North Vernon’s Director of Golf is on paid leave. The City Council voted Monday night to suspend Robin Brown immediately. Council President Brian Hatfield wouldn’t elaborate beyond saying it is for an undisclosed “violation of the employee handbook.” The vote was 4-1 with Jack Kelley voting “no.”

City Attorney Larry Greathouse explained that Brown’s suspension will last until the council is able to investigate and determine a finding of facts. In the meantime, operations at St. Anne’s Golf Course will be maintained by course staff.

A Columbus man was arrested for allegedly violating a protective order. At about 7:18 p.m. Sunday, Bartholomew County Sheriff’s deputies were called to the 10000 block of Alvin Drive. There, they found 22-year-old Ricky Reed. While being taken into custody, Reed allegedly pulled away from deputies and refused to comply. Deputies regained control of Reed a short time later. He is facing preliminary charges of Invasion of Privacy and Resisting Law Enforcement.

Reed remains in jail on $10,000 bond.

A crowdfunding campaign has been launched to improve a local skate park. The campaign is sponsored by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority and offered through the crowdfunding platform developed by Patronicity. The campaign is led by Columbus Parks and Recreation.

“With unique amenities and rich architectural history, it is only fitting to have a world-renowned architect designing their first U.S. skate park in Columbus,” said Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch. “Not only will this be a place for people to practice skateboarding, but it provides an excellent location for outdoor concerts and events.”

If the campaign reaches its $50,000 goal by February 28th, the “Crider 2.0” project will receive a matching grant of $50,000 from IHCDA’s CreatINg Places program.

This campaign will enhance the Jolie Crider Memorial Skate Park located at Clifty Park. The architectural design will come from Finnish designer, Janne Saario, his first and only design in the United States. The space will be used by skateboards, longboards, roller derby, in-line skating, bmx and scooters. Crider 2.0 has a vision to be a place for individuals to hangout, have outdoor concerts and events, and practice their sport.

“We are excited about the possibilities,” said Stacy Findley, Project and Resource Development Director for Columbus Parks and Recreation. “There’s nothing like the Jolie Crider Memorial Skate Park. This is an unique opportunity with a world-renowned designer to renovate the park and keep it safe for generations to come.”

If you would like to donate to the cause, click here: bit.ly/2Co0itA.

If you receive food stamps, you’ll be getting February’s benefits even earlier than anticipated.

Officials with the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration say they’ve been informed by the USDA that the state must issue Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits for the month of February this Wednesday, January 16th rather than the previously reported date of Saturday, January 19.

In Indiana, SNAP benefits are usually issued to recipients according to an alphabetical schedule over a 19 day period throughout the month. This one-time early benefit distribution was identified by USDA officials as a mechanism provide SNAP benefits during the partial federal government shutdown.

No SNAP benefits will be issued in the month of February, so recipients are strongly encouraged to budget their SNAP benefits to ensure the amount received provides for their food needs through all of February. January benefits are being distributed according to the normal schedule. The FSSA will continue to accept and process applications for benefits for January issuance through January 31st.

We’ve made it through the first major snowfall of the year. The Bartholomew County Emergency Management Agency says another storm may hit our area this weekend.

Officials say a Winter storm may push out of the southern plains on Friday night and push across Kentucky on Saturday. This may result in another significant accumulating snow for Central Indiana on Saturday.

Forecasters say it is still too early to determine how much snow we may be in store for. However, current forecast models suggest enough snow may fall to make it difficult to travel.

The Seymour City Council is slated to consider a new member when it meets Monday evening. At-Large Councilman Shawn Malone announced his resignation last month due to moving out of city limits.

City residents were given an opportunity to apply for the position. Those being considered are:

Gregory Vernon Prange;
Jeremiah Tracey;
Seth L. Davidson;
Darrin R. Boas;
Dovie Stidham;
John S. Burkhart;
Richard Meadors;
Nathaniel D. Bryant;
Steven Buffington;
Lisa Bryant Hoene;
Drew Storey;
Marcus L. Sewell;
Melinda Clay;
Paul Collins;
Lorne L. Coffey;

Seymour City Council meets Monday at 5 p.m. in council chambers at City Hall. You are invited.

The Indiana State Fire Marshal will be presenting Awards of Valor to two Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Deputies. Deputy Andrew Dougan and Deputy Robert Cooper saved the life of a man by pulling him from his burning home on Nov. 6th.

The Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department will also present a Certificates of Valor to Johnny R. Smith. He saved a woman’s life on Christmas Day by pulling a woman from her burning vehicle.

These ceremonies will be held Feb. 7th at 12:30 p.m. during the Merit Board meeting at the department’s office on Jackson Street.

The Winter Storm Warning for our area has prompted Bartholomew County Sheriff Matt Myers to offer a few reminders on winter driving:

Reduce speed. Many crashes occur simply due to driving too fast for weather conditions. There is no designated “safe” speed so drivers must exercise caution based on conditions. The safe speed may be well below the posted maximum speed limit.

Conditions may deteriorate rapidly and may change due to traffic patterns, available sunlight or snow treatment on pavement, or other factors. Don’t be lulled into thinking that easy driving in one location means the same everywhere. The same road may suddenly become hazardous a short distance away.

Leave extra room between vehicles. This is true both while traveling and while stopped at lights or signs. Normal following distances should be increased to 8-10 seconds minimum.

Accelerate and brake slowly. Sudden moves create problems on snow and ice.

Keep all windows clear of debris. Don’t start driving until all windows are clear of ice, snow, and frost.

Minimize distractions. Even more than on nice days, keep eyes on the road and attention on driving. Put away phones and other distractions.

Use your lights even during daylight hours. This is not so much for you to see but to assist others with seeing you. Make sure to clear lights of snow and ice.

Keep vehicles maintained. Check tire pressure, fill washer fluid, replace windshield wipers, keep gas tank at least half full, and have general maintenance performed.

Have an emergency kit in each vehicle. Suggested items include a blanket or extra clothes, flashlight, water, snacks, and a fully charged cell phone.

Sheriff Myers says his deputies will continually monitor road conditions around the county and will announce any travel advisories on our Facebook page and through other media outlets.

Plow trucks will be out in full force across the Indiana Department of Transportation’s Southeast District in anticipation of significant snowfall that begins tonight. INDOT says drivers will work 12-hour shifts until the snow event subsides.

The schedule for areas throughout the district is as follows:

Aurora – 29 plow trucks begin patrolling area highways at 8 p.m.;
Bloomington – 32 plow trucks begin patrolling area highways at 9 p.m.:
Columbus – 29 plow trucks begin patrolling area highways at 10 p.m.;
Falls City – 31 plow trucks to be dispatched at 8 p.m.. That includes 15 from the Sellersburg unit and 16 from the Corydon unit;
Madison – 30 plow trucks begin patrolling area highways at 8 p.m.;

INDOT adds that mechanics will fully staff subdistrict garages during the storm.

Officials say that all state highways and interstates have been pre-treated with salt brine. Early rain could wash away pre-treatments, but INDOT drivers are prepared to begin salt applications as soon as conditions warrant.

You should avoid unnecessary travel, but if you have to be on the road, INDOT has these tips:

– Reduce speeds. Plan ample time to reach your destination safely. Be patient.;
– Don’t tailgate and give snowplows room to work;
– Pay attention and don’t be distracted;
– Drive defensively;

If you are looking for more traffic information, download the WAZE app, powered by Crew Car Wash, and join the WCSI Traffic team. You can find updated traffic information online, on-air and on the app.

The Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation will hold it’s first meeting of the year on Monday. Superintendent Dr. Jim Roberts…

Roberts says that a board president, vice-president and secretary will be elected and assignments for board members will be decided.

School board meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday at Schmitt Elementary. You are invited.

You can get more information at bcsc.k12.in.us.