Two people were arrested in North Vernon Monday after police there received a tip that a wanted man was a passenger in a vehicle sitting at a gas station. Sgt. Andrew Richmond, spokesman for the North Vernon Police Department, says that officers received the tip at 12:47 p.m. When police arrived on the scene, they recognized 21-year-old Jacob McCarty, of North Vernon, as the passenger. Richmond says that moments later, K9 Heros was alerted to the odor of drugs coming from the area. A search allegedly resulted in the discovery of six grams of heroin in a bag in McCarty’s shorts. Officers also found, and seized, multiple cells phones from the vehicles, along with $566 in cash and an open pack of rolling papers.

McCarty was arrested on preliminary charges of Possession of Controlled Substance and Maintaining a Common Nuisance, along with the outstanding warrant for failure to appear in court on a prior drug possession charge. The driver, 21-year-old Guy Yeager, of North Vernon,

was arrested on preliminary charges of Maintaining a Common Nuisance and Possession of Paraphernalia.

Police impounded the vehicle for having improper license plates.

Cummins has unveiled a new electric-powered semi tractor. Company officials say the “Class 7 Demonstration Urban Hauler Tractor” shows Cummins’ commitment to compete, and win, in the field of new and future technologies.

An unveiling ceremony was held Tuesday morning at the Cummins Tech Center on McKinley Avenue. Cummins says that the Concept Class 7 Urban Hauler EV includes a state-of-the art battery pack offering, allowing the vehicle to hold a longer charge for improved range and faster charging, reducing down time. The concept truck design includes an Engine-Generator option for extended range capabilities. Company officials say that engine options offer 50 percent fuel savings compared to today’s diesel hybrids, with zero emissions.

Jon Mills, Cummins’ director of external communications, says the announcement of this electric-powered vehicle compliments the company’s earlier announcements about the production of super-efficient diesel engines and future plans to introduce “a revolutionary heavy-duty diesel engine in 2022.” Company officials say these products and technologies add to Cummins’ portfolio of solutions and offer customers the latest in environmentally-friendly, cost-effective and powerful products to help them succeed in every market and every application. With these new innovations, Cummins says it will continue to provide connected customer support, including cloud-based solutions and big data analysis, in order to maximize up-time, safety and business optimization, increasing customers’ bottom line.

“These new technological innovations build on our 100-year legacy of bringing the best solutions to our customers, driving their success and meeting the evolving demands of their industries and markets,” said Jennifer Rumsey, Chief Technical Officer, Cummins Inc. “We will harness our global technical footprint to continue to develop a wide variety of power technologies to bring our customers the choice and solutions that enable their success and contribute to a sustainable future.”

“As a global power leader for the commercial and industrial customers we serve, with an unmatched service and support network, we are better positioned than any other company to win in new and emerging technologies and in new markets,” said Rich Freeland, Cummins President and Chief Operating Officer. “We will leverage our deep industry and customer knowledge and our scale advantage to win. Over the past century, our ability to innovate and adapt has fueled our success and we are confident we are on the right path to do it again.”

Local and state officials were on hand for the announcement. Jason Hester, president of the Greater Columbus Economic Development Corporation, says that this announcement illustrates the importance of Cummins to the local community. He praised company officials for their forward-thinking as it relates to the future needs of customers, as well as calls for cleaner, quieter engines. Hester’s statements were echoed by State Rep. Milo Smith. He noted that all of the testing technology developed for this new electric vehicle took place in Columbus. Smith compared Cummins to AT&T, noting that both companies were founded and established on one technology, but had enough foresight to make adjustments and prepare for the future.

Columbus Firefighters battled an early morning fire in an empty rental home in the 1500 block of Union Street on Monday. Capt. Mike Wilson, department spokesman, says that firefighters were called to 1528 Union Street just after 5 a.m. after a passerby saw smoke coming from the home. When Firefighters arrived on the scene they found smoke pushing out of windows. Unsure if there was anyone inside, Wilson says that firefighters breached the front door to do a search. He says the firefighters met intense smoke, heat and flames in the kitchen and an adjacent bathroom. The fire was extinguished “within minutes,” said Wilson.

Columbus Fire Department investigators learned that the home has been vacant for two weeks while the residence was being treated for bedbugs. They say the tenants have been staying in a hotel at the time of the fire.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Damages are estimated at $40,000. No injuries were reported.

Two brothers escaped their second story apartment after being alerted to a fire on a wooden patio deck on Sunday morning. Capt. Mike Wilson, spokesman for the Columbus Fire Department, says that firefighters were called to the building in the 1600 block of Cottage Avenue, shortly before 11 a.m.

When firefighters arrived on the scene, the blaze had begun to melt the vinyl siding as well as the rubber membrane roof that the patio deck was built on top of. As firefighters advanced through the damaged patio door, they found heavy smoke and fire on the exterior wall of the apartment, as well as fire on the wood deck. Wilson says that 50 percent of the approximately 12’ x 8’ wooden patio structure was destroyed. The interior of the apartment sustained minor smoke and water damage.

Columbus Fire Department investigators determined that the accidental fire was caused by a cigarette discarded near combustible materials. Damages to the apartment are estimated at $25,000. No one was hurt.

Smoke alarms were found inside the property, though they did not sound during the fire. Wilson says that investigators manually tested the alarms and found that they sounded throughout the apartment. However, it was learned that the alarms were more than 10 years old. Firefighters say this incident illustrates the importance of replacing smoke alarms every 10 years or sooner.

The Columbus Indiana Philharmonic is holding its annual meeting Monday evening. Katelyn Ice, the CIP marketing director, explains that the event is being held at YES Cinema…

Vocalist Sylvia McNair is scheduled to provide entertainment, while Bob Jones, Chairman & CEO of Old National Bancorp, is the keynote speaker.

For more information, visit thecip.org.

A North Carolina woman was seriously injured in a two-vehicle crash Thursday just outside of North Vernon. Sgt. Stephen Wheeles, spokesman for the Indiana State Police, say that the crash happened at about 1:30 p.m. at the intersection of US 50 and State Road 750 in Jennings County.

The initial investigation by Trooper Matt Holley indicated that a car driven by 74-year-old Ann Cutter, of Greensboro, was traveling west on US 50, approaching the intersection at State Road 750 when it entered the intersection into the path of a semi tractor-trailer driven by 27-year-old Carlnell V. Barrett II, of Mullins, South Carolina. ISP says that Cutter’s car struck Barrett’s trailer before coming to rest partially under the trailer. Cutter was trapped in the vehicle until she was able to be freed by emergency personnel. She was then flown to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis for what are being called “critical injuries.” Barrett was not hurt.

Wheeles says that the investigation is ongoing. Neither alcohol nor drugs are not believed to be factors in the crash.

A former Indiana State Police Officer has been arrested on allegations of improper conduct with a minor. Capt. David Bursten, ISP spokesman, says that 54-year-old Jack R. Hewitt, of Greensburg, was arrested Thursday afternoon at the Decatur County Sheriff’s Department. Bursten says the arrest was the result of a state police investigation.

Bursten says that Indiana State Police personnel were notified of the allegations against Hewitt by another law enforcement officer on August 9th of this year. As a result of the allegations, a state police criminal investigation began on the same day and Hewitt was immediately placed on paid administrative leave. Specifics of the allegations have not been released.

Bursten says that Hewitt resigned from the force on the same day as his arrest. He is being held at the Decatur County Jail on preliminary charges of Sexual Battery, a Level 6 felony, and Sexual Misconduct with a Minor, a Level 5 felony. Hewitt was with ISP since December of 1998 and officials say that he did not have any prior disciplinary history with the department.

Columbus Regional Health has scheduled a public auction to coordinate the sale of the remaining contents of the former Clarion Hotel and Conference Center. Kelsey DeClue, hospital spokeswoman, says that a public auction will take place Sept. 16th at 9:30 a.m. at the former hotel. The auction will be conducted by Earl’s Auction Company.

Last month, Columbus Regional Health acquired the foreclosed facility and surrounding property from German American Capital Corporation following a Sherriff’s Sale. Since then, DeClue says that Columbus Regional Health has been working with the Bartholomew County Historical Society to secure new use for some of hotel contents with historical and architectural significance, as well as working with area non-profits to donate hundreds of items, ranging from furniture and appliances to office supplies.

CRH says that plans continue to evolve for the 22-acre property on , located on State Road 46 West near the Interstate 65 exchange. DeClue says the building is scheduled to be demolished before the end of the year. Prior to demolition, however, she says that the hospital will coordinate with local law enforcement and fire and rescue departments to loan the facility for training exercises.

CRH added that future plans for the property have yet to be finalized.

Eric Fish, M.D., MBA, has been named Vice President of Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer of Schneck Medical Center in Seymour. Hospital officials say that, in his new role, Dr. Fish will provide executive leadership, direction, and administration of the hospital medical staff.

Dr. Fish earned his medical degree at Indiana University School of Medicine and completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis. He joined the medical staff at Schneck in 2005 and founded Schneck Obstetrics & Gynecology in 2006. He is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology and a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology. In 2013, he received his Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee.

Dr. Fish is also a past President of the Schneck Medical Staff, Chairman of the Physician Excellence Committee, and Medical Director of Schneck Obstetrics & Gynecology. He also serves as Chairman of the Board of Managers for Inspire Health Partners.

A Wednesday morning traffic stop led to the arrest of a Columbus man on drug charges. Judy Jackson, Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department spokeswoman, says that at 2:34 a.m., a deputy saw an SUV disregard the traffic light on northbound US 31 at County Road 650 North.

The deputy stopped the vehicle and spoke with the driver, 27-year-old Aaron J. Starkey. Authorities say that they could smell marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. K9 Bolt then alerted to the odor of drugs inside of Starkey’s vehicle, leading to a search. Inside, deputies reported finding a black zipper pouch that contained a glass smoking pipe, a set of digital scales, a grinder and a bag containing a green leafy substance. They also reported finding a backpack, containing a plastic container with six plastic baggies, each containing a green leafy substance.

Starkey was arrested on preliminary charges of Dealing in Marijuana, Possess of Marijuana and Possession of Paraphernalia. Jackson says that he has since been released.