The Indiana Department of Transportation says that maintenance crews will begin chip sealing a 10-mile section of State Road 258 in Jackson County next week. The work is set to take place from State Road 58 to the bridge over the east fork of the White River (west of S.R. 11/Seymour), on or after Monday, July 1st.

Drivers in the area should expect lane closures and delays. Flaggers will be present to manage traffic.

INDOT stresses that the work is dependent on the weather.

If you are looking for more traffic information, download the WAZE app for your smartphone and join the WCSI Traffic team. You can find updated traffic information on our website, on-air and on the app.

The Jennings County Sheriff’s Department arrested two North Vernon residents believed connected to an early Tuesday morning shooting incident in Spencer Township.

Shortly after 1 a.m., deputies were dispatched to an address on County Road 1000 West in reference to shots being fired and a suspicious vehicle. They learned the homeowner had returned home and discovered the vehicle in the middle of the roadway. He checked his house and property and eventually found a man hiding in his yard. Police say the man opened fire on the homeowner with a small caliber weapon. The property owner returned fire and the suspect fled on foot.

Authorities say that one suspect, 26-year-old Alex Mullikin, was taken into custody later that day after he was seen walking in the area. He was apprehended without incident.

The second suspect, 18-year-old David Eggerts, was taken into custody by Sgt. Cody Low and his police dog Axle. Chief Deputy David Turner says that Eggerts was seen walking on Hoosier Street. He was ordered to stop by Sgt. Low, but Eggerts reportedly took off on foot. Axle was deployed and was able to allow Eggerts to be taken into custody.

Authorities say that during the arrest, a handgun that Eggerts had pulled out during the foot pursuit was found under a nearby vehicle. Turner says the handgun was taken by Eggerts after he fled from the original scene and stole another vehicle in the area.

Mullikin is facing a preliminary charge of Theft. He is being held on $1,055 bond.

Eggerts is facing preliminary charges of Attempted Murder, Possession of Firearm by Felon, Theft and Criminal Recklessness with a Weapon. Authorities add that Eggerts was also wanted on an outstanding parole warrant.

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management has issued an Air Quality Action Day for Thursday, June 27th for much of the state. It is forecasting high ozone levels for the following area counties:
– Jackson
– Jefferson
– Scott
– Washington

IDEM encourages you to reduce ozone by making simple changes to daily habits.
• Walk, bike, carpool or use public transportation
• Avoid using the drive-through and combine errands into one trip
• Avoid refueling your vehicle or using gasoline-powered lawn equipment until after 7 p.m.
• Turn off your engine when idling for more than 30 seconds
• Conserve energy by turning off lights or setting the air conditioner to 75 degrees or above

Anyone sensitive to changes in air quality may be affected when ozone levels are high. Children, the elderly and anyone with heart or lung conditions should reduce or avoid exertion and heavy work outdoors.

The Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department is investigating two traffic crashes Tuesday involving roll-overs.

At approximately 5:50 p.m., deputies responded to the 2000 block of North County Road 325 West. Upon arrival, a vehicle was located along the east side of the road. Authorities say the vehicle was inverted and appeared to have rolled over multiple times.

The initial investigation shows that the vehicle was traveling northbound when, for an unknown reason, it left the roadway. After returning to the road, it appeared that the driver may have over-corrected and the vehicle again left the roadway causing it to overturn multiple times.

The driver, 33-year-old Vanessa Lewis, of Columbus, was flown to Methodist Hospital by Lifeline. Two juvenile passengers were transported to Columbus Regional Hospital for minor injuries.

Lewis’ condition remains unknown at this time.

North County Road 325 West was closed for about an hour during cleanup.

BCSO Road Patrol Commander, Captain Dave Steinkoenig, says that although speed has not been determined to be the cause of this crash, this is a very busy roadway and speed continues to be an issue in the area.

Later, shortly after 8 p.m., deputies responded to Southern Crossing/County Road 150 East for a one-vehicle crash. A male was lying in the roadway and a Jeep Wrangler appeared to have roll-over damage.

The driver, 27-year-old Jeremy Dance, of Columbus, was transported to Methodist Hospital by Lifeline. A juvenile passenger was not hurt. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

The condition of Dance is unknown at this time.

A local man was arrested early Tuesday morning on felony drug charges.

Columbus Police say that an officer observed 24-year-old Trey A. Smith, of Columbus, speeding in an alley near the 1500 block of 19th Street. Police say that Smith exited the car and appeared to throw something to the ground near the vehicle. Officers confirmed that Smith had a suspended driver’s license and he was taken into custody.

A search of Smith’s car allegedly uncovered over 1/8th of a pound of methamphetamine, a digital scale with drug residue and several plastic bags.

Smith is being held on a 48-hour hold. He’s facing preliminary charges of:
– Dealing in Methamphetamine (Level 2 Felony)
– Possession of Methamphetamine (Level 3 Felony)
– Driving While Suspended (Class A Misdemeanor)

Columbus’ next Chief of Police has been named.

Michael Richardson, who currently serves as the Deputy Chief of Police, has been selected by Mayor Jim Lienhoop. Richardson will assume the role of Police Chief on January 1st. The mayor made the decision after Chief Jon Rohde announced his intention to step down at the end of this year to run for Superior Court II Judge next year.

Richardson is a life-long resident of Columbus and Bartholomew County and has served with the Columbus Police Department for nearly 25 years. During his time at CPD, Richardson has served in numerous positions including Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Bike Patrol Officer, Bomb Technician, Uniform Sergeant, Uniform Lieutenant, Uniform Captain and Deputy Chief.

Richardson is a graduate of Vincennes University with an Associates of Arts Degree in Law Enforcement and a graduate of Indiana State University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice. He is also a graduate of the Police Executive Leadership Academy.

“I am humbled at this incredible opportunity to serve the Columbus community, the women and men of the Columbus Police Department as well as our police support staff,” said Richardson. He added, “I truly appreciate the confidence placed in me by Mayor Lienhoop and I look forward to continuing the hard work and progress that has made the Columbus Police Department one of the premier law enforcement agencies in the state.”

A Columbus man is facing gun and drug charges after a weekend incident on 17th Street. Columbus Police officers arrested 43-year-old Joseph Q. Ford after he reportedly pointed a stolen gun at another person during an argument.

Authorities say that at approximately 2:35 a.m. Sunday, officers responded to the 1700 block of 17th Street in regards to a disturbance. It was later determined that prior to the officers arrival, an argument occurred and Ford is alleged to have pointed a gun in the face of another person.

A short time later, another officer found the vehicle involved in the 900 block of Third Street where a felony traffic stop was conducted. Officers located a stolen gun inside of the vehicle and arrested Ford. During a search, officers reportedly located a small bag of cocaine in Ford’s clothing.

Ford is facing preliminary felony charges of:
– Possession of Handgun by a Serious Violent Felon
– Possession of a Stolen Handgun
– Carrying a Handgun without a License
– Intimidation with a Deadly Weapon
– Pointing a Loaded Firearm
– Possession of Cocaine

Complaints about the problems caused by the homeless in Columbus have moved from the east side to downtown.

Police Chief Jon Rohde says his staff will be meeting later this week with officials from the Bartholomew County Public Library to begin to address the shift.

Last year at meetings between city officials and residents and business owners on and around State Street, neighbors expressed many concerns about the homeless people congregating around the Brighter Days homeless shelter. While numbers of certain types of police calls had spiked in that area at that time, Rohde said that has largely moved downtown.

Said the homeless in the community seem to be congregating at the Bartholomew County Public Library. He said that the police department will be meeting with the library officials on Thursday.

Rohde said that the homeless population are individuals, each with different problems and situations.

Rohde spoke at a followup meeting last night with State Street residents.

Fred Barnett, the code enforcement officer for the city, said that during warmer months the homeless move from camps under bridges and into the woods around the city. Since he started, he has broken up more than 30 of those camps and collected 52 tons of trash left behind on public property.

On private property, the city has fewer options, Barnett said. In several areas, private property owners have banded together to address homeless camps and remove the trash themselves. In extreme cases, the city has the option of citing property owners who allow these camps to continue, because there are no legal places for campgrounds under city zoning ordinances.

Hope will be celebrating Independence Day on Friday and organizers are looking for participants for several contests.

There will be the annual Decorated Bike/Trike/Stroller and Wagon Parade for children younger than 12 , the crowning of Little Miss Sparkler and Mr. Firecracker, a cake walk and an apple pie baking contest.

To enter any of those events you may pick up registration forms at the Yellow Trail Museum, Willow Leaves of Hope, or the Hope branch of the Bartholomew County Public Library.

The Old-Fashioned Independence Day celebration kicks off at 5 p.m. Friday on the Hope Town Square. The evening is capped off by a performance by the Bannister Family Band at about 7:15 p.m. followed by fireworks at dark.

The Jennings County Sheriff’s Department is investigating an exchange of gunfire early Tuesday morning. At approximately 1:12 a.m., deputies were dispatched to an address on County Road 1000 West in Spencer Township in reference to shots being fired and a suspicious vehicle.

When deputies arrived on scene they learned the homeowner returned home and discovered the vehicle in the middle of the roadway. He checked his house and property and eventually found a man hiding in his yard. Police say the man opened fire on the homeowner with a small caliber gun. The property owner returned fire and the suspect fled. Deputies do not believe anyone was injured.

Deputies say the vehicle had been reported stolen out of Medora.

Police are still looking for the suspect. The investigation is ongoing.