Monthly Archives: September 2020

Glass shattered as suspects flees Columbus store

Broken doors at the Big Lots store on 25th Street . Photo courtesy of Columbus police.

A shoplifting suspect is accused of breaking the glass out of the doors at the new Big Lots store on 25th Street as he tried to flee from authorities.

Columbus police were called to the shoplifting report in the 3000 block of 25th Street at about 4:30 p.m. Sunday afternoon. As the spoke with the suspect, 31-year-old Michael A. Scott, of Columbus, he allegedly tried to run away, smashing into one of the doors. Scott was taken back into custody moments later and was taken to Columbus Regional Hospital for treatment of a number of cuts from the broken glass.

Because of his injuries, he was issued citations on preliminary charges of theft, criminal mischief and resisting law enforcement.

Man with gun arrested, accused of entering Bartholomew County home

Shane S. Mosier. Photo courtesy of Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department

A Columbus man is under arrest, accused of entering a home on State Road 7 with a gun.

Bartholomew County deputies were called to the 11000 block of State Road 7 at about 4:23 Saturday afternoon on a report of a suspicious person in a stolen vehicle. The victims said that the man, identified as 28-year-old Shane Mosier, entered their home but they were able to get him out before deputies arrived.

Deputies confirmed that the vehicle had been stolen and arrested Mosier on charges including residential entry, theft or receiving stolen property, carrying a handgun without a permit, giving a false identity statement, resisting law enforcement along with two outstanding Bartholomew County warrants.

Sheriff Matt Myers said his deputies are seeing an increase in dealing with armed suspects.

Commissioners consider tighter rules on neighborhood businesses

Bartholomew County Commissioners are considering changes to the county zoning ordinances that would regulate some businesses that operate next to homes.

Jeff Bergman, director of the city-county planning department said that the proposal was being made to more closely align the city and county zoning rules. The changes would affect businesses in the county that are zoned as CN or Commercial Neighborhood, which are smaller businesses in largely residential areas. Bergman said that the zoning category is used sparsely in the county, but mentioned examples in Newbern, Waymansville and Grammar.

The city of Columbus has been going through a process to more closely regulate those sorts of businesses. He said the suggestions for the county represent a pared down list from the city changes. Under the proposal, which was presented at Monday’s commissioners meeting, changes would include making uses inconsistent with a neighborhood setting into conditional uses or even prohibited entirely in the CN zoning districts. That would include uses such as fitness centers, night clubs, bars, parking lots, athletic complexes, and liquor stores .

It would also prohibit businesses with drive up windows, reduce the number of signs allowed, and require things such as bicycle racks and connections to sidewalks if they are already in the area.

Tony London, who is running unopposed for a seat on the county commissioners in November, cautioned that in these difficult times for businesses, such changes might make it harder for a business to succeed. Chris West, the German Township trustee, questioned whether the change would prohibit his office from establishing a drive-through service for trustee’s clients.

Commissioner Larry Kleinhenz said that the issue is of balancing the needs of business owners, and the residential neighbors. Commissioner Carl Lienhoop used the ZwanzigZ restaurant in downtown Columbus as a perfect example of the tensions that arise between a neighborhood business and residential neighbors and the concessions that must be made.

The county plan commission recommended approval in July with a 7-1 vote. Commissioners Monday decided to give their first approval to the ordinance changes. It will come back for a final decision next Monday.

You can read more about the proposal here (PDF Download)

Indiana Chief Justice tests positive for COVID-19

Indiana Chief Justice Loretta Rush

Indiana’s Chief Justice has tested positive for COVID-19, according to the state Supreme Court.

The court announced today that Chief Justice Loretta H. Rush tested positive on Sunday after a family member also tested positive.

Rush immediately notified her colleagues, staff, and other government officials. Her public schedule will be adjusted as needed. Rush began self-isolating immediately and will continue to work remotely while quarantined.

Rush has been working remotely and has not been in the State House since Sept. 1st.

The Indiana Supreme Court and Clerk’s Office remain open, with continued adjustments in place to protect the health and well-being of employees and the community.

Man accused of firing shots into ceiling during argument

Joshua M. Gallagher. Photo courtesy of Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department.

Bartholomew County deputies say that a man fired shots into a ceiling during an argument on Georgetown Road Sunday evening.

Deputies were called to the 11000 block of Georgetown Road at 6:51 p.m. Sunday evening on reports of a disturbance with shots fired. Two men at the home said they had been arguing when 21-year-old Joshua Gallagher of Columbus pointed a firearm at the ceiling and began firing. Deputies reportedly found 10 shell casings around a chair and 10 bullet holes in the ceiling.

Deputies found the firearm in Gallagher’s vehicle and he was arrested on preliminary charges of criminal recklessness and intimidation by drawing a weapon.

Police looking for info about fight that led to head injury

Columbus police are looking for any information about a Sunday afternoon fight that left a man with a serious head injury.

The incident happened at about 3:30 at the soccer fields at Whitney Court. Police found a crowd of people around a man who was unconscious. He did wake up before being taken to Columbus Regional Hospital. He was then flown to IU Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis for treatment of the head injury.

Police are looking for information about the fight and if you have any information, you can contact the Columbus Police Department at 812-376-2600. Tips and information can be left anonymously.

Cummins announces six promoted to vice president roles


Cummins announced the promotion of six company leaders to positions as vice presidents today. Those being promoted are:

  • John Gaidoo to Vice President, Deputy General Counsel, Employment and Labor Relations
  • Judy Brunson to Vice President, Quality
  • Bonnie Fetch to Vice President, Distribution Business Supply Chain Services
  • Cathy Van Way to Vice President, Government Relations
  • John Brockhaus to Vice President, Human Resources Technology and Strategy
  • Angel Franklin to Vice President, Compensation and Benefits

Cummins chairman and CEO Tom Linebarger said each of them are talented leaders who champion the company’s values. He said he was confident that they each would have a significant and positive impact on Cummins long-term success.

You can read more at investor.cummins.com

Exhibit Columbus symposium sign-ups still available ahead of Tuesday start

The Conversation Plinth at Bartholomew County Public Library during a previous Exhibit Columbus installation in August 2017. WRB photo.

There is still time to take part in the bi-annual Exhibit Columbus symposium. This year’s symposium is going virtual and will consist of two sessions a week, every other week through the end of October. The first session is tomorrow from 2 to 3 p.m. and will be with futurists discussing how strategic foresight and storytelling influence design.

The first Columbus-centered event will be Thursday from noon to 1 p.m.. It will be with Miller Prize recipients Jennifer Newsom and Tom Carruthers, along with Columbus Chamber of Commerce President Cindy Frey and a representative from Cummins.

You can get more information or sign up at ExhibitColumbus.org. Participation in the conversations is free.

Free Legal Aid clinic available Sept. 22nd in local counties

Legal Aid will be holding a free Legal Aid Clinic by phone for residents of the agency’s eight-county district on Tuesday, Sept. 22nd.

That district includes includes Bartholomew, Brown, Decatur, Jackson, Jennings, Johnson, Rush, and Shelby Counties.

The Legal Aid Clinic uses local volunteer attorneys, to offer free legal consultations to low-income individuals. You can expect to receive a brief consultation over the phone to answer general questions, offer legal information, or to receive other assistance or advice.

Although the clinic will be from 3 to 5:30 p.m. you must first register between noon and 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 22nd.

You can register by calling Legal Aid at 812-378-0358.

Ivy Tech offering virtual express enrollments next week

Ivy Tech Community College is hosting a Virtual Express Enrollment Week, starting next Monday and going through Friday, September 25th from 9 to 6 each day. You will be able to complete your enrollment steps virtually to sign up for classes that start on October 26th.

You must RSVP for your virtual appointment. During that virtual appointment you will receive assistance with assessment, meeting with an advisor, and registering for classes.

Starting in October, Ivy Tech will offer hundreds of 8-week classes in online, virtual, face-to-face*, and hybrid formats in a wide range of programs.

For more information or to RSVP, you can visit ivytech.edu/eeday.