Bartholomew County Circuit Court says that the Youth Services Center’s Emergency Shelter received a Superior Rating for this past year’s residential and clinical audit review. Court officials say this accomplishment is extraordinary given the facility’s age, condition and limitations. Judge Kelly Benjamin notes, “This award speaks directly to the heart, care for the kids, and hard work of the staff who work there.”

Anita Biehle, director of Youth Services Center, says, “The rating signifies that the Youth Service Center’s programs’ service delivery practices and policies fully meet and reflect “best practice” in all of the identified areas.” She adds that while the Youth Service Center has always passed these yearly audits, this is the first year a Superior Rating has been awarded.

This audit is conducted by the Indiana Department of Child Services and involves a thorough review of program and clinical areas.

A change in how Bartholomew County Sheriff’s sales will be processed is coming in April.

Department officials say that contracting through SRI Inc.’s Sheriff’s Sale program will reduce unnecessary administrative burdens placed on BCSO’s Sheriff Sales/Sex Offender Coordinator. The change is expected to allow him to allocate more time toward sex offender enforcement functions. Last year, BCSO scheduled 141 Sheriff sales. SRI is an Indianapolis company that assists several Indiana counties with such sales.

BCSO Sheriff’s Sales will continue to be conducted as usual at the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office, 543 Second Street, Columbus. Funding for SRI will come from fees collected from sheriff sales.

Bartholomew County Sheriff Matt Myers is inviting county residents to become members of the Indiana Sheriffs’ Association. He explains that the Indiana Sheriffs’ Association is a nonprofit, professional, educational and service organization dedicated to improving the criminal justice system and protecting the lives and property of all Hoosiers.

The membership program was instituted to provide citizens with an opportunity to lend their support of crime prevention and awareness programs, promote public safety and support programs like the Summer Youth Leadership Camps and College Scholarships for teenagers interested in law enforcement.

“We are inviting the public to help us better serve them by joining our efforts to provide effective law enforcement,” Sheriff Myers said. Bartholomew County residents should soon receive membership applications in the mail. If you don’t receive an application by mail, you can visit the Indiana Sheriffs’ Association website at indianasheriffs.org to join.

The Sheriff says that this letter of invitation sent to citizens is the only manner or way used to invite citizens to become members of the Association. He stressed that no telephone solicitation or other methods are used to solicit members.

Gov. Eric Holcomb will be in Bartholomew County Thursday evening. He’ll join area Republican Party faithful during the annual Lincoln Day Dinner at 450 North Brewery. The governor is the special guest and keynote speaker for the event. Barb Hackman, Bartholomew County Republican Party chairwoman, says tickets are $30 each and payment can be made at the door.

A VIP reception with Gov. Holcomb is set for 5:30 p.m. Tickets for that are $100.

A social is set to begin at 6:30 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m.

The Bartholomew County Substance Abuse Council is going to be giving away several items meant to help stem the drug epidemic.

Rachel Flohr David with the council explains that the group, made up of a cross-section of organizations fighting drug addiction locally, will be giving away locking bags meant to keep prescription medicines away from children or those who might pilfer them.

You can pick up a locking drug bag at Fair Oaks Mall from 3 to 7 Thursday.

The council is also going to be giving away drug neutralization kits. The kits contain an appropriately sized envelope or bag, into which you can drop unwanted medication containing opioids, mix in warm water, and the chemicals will permanently neutralize the drugs.

Although there are locations around the community where people can drop off unwanted medications, the drug disposal kits have the benefit of being usable at home, she said.

You can get more information on the Substance Abuse Council at BCSAC.org or through their Facebook page.

Local family farms were recently recognized at the Statehouse for being in operation for 100 years or more.

The Robert and Barbara Pruitt Farm, located in Edinburgh and in operation since 1919, received a Hoosier Homestead Centennial Award. The Franke-Thompson Farm, located in Columbus and in operation since 1898, also received a Hoosier Homestead Centennial Award.

The Hoosier Homestead Award Program recognizes farms that have been owned and maintained by the same family for 100 years or more. Families can qualify for the centennial, sesquicentennial or bicentennial award.

“These families have given numerous years of their lives to running their farms through generations,” said State Rep. Ryan Lauer (R-Columbus). “Dedication and perseverance are critical to the success of any farming operation. Bartholomew County family farms continue to positively impact our community, and I wish them success for the next 100 years.”

“Sustaining a family farm for this long is a tremendous feat,” said State Sen. Greg Walker (R-Columbus). “These families are an example to all Hoosiers for their diligence, and I’m proud to congratulate them on this achievement.”

For more information on the Hoosier Homestead Award Program, visit
in.gov/isda/2337.htm.

A 24-day traffic-enforcement blitz led to the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office and Columbus Police Department issuing 338 traffic citations and making 17 arrests. About 230 police agencies increased patrols across Indiana for aggressive and impaired driving.

The overtime traffic enforcement is funded through National Highway Traffic Safety Administration grants administered by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute.

“As temperatures rise, so do crashes involving impaired and aggressive driving,” said Sheriff Matt Myers. “If you venture out to watch the NCAA Tournament, ride your motorcycle or take your kids on spring break, watch for bikes and pedestrians and make sure your plans include a sober, defensive driver.”

Columbus residents are invited to bring their dogs to a late celebration of Mardi Gras to benefit Columbus Animal Care Services.

City officials say “Mardi Growl” is an inaugural event co-sponsored by the newly formed Friends of Columbus Animal Care Services along with their partner agency, Columbus Animal Care Services. The event is described as a “festive dog parade.” It is set for Sunday, April 7th beginning at 1 p.m. at the Cummins parking lot at Eighth and Brown Streets.

The minimum cost of the Mardi Growl is $15 for a single dog registered by April 5th. All additional dogs are $10. Day of registration will be $20.
Additional information and links to online registration and a printable registration form are available by visiting columbus.in.gov/animal-care-services.

Columbus has been named one of the best small cities for business in America for 2019. ChamberofCommerce.org has published a study ranking Columbus third on the list.

Variables considered in the ranking include personal income per capita, cost of living and unemployment rate, among others.

They called Columbus a quirky, Midwestern city, and cited the low unemployment, the percentage of young people with a bachelor’s degree, and the number of mid-sized firms. They also praised the city’s livability calling it “a peaceful city surrounded by dazzling architecture.”

Top 10 Small Cities for Small Business in 2019

1. Fargo, North Dakota
2. Billings, Montana
3. Columbus, Indiana
4. Bismarck, North Dakota
5. Rochester, Minnesota
6. La Crosse, Wisconsin
7. Midland, Texas
8. Lake Charles, Louisiana
9. Elkhart-Goshen, Indiana
10. Appleton, Wisconsin

This list continues onward to include a total of 164 American cities with populations below 250,000. You can find the complete list here: chamberofcommerce.org/best-small-cities-for-business/.

The Jennings County Clerk’s Office is looking for a new poling location for this year’s city elections. Shawn Gerkin, North Vernon’s clerk-treasurer, explained to city council Monday night that the usual poling location at the Bethel Baptist Church on Norris Avenue is unavailable for the 2019 primary and general elections.

Specifically, county officials inquired about using the Carnegie Government Center in the 100 block of East Walnut Street. Councilwoman Connie Rayburn expressed concerns with the request. Citing issues with accessibility, she said the site doesn’t have adequate parking. Rayburn is also worried about how the extra foot-traffic will impact the work of city employees inside the building.

Councilman Jerry Lamb echoed Rayburn’s concerns, but ultimately moved to make the building available for the May primary if a few remaining options are exhausted. He added that it only makes sense that a government office be utilized for such a need. Lamb suggested that the request for the general election can be revisited later in the year after the primary.

Council voted 3-1 to approve the request.