Work on fighting the local opioid epidemic is ongoing. The Alliance for Substance Abuse Progress (ASAP) is set to receive half of the $502,925 requested to fund operations for the rest of this year and all of 2019. Mary Ferdon, the city’s director of administration, explains…

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The money will be used to cover salaries of five paid staff positions and to establish a physical space for the ASAP hub, a dedicated space for clients seeking recovery resources. The hub will be based at the Doug Otto United Way Center. The Bartholomew County Council still needs to grant final approval for their half of the funding.

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That approval is expected in the coming weeks.

The Indiana State Police-Versailles District All Crimes Policing Team served a search warrant at a Medora home on Wednesday, resulting in the arrest of four Jackson County residents on drug related charges.

Authorities say the investigation began when troopers went to 67 E. Washington Street in Medora after receiving a tip that drug activity was taking place there. Upon arriving at the residence, troopers made contact with two people who live in the home, 37-year-old Shawn T. Bowman and 47-year-old Teresa J. Bowman, both of Medora. Troopers soon observed indicators of methamphetamine production and use on the property. Troopers then applied for and received a search warrant for the residence.

Upon searching the home, troopers located suspected methamphetamine, items associated with the production of methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia. Two more people, 28-year-old Scylar E. Barker, of Medora, and 26-year-old Savannha D. Cobb, of Seymour, were also found in the home.

The Indiana State Police Clandestine Laboratory Team responded to dismantle the suspected methamphetamine production operation located there.

All four individuals were arrested on charges of dealing methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine. Additional charges are possible.

A Bartholomew County volunteer firefighter was honored this week for his 50 years of service to the community.

Ed Stone, a member of the Clifford Volunteer Fire Department, received the award at the monthly meeting of the Indiana Volunteer Fire Department Association District 10 departments, held Wednesday night in Hope. He received a pin and gold lifetime membership card.

Stone said his interest in being a firefighter was sparked in January 1969, helping a neighbor whose home was burning. despite having no training as a firefighter.

He thanked the assembled firefighters for their recognition

He said it is all about helping your neighbors and the community.

He also received the state fire marshal’s meritorious service award, and District Chairman John Ray read the commendation:

Columbus Parks and Rec has been given access to the funds it needs to purchase additional space. City Council gave approval Tuesday night to provide an additional appropriation to purchase the property, at 1360 Jackson Street. Jamie Brinegar, the city’s director of finance, explains the deal…

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Parks Director Mark Jones says that inspections of the site need to pass muster before the purchase can proceed.

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Jones says the property, which contains outbuildings, is desirable because it neighbors existing parks property and will serve well as a storage site.

Mayor Lienhoop recused himself and exited the chamber during this discussion as his aunt is the current owner of the property.

The site was formerly home to a machinery moving company.

The Columbus Park Foundation has announced a collaborative partnership with the Columbus Bicycle Co-op and the Columbus Parks and Recreation Department in support of the ColumBike bike share program. The partners will share responsibilities for the ongoing management, operations, and long-term sustainability of the ColumBike program.

A not-for-profit organization, the Columbus Bicycle Co-op is a community and volunteer-based bicycle garage. Classes, tools, parts, bikes, and work space are among the amenities the Co-op offers. As part of the new partnership, the Co-op will oversee ColumBike maintenance and operations responsibilities as well as hire a full-time staff person to manage both ColumBike and the Bicycle Co-op. Together, along with the Columbus Parks and Recreation Department, the partners will share fundraising efforts and general ColumBike oversight.

“We are very excited about this collaboration with the Columbus Bicycle Co-op. Their supportive reputation in the bicycle community is solid, and their discernible compatibility with the ColumBike program makes this partnership a privilege and a perfect fit. The Columbus Park Foundation and the Columbus Bicycle Co-op will continue their current missions through the partnership, while the Co-op will provide more focus on the reinforcement aspect of ColumBike,” said Board President Chip Orben.

Ryan Lauer took the oath of office Tuesday to serve as State Representative for House District 59.

Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta H. Rush administered the oath in the House Chamber of the Statehouse during Organization Day, the formal start to the legislative session.

“It is a privilege to serve as state representative of House District 59,” Lauer said. “I believe my previous experience working to improve public safety and promote fiscal responsibility while on the Bartholomew County Council has prepared me for this new role. I am excited to get to work for the people and help move Indiana forward.”

Lauer, a Columbus Republican, defeated Democrat Dale Nowlin for the seat in this month’s elections. He replaces longtime State Rep. Milo Smith, who opted to not seek reelection.

Indiana Department of Transportation and Indiana Department of Natural Resources personnel will come together next week to celebrate the conclusion of a two-year, $9 million road, bridge and flood control project at Yellowwood Forest, west of Nashville.

Last year, INDOT crews paved 1.5 miles of state-recreational-site roads south of Yellowwood Lake’s parking lot while constructing a 300-foot-long bridge on Yellowwood Road over Salt Creek.

This year, Milestone rebuilt a 1.3-mile gravel section of Yellowwood Lake Road—raising the elevation and improving drainage—from the lake north to Lanam Ridge Road. 2018 operations also included bridge/culvert work and 2000 feet of full-depth pavement reclamation on Yellowwood Road north of State Road 46.

Officials will cut a ceremonial ribbon Friday, November 30th. Area residents and others are invited to the 2:30 p.m. ceremony that will take place at the parking lot on the north end of Yellowwood Lake.

If you need firewood, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources may have a deal for you. Officials say you can cut certain downed trees in designated areas at Brown County State Park for firewood through March 15th. Trees eligible for firewood have fallen as a result of natural causes or have been dropped by property staff. They are along roadsides or in public areas such as campsites and picnic areas.

The cost of one pickup-truck load is $10. Officials say that all proceeds will be used for resource management and restoration efforts, including replacement of trees in campgrounds and other public areas.

Permits are available at the park office daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. A firewood permit must be obtained for each load.

Wood may be cut and removed between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. daily. For more information, call (812) 988-6406. Firewood from state parks is for personal use only and cannot be sold.

A North Vernon woman is facing multiple charges after a Monday night traffic stop. North Vernon Police say they stopped a vehicle in the area of JFK Drive shortly after 8:30 p.m.

During the stop, police became suspicious of criminal activity. They ultimately arrested 39-year-old Lindsey Warner on preliminary charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Paraphernalia. Police say Warner later received an additional charge of Trafficking with an Inmate.

There is definitely a market for a downtown hotel and conference center in Columbus. That’s the message from Rob Hunden, with Hunden Strategic Partners.

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Hunden says it’s important to understand the local market.

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Hunden gave the final report of the Hotel and Conference Center Market Analysis and Feasibility Study to the Columbus Redevelopment Commission Monday afternoon. Hunden pointed to two possible sites for a new hotel and conference center. They are the Bartholomew County Probation Department property at 507 Third Street and the downtown post office site. Hunden suggests it would be much easier and inexpensive to go with the probation site, but adds that both properties could be well utilized.

Hunden says the estimated cost of the proposed development is approximately $25 million.

The Redevelopment Commission took no action, but agreed to study the matter further.