The Jackson County Health Department will be conducting a Hepatitis A vaccination clinic on Wednesday after a case was reported at a fast food establishment in Seymour.

Officials say that while it is relatively rare for restaurant patrons to become infected, the Health Department is offering this vaccine to anyone who visited Taco Bell’s drive through on November 13th or 14th. Only those who consumed food or drink via the drive through are eligible for the vaccine. Individuals may also obtain Hep A vaccines from their personal health care provider or pharmacy.

Wednesday’s clinic will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the American Legion, located at 400 W Second Street in Seymour.

Along with the special clinic, the Health Department has established an information call-line at (812) 569-0854.

Shots fired led to the arrest of a Seymour man for attempted murder. “The Seymour Tribune” is reporting that 28-year-old Jose Leandro Buval was arrested by Seymour Police who were responding to a report of an open line 911 call in the 1700 block of West Second Street.

A woman told police that Buval tried to kill her by firing a handgun at her. The paper is reporting that at least three rounds were fired into the floor and the ceilings during the Wednesday afternoon incident.

For more on this story, go to tribtown.com.

Work on fighting the local opioid epidemic is ongoing. The Alliance for Substance Abuse Progress (ASAP) is set to receive half of the $502,925 requested to fund operations for the rest of this year and all of 2019. Mary Ferdon, the city’s director of administration, explains…

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The money will be used to cover salaries of five paid staff positions and to establish a physical space for the ASAP hub, a dedicated space for clients seeking recovery resources. The hub will be based at the Doug Otto United Way Center. The Bartholomew County Council still needs to grant final approval for their half of the funding.

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That approval is expected in the coming weeks.

The Indiana State Police-Versailles District All Crimes Policing Team served a search warrant at a Medora home on Wednesday, resulting in the arrest of four Jackson County residents on drug related charges.

Authorities say the investigation began when troopers went to 67 E. Washington Street in Medora after receiving a tip that drug activity was taking place there. Upon arriving at the residence, troopers made contact with two people who live in the home, 37-year-old Shawn T. Bowman and 47-year-old Teresa J. Bowman, both of Medora. Troopers soon observed indicators of methamphetamine production and use on the property. Troopers then applied for and received a search warrant for the residence.

Upon searching the home, troopers located suspected methamphetamine, items associated with the production of methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia. Two more people, 28-year-old Scylar E. Barker, of Medora, and 26-year-old Savannha D. Cobb, of Seymour, were also found in the home.

The Indiana State Police Clandestine Laboratory Team responded to dismantle the suspected methamphetamine production operation located there.

All four individuals were arrested on charges of dealing methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine. Additional charges are possible.

A Bartholomew County volunteer firefighter was honored this week for his 50 years of service to the community.

Ed Stone, a member of the Clifford Volunteer Fire Department, received the award at the monthly meeting of the Indiana Volunteer Fire Department Association District 10 departments, held Wednesday night in Hope. He received a pin and gold lifetime membership card.

Stone said his interest in being a firefighter was sparked in January 1969, helping a neighbor whose home was burning. despite having no training as a firefighter.

He thanked the assembled firefighters for their recognition

He said it is all about helping your neighbors and the community.

He also received the state fire marshal’s meritorious service award, and District Chairman John Ray read the commendation:

If you are planning Christmas shopping this weekend, the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce is urging you to visit local businesses.

Small Business Saturday will have deals highlighting local merchants, says Cindy Frey, president of the chamber.

Frey said that shopping locally means the money stays in our community increasing local employment and improving the community.

She said that shoppers at local businesses will be able to find individual store promotions and activities on Saturday.

And while many of our community’s small stores can be found downtown,  Frey pointed out that they are actually found throughout the community. She suggested looking on the Chamber website to find locally owned retailers.

You can find more information on the chamber website at columbusareachamber.com

The Town of Hope is asking for your thoughts on a grant proposal to rebuild a collapsing storm sewer on the south side of the Town Square.

The town will be applying for a grant to replace the storm sewer, which was built in the days of horse and buggies and was never meant to carry the weight of modern traffic. Two large holes have opened along the route of the old storm sewer in the parking spaces around the square.

The town will be competing with at least 10 other communities for the project and will score points in the grant competition for public support, town officials say.

Engineering estimates this spring put the cost of the repairs at  $608,000 to replace the entire aging tunnel. The work would require replacing the line all the way from State Road 9 to Walnut Street. Town officials said last night that the town’s share of the project, about $60,840, would come from storm sewer maintenance funds.

The Town Council held a public meeting last night to get comments on the grant proposal and approved the application.

You can fill out a survey on the town Facebook page or find a link here.

Columbus Parks and Rec has been given access to the funds it needs to purchase additional space. City Council gave approval Tuesday night to provide an additional appropriation to purchase the property, at 1360 Jackson Street. Jamie Brinegar, the city’s director of finance, explains the deal…

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Parks Director Mark Jones says that inspections of the site need to pass muster before the purchase can proceed.

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Jones says the property, which contains outbuildings, is desirable because it neighbors existing parks property and will serve well as a storage site.

Mayor Lienhoop recused himself and exited the chamber during this discussion as his aunt is the current owner of the property.

The site was formerly home to a machinery moving company.

The Columbus Park Foundation has announced a collaborative partnership with the Columbus Bicycle Co-op and the Columbus Parks and Recreation Department in support of the ColumBike bike share program. The partners will share responsibilities for the ongoing management, operations, and long-term sustainability of the ColumBike program.

A not-for-profit organization, the Columbus Bicycle Co-op is a community and volunteer-based bicycle garage. Classes, tools, parts, bikes, and work space are among the amenities the Co-op offers. As part of the new partnership, the Co-op will oversee ColumBike maintenance and operations responsibilities as well as hire a full-time staff person to manage both ColumBike and the Bicycle Co-op. Together, along with the Columbus Parks and Recreation Department, the partners will share fundraising efforts and general ColumBike oversight.

“We are very excited about this collaboration with the Columbus Bicycle Co-op. Their supportive reputation in the bicycle community is solid, and their discernible compatibility with the ColumBike program makes this partnership a privilege and a perfect fit. The Columbus Park Foundation and the Columbus Bicycle Co-op will continue their current missions through the partnership, while the Co-op will provide more focus on the reinforcement aspect of ColumBike,” said Board President Chip Orben.

Ryan Lauer took the oath of office Tuesday to serve as State Representative for House District 59.

Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta H. Rush administered the oath in the House Chamber of the Statehouse during Organization Day, the formal start to the legislative session.

“It is a privilege to serve as state representative of House District 59,” Lauer said. “I believe my previous experience working to improve public safety and promote fiscal responsibility while on the Bartholomew County Council has prepared me for this new role. I am excited to get to work for the people and help move Indiana forward.”

Lauer, a Columbus Republican, defeated Democrat Dale Nowlin for the seat in this month’s elections. He replaces longtime State Rep. Milo Smith, who opted to not seek reelection.