An unaccompanied two-year-old led to the arrest of a North Vernon man. The Jennings County Sheriff’s Department says that at approximately 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, deputies were dispatched to the area of Bending Willow Way and Wildwood in Country Squire Lakes after the child was found in the roadway. Upon deputies’ arrival, the child was located and officials from the Division of Family and Children were contacted to take custody of the toddler while deputies searched for the parents.

Deputies went knocking door to door seeking information about the child and might live. At approximately 11 a.m., Sheriff Kenny Freeman was able to make contact with an individual that knew where the child belonged.

Investigators determined that the boyfriend of the child’s mother was supposed to be watching the toddler when the child left through the back door. Also during the investigation, it was determined that the boyfriend, 30-year-old Eddie Swindall II, was in possession of prescription drugs that were not prescribed to him. Swindall is facing preliminary charges of:

– Possession of Controlled Substance – Level 6 Felony
– Neglect of a Dependent – Level 6 Felony
– Violation of Legend Drug- Level 6 Felony
– Possession of Paraphernalia – B Misdemeanor

The Bartholomew County Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team arrested two Columbus residents on multiple drug-related charges on Monday, July 15th. The Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team, a combined unit of the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office, the Columbus Police Department and the Bartholomew County Prosecutor’s Office, targets the manufacturing and abuse of dangerous drugs in Columbus and Bartholomew County.

Authorities served an arrest warrant on 20-year-old Bryce Hatton at his home in the 900 block of California Street. They say the warrant came about as a part of an investigation into drug dealing. A search of the home allegedly uncovered illegal narcotics, Fentanyl, marijuana, drug-related paraphernalia and an undisclosed amount of cash.

Hatton, who was also wanted on Bartholomew County warrant for two counts of dealing illegal narcotics is facing preliminary charges of:

– Dealing in Cocaine
– Dealing in Marijuana
– Possession of Cocaine/Narcotic
– Possession of Marijuana,
– Maintaining a Common Nuisance,
– Possession of Paraphernalia

Hatton remains behind bars in lieu of $316,000 bond.

While officers were serving the warrant on Hatton, they also arrested 19-year-old Isabell Nida. She is facing preliminary charges of:

– Dealing in Cocaine
– Dealing in Marijuana
– Possession of Cocaine/Narcotic
– Possession of Marijuana,
– Maintaining a Common Nuisance,
– Possession of Paraphernalia

Nida remains behind bars on $66,000 bond.

The Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation is likely to continue its partnership with the city of Columbus with efforts to help students prepare for life after the classroom. The city’s redevelopment commission unanimously approved a resolution to provide a workforce development grant of $750,000 to BCSC out of local tax-increment financing funds during its meeting Monday afternoon.

The funding will benefit iGrad and the school corporation’s STEM programs. iGrad is designed to help at-risk students meet graduation requirements and move onto post-secondary education or into the workforce. STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Funds are used to broaden and encourage learning and skills in these areas.

The funding will also aid in transition planning efforts for special needs students. This includes post-secondary career plans, including paid work experience and training. Superintendent Dr. Jim Roberts says transition planning efforts are paying dividends.

Roberts adds that students aren’t the only beneficiaries.

Roberts says local support is critical for BCSC to fulfill its mission of preparing the next generation.

The redevelopment commission voted unanimously to approve the request. The city council will need to give its approval before the money can be granted. That’s expected in the coming weeks.

Congressman Greg Pence recognized the Alliance for Substance Abuse Progress in Bartholomew County from the floor of the United States House of Representatives.

“I rise to recognize the Alliance for Substance Abuse Progress in Bartholomew County, a group that has been on the front lines of combating the opioid crisis.” Pence, a Columbus Republican, spoke from the floor of the House on Wednesday. “While we have much work to do, the Alliance for Substance Abuse Progress of Bartholomew County can be a model for other counties looking to combat this terrible scourge,” Pence added.

The Alliance for Substance Abuse Progress (ASAP) in Bartholomew County is an organization that partners with law enforcement, the court system, counselors, health systems, and community leaders to address the opioid crisis through prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery.

Pence also recognized Doug Leonard, the organization’s new Executive Director who officially started July 8th. Leonard is a former local and state healthcare leader, serving as the President of the Indiana Hospital Association from 2007 until 2017.

No injuries reported in a Thursday night house fire in the 5200 block of West Quan Wae Drive.

The German Township Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to the scene at about 10 p.m. after a resident heard noises in the basement then noticed the house was rapidly filling with smoke.

Fire Chief Matt Lynch says that Engine 81, Rescue 81, Tanker 81 and Chief 801 responded within minutes later to find smoke pouring from the front door. Crews used a thermal imaging camera to see through the thick smoke and located the fire in a utility room. They then used a pressurized water extinguisher to put the fire out.

Investigators say the fire started in the back-up battery system for the sump pump. The fire rapidly spread up the wall to the ceiling. They add that the fire caused a water pipe along the ceiling to break open and pour water onto the fire, acting as a sprinkler and keeping it small.

Authorities say that smoke detectors also alerted the family to the fire. Four adults, a three-month old and three dogs got out of the house safely.

No damage estimates were available.

A local man was arrested on suspicion of drunk-driving after his truck struck a traffic control box and knocked out power to traffic signals at a Columbus intersection Thursday night. At approximately 11:20 p.m. Columbus Police responded to the intersection of Middle Road and Rockyford Road on a report of a crash.

Police say the truck crashed into a traffic control box and a tree near the intersection. They say that the driver, 24-year-old Adrian T. Villegas, of Columbus, appeared impaired and failed several field sobriety tests at the scene. Prior to transporting Villegas to Columbus Regional Hospital, officers reported finding drug paraphernalia in his clothing. Villegas is facing preliminary charges of Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Travel along State Road 9 in Bartholomew County will be impacted by road work next week.

Indiana Department of Transportation maintenance crews are scheduled to begin chip sealing two sections of State Road 9 on, or after, Monday, July 15th.

Work is slated to take place on a four-mile section of State Road 9, from State Road 46 to about four miles north of State Road 46 (near Shaefer Drive, south of Hope). A three-mile section, from 5.5 miles north of State Road 46 (near Angling Road) to 8.5 miles north of State Road 46 (near County Line Road).

INDOT says that drivers should expect delays in the area due to lane closures in the area. Flaggers will be present to manage traffic. Do not drive distracted.

INDOT adds that the work is dependent on the weather.

Eastern Bartholomew Water Corp. has issued a Boil Advisory for customers on Lowell Road, south to Tellman Road, on County Road 200 West and all of Drummond Drive.

Customers should bring all water that is to be consumed to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute and then let cool before consuming.

This advisory will remain in effect until further notice.

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management has issued an Air Quality Action Day and is forecasting high ozone levels for Saturday, July 13, for much of the state.

IDEM encourages everyone to help reduce ozone by making simple changes to their daily habits. You can:
• Walk, bike, carpool or use public transportation
• Avoid using the drive-through and combine errands into one trip
• Avoid refueling your vehicle or using gasoline-powered lawn equipment until after 7 p.m.
• Turn off your engine when idling for more than 30 seconds
• Conserve energy by turning off lights or setting the air conditioner to 75 degrees or above

Anyone sensitive to changes in air quality may be affected when ozone levels are high. Children, the elderly and anyone with heart or lung conditions should reduce or avoid exertion and heavy work outdoors.

IDEM examines weather patterns and current ozone readings to make daily air quality forecasts. To learn more about ozone or sign up for air quality forecasts, visit SmogWatch.IN.gov.

The first of four public sessions to discuss the master plan for the Fair Oaks Mall property was held Thursday night at the mall.

The Fair Oaks Community Development Corporation, made up of Columbus Regional Health, The Heritage Fund of Bartholomew County and the City of Columbus, have contracted with MKSK to develop a Master Plan. Eric Lucas, project lead for MKSK, explained to a standing-room only crowd that, while there are no set plans in place, the idea is to turn the property into a sports complex and office space for the city parks department. Some health services provided by CRH would also be included. Connectivity to other parks and the people trails system would also be addressed.

Lucas explained that MKSKS is also looking to optimize space at Donner Park and Donner Center. While the mall is structurally sound and capable of being modified, the Donner Center building has little adaptive use. Engineers note the age of the building, a number of deferred-maintenance issues that have led to damage and ADA compliance issues offer a set of challenges on what can be done with the structure. As for the park property, it is believed that connectivity and parking could be improved.

The second public meeting is set for Aug. 13 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the mall.

You can get more information about the Fair Oaks Mall project, as well as offer your suggestions, online at reimaginefairoaksmall.com.