Monthly Archives: June 2019

Former CRH boss takes over ASAP non-profit

Doug Leonard. Photo courtesy of ASAP.

The Alliance for Substance Abuse Progress in Bartholomew County has a new executive director.

Former Columbus Regional Hospital President and CEO Doug Leonard will take on the role next month. Leonard served as the head of the hospital for 10 years and then spent another 10 years as president of the Indiana Hospital Association.

ASAP’s original leader, Jeff Jones, will continue on in an advisory role during the transition.

Since originally being formed by the hospital, city of Columbus and Bartholomew County just over two years ago to look into solutions to the opiate addiction crisis, ASAP has morphed into a non-profit group that will operate the Hub — a resource center that will provide a one-stop shop for those who need help navigating the programs and agencies addressing the crisis.

The Hub is expected to open in August in the United Way building on 13th Street.

Brown County State Park extends day activities

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources says that the campgrounds, cabins and Abe Martin Lodge were still closed Wednesday at Brown County State Park. DNR officials add that day use park activities are now extended to Thursday.

The lodge and other amenities have been closed since June 17th after heavy rains stirred up sediment sediment into Ogle Lake. The lake serves as the park’s water supply.

DNR says that if water production capacity and water sampling continue successfully, the campground, cabin and lodge may reopen for Thursday night guests. That determination is expected Thursday morning.

Health officials dedicate several days to tackle Hep A

Health officials continue their efforts to combat Hepatitis A and other diseases.

The Bartholomew County Health Department is holding free testing for HIV and Hepatitis C and free vaccinations for Hepatitis A on Friday at Love Chapel. Services are being offered from 9 a.m. to noon at the facility at 311 Center Street.

An identical clinic is scheduled for Tuesday, July 2nd from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Bartholomew County Public Library. Services will be offered outside on the plaza.

Health officials will be on hand for three days at the Bartholomew County Fair. A Hepatitis A vaccination clinic will be offered all day, July 9-11, at the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department tent.

The health department says that at risk for these diseases include the homeless, those who’ve been in jail recently, those who engage in illicit drug activity and those who have close contact with an infected person.

Applications being accepted for Lilly Endowment Scholarship

Recent and soon-to-be high school graduates in Bartholomew County are being encouraged to apply for the 2020 Lilly Endowment Scholarship. The scholarship is administered by Heritage Fund and Independent Colleges Indiana.

Organizers explain that scholarships will be awarded to two Bartholomew County students. The Lilly Scholarship provides full tuition, required fees and up to $900 for books and equipment for four years for undergraduate study at any accredited public or private university in the state.

Applicants must reside in Bartholomew County and be on course to graduate high school by the end of June 2020 with a GPA of no lower that 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants should be able to demonstrate school involvement, community service, leadership skills and financial need.

For more information, or to apply, visit heritagefundbc.org.

Maintenance to cause delays on SR 258 in Jackson County

The Indiana Department of Transportation says that maintenance crews will begin chip sealing a 10-mile section of State Road 258 in Jackson County next week. The work is set to take place from State Road 58 to the bridge over the east fork of the White River (west of S.R. 11/Seymour), on or after Monday, July 1st.

Drivers in the area should expect lane closures and delays. Flaggers will be present to manage traffic.

INDOT stresses that the work is dependent on the weather.

If you are looking for more traffic information, download the WAZE app for your smartphone and join the WCSI Traffic team. You can find updated traffic information on our website, on-air and on the app.

North Vernon teen facing Attempted Murder charge in shooting incident

The Jennings County Sheriff’s Department arrested two North Vernon residents believed connected to an early Tuesday morning shooting incident in Spencer Township.

Shortly after 1 a.m., deputies were dispatched to an address on County Road 1000 West in reference to shots being fired and a suspicious vehicle. They learned the homeowner had returned home and discovered the vehicle in the middle of the roadway. He checked his house and property and eventually found a man hiding in his yard. Police say the man opened fire on the homeowner with a small caliber weapon. The property owner returned fire and the suspect fled on foot.

Authorities say that one suspect, 26-year-old Alex Mullikin, was taken into custody later that day after he was seen walking in the area. He was apprehended without incident.

The second suspect, 18-year-old David Eggerts, was taken into custody by Sgt. Cody Low and his police dog Axle. Chief Deputy David Turner says that Eggerts was seen walking on Hoosier Street. He was ordered to stop by Sgt. Low, but Eggerts reportedly took off on foot. Axle was deployed and was able to allow Eggerts to be taken into custody.

Authorities say that during the arrest, a handgun that Eggerts had pulled out during the foot pursuit was found under a nearby vehicle. Turner says the handgun was taken by Eggerts after he fled from the original scene and stole another vehicle in the area.

Mullikin is facing a preliminary charge of Theft. He is being held on $1,055 bond.

Eggerts is facing preliminary charges of Attempted Murder, Possession of Firearm by Felon, Theft and Criminal Recklessness with a Weapon. Authorities add that Eggerts was also wanted on an outstanding parole warrant.

Southeastern portion of the state issued ‘Air Quality Action Day’

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management has issued an Air Quality Action Day for Thursday, June 27th for much of the state. It is forecasting high ozone levels for the following area counties:
– Jackson
– Jefferson
– Scott
– Washington

IDEM encourages you to reduce ozone by making simple changes to daily habits.
• 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.

Two crashes send Columbus residents to Indy hospital

The Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department is investigating two traffic crashes Tuesday involving roll-overs.

At approximately 5:50 p.m., deputies responded to the 2000 block of North County Road 325 West. Upon arrival, a vehicle was located along the east side of the road. Authorities say the vehicle was inverted and appeared to have rolled over multiple times.

The initial investigation shows that the vehicle was traveling northbound when, for an unknown reason, it left the roadway. After returning to the road, it appeared that the driver may have over-corrected and the vehicle again left the roadway causing it to overturn multiple times.

The driver, 33-year-old Vanessa Lewis, of Columbus, was flown to Methodist Hospital by Lifeline. Two juvenile passengers were transported to Columbus Regional Hospital for minor injuries.

Lewis’ condition remains unknown at this time.

North County Road 325 West was closed for about an hour during cleanup.

BCSO Road Patrol Commander, Captain Dave Steinkoenig, says that although speed has not been determined to be the cause of this crash, this is a very busy roadway and speed continues to be an issue in the area.

Later, shortly after 8 p.m., deputies responded to Southern Crossing/County Road 150 East for a one-vehicle crash. A male was lying in the roadway and a Jeep Wrangler appeared to have roll-over damage.

The driver, 27-year-old Jeremy Dance, of Columbus, was transported to Methodist Hospital by Lifeline. A juvenile passenger was not hurt. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

The condition of Dance is unknown at this time.

Speeding in an alley leads to arrest of local man on drug charges

Trey A Smith; photo courtesy of Columbus Police Dept.

A local man was arrested early Tuesday morning on felony drug charges.

Columbus Police say that an officer observed 24-year-old Trey A. Smith, of Columbus, speeding in an alley near the 1500 block of 19th Street. Police say that Smith exited the car and appeared to throw something to the ground near the vehicle. Officers confirmed that Smith had a suspended driver’s license and he was taken into custody.

A search of Smith’s car allegedly uncovered over 1/8th of a pound of methamphetamine, a digital scale with drug residue and several plastic bags.

Smith is being held on a 48-hour hold. He’s facing preliminary charges of:
– Dealing in Methamphetamine (Level 2 Felony)
– Possession of Methamphetamine (Level 3 Felony)
– Driving While Suspended (Class A Misdemeanor)

Richardson named next CPD Chief

Dep. Chief Michael Richardson; photo courtesy of Columbus Police Dept.

Columbus’ next Chief of Police has been named.

Michael Richardson, who currently serves as the Deputy Chief of Police, has been selected by Mayor Jim Lienhoop. Richardson will assume the role of Police Chief on January 1st. The mayor made the decision after Chief Jon Rohde announced his intention to step down at the end of this year to run for Superior Court II Judge next year.

Richardson is a life-long resident of Columbus and Bartholomew County and has served with the Columbus Police Department for nearly 25 years. During his time at CPD, Richardson has served in numerous positions including Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Bike Patrol Officer, Bomb Technician, Uniform Sergeant, Uniform Lieutenant, Uniform Captain and Deputy Chief.

Richardson is a graduate of Vincennes University with an Associates of Arts Degree in Law Enforcement and a graduate of Indiana State University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice. He is also a graduate of the Police Executive Leadership Academy.

“I am humbled at this incredible opportunity to serve the Columbus community, the women and men of the Columbus Police Department as well as our police support staff,” said Richardson. He added, “I truly appreciate the confidence placed in me by Mayor Lienhoop and I look forward to continuing the hard work and progress that has made the Columbus Police Department one of the premier law enforcement agencies in the state.”