The Substance Abuse Public Funding Board gave its approval for a proposal put forth by the Alliance for Substance Abuse Progress aimed at better serving the community. The Substance Abuse and Advisory Accountability Committee met in late September and approved plans to establish ASAP as a nonprofit corporation. Jeff Jones, ASAP executive director, explains that the local drug problem is not going away anytime soon. With that, he explains that there needs to be a more permanent presence, as well as a hub to help those suffering from addiction.

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ASAP is seeking $494,925 in 2019 funding from the city of Columbus and Bartholomew County to set up a hub location at the Doug Otto United Way Center. That money would be used to rent the approximately 2,700 square foot space, as well pay for permanent staffing. Jones explained that between the new ASAP and the hub, four full-time employees and one part-time employee would be needed, along with volunteers.

Jones explains that this ASAP Hub is one of ten “critical elements” in establishing a substance abuse support system. Through this hub, adults and families will be able to learn about, and receive, treatment. Currently, there is no centralized location or contact information available to those who need or want treatment.

If ASAP is granted nonprofit corporation status, that would allow the the organization to apply for state and federal grants that could offset future expenses. However, Jones says that likely will not impact ASAP’s financial outlook for 2019.

The Substance Abuse Public Funding Board unanimously approved the request and is suggesting that the city and county each cover 50 percent of the cost. Both the Columbus City Council and Bartholomew County Council would need to give their approval before any money is spent.

An Edinburgh man was arrested on drug charges after a Sunday night traffic stop. Shortly after 11 p.m., a Columbus Police Officer tried to stop a motorcycle near the Cambridge Square Apartments. However the driver, 53-year-old David M. Burton, allegedly continued traveling around the complex parking lot and dropped a small item on the pavement prior to stopping. A short time later, police confirmed that Burton’s driver’s license was suspended and he was taken into custody. While searching Burton, officers reported finding a small bag of marijuana in Burton’s coat pocket. When police checked on the item that Burton allegedly dropped, they determined that it was methamphetamine.

Burton was arrested on preliminary charges of:

– Possession of Methamphetamine Between 5-10 Grams (Level 5 Felony)
– Driving While Suspended (Class A Misdemeanor)
– Possession of Marijuana with a Prior Conviction (Class A Misdemeanor)

It’s “Downtown Development Week” in Seymour. Becky Shepman is with the Seymour Main Street organization. She says that 26 businesses in the city will be decorating scarecrows and you’re invited to check them out and vote for your favorite. The “Ghouls and Goblets” event is this Friday. Shepman says there will be 10 wineries and breweries, along with live music and spooky stories. Attendees will also get a personalized goblet.

The “Ghouls and Goblets” event is this Friday at Reno’s Cigar and Martini Lounge, located at 121 North Chestnut Street.For more on Downtown Development Week, visit SeymourMainStreet.org.

A North Vernon man is facing charges after an incident Thursday afternoon. North Vernon Police say that officers were called to the 400 block of Hoosier Street on reports that a man brandished an opened folding knife and threatened someone with it. Fifty-one year-old Marcolm Stiening was arrested on a preliminary charge of Intimidation with a Deadly Weapon. No one was reported to be hurt.

The Columbus Fire Department has announced the winner of the department’s “Fire Prevention Week” 2018 Poster Contest. Six-year-old Hazel Kelley, a first grader at CSA Lincoln Elementary will receive six tickets to Holiday World & Splashing Safari courtesy of White River Broadcasting.

The poster contest asked children to create a poster that highlights the fire prevention theme for 2018: “Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware-fire can happen anywhere.” The judges consisted of seven firefighters. They judged 74 entries.

Columbus Fire Chief Mike Compton calls the poster contest “a great opportunity for the children to focus on what fire prevention means. Fire prevention week is also a time for adults and children to think about fire related emergencies, and consider putting a plan together for a safe escape.”

Fire Prevention Week is October 7-13.

A woman who was struck by a vehicle on State Road 46 in Columbus has died. Columbus Police say that 30-year-old Jessica Hays passed away in an Indianapolis hospital.

Just before 7:30 a.m., on Wednesday, first-responders were called to the east bound lanes of State Road 46 at the intersection of Carrie Lane on Columbus’ west side. Officers spoke with the driver, 72-year-old Jayne H. Rogan. Witnesses say that Hays and another woman were attempting to cross State Road 46 while pushing shopping carts when Hays was struck.

The crash remains under investigation.

State Road 258 is scheduled to close at Seymour the evening of Tuesday, Oct. 9 through the evening of Wednesday, Oct. 10th to facilitate railroad crossing rehabilitation and track realignment work. The Indiana Department of Transportation says that Louisville & Indiana Railroad crews plan to being crossing work at 6 p.m. Tuesday, weather permitting. INDOT officials say State Road 258/Sixth Street should reopen to traffic by 6 p.m. the following day.

A state highway detour will route motorists around the State Road 258 crossing closure via State Road 11, U.S. Highway 50 and State Road 135.

INDOT says that motorists should notice improved smoothness—especially on the east side of State Road 258 once the work has been completed.

Two North Vernon residents were arrested early Wednesday morning on theft and drug charges.

North Vernon Police say they were called to the area of Jackson Street at 4:18 a.m. in reference to vehicles possibly being broken into. When officers arrived, they found two people in the area. After an investigation, 27-year-old Jordan Ferris was arrested on a preliminary charge of Possession of Methamphetamine and 18-year-old Ezra Engle 18 was arrested on a charge of Theft.

A historic home in North Vernon was facing the wrecking ball. Now, it has a new lease on life. Greg Sekula is the Indiana Landmarks Southern Regional Director. His group was able to save the former home of businessman Joseph Cone, located at the corner of Jennings and State Streets.

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Sekulah says the house has been transformed over the last several weeks.

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The house was designed by George F. Barber, a Knoxville, TN, architect know for the elaborate residential designs he marketed through mail-order catalogs. The house has fallen into severe disrepair over the years and the last homeowner was unable to maintain it. Sekula says that once adequate repairs are made, the house will be put on the market and whoever buys it will be responsible for final renovations and maintenance.

Tuesday is the deadline to register to vote for November’s general election. Early voting begins the following day.

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Jay Phelps, Bartholomew County Clerk, says that additional early voting locations will be open Oct. 22-27 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at German American Bank on Columbus’ west side, Donner Center and Flintwood Wesleyan Church. On Election Day, there will be voting centers open throughout Bartholomew County. Phelps says they will be in the same locations they were in for the 2016 election.

For more information, or if you have questions about your voter registration status, call the Voter Registration Office at (812) 379-1676.