Bartholomew County officials say that Arianne Trail will be closed today for repaving.
According to the county highway department, the work will be going on from County Road 300S until the road ends to the south, and between Vine and Pine streets. The work is scheduled to be going on from 8 a.m. in the morning to 5 p.m. in the afternoon.
You should avoid the area, if you can.
The United Way of Bartholomew County is looking for volunteers to help community organizations with the annual Day of Caring next month.
The Day of Caring is being held on May 16th and registration will start at noon on Tuesday for the volunteer slots.
The annual Day of Caring is a full-day volunteer event that connects local businesses and community members with non-profit agencies and organizations. More than 500 volunteers are needed to help organizations that make a positive difference in Bartholomew County.
Volunteer projects will include tasks such as planting flowers, mulching, painting, organizing, and sorting donations.
Organizers say that by volunteering you help free up the staff of the charitable groups to focus on their core mission providing essential services to members of the community in need.
Volunteers of all ages and skill levels can take part
You can sign up by going to https://uwbarthco.galaxydigital.com/need/.
Applications are now being accepted for the Dr. Bud Scholarship for registered nursing students through Schneck Medical Center in Seymour.
The scholarship benefits students working toward becoming a registered nurse. Candidates must have completed their first year of a registered nursing program, or already be a licensed practical nurse. Those who have been accepted into a master’s program to become a nurse practitioner are also encouraged to apply.
The scholarship is primarily for residents of Jackson, Jennings, Scott and Washington counties.
The scholarship is awarded in honor of Dr. H.P. “Bud” Graessle who was a physician and surgeon in Seymour for 53 years.
Applications for the scholarship are available at SchneckMed.org/careers. The deadline to apply is May 16th.
State highway officials say that it is the start of the spring constructions season and as you start seeing more orange cones and barrels on area streets, roads and highways you need to stay extra alert for worker safety.
Officials from INDOT, Indiana Constructors Inc., Indiana State Police and other partners recognized National Work Zone Awareness Week with a visit to the Interstate 65 Safety and Efficiency project site on the southeast side of Indianapolis. There are more than $3.3 billion in road improvements going on during this construction season in Indiana, across more than 1,200 projects.
Matt Ubelhor, the Indiana secretary of transportation and infrastructure said that last year 30 people were killed in Indiana work zones, and more than 1,500 were injured.
Chad Scott, with Milestone Contractors, says that the company has lost employees over the years in construction zone crashes and had many close calls. He said trying to reach your destination a few minutes sooner, or trying to read a text message while driving isn’t worth anyone’s life.
Safety officials urge you to slow down, to drive without distractions and to be alert to worker safety in all work zones.
The Bartholomew County Republican Ladies League awarded its annual $1,000 scholarships this week to four area high school seniors.
This year’s scholarship winners were:
According to the organization, the scholarships recognize outstanding young students involved in many extracurricular, community, and school activities. Among the requirements to qualify for the scholarship, students must pass a 5-question political history test, as well as maintain a 3.0 GPA.
If you would like to support the Ladies League scholarship fund with a donation, you can contact Phyllis Apple at 812-343-1992.
If you would like to learn more about the Bartholomew County Republican Ladies League, you
can follow them on Facebook @barthcoladiesleague.
Photo courtesy of Bartholomew County Republican Ladies League
Registrations will be opening soon for the 2025 Columbus Police and Fire Youth Camp and Bitty Boot Camps.
According to organizers, due to the popularity of the camps and limited spaces, there will be a lottery system for enrollment. Registration will be open May 5th at noon and close May 9th at noon. The participants will then be drawn and parents notified.
The Bitty Boot Camp will be June 2nd and 3rd for 6 to 8-year-old Bartholomew County children.
The Youth Academy will be June 4th, 5th, and 6th for 8 to 12-year-old Bartholomew County children.
You can find a more information here: https://www.columbus.in.gov/police/info-documents/columbus-police-fire-youth-academy/
Ivy Tech Community College will be hosting a nature walk on Saturday, May 3rd to help you learn more about the local natural environment. The school’s biology professors are hosting the series of hikes with the next along the Driftwood River near Edinburgh.
The hike is open to the public, and you are invited to attend. You should dress appropriately for the outdoors and the weather. Hikers will meet at 7:30 a.m. in the morning in the first paved parking area at the Driftwood State Fishing Area. That’s at 8825 S. U.S. 31, near Edinburgh.
If you are planning to take part and have binoculars, you should bring them. The college will have some sets on hand you can use.
For more information you can contact Dr. Tom Sobat at [email protected].
Driftwood Fishing Area map courtesy of Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Students at Ivy Tech Community College Columbus will be holding their annual student design show and awards ceremony this evening.
The school’s Visual Communications Department at Ivy Tech Community College Columbus, in collaboration with the college’s Fine Arts and Design Club, are hosting the event from 5 to 7 p.m. this evening at Moravec Hall on Central Avenue.
The event will feature a gallery of student work, showcasing artistic expression and innovative designs. It is meant to highlight students representing the next generation of artists and designers in the community.
The event is free and you are invited to come to see the students’ vision and celebrate their accomplishments.
A two day music festival starts tomorrow in downtown Columbus to raise money for several non profit groups.
Hutchfest will feature bands performing on Friday at The Commons and in venues across the downtown area on Saturday.
Hutchfest, in its third year, is named in honor of local businessman Hutch Schumaker and celebrates his birthday with the fundraiser. According to Landmark Columbus Foundation, proceeds from the events will be split between the foundation, restoration efforts at The Crump and the Miller House and Garden.
The Friday performance at The Commons will be $10 with the Revelators playing from 6 to 8 p.m. and the Barnstormers from 8:30 to 10:30
There is no cover charge for Saturday night’s performances, but they are being held at 21 and older venues. Those performances will include
4th Street Bar & Grill: The Jackson Way,
The Garage Pub & Grill: Downstairs Mix-up,
The Eagles #741: Fabulous Hickbillys
The Moose Lodge #398: Albino Catfish Band,
You can get more information or buy tickets at hutchfest.org.
Photo courtesy of Landmark Columbus Foundation
Bartholomew Consolidated Schools will be updating the public on renovation projects at two schools and unveiling the design of a new elementary at a series of public events next month.
Superintendent Dr. Chad Phillips explains the need for a new elementary school on the west side:
The design of the new elementary school on the west side will be unveiled at the event on Tuesday, May 20th at 5:00 PM at Westside Community Church
Phillips talks about the needs of aging schools in the community.
The renovation kickoff event for L. Frances Smith Elementary School will be at 3 p.m. on Monday May 12th at the school, with the Northside Middle School Renovation event at the school at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday May 13th.