One person is dead after a stabbing in Hope Tuesday morning during a family fight.

Bartholomew County Sheriff’s deputies were called to the incident around 7 a.m. on Scott Street in Hope.

Few details are yet available but deputies report that one person is dead and one was taken to Columbus Regional Hospital with what are believed to be non life-threatening injuries.

Authorities arrested 77-year-old James T. Mee, of Hope, on preliminary charges of Murder and Domestic Battery. He has been placed on a 48-hour hold without bond.

The incident is being investigated by the county’s death investigation team, which includes Bartholomew County Deputies, Indiana State Police, Columbus Police, the Bartholomew County Coroner’s Office and the Bartholomew County Prosecutor’s Office.

The Seymour Department of Public Works has announced the locations for Christmas tree drop-off.

“The Tribune” is reporting that the drop-off areas will be sectioned off with orange snow fencing and remain open until Jan. 17 at the following locations:

– Margaret R. Brown Elementary School
– Emerson Elementary School
– Seymour-Redding Elementary School
– Seymour-Jackson Elementary School
– Seymour Middle School
– Seymour High School
– Seymour Middle School Sixth Grade Center.

You can get more inform nation at tribtown.com.

Work on developing the Columbus riverfront between Second and Third Streets is on the agenda of Tuesday night’s Columbus City Council meeting.

The Columbus Redevelopment Commission voted last month to approve a contract with Hitchcock Design Group to continue work on the proposal at a cost not to exceed $567,300.

The proposed project is meant to improve access to and along the river, including plans to remove the low-head to improve river water quality, safety and navigation.

The current project schedule is anticipating permit approval from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources in April. Contract bidding on the more than $8 million project is expected between April and June. The project is slated to close out in January of 2022, with post-construction improvements continuing through Fall of 2023.

The Redevelopment Commission approved the contract with Hitchcock on a unanimous vote. The Columbus City Council will need to give final approval, as the price tag is over the $500,000 limit the redevelopment commission can spend without council approval.

This will be the first meeting of the new Democrat-led city council. Taking part in their first meeting on the council are Democrat Jerone Wood in the 1st District and At-Large Councilwoman Grace Kestler. Democrats have a 4-3 majority on the council.

Council meets Tuesday at 6 p.m. at City Hall. You are invited.

Toyota Forklift’s business units, Toyota Industrial Equipment Manufacturing (TIEM) and Toyota Material Handling USA (TMHU), announced plans last year to formally integrate the two companies into a single business unit. On Monday, Toyota announced the integration process is officially complete. The company’s new name is Toyota Material Handling, Inc. (TMH).

The move combines Toyota’s forklift manufacturing operations with its sales, marketing, and distribution functions. The company remains headquartered in Columbus, where the industry-leading Toyota Forklift brand has been manufactured since 1990. TMH is led by President and CEO Jeff Rufener, Senior Vice President Tony Miller and Senior Vice President Bill Finerty.

Toyota has been the No. 1 selling forklift brand since 2002.

“Toyota is more committed than ever to being a complete material handling solutions provider,” President and CEO Jeff Rufener said. “The integration of TIEM and TMHU will allow us to simplify, streamline, and strengthen the entire customer experience. Integrating our teams will improve the flow of information to and from our customers so we can deliver exactly what they need when they need it.”

“We’re already seeing results, and we’re just getting started,” Rufener said. “The results have been gratifying in terms of the attitudes of our associates, and also in the tangible improvement and efficiency in our business.

Six new troopers, including one with Columbus ties, reported to the Indiana State Police-Versailles District following their graduation from the 79th Indiana State Police Recruit Academy.

Indiana State Police say that 37 probationary troopers graduated from the academy on December 19th. Among the graduates were 23-year-old Trooper Austin Straub, a 2015 graduate of Columbus Christian High School. Straub graduated from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis in 2019 with a degree in Criminal Justice. Prior to being hired by ISP, Straub worked for Bartholomew County Community Corrections. Straub currently lives in Brown County.

ISP says these troopers have already completed over 1,000 hours of structured training in law enforcement techniques as well as hands-on and scenario-based training at the Indiana State Police Recruit Academy. The curriculum included criminal law, traffic law, emergency vehicle operations, psychology, firearms, crash investigation, self-defense, first aid and other general law enforcement training.

Upon completion of the ISP-Versailles District Field Training Program, all six probationary troopers will receive their police vehicles and begin solo patrol in the district.

Schneck Medical Center in Seymour has announced it is now a VA Community Care Network provider for Veterans. The new network serves as the direct link between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Schneck healthcare providers. Optum, part of UnitedHealthcare, will manage the network and process claims on behalf of VA.

“Schneck is honored to serve our Veterans,” said Warren Forgey, President/CEO, Schneck Medical Center. “We feel a deep sense of privilege and honor as we partner with the Department of Veterans Affairs to help meet the healthcare needs of our local Veterans.”

To be eligible, a Veteran must be enrolled in VA’s patient enrollment system AND have an approved referral from VA for community care. The VA will provide a referral for a Veteran to receive community care when services are not available at a VA medical facility, an appointment is not available at a VA medical facility within a certain timeframe or the Veteran lives too far away from a VA medical facility. This service is for veterans only. Caregivers and family members are not eligible.

For more information on the VA Community Care Network, call Schneck Patient Financial Services at 812-522-0411.

Indiana Department of Transportation maintenance crews will continue right-of-way mechanical brush cutting across the Southeast District this winter. The work is being done to remove trees, shrubs and other vegetation along a number of state highways.

INDOT says that operations are typically performed on shoulders with minimal traffic impacts. However, motorists should still use caution and watch for active crews throughout the district.

Specific routes where brush cutting is planned include U.S. 50, S.R. 46, U.S. 31, U.S. 421, S.R. 7, S.R. 3, S.R. 135, S.R. 446 and S.R. 250.

Brush cutting is completed to remove vegetation that is blocking line-of-sight or traffic signs, reduce asphalt deterioration due to trapped moisture and provide shoulder space for motorists.

For more information on INDOT’s roadside management program, visit greenercrossroads.com.

U.S. Congressman Greg Pence has released the following statement on the death of Qasem Soleimani:

“Qasem Soleimani had the blood of hundreds of American patriots on his hands. Our Embassy is sovereign soil and our response was forceful and appropriate. Evil has been taken off this earth,” said Congressman Pence. “By the grace of God I shipped out of Beirut just before the 1983 Marine Barracks bombing orchestrated by Iran-backed terrorists. I know what the Iranian terrorist network is capable of. I stand firmly in support of President Trump, Secretary of State Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Esper.”

This story has been updated.

2020 is a Presidential election year but a number of state and local races will also be on your ballot.

Bartholomew County Clerk Jay Phelps explains that along with federal offices like seats in the U.S. House, other races will be settled as well. That includes the offices of Indiana Governor and Attorney General and statehouse races in the Indiana House and Senate.

Bartholomew County voters will also be choosing county commissioners for districts 1 and 3, members of county council at large, and Superior Court 2 Judge.

Other local races will include Hope Town Council seats in Wards 1, 2 and 3 and Hartsville Town Council members.

Many local voters could also be asked to approve a property tax increase through a referendum being considered by the Bartholomew Consolidated School Board. If the tax increase is approved by the school board later this month, it would appear on the May primary ballot of those living in the school district.

Candidates can begin filing their candidacies on Wednesday, Jan. 8th at the Voter Registration Office in the Bartholomew County Courthouse.

Leadership of the Columbus Police Department is a little different as we enter a new decade.

Michael Richardson, a 25 year veteran of the Columbus Police Department, became CPD’s new Chief of Police when he was sworn in by Mayor Jim Lienhoop during a ceremony at Columbus City Hall on Wednesday.

Richardson is a life-long resident of Columbus and Bartholomew County. He has nearly two decades of supervisory experience. During his time at CPD, Richardson has served as patrol officer, field training officer, bike patrol officer, bomb technician, uniform sergeant, uniform lieutenant, uniform captain and deputy chief of police.

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.

Chief Richardson commented, “I consider it a privilege to be selected as the CPD Chief of Police and look forward to continuing to move forward on ideas and initiatives that have made the Columbus Police Department one of the premiere law enforcement agencies in the State of Indiana.”

Richardson also announced his new law enforcement command staff. They will be responsible for assisting with the daily operations and management of the Columbus Police Department.

Deputy Chief of Police: Steve Norman is a 25 year veteran of the Columbus Police Department. During his service at CPD, Major Norman has worked his way up the ranks of the department as a patrol officer, a member of the CPD SWAT team, narcotics detective, public relations officer, uniform sergeant, uniform lieutenant and uniform captain. Dep. Chief Norman is a graduate of Ball State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice.

Administrative Captain: Jon Rohde is a nearly 19 year veteran of the Columbus Police Department and most recently served as CPD’s Chief of Police for the last five years. Rohde joined the Columbus Police Department in 2001 and has served as a patrol officer, field training officer, SWAT team member, narcotics detective, narcotics detective sergeant, and previously served as administrative captain before becoming chief of police. Captain Rohde attended Indiana University in Bloomington and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. He later attended the Indiana School of Law in Indianapolis where he obtained his Doctor of Jurisprudence.

Uniform Captain: Jay Frederick is serving in his 30th year as a law enforcement officer in Columbus. Capt. Frederick joined CPD in 2001 after working at the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office. Frederick holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Safety with a specialization in Criminal Justice.

Chief Richardson commented; “Our police command staff consists of veteran officers with an extensive amount of education, skill, and law enforcement experience. I am pleased that they have agreed to continue to serve Columbus in their respective roles.” Richardson added: “Their proven leadership has been invaluable over their many years of service to our community and I look forward to working closely with them in the future.”