A Columbus man is facing charges after allegedly attacking police officers during a disturbance early Monday morning.

According to the Columbus Police Department, officers were called to the 3700 block of Candlelight Drive at about 3:15 a.m. Monday morning about a domestic disturbance. Police say that they spoke with 24-year-old Roberto Flores who appeared to be injured and intoxicated. According to police, as police worked to restrain Flores, he became aggressive kicking and spitting on officers.

He was arrested and taken to Columbus Regional Hospital for treatment, where he allegedly threatened, spit on and kicked both police and hospital staff. After he was released from the hospital, he was taken to jail on preliminary charges of battery on a public safety official, battery by bodily waste, battery, intimidation, resisting law enforcement and disorderly conduct.

Four leaders in the Columbus Fire Department are retiring, each with more than 20 years of service.

According to the department, Capt. Scott Bonnell is retiring after 27 years with the department, effective today. Bonnell began with the department in 1996 and has served as a firefighter EMT, Master Mechanic and Fire Investigator and Inspector.

Capt. Joshua Allman is also retiring, effective today, with 22 years of service. Allman is an advanced emergency medical technician and started in 2001. He retires as company officer of Fire Station #6, Battalion B.

Lt. Jay Smith also joined the force in 1996 and is retiring, effective Thursday, with 27 years of service. He has been a paramedic firefighter and retires as company officer of Fire Station No. 6, on Battalion A.

Paramedic Firefighter Michael Miles retired today after serving 22 years on the department. He has been a paramedic firefighter at Fire Station 6, Battalion B.

A New Year’s Eve fire destroyed a barn in Hope but no one was injured.

According to Hope Fire Department, firefighters were called to the 11000 block of East County Road 500N at just before 6 p.m. Sunday night on a report of a structure fire. Firefighters found a barn and shop in the area of Schaefer Lake fully engulfed in flames.

Firefighters from several departments were able to put the fire out including help from Hartsville, Clifford, Flat Rock, Burney, and Clay Township volunteers. Hope firefighters say that an excavator from Robertson’s Paving was called in to remove large amounts of debris so fire crews could put out remaining hot spots.

Also assisting at the scene were the Hope Police Department, Bartholomew County Sheriff, Columbus Regional Hospital medics and Bartholomew County Highway Department.

According to the sheriff’s department, the road was closed for about an hour while firefighters worked at the scene.

Photo courtesy of Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department.

Columbus city officials were sworn in Monday at a ceremony at City Hall.

New mayor, Mary Ferdon was sworn in by Judge Kelly Benjamin.

In comments afterwards, Ferdon stressed the importance of public service.

Ferdon stressed the importance of civility and cooperation over the next four years.

Other officials sworn in included Clerk Luann Welmer as well as seven of the nine members of City Council.

Incumbent council members, Democrats Jerone Wood, Tom Dell and Grace Kestler were sworn in again as well as new council members Josh Burnett, Chris Bartels, Kent Anderson and Jay Foyst.

Council members Elaine Hilber and Frank Miller could not attend Monday’s ceremonies and were previously sworn in, officials said.

Ferdon also swore in the city department heads.

Photo: New Columbus Mayor Mary Ferdon speaks to the crowd at City Hall after being sworn in Monday. WRB Broadcasting photo