Authorities continue their investigation of a small plane crash that killed one person near Hartsville.

Judy Jackson, Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department Spokeswoman, says that the plane went down in the area of 20950 East County Road 200 North, just east of Anderson Falls. She says that the first call for help came in at 12:52 p.m. and that deputies arrived on the scene within seven minutes.

The Sheriff’s Department says that the plane was a 1940’s Tecmo Swift model. It is believed that the plane was attempting to take off when it crashed, killing the male pilot. His identity has not been released.

Jackson says that Indiana State Police, Hope Police, the Columbus Fire Department and Hartsville Fire Department are assisting at the scene.

Legal Aid announces its “Legal Aid Clinic” program. The first clinic will be held on Monday, April 24th, at the Legal Aid Office in Bartholomew County. Additional Legal Aid Clinics are scheduled to take place on the fourth Monday of each month in Bartholomew County.

Officials at Legal Aid say the organization is in the process of planning several clinics at local sites throughout Indiana’s Pro Bono District I. That district includes Brown, Bartholomew, Decatur, Jackson, Jennings, Johnson, Shelby and Rush counties.

Organizers say the program will utilize local volunteer attorneys, which will offer free legal consultations to low-income residents for the provision of legal advice. They say the clinic is an important component in furthering “equal access to justice within our community who might not otherwise be able to afford the counsel of an attorney.”

Organizers say that residents coming to these clinics can expect to receive a 10 to 15 minute consultation to answer general questions, offer legal information, or to receive other limited assistance. They add that the help will be offered in person, or a first come, first serve basis. There is no need to register in advance.

For more information, contact Legal Aid at (812) 378-0358.

Authorities are investigating a small plane crash that killed one person near Hartsville on Tuesday afternoon.

Ed Reuter, director of the Bartholomew County Emergency Management Agency, says that the plane went down just east of Anderson Falls. He says that the first call for help came in at 12:52 p.m. The name of the victim has not been released and it is unclear as to whether or not there are additional injuries.

We will update this story as more information becomes available.

Bartholomew County courts will be getting some much sought after help after the Bartholomew County Council agreed to increase staffing. Circuit Court is being allowed to hire a part-time employee. Superior Court I will take a part-time employee to full-time and Superior Court II is being allowed to hire a full-time staff member.

Superior Court II Judge Kathleen Coriden explained to the council Tuesday night that conditions in her court were untenable.

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Along with the new statewide “Odyssey” system to track court cases, Superior Court I Judge Jim Worton explained that there are simply more cases to handle.

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Judge Coriden responded to council’s inquiry about possibly waiting a few months until they have a clearer picture of the county’s finances.

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The council voted unanimously to approve the staffing increase, at a cost of not more than $65,530 for the rest of the year. That money will come out of the county’s “rainy day” fund. The increased staffing will have to be budgeted for each court for next year.

The city of North Vernon continues its efforts to make its facilities solar-powered. The city council voted Monday night to pursue financing for the project, expected to cost just over nine-million dollars, including interest.

Kurt Schneider, vice-president and partner of Johnson-Melloh Solutions, has been working with city officials for nearly two years in developing the solar-power plan. He says his company led the switch to solar at the Jennings County Public Library. Schneider says that the city is poised to reap a net savings of over $5.8 million in utility costs over the next 20 years if his company’s proposal is carried out. At a February city council meeting, Schneider explained that the city won’t have to pay a large amount of money to get the project underway.

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At the same meeting, Schneider talked about the cost-savings opportunities.

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City officials say that three lenders are “in the running” to help North Vernon finance this project. The terms of the financing include an expected repayment period of 15 to 18.5 years. The city council voted 4-1 to pursue the project, with the understanding that financing can be obtained and that the city’s ability to borrow for other projects won’t be affected. Councilman Jerry Lamb was the lone “no” vote, citing concerns with the length of the repayment period.

Germany will be celebrated this year as the Host Country of the 34th annual Ethnic Expo presented by First Financial Bank in downtown Columbus. The two-day festival, which organizers say fosters understanding and an appreciation of Columbus’ diverse population, will take place on October 13th and 14th outside Columbus City Hall.

Friends of Germany, will represent Germany at this year’s Ethnic Expo. As host country, the cultures and foods of Germany will be featured in the main booth of the festival village and will be celebrated in the Ethnic Expo parade.

City officials say that Ethnic Expo celebrates the traditions and customs of more than 30 countries with native residents who live in Columbus. Approximately 35,000 people attend Ethnic Expo every year.

Ethnic Expo is organized by the city, but organizers stress that the annual festival wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of sponsors. They include First Financial Bank, which is serving as the presenting sponsor for the eighth consecutive year, as well as Coca-Cola, Vectren Foundation, ERMCO Electric and Milestone. The city is also thanking the Indiana Arts Commission, the Columbus Area Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts for their support.

“First Financial is proud to be a part of the Columbus community. We are honored to participate again in the annual Ethnic Expo, which focuses on gathering together to showcase our hometown’s diverse culture and heritage.” said Al Roszczyk, Regional President for First Financial Bank. “First Financial is proud to be the title sponsor for the eighth year and our team looks forward to celebrating with the community this October.”

“Please join the City of Columbus in celebrating our bountiful cultures and heritages from around the world. “Prost” (Cheers in German) to Germany for serving as this year’s Host Country and we look forward to experiencing their customs and traditions,” said Mayor Jim Lienhoop.

The heroin epidemic affecting our area has law-enforcement, lawmakers, doctors, non-profits and other concerned parties looking at ways to tackle the problem. A 2016 survey from the Indiana Prevention Resource Center shows heroin use among high school students in central and southeast Indiana counties peaks during the junior year of high school.

The Indiana Youth Institute, Brown County YMCA and Brown County Schools are hosting an event to help adults and parents learn how to help young people and families caught up in heroin addiction. This free community event will be on Thursday, April 20 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the Goldberg Room at Brown County High School.

Karen Little with Desert Rose Recovery, Great Life Recovery Group and Terry West with Brown County Community Corrections will speak about the causes and consequences of heroin use. Attendees will learn the role emotional trauma and pain play in the heroin epidemic, the short- and long-term impact of addiction on individuals, families and the community, and how Brown County’s legal system works with those who need help. In addition, the presentation will cover resources and services available to help those fighting addiction.

Cummins and power management company Eaton have announced an agreement to form a joint venture for automated transmissions for heavy-duty and medium-duty commercial vehicles. The joint venture will be named Eaton Cummins Automated Transmission Technologies.

According to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Cummins and Eaton will each own 50 percent of the new joint venture. Cummins says it will pay Eaton $600 million for its stake. The formation of the joint venture is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. Cummins officials expect the transaction to close in the third quarter of this year.

“Customers are focused on powertrain solutions that provide the best combination of technology, performance and quality,” said Craig Arnold, Eaton chairman and chief executive officer. “Our joint venture with Cummins will leverage the technical strengths and experience of two industry leaders with long histories and deep industry expertise to provide superior automated transmission technology for our global customers.”

“Our growth strategy includes expanding our product offerings and extending our global footprint by becoming the world’s leading powertrain supplier,” said Tom Linebarger, chairman and CEO, Cummins Inc. “Our JV with Eaton will deliver the most advanced automated transmissions and develop an integrated powertrain and service network that supports our customers like never before. Just as we’ve done for the past 100 years, we will use our experience in partnerships and technological expertise to ensure our customers’ success.”

A Shelbyville lawmaker’s bill allowing for the establishment of a Shelby County magistrate could soon be law.

State Rep. Sean Eberhart, who represents Shelby County and portions of Bartholomew and Hancock counties, says this legislation would allow Shelby County to appoint a full-time magistrate, which is a civil officer or lay judge who administers the law. Eberhart’s office says that most magistrates conduct court proceedings, handle minor offenses and preliminary hearings for more serious offenses.

“As of now, Shelby County only has three judges and they are overwhelmed with the work of more than four judges,” Eberhart said. “The new position would help to ensure a more efficient administration of justice.”

Eberhart says that Shelby County was granted a judicial officer 40 years ago and has since had a population increase. The legislation would give the power of appointing the magistrate to the county judges.
House Enrolled Act 1053 now moves to the governor’s desk for consideration.

The Columbus Park Foundation has announced the election of four new members to serve on its Board of Directors.

“The Columbus Park Foundation is made up of a very dedicated group of directors and we are pleased to welcome these four new members, each of whom brings a wide array of talents and expertise which will be invaluable to our board,” said Board President Chip Orben.

The new members of the Columbus Park Foundation Board of Directors include:

• Jeff Baker – Owner, Baker’s Fine Gifts and Accessories
• Nancy Conner – Retiree, Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation
• Seth Rayburn – Sourcing Analyst, Corporate Machine Components, Cummins, Inc.
• Michael Spears – Commercial Relationship Manager, Vice President, Old National Bank

“Throughout the year our volunteer board members diligently work and support the mission of the Columbus Park Foundation, which is to maintain and enrich the vitality of the Columbus Department of Parks and Recreation and its facilities,” said Chip Orben.

The Columbus Park Foundation’s stated mission is to aid and encourage the parks department in the acquisition, conservation, and development of lands for parks and recreation purposes, as well as to make sure those efforts are adequately funded.

View the complete list of the Columbus Park Foundation Board of Directors at www.columbusparkfoundation.org/about-us/board-of-directors.