Two people were killed after a single vehicle crash on U.S. 31 near Edinburgh Tuesday afternoon.

Johnson County Sheriff’s deputies say that a car driven by 68-year-old Rita J. Britton of Franklin was reported swerving across the yellow line several times at about 1:42 p.m. near U.S. 31 and Johnson County Road 550E. The vehicle then overcorrected, losing control, hitting a ditch and crashing, throwing Britton, who was not wearing a seatbelt, from the vehicle according to witnesses.

A passenger, 75-year-old Vicki J. Alexander of Greenwood was trapped in the wreckage and had to be freed by rescue workers.

Both Britton and Alexander were unconscious at the scene. Britton was flown by Lifeline helicopter to IU Methodist Hospital where she later died. Alexander was taken by Seals Ambulance to Methodist Hospital where she also died.

South bound U.S. 31 between State Road 252 and County Road 650S was closed for about three hours while the scene was cleaned up.

The accident remains under investigation.

Photo courtesy of Johnson County Sheriff’s Department.

Bartholomew County community leaders are asking the governor to extend the statewide mask mandate as a way to continue to protect the public from COVID-19.

In a letter released to the public yesterday, the COVID-19 Community Task Force urged the governor to extend the face covering requirement “for as long as the Centers for Disease Control continue to recommend mask wearing as the single most effective way currently available to limit the spread of coronavirus.’

The task force said that” Indiana stands at a crucial point in how our beautiful state continues to weather the brutal storm of this pandemic.”

The letter was signed by community leaders including Mayor Jim Lienhoop, County Commissioners President Carl Lienhoop, Bartholomew Consolidated Schools Superintendent Jim Roberts, County Health Officer Dr. Brian Niedbalski and others.

2020-10-7 Bartholomew County Covid-19 Community Task Force Letter (2)

Seymour police say that a shooting yesterday morning appears to have been part of a drug-related armed robbery attempt.

According to police reports, an attempted armed robbery with drug-related motives unfolded at about 3:15 a.m. in the morning in the 900 block of North Ewing Street. Several people pushed into an acquaintance’s home armed with a stolen handgun.

During a fight, one of the people entering the home was shot. Police say the victim is in stable condition and is receiving medical treatment.

Police say that they believe this is an isolated incident. Several adults and juveniles are believed to have been involved and charges are forthcoming.

Cummins is announcing today plans to invest $25 million dollars into the Seymour Engine Plant.

The investment will upgrade existing plant infrastructure at the plant, which is Cummins’ global high-horsepower headquarters. The company will bring in new manufacturing capabilities, including assembly, machining and block lines as well as testing equipment. The company is preparing for the addition of a new engine platform that will be launched for global customers in 2024.

The investment is also expected to create and retain more than 150 jobs over the next 5-10 years. The Seymour facility now has 1,100 employees.

Over the past 10 years, Cummins has invested more than $350 million in Seymour, including a significant renovation of the plant and the addition of a technical center.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Cummins Inc. up to $550,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $100,000 in training grants based on the company’s plans to create up to 87 new jobs by the end of 2028.

Seymour Engine Plant produces natural gas and diesel engines ranging in size from 15L to 95L. These engines support the power generation, rail, marine, mining, agricultural, oil and gas, industrial, and military applications.

The company’s announcement:

Global technology and power solutions leader Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI), with the support of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), the City of Seymour, Indiana and Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) announced plans to invest more than $25 million at its Seymour Engine Plant (SEP) over the next several years. The investment is also expected to create and retain more than 150 jobs over the next 5-10 years.

“After our significant investments into our manufacturing and tech center infrastructure over the last 10 years, our latest expansion decision will once again expand our ability to serve global markets and bring new products and technology from our high horsepower engine hub in Seymour,” said Norbert Nusterer, President, Power Systems Business Segment, Cummins Inc. “The evolving partnerships with our terrific workforce as well as the city help us build a more successful company, while in turn allowing us to contribute to stronger and more vibrant communities in and around Seymour. We are grateful to all stakeholders for the solid effort of past years on which this latest decision is built.”

The investment in upgrading existing plant infrastructure at SEP, which is Cummins’ global high-horsepower headquarters, will bring in new manufacturing capabilities, including assembly, machining and block lines as well as testing equipment. This investment will improve and refine the plant’s capabilities to prepare for the addition of a new engine platform that will be launched for global customers in 2024.

“This is exciting for our employees,” said Darren Wildman, Americas Operations Leader, Power Systems Business, Cummins Inc. “These investments ultimately mean we are going to bring to market the next generation of high-horsepower engines. A new engine platform allows us to tap even deeper into our exceptional technological, engineering and manufacturing expertise to create a game-changing product to serve more customers and expand into new markets.”

Over the past 10 years, Cummins has invested more than $350 million at its high-horsepower operations in Seymour, including a significant renovation of the plant and the addition of a cutting-edge technical center, bringing together key capabilities to enhance technological and product development. The investment has contributed to a nearly doubling of the employment at its Seymour operations, where it now has 1,100 employees.

“It’s a phenomenal day for Indiana as we celebrate yet another expansion for Cummins, which has been a driving force for Indiana’s strong advanced manufacturing sector from the very beginning,” said Indiana Secretary of Commerce Jim Schellinger. “The investment the company is making now will benefit Hoosiers for generations to come, and it’s an honor to support them as they continue finding success in Indiana.”

The IEDC offered Cummins Inc. up to $550,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $100,000 in training grants based on the company’s plans to create up to 87 new jobs by the end of 2028. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning the company is eligible to claim incentives once Hoosiers are hired.

“The decision by Cummins to again invest in Seymour is tremendous news,” said Seymour Mayor Matt Nicholson. “We believe our commitment to create and maintain a business-friendly environment, when combined with the workforce they are able to attract from throughout South Central Indiana, are reasons Cummins continues to invest in Seymour. Not only does this project create new jobs, but it also will retain workers which is a win-win for everyone.”

“Cummins’ investment in Seymour will have an impact beyond the company,” said Duke Energy Indiana President Stan Pinegar. “It’s an investment in the community and state. We were glad to do our part to provide incentives to help offset their energy costs.”

SEP produces natural gas and diesel engines ranging in size from 15L to 95L. These engines support the power generation, rail, marine, mining, agricultural, oil and gas, industrial, and military applications.