The Bartholomew County Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team arrested two Columbus residents on multiple drug-related charges on Monday, July 15th. The Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team, a combined unit of the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office, the Columbus Police Department and the Bartholomew County Prosecutor’s Office, targets the manufacturing and abuse of dangerous drugs in Columbus and Bartholomew County.

Authorities served an arrest warrant on 20-year-old Bryce Hatton at his home in the 900 block of California Street. They say the warrant came about as a part of an investigation into drug dealing. A search of the home allegedly uncovered illegal narcotics, Fentanyl, marijuana, drug-related paraphernalia and an undisclosed amount of cash.

Hatton, who was also wanted on Bartholomew County warrant for two counts of dealing illegal narcotics is facing preliminary charges of:

– Dealing in Cocaine
– Dealing in Marijuana
– Possession of Cocaine/Narcotic
– Possession of Marijuana,
– Maintaining a Common Nuisance,
– Possession of Paraphernalia

Hatton remains behind bars in lieu of $316,000 bond.

While officers were serving the warrant on Hatton, they also arrested 19-year-old Isabell Nida. She is facing preliminary charges of:

– Dealing in Cocaine
– Dealing in Marijuana
– Possession of Cocaine/Narcotic
– Possession of Marijuana,
– Maintaining a Common Nuisance,
– Possession of Paraphernalia

Nida remains behind bars on $66,000 bond.

Columbus East High School students will see a revamped auditorium under a plan adopted last night by the school board. Bartholomew Consolidated schools approved a contract with Dunlap & Company construction last night and a change order that would mean $3.8 million dollars in renovations to the auditorium.

Dunlap was the low bidder for the project at about $4.4 million dollars and their bid was approved Monday night. But the change order was also approved to bring the price of the project down by more than $549,000 — within the project’s budget — by downgrading some amenities including reducing some of the lighting, and going with a cheaper soundboard and speaker system.

The systems would be upgradeable, if they need to expand in the future, school officials said. For example, more LED lights could be added and controlled by the new system, or additional speakers could be installed.

The goal is to bring the East auditorium up to the same quality level of the Columbus North High School auditorium, school officials said.

The Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation is likely to continue its partnership with the city of Columbus with efforts to help students prepare for life after the classroom. The city’s redevelopment commission unanimously approved a resolution to provide a workforce development grant of $750,000 to BCSC out of local tax-increment financing funds during its meeting Monday afternoon.

The funding will benefit iGrad and the school corporation’s STEM programs. iGrad is designed to help at-risk students meet graduation requirements and move onto post-secondary education or into the workforce. STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Funds are used to broaden and encourage learning and skills in these areas.

The funding will also aid in transition planning efforts for special needs students. This includes post-secondary career plans, including paid work experience and training. Superintendent Dr. Jim Roberts says transition planning efforts are paying dividends.

Roberts adds that students aren’t the only beneficiaries.

Roberts says local support is critical for BCSC to fulfill its mission of preparing the next generation.

The redevelopment commission voted unanimously to approve the request. The city council will need to give its approval before the money can be granted. That’s expected in the coming weeks.

Columbus police are looking for two suspects accused of robbing a cell phone store Sunday evening.

The incident happened at about 6 p.m. Sunday evening when the two armed men entered the store on Jonathan Moore Pike and demanded money. They soon left with an undisclosed amount of cash and cell phones.

Both of the suspects are black men between 20 and 40 years old.

One was about 5’7″ to 5’8″ with a stocky build and broad shoulders. He also had a bandage on his left arm from his elbow to his wrist. During the robbery he was wearing a blue and yellow hooded sweatshirt, khaki pants and black sunglasses.

The second man was 6’2”-6’3” with a slender build. He was wearing blue plaid pajama pants, a dark hooded sweatshirt and black sunglasses.

If you have any information, you should contact the Columbus Police Department at 812-376-2600. Tips and information can left anonymously.

A girl was bitten by what is believed to be a copperhead snake while at a Brown County State Park campground over the weekend.

Authorities with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources say that the girl suffered two puncture wounds to her ankle after running around a tent and up to the treeline at about 9:15 p.m. Saturday night.

The family called 911 and took her to meet a Columbus Regional Hospital ambulance at the park entrance and she was taken to IU Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis.

DNR says that the girl will make a full recovery.

Although the snake was not found, despite a search by authorities, copperhead snakes have bitten park visitors previously. The attack fit the pattern of previous attacks — happening in the dark, and the victim was not using a flashlight in the poorly lit area.

DNR says that the venomous snakes are a vital part of the ecosystem managing rodent populations and in turn reducing the number of ticks. Authorities also point out that it is illegal to kill a snake on Indiana State Parks property.

Congressman Greg Pence recognized the Alliance for Substance Abuse Progress in Bartholomew County from the floor of the United States House of Representatives.

“I rise to recognize the Alliance for Substance Abuse Progress in Bartholomew County, a group that has been on the front lines of combating the opioid crisis.” Pence, a Columbus Republican, spoke from the floor of the House on Wednesday. “While we have much work to do, the Alliance for Substance Abuse Progress of Bartholomew County can be a model for other counties looking to combat this terrible scourge,” Pence added.

The Alliance for Substance Abuse Progress (ASAP) in Bartholomew County is an organization that partners with law enforcement, the court system, counselors, health systems, and community leaders to address the opioid crisis through prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery.

Pence also recognized Doug Leonard, the organization’s new Executive Director who officially started July 8th. Leonard is a former local and state healthcare leader, serving as the President of the Indiana Hospital Association from 2007 until 2017.

No injuries reported in a Thursday night house fire in the 5200 block of West Quan Wae Drive.

The German Township Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to the scene at about 10 p.m. after a resident heard noises in the basement then noticed the house was rapidly filling with smoke.

Fire Chief Matt Lynch says that Engine 81, Rescue 81, Tanker 81 and Chief 801 responded within minutes later to find smoke pouring from the front door. Crews used a thermal imaging camera to see through the thick smoke and located the fire in a utility room. They then used a pressurized water extinguisher to put the fire out.

Investigators say the fire started in the back-up battery system for the sump pump. The fire rapidly spread up the wall to the ceiling. They add that the fire caused a water pipe along the ceiling to break open and pour water onto the fire, acting as a sprinkler and keeping it small.

Authorities say that smoke detectors also alerted the family to the fire. Four adults, a three-month old and three dogs got out of the house safely.

No damage estimates were available.

A local man was arrested on suspicion of drunk-driving after his truck struck a traffic control box and knocked out power to traffic signals at a Columbus intersection Thursday night. At approximately 11:20 p.m. Columbus Police responded to the intersection of Middle Road and Rockyford Road on a report of a crash.

Police say the truck crashed into a traffic control box and a tree near the intersection. They say that the driver, 24-year-old Adrian T. Villegas, of Columbus, appeared impaired and failed several field sobriety tests at the scene. Prior to transporting Villegas to Columbus Regional Hospital, officers reported finding drug paraphernalia in his clothing. Villegas is facing preliminary charges of Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Travel along State Road 9 in Bartholomew County will be impacted by road work next week.

Indiana Department of Transportation maintenance crews are scheduled to begin chip sealing two sections of State Road 9 on, or after, Monday, July 15th.

Work is slated to take place on a four-mile section of State Road 9, from State Road 46 to about four miles north of State Road 46 (near Shaefer Drive, south of Hope). A three-mile section, from 5.5 miles north of State Road 46 (near Angling Road) to 8.5 miles north of State Road 46 (near County Line Road).

INDOT says that drivers should expect delays in the area due to lane closures in the area. Flaggers will be present to manage traffic. Do not drive distracted.

INDOT adds that the work is dependent on the weather.

Eastern Bartholomew Water Corp. has issued a Boil Advisory for customers on Lowell Road, south to Tellman Road, on County Road 200 West and all of Drummond Drive.

Customers should bring all water that is to be consumed to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute and then let cool before consuming.

This advisory will remain in effect until further notice.