The Indiana Department of Environmental Management has issued an Air Quality Action Day for Thursday, June 27th for much of the state. It is forecasting high ozone levels for the following area counties:
– Jackson
– Jefferson
– Scott
– Washington

IDEM encourages you to reduce ozone by making simple changes to daily habits.
• 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.

The Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department is investigating two traffic crashes Tuesday involving roll-overs.

At approximately 5:50 p.m., deputies responded to the 2000 block of North County Road 325 West. Upon arrival, a vehicle was located along the east side of the road. Authorities say the vehicle was inverted and appeared to have rolled over multiple times.

The initial investigation shows that the vehicle was traveling northbound when, for an unknown reason, it left the roadway. After returning to the road, it appeared that the driver may have over-corrected and the vehicle again left the roadway causing it to overturn multiple times.

The driver, 33-year-old Vanessa Lewis, of Columbus, was flown to Methodist Hospital by Lifeline. Two juvenile passengers were transported to Columbus Regional Hospital for minor injuries.

Lewis’ condition remains unknown at this time.

North County Road 325 West was closed for about an hour during cleanup.

BCSO Road Patrol Commander, Captain Dave Steinkoenig, says that although speed has not been determined to be the cause of this crash, this is a very busy roadway and speed continues to be an issue in the area.

Later, shortly after 8 p.m., deputies responded to Southern Crossing/County Road 150 East for a one-vehicle crash. A male was lying in the roadway and a Jeep Wrangler appeared to have roll-over damage.

The driver, 27-year-old Jeremy Dance, of Columbus, was transported to Methodist Hospital by Lifeline. A juvenile passenger was not hurt. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

The condition of Dance is unknown at this time.

A local man was arrested early Tuesday morning on felony drug charges.

Columbus Police say that an officer observed 24-year-old Trey A. Smith, of Columbus, speeding in an alley near the 1500 block of 19th Street. Police say that Smith exited the car and appeared to throw something to the ground near the vehicle. Officers confirmed that Smith had a suspended driver’s license and he was taken into custody.

A search of Smith’s car allegedly uncovered over 1/8th of a pound of methamphetamine, a digital scale with drug residue and several plastic bags.

Smith is being held on a 48-hour hold. He’s facing preliminary charges of:
– Dealing in Methamphetamine (Level 2 Felony)
– Possession of Methamphetamine (Level 3 Felony)
– Driving While Suspended (Class A Misdemeanor)

Columbus’ next Chief of Police has been named.

Michael Richardson, who currently serves as the Deputy Chief of Police, has been selected by Mayor Jim Lienhoop. Richardson will assume the role of Police Chief on January 1st. The mayor made the decision after Chief Jon Rohde announced his intention to step down at the end of this year to run for Superior Court II Judge next year.

Richardson is a life-long resident of Columbus and Bartholomew County and has served with the Columbus Police Department for nearly 25 years. During his time at CPD, Richardson has served in numerous positions including Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Bike Patrol Officer, Bomb Technician, Uniform Sergeant, Uniform Lieutenant, Uniform Captain and Deputy Chief.

Richardson is a graduate of Vincennes University with an Associates of Arts Degree in Law Enforcement and a graduate of Indiana State University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice. He is also a graduate of the Police Executive Leadership Academy.

“I am humbled at this incredible opportunity to serve the Columbus community, the women and men of the Columbus Police Department as well as our police support staff,” said Richardson. He added, “I truly appreciate the confidence placed in me by Mayor Lienhoop and I look forward to continuing the hard work and progress that has made the Columbus Police Department one of the premier law enforcement agencies in the state.”

A Columbus man is facing gun and drug charges after a weekend incident on 17th Street. Columbus Police officers arrested 43-year-old Joseph Q. Ford after he reportedly pointed a stolen gun at another person during an argument.

Authorities say that at approximately 2:35 a.m. Sunday, officers responded to the 1700 block of 17th Street in regards to a disturbance. It was later determined that prior to the officers arrival, an argument occurred and Ford is alleged to have pointed a gun in the face of another person.

A short time later, another officer found the vehicle involved in the 900 block of Third Street where a felony traffic stop was conducted. Officers located a stolen gun inside of the vehicle and arrested Ford. During a search, officers reportedly located a small bag of cocaine in Ford’s clothing.

Ford is facing preliminary felony charges of:
– Possession of Handgun by a Serious Violent Felon
– Possession of a Stolen Handgun
– Carrying a Handgun without a License
– Intimidation with a Deadly Weapon
– Pointing a Loaded Firearm
– Possession of Cocaine

Hope will be celebrating Independence Day on Friday and organizers are looking for participants for several contests.

There will be the annual Decorated Bike/Trike/Stroller and Wagon Parade for children younger than 12 , the crowning of Little Miss Sparkler and Mr. Firecracker, a cake walk and an apple pie baking contest.

To enter any of those events you may pick up registration forms at the Yellow Trail Museum, Willow Leaves of Hope, or the Hope branch of the Bartholomew County Public Library.

The Old-Fashioned Independence Day celebration kicks off at 5 p.m. Friday on the Hope Town Square. The evening is capped off by a performance by the Bannister Family Band at about 7:15 p.m. followed by fireworks at dark.

The Jennings County Sheriff’s Department is investigating an exchange of gunfire early Tuesday morning. At approximately 1:12 a.m., deputies were dispatched to an address on County Road 1000 West in Spencer Township in reference to shots being fired and a suspicious vehicle.

When deputies arrived on scene they learned the homeowner returned home and discovered the vehicle in the middle of the roadway. He checked his house and property and eventually found a man hiding in his yard. Police say the man opened fire on the homeowner with a small caliber gun. The property owner returned fire and the suspect fled. Deputies do not believe anyone was injured.

Deputies say the vehicle had been reported stolen out of Medora.

Police are still looking for the suspect. The investigation is ongoing.

The Bartholomew County Highway Department says that Carr Hill Road, between Terrace Lake Road and Morgan Willow, is closed until further notice. Crews are extending the sidewalk in that area.

If you are looking for more traffic information, download the WAZE app for your smartphone and join the WCSI Traffic team. You can find updated traffic information on our website, on-air and on the app.

The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a missing girl. Authorities say that 13-year-old Valentina Lacava, of Greenwood, was reported missing about 1 a.m. Friday. Investigators believe she may have runaway.

Lacava is a slender, white female. She is 5-feet 1-inch tall, and weighs about 110 pounds. She has black hair and brown eyes. She was wearing dark jeans and a zip-up sweatshirt, possibly a hoodie, and black sneakers.

A few hours earlier, at 9:30 p.m. Thursday, a Greenwood man reported seeing a young girl matching this description get into an old, dirty, two-door Honda Civic with damage to its front bumper at the intersection of Watson Road and Possum Hollow Road, the same neighborhood the girl was reported missing.

Anyone with any information about the whereabouts of Valentina Lacava should contact the Johnson County Dispatch Center at (317) 346-6336.

The campgrounds, cabins and Abe Martin Lodge closures at Brown County State Park have been extended another day through at least Wednesday, June 26nd.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources says that the park will continue with day use activities and services only through Wednesday. This includes such activities as sight-seeing, fishing and picnicking. Officials says that gates will be staffed, but no admission will be charged.

Abe Martin Lodge remains closed, as are the pools and drinking fountains. Modern restrooms are closed, but vault toilets are available. Guests who visit for permitted activities must bring their own drinking water. Bottled water and packaged snacks are now available at the park’s Country Store near the campground.

Possible closure of overnight facilities beyond Wednesday night will be determined.