A pair of North Vernon brothers are under arrest after the theft of a vehicle early Saturday morning.

A woman called in North Vernon police after her vehicle was allegedly stolen by her boyfriend, 27-year- old Dustin Gifford of Butlerville while she was shopping at a convenience store at U.S. 50 and State Road 7 at about 4:20 a.m. on Saturday.

Gifford also allegedly threatened to kill the victim earlier in the evening.

Police found the vehicle driving on U.S. 50 and attempted to stop it but the driver took off and shook police briefly before eventually stopping at a home in the 3000 block of County Road 550E. Police followed tracks at the rear of the home into a field and eventually caught 35-year-old Denver Gifford who was wanted on a warrant. That brother was also allegedly carrying methamphetamine in a cooler.

Dustin Gifford was was found laying in the field and was arrested on an outstanding warrant along with charges of auto theft, resisting law enforcement in a vehicle, intimidation, criminal confinement and theft.

Denver Gifford is facing a new charge of possession of methamphetamine, in addition to outstanding warrants for possession of syringes.

The vehicle was returned to the victim.

Bartholomew, Brown, Decatur, Jennings and Johnson counties are now under a travel advisory. That is the lowest level of local advisory, means that routine travel or activities may be restricted in areas because of a hazardous situation, and individuals should use caution or avoid those areas.

If you need to submit a closing or delay today, email news@1010wcsi.com

You can check our our complete list of closings and delays here.

The Seymour City Council is slated to consider a new member when it meets Monday evening. At-Large Councilman Shawn Malone announced his resignation last month due to moving out of city limits.

City residents were given an opportunity to apply for the position. Those being considered are:

Gregory Vernon Prange;
Jeremiah Tracey;
Seth L. Davidson;
Darrin R. Boas;
Dovie Stidham;
John S. Burkhart;
Richard Meadors;
Nathaniel D. Bryant;
Steven Buffington;
Lisa Bryant Hoene;
Drew Storey;
Marcus L. Sewell;
Melinda Clay;
Paul Collins;
Lorne L. Coffey;

Seymour City Council meets Monday at 5 p.m. in council chambers at City Hall. You are invited.

The Indiana State Fire Marshal will be presenting Awards of Valor to two Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Deputies. Deputy Andrew Dougan and Deputy Robert Cooper saved the life of a man by pulling him from his burning home on Nov. 6th.

The Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department will also present a Certificates of Valor to Johnny R. Smith. He saved a woman’s life on Christmas Day by pulling a woman from her burning vehicle.

These ceremonies will be held Feb. 7th at 12:30 p.m. during the Merit Board meeting at the department’s office on Jackson Street.

The Winter Storm Warning for our area has prompted Bartholomew County Sheriff Matt Myers to offer a few reminders on winter driving:

Reduce speed. Many crashes occur simply due to driving too fast for weather conditions. There is no designated “safe” speed so drivers must exercise caution based on conditions. The safe speed may be well below the posted maximum speed limit.

Conditions may deteriorate rapidly and may change due to traffic patterns, available sunlight or snow treatment on pavement, or other factors. Don’t be lulled into thinking that easy driving in one location means the same everywhere. The same road may suddenly become hazardous a short distance away.

Leave extra room between vehicles. This is true both while traveling and while stopped at lights or signs. Normal following distances should be increased to 8-10 seconds minimum.

Accelerate and brake slowly. Sudden moves create problems on snow and ice.

Keep all windows clear of debris. Don’t start driving until all windows are clear of ice, snow, and frost.

Minimize distractions. Even more than on nice days, keep eyes on the road and attention on driving. Put away phones and other distractions.

Use your lights even during daylight hours. This is not so much for you to see but to assist others with seeing you. Make sure to clear lights of snow and ice.

Keep vehicles maintained. Check tire pressure, fill washer fluid, replace windshield wipers, keep gas tank at least half full, and have general maintenance performed.

Have an emergency kit in each vehicle. Suggested items include a blanket or extra clothes, flashlight, water, snacks, and a fully charged cell phone.

Sheriff Myers says his deputies will continually monitor road conditions around the county and will announce any travel advisories on our Facebook page and through other media outlets.

Plow trucks will be out in full force across the Indiana Department of Transportation’s Southeast District in anticipation of significant snowfall that begins tonight. INDOT says drivers will work 12-hour shifts until the snow event subsides.

The schedule for areas throughout the district is as follows:

Aurora – 29 plow trucks begin patrolling area highways at 8 p.m.;
Bloomington – 32 plow trucks begin patrolling area highways at 9 p.m.:
Columbus – 29 plow trucks begin patrolling area highways at 10 p.m.;
Falls City – 31 plow trucks to be dispatched at 8 p.m.. That includes 15 from the Sellersburg unit and 16 from the Corydon unit;
Madison – 30 plow trucks begin patrolling area highways at 8 p.m.;

INDOT adds that mechanics will fully staff subdistrict garages during the storm.

Officials say that all state highways and interstates have been pre-treated with salt brine. Early rain could wash away pre-treatments, but INDOT drivers are prepared to begin salt applications as soon as conditions warrant.

You should avoid unnecessary travel, but if you have to be on the road, INDOT has these tips:

– Reduce speeds. Plan ample time to reach your destination safely. Be patient.;
– Don’t tailgate and give snowplows room to work;
– Pay attention and don’t be distracted;
– Drive defensively;

If you are looking for more traffic information, download the WAZE app, powered by Crew Car Wash, and join the WCSI Traffic team. You can find updated traffic information online, on-air and on the app.

Snow is in the air tonight. The National Weather Service in Indianapolis has issued a winter storm warning for our area, forecasting 4 to 7 inches of snow.

This would be the first significant snow of the season so far. The winter storm warning goes into effect at midnight and lasts through 7 a.m. Sunday morning.

Most of the state should see some snow, with the heaviest band falling between Lafayette and Seymour.

Keep listening to our White River Broadcasting stations for any weather related closings and delays. Or you check our our website closings list here.

After a rash of vehicle break-ins on the west side of Columbus, police are asking you to make sure to lock up your vehicle.

Lt. Matt Harris said there have been more than 20 recent reports of thefts from vehicles in the Wildflower, Shadow Creek and Cross Creek Subdivision.

In each of those cases, the vehicles were left unlocked. Harris talked last month about the importance of locking your vehicle and making sure that you don’t leave valuables inside.

If you see any suspicious activity, you are urged to call Columbus police at 812-376-2600.