Bartholomew County’s torchbearers for today’s Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay

Local News

Bartholomew County is scheduled to have 30 torchbearers for today’s Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay. They include:

  • Paul Ashbrook: Shelbyville teacher and organizer of the Hope Ride, the annual Girlfriend Ride as well as other bike rides in our area.
  • Susan Baute: BCSC fourth grade teacher.
  • Rick Caldwell: Former state commander of AmVets and founder of AmVets Post 509 as well as developer of the local Honor Flight project
  • Sarah Cannon: Certified financial planner and chairwoman of Columbus Redevelopment commission.
  • Merrill Clouse: Long-time Hope businessman, community leader, and co-founder of Hope Heritage Days festival.
  • Fred Darling: Minister at Sandcreek-Azalia Friends Meetinghouse for 28 years and athlete who participated in White River Games, competitive basketball and national championship softball teams
  • John Foster: Local radio personality with White River Broadcasting and community volunteer who often emcees local fundraisers.
  • Gene Gurthet: Former Director of Foundation for Youth’s Boys and Girls Club.
  • Siddah Hall and Solomon Hall : Siblings developed Friendship Wheels, an annual fundraiser bike ride
  • Juanita Harden: Former Bartholomew County Commissioner and with her husband, Bob, served as camp directors for FFY’s Youth Camp for 22 years. Harden will not be able to participate due to an illness.
  • Carrie Harris: Junior high school teacher at Hauser Jr.-Sr. High School.
  • Don Harvey and Dody Harvey: Community leaders including serving on the board of the Bartholomew County Historical Society and the development of the Breeding Farm project.
  • Jason Hatton: Director of Bartholomew County Public Library who also serves on several local and state boards, including leadership positions for United Way and BCHS.
  • Maj. John Martoccia: Sheriff’s deputy, recently promoted to commander of Bartholomew County Jail.
  • Cierra McCauley: A childhood cancer survivor, face for childhood cancer awareness, creator of the Jockey’s Guild to “whip” cancer and also active in a Relay of Life team.
  • Mary McGuire: Postmistress in Hartsville for 40 years, also spearheaded the renovation of the Hartsville Town Square.
  • Greg Pence: Llocal businessman and owner of the Exit 76 Antique Mall and the Bloomington Antique Mall.
  • Larry Perkinson:  BCSC school district’s student assistance coordinator, educator for 40 years and author of two books about growing up in this area.
  • Dr. Ilya Schwartzman: An immigrant from St Petersburg, Russia, practices medicine in Columbus and coaches the Columbus East girls soccer team.
  • Sam Simmermaker: Broadcasting legend, member of the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fam, the Indiana Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association’s Hall of Fame and twice Indiana Sportscaster of the year.
  • Don Strietelmeier: State and local leader for the agricultural community, including the American Farm Bureau and SWCD, chosen “Master Farmer” by Indiana Prairie Farmer and a Distinguished Purdue Ag Alumni.
  • William Stultz: BCSC teacher of band and orchestra students at Columbus North High School.
  • Chuck Wells: Publisher of The Republic and serves on Columbus Area Arts Council, Rock the Park Steering Committee, FFY Board, and Columbus East Alumni Association.
  • April Williams: Formerly with the Columbus Parks Foundation, developed the ColumBike rental and bike share project.
  • Brittany Young: Hope Main Street director, Ivy Tech student, former Indiana FFA leader, and 2016 500 Festival Princess.

Posthumous torchbearers:

  • Susanna Jones:  Recipient of Republic’s First Woman of the Year award, an author/historian/educator and member of many community boards. Represented by her daughter, Beth Newman.
  • Vickie Lowney: During her career at CRH, she helped patients without financial resources, especially those with mental health challenges, find federal, state funds to pay their bills. Her former husband Jim Lowney is unable to represent her today due to a family responsibility.
  • Larry Simpson: Owner/publisher/editor of the Hope Star Journal and Hope community leader, volunteer of the year by the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce. Represented by Bud Herron.
  • Robert Stewart: Three-term mayor of Columbus, chair of the Republican State Central Committee, and Executive Committee of Republican National Committee, recipient of four Sagamore of the Wabash Awards.  Represented by Pete King.