A woman was killed in Columbus when her vehicle was hit by a train Monday afternoon.

According to reports from the Bartholomew County Coroner’s Office, 26-year-old Iris Marie Castellano of Columbus died when her vehicle was struck by a train near Indianapolis Road and Long Road at about 5 p.m. Monday afternoon.

Police say that the train was southbound on the tracks along Indianapolis Road and Castellano’s SUV was westbound on Long Road when the crash happened. It was reported by Louisville & Indiana railroad personnel.

The crash is being investigated by the Columbus Police Department.

Castellano was the second person killed by a train in the county in two days. 29-year-old Dylan Lonaker was struck and killed by a northbound train Sunday while he was walking on tracks near Deaver Road on State Road 11.

The Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department and Indiana State Police assisted at the scene.

The Bartholomew County Highway Department is announcing that Whitehorse Road will be closed again today between Bellsville Pike & County Road 170 South or Bethany Road, along with the intersection at County Road 170S and Whitehorse Road.

That will be from about 8 a.m. in the morning to 2:30 p.m. this afternoon.

The deadline is coming up today if you want to take part in Columbus Baptist Church’s Thanksgiving meal.

The church is offering dine-in, carry out or delivery meals on Thursday. But you must call to register by Monday to reserve your meals for Thanksgiving day.

Columbus Baptist Church is at 4821 North U.S. 31 in Columbus.

You can call 812-371-3728 or 812-371-1400 to make your reservation.

The Bartholomew County Humane Society will be offering low-cost adoptions next month as part of the Bissell Pet Foundation’s Empty the Shelters Holiday Hope event.

From Dec. 1st to 11th, adoptions for a cat or a dog will only cost $50. That will cover the cost for a fully vaccinated, spayed/neutered and microchipped pet.

The  Bissell Pet Foundation is partnering with animal shelters across the country for its “Empty the Shelters” adoption event with more than 280 shelters in 42 states taking part. The project had led to more than 126,000 pets finding homes. The foundation was started in 2011.

The foundation does want to remind potential pet owners, that adopting a pet during the holidays is a long-term commitment.

The local humane society encourages you to check out the animals available for adoption on the website, and to call the Humane Society to set up an appointment. You can go online to https://www.bartholomewhumane.org/

The Columbus Propeller initiative has a chance to receive up to a $50,000 grant for landscaping and exterior improvements to its building, but it must first raise a $50,000 match and there are only a few weeks left to make that happen.

Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch announced this week that the grant is part of the state’s CreatINg Places program through the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority. Organizers have until January 15th to raise the matching funds to receive the $50,000 grant.

Cindy Frey, president of the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce explains:

Bryan Rushton, president of the Propeller board explains:

This funds will be used to revamp the building including adding an airport runway viewing platform, outdoor kitchen, and inviting public plaza. The property will also be enhanced with murals, seating areas, landscaping and a light sculpture that was originally part of Exhibit Columbus.

Propeller is a community maker space at the Columbus Municipal Airport, built inside a 9,000 square foot former Cummins engine test building. Labs are outfitted for metalworking, 3D printing, woodworking, robotics and electronics. The center fosters STEM education and training, career exploration and entrepreneurship.

You can learn more or make a donation online at patronicity.com/creatingplaces

Illustration of Propeller street view courtesy of Propeller.

A Columbus man died Sunday after after being struck by a train.

According to reports from the Bartholomew County Coroner’s Office, 29-year-old Dylan Richard Lonaker died after the collision at about 3:18 p.m. just north of Deaver Road along State Road 11 near Bethel Village. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The northbound train struck Lonaker, who was also headed northbound, and the incident was reported by railroad personnel.

The circumstances remain under investigation by the coroner’s office and the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department.

Photo courtesy of Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department.

Columbus is being featured in Metropolis Magazine this week in an article about mid size cities that are succeeding in urban tranformation.

Along with Nashville, Tenn., and Tulsa, Oklahoma, Columbus was cited as hub for urban innovation.

The article focused on the city’s success using its architectural legacy to drive cultural and economic activity. It mentioned Envision Columbus as a planning framework that allows the city to grow and to change while preseving that archictureal heritage.

The Columbus Redevelopment Department was praised for its projects ranging from the riverfront, to a potential hotel and conference center, saying that the department is working to draw visitors to the historic downtown and visitors center.

It also took a closer look at four examples of Columbus success including Lucabe Coffee, Ivy Tech Community College, Exhibit Columbus and the Sixth Street Art Alley.

You can read more at metropolismag.com.

First Financial Bank collected over 450 food items during the bank’s recent food drive in Columbus.

The First Financial food drive items were given to local organizations including the Love Chapel, Salvation Army and others. More than 7,600 food items were collected throughout First Financial’s entire four state service area of Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois.

Individual financial centers for First Financial delivered the food to local agencies for distribution directly into the community.

Roddell McCullough, chief corporate responsibility officer for First Financial Bank said “we are grateful for such strong community support in delivering food to those who need it.”

First Financial’s food drive in October coincided with World Food Day on Oct. 16, a day designated by the United Nations to promote awareness and action for those who suffer from hunger.

The Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department will be delivering Thanksgiving meals to residents in need on Saturday.

The meal deliveries will be going on Saturday between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m,

Sheriff Matt Myers thanked the department staff who are volunteering their time to deliver meals. He said it means a lot to him and to the community to be helping those in need.

Local government offices will be closed Thursday for the Thanksgiving holiday.

In Columbus, trash and recycling collection will be delayed by one day with Thursday collections happening on Friday, and Friday collections on Saturday.

Columbus City Utilities offices will be closed. If you have a problem with your water or sewer service, you can call the offices at 812-372-8861 to report an emergency.