Monthly Archives: June 2019

Three arrested in North Vernon after threats with knife

Three people were arrested after an incident with a knife early Thursday morning on State Street in North Vernon.

The North Vernon Police Department is reporting that a victim was confronted by two men and a woman near State and Scott streets at about 1:30 a.m. Thursday morning. After an argument, one of the men allegedly held  a knife to his throat and then he was told to empty his pockets. As he called police, the woman allegedly tried to take his phone.

As police talked with the victim, one of the suspects was seen walking nearby and the other two soon emerged from between two houses. All three were detained and  knives were take from one of the male subjects. They were also allegedly carrying several bags containing items stolen from multiple vehicles.

Police were able to locate more victims and return some of the stolen items. The three were arrested including:

Patrick M. Griesehop, 36:
• Theft-Level 6 Felony
• Unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle- B-Misd.
• Intimidation with a deadly weapon-Level 5
• Attempted Robbery- Level 3 Felony

Joshua E. Piper, 28:
• Theft-Level 6 Felony
• Unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle- B-Misd.
• Intimidation with a deadly weapon-Level 5
• Attempted Robbery- Level 3 Felony

Mary A. Boldery, 20:
• Aiding, Inducing, or Causing an Offense (Robbery) -Level 3 Felony
• Interference with Reporting a Crime- A-Misd.
• Possession or Use of a Legend drug or Precursor- Level 6 Felony
• Possession of Paraphernalia- C-Misd.

Nashville issues boil water advisory after valve break

Nashville and Nashville Utilities have issued a boil water advisory, due to a water valve break.

The affected areas include:

  • 726-1170 Clay Lick
  •  597 Cofey Hill Road
  • 801-989 Eads Lane
  • 637-935 Highland Drive
  • 1098-1104 Hill Top Trail
  • 768-845 Mail Pouch Lane
  • 465-765 McGee Road
  • 418- 1408 Old State Road 46
  • 1055-1080 Treetop Lane
  • 204-1185 Tuck-A-Way Ridge

Residents and businesses are asked to boil their drinking and cooking water before using it.

For more information: Nashville Utilities  (812) 988-5526.

Driver of stolen car arrested after traffic stop

Kyra S. Anderson. Photo courtesy of Columbus Police Department.

A stolen car was recovered in Columbus Thursday after police saw the driver swerving.

Columbus police stopped the vehicle at about 10 p.m. last night at Jonathan Moore Pike and Jonesville Road and realized that it had a fictitious registration. A check of the vehicle identification number revealed that hit had been reported stolen out of Jackson County in 2017.

The driver, 28-year-old Kyra S. Anderson of Columbus, was arrested on a preliminary charge of auto theft/ receiving stolen property.

Bicyclist arrested after fleeing from police

Zackary C. Townsend. Photo courtesy of Columbus Police Department.

A wanted man was arrested by Columbus police after allegedly trying to flee on a bicycle.

Officers saw 29-year-old Zackary C. Townsend of Columbus riding the bike near 11th and Chestnut streets at about 2:45 p.m. Thursday afternoon. They recognized that he was wanted on an outstanding Bartholomew County warrant, but when officers tried to speak with him, he refused to stop.

After fleeing through several alleys, he was caught in the 800 block of Reed Street, police report. In addition to the warrant, he is facing a new preliminary charge of resisting law enforcement.

Reports: Former mayor wins open records case against Columbus

Former Columbus mayor Kristen Brown has won her open records lawsuit against the city. Our news-gathering partners at The Republic say the city will have to pay her legal fees and other costs in the action.

Judge Richard W. Poynter, of Jackson County,  ruled in the former mayor’s favor earlier this month, according to the newspaper.

The action stems from an alleged domestic disturbance in August of 2016 involving a married couple employed by the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department.

Brown filed the lawsuit in February of 2017, alleging that the Columbus Police Department and Chief John Rohde failed to document and provide her with information regarding that incident.

In a statement released today, city attorney Alan Whitted, said that the city released records in compliance with procedures set down while Brown was mayor. Since then, new procedures were instituted that fully conform with state law. During the litigation all of the available records on the incident have been released to the former mayor.

Whitted also said that Judge Poynter found that the city did not act in bad faith in this case.

The Indiana Public Access counselor had sided with the former mayor, opening the door for her lawsuit and holding the city accountable for her costs.

‘Air Quality Action Day’ declared for Friday

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management has issued an Air Quality Action Day for Friday, June 28th for much of the state.

It is forecasting high ozone levels for the following area counties:

– Bartholomew
– Brown
– Jackson

– Johnson
– Jefferson

– Scott

– Washington

IDEM encourages you to reduce ozone by making simple changes to daily habits, including:

– Walk, bike, carpool or use public transportation

– Avoid using the drive-through and combine errands into one trip
– Avoid refueling your vehicle or using gasoline-powered lawn equipment until after 7 p.m.

– Turn off your engine when idling for more than 30 seconds
– Conserve energy by turning off lights or setting the air conditioner to 75 degrees or above

Anyone sensitive to changes in air quality may be affected when ozone levels are high. Children, the elderly and anyone with heart or lung conditions should reduce or avoid exertion and heavy work outdoors.

Most Brown County State Park facilities reopen

Many Brown County State Park facilities are open again after 10 days, and drinkable water is now considered safe again at the park.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources reports that campgrounds, cabins, restrooms and drinking fountains, as well as Abe Martin Lodge have been reopened. And the public pool was scheduled to reopen at noon for its regular schedule.

Those water facilities had been closed since June 17th after heavy rains stirred up sediment in Ogle Lake, which clogged the filters on the park’s water treatment facility. The park’s potable water comes from the Lake.

Some trails are being evaluated for storm damage and are still closed. DNR reports that the horsemen’s campground is open, but horse trails are still being assessed. Mountain bike trails remain closed and are being assessed as well. Some hiking trails remain closed due to flooding damage to boardwalks and staircases.

Downtown domestic dispute leads to two arrests

Clarissa D. Johnson. Photo courtesy of Columbus Police Department.

Two people were arrested after a domestic dispute last night in downtown Columbus, with one accused of attacking police officers.

Columbus police report that they were called to the home in the 700 block of Wilson Street at about 11:15 p.m. last night and found a man and woman fighting in the home. Officers also noticed that a window was broken out and a concrete block had been thrown through the windshield of a vehicle.

36-year-old Clarissa D. Johnson, and 39-year-old Timothy K. Meadows, both of Columbus, were arrested.

Johnson then allegedly tried to kick the window out of a patrol car, and asked to be taken to the hospital. While at the hospital, police say she tried to get out of her handcuffs and kicked two officers before being restrained and taken to jail.

Timothy C. Meadows. Photo courtesy of Columbus Police Department.

Meadows is facing a charge of disorderly conduct, while Johnson is being accused of disorderly conduct, battery on a police officer and resisting law enforcement.

Recovery center open house set for tonight

Columbus Regional Health is holding an open house for its new Treatment and Support Center tonight.

The center is an outpatient treatment program for those suffering from substance use disorders. Katrina Applegate, program manager for the new center, says that they will be working with the public for self-referrals, along with doctor’s referrals and the courts and criminal justice system.

A new client will have an assessment and access to group and individual therapy as well as medical treatments, if necessary . And they will be paired with a recovery coach and medical professional.

The goal is to provide a facility that offers a less sterile medical environment and instead a welcoming place for those trying to get help. Applegate said that some people who are addicted to illegal substances would feel uncomfortable in a more clinical setting, afraid that they are going to be incarcerated.

The open house is from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. tonight at the center, located at 2630 22nd Street.

The center is scheduled to begin serving patients on July 1st.

Slow driving in stolen car leads to arrest

Two people cruising in a stolen Camaro were arrested Wednesday night in Columbus.

The Columbus Police Department is reporting that the vehicle was driving slowly in the 1900 block of Cottage Avenue at about 8:10 p.m. last night. When an officer checked the license plate and discovered it had been reported stolen recently from Rush County.

After pulling the vehicle over, police arrested 57-year-old Timothy E. Barrow of Rushville on a charge of theft, and 43-year-old Kristi M. Schofner is being charged with trespassing. Schofner was also wanted on a Rush County warrant.