of locking your vehicle and making sure that you don’t leave valuables inside.

If you see any suspicious activity, you are urged to call Columbus police at 812-376-2600.

Indiana State Police arrested two men on drug charges after getting a tip about drugs at a Seymour motel.

Troopers arrived at the Allstate Inn with a search warrant at about 10 p.m. Wednesday evening. A man ran away from the troopers, and allegedly tore open a baggy, trying to get rid of what police allege was methamphetamine inside. The man, 39-year-old Michael W. Bowling, was arrested a short distance away.

State police found 35-year-old Christopher M. Dubois II n the room and he was allegedly carrying syringes and other drug paraphernalia. A search of the room revealed about an ounce of methamphetamine, along with more drug paraphernalia, police report.

Bowling was arrested on charges of dealing more than 10 grams of methamphetamine, possessing the drug, along with possession of a syringe, obstruction of justice, maintaining a common nuisance, resisting law enforcement, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Dubois is facing charges of dealing and possessing methamphetamine, possession of syringes and visiting a common nuisance.

Bartholomew County REMC is warning about a phone scam targeting its customers.

The local power company says that someone called a customer, claiming that the bill was overdue and that power would be turned off if immediate payment wasn’t made over the phone.

REMC officials warn that you should be alert to anyone claiming to be from a utility company, demanding immediate payment over the phone. They say not to give in to the pressure and do not give out personal information or payment details. Instead simply hang up and call the power company customer service department. You can find the number on your power bill.

The Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation will hold it’s first meeting of the year on Monday. Superintendent Dr. Jim Roberts…

Roberts says that a board president, vice-president and secretary will be elected and assignments for board members will be decided.

School board meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday at Schmitt Elementary. You are invited.

You can get more information at bcsc.k12.in.us.

A leadership change has been announced at Cummins. The company announced Thursday that Chief Financial Officer Pat Ward is retiring after 31 years. Mark Smith is succeeding him. Both moves will be effective March 31st.

“Pat has had an extraordinary career at Cummins,” said Chairman and CEO Tom Linebarger. “He has worked in nearly every part of our company during his 31-year tenure. He has helped many business leaders, including me, figure out where the business needs improvement and what to focus on first. Pat has also coached and developed many of our financial leaders in the company, inspiring them to be the best that they can be.”