A Trinity Lutheran High School student’s art will hang in the U.S. Capitol for a year.

Columbus Congressman Greg Pence announced the winners of the annual Indiana’s 6th District Congressional Art Competition, with Lillian Fowler chosen as this year’s winner.

Each spring, a nation-wide high school arts competition is sponsored by the Congressional Institute to recognize and encourage the artistic talent throughout the nation.

Pence thanked all of the students who took part, saying “These students’ art is nothing short of amazing and their artistic ability is astounding.”

A driver died after being found unconscious in a vehicle last week in Seymour.

54-year-old William I. Miller of Norman died after the crash, police say.

According to the Seymour Police Department, officers were called to the 2000 block of East Tipton Street at about 7:37 p.m. Thursday evening after a vehicle crashed into two parked cars. Officers found the driver was unresponsive and began to try to save his life. Medics took him to Schneck Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

Authorities say that the cause of his death is pending an autopsy and toxicology reports.

Police were assisted at the scene by the Seymour Fire Department and Jackson County medics.

Local emergency officials are warning that we could see some bad weather this afternoon and then again on Sunday.

According to the Bartholomew County Emergency Management office, most of Bartholomew County is under a marginal risk of bad weather this afternoon, with then north western portion of the county under a slight risk.

The bad weather could come through between 4 and 5 today and if it hits, we could see large hail, damaging winds of up to 60 mph, and localized rainfall with up to an inch of rain possible.

Sunday brings a greater chance of severe weather with the National Weather Service forecasting an enhanced risk with chances for damaging to destructive Winds, possible tornadoes and localized flooding in addition to hail and heavy rain.

The exact timing for Sunday’s weather isn’t known yet, but it is expected to come in waves between 4 and 10 p.m. Sunday with a several hour break before the next wave hits.

Emergency officials encourage you to have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, to have a safety plan in place and be ready to act when severe weather arrives.

Monday’s Memorial Day services in Bartholomew County are moving indoors.

According to organizers, due to the threat of rain Monday, this services will be held in the Cal Brand Room at Columbus City Hall.

The ceremonies start at 11 a.m. and will include an invocation by chaplain and Navy Commander E. Reeves Flint, the laying of wreaths and the reading of the names of veterans who have died in the past year. There will also be a rifle volley by the Bartholomew County Honor Guard and the playing of taps by Michael Schmelz with the Columbus City Band.

White River Broadcasting celebrated the legendary career with sportscaster Sam Simmermaker Friday with a special, two-hour “Sign Off With Sam” episode of AM Columbus on News Talk 1010 WCSI and 98.1 FM.

Sam is retiring after 64 years on the air in Columbus.

Audio from our guests:

Chuck Wells, owner of Overhead Door Company, Columbus East booster, former publisher of The Republic.

Attorney Pete King and former Columbus North Athletic Director Hedy George.

Columbus Mayor Mary Ferdon

Retired Hauser Athletic Director Dave Irvine

Capt. Mike Wilson with the Columbus Fire Department

Bartholomew County Commissioner Tony London

WCSI Program Manager Kevin Kelley

White River Broadcasting General Manager Bob Morrison

{Holy Cow audio}

An era is ending today at White River Broadcasting, with long-time sportscaster Sam Simmermaker ending his historic career after 64 years with the stations. Sam is retiring and his last daily sports updates are set for today.

Community members are talking about Sam’s legacy.

Sam’s long-time sportscasting partner Dick Johnson talks about what Sam means to the local sports scene.

Johnson explains Sam’s sports coverage style

Johnson explains Sam’s dedications to the kids he covered

There will be a special AM Columbus broadcast from 11 to 1 today to celebrate Sam’s career. You can check it out here on News Talk 1010 WCSI and 98.1 FM. We will also be streaming it live on video on Facebook and on our website.

The annual Memorial Day weekend SALUTE! concert in Columbus will be happening again tonight, but at a new location.

According to the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic, due to the construction going on at the Bartholomew County Courthouse the decision has been made to move the event away from the downtown veterans memorial this year. Instead, it will be held at the Columbus Municipal Airport.

The free concert honors those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces with a selection of patriotic music.

The concert will be at 7 p.m. this evening.

A planned merger between Columbus-based Centra Credit Union and Bedford-based Hoosier Hills Credit Union is off the table, after the proposal could not get majority approval from the members of the smaller credit union.

According to the Columbus-based Centra, the members of the Hoosier Hills Credit Union did not vote to approve the proposed merger.

The two institutions announced their hopes to merge in January and regulators approved the plans in March. The Board of Directors for both credit unions also unanimously supported the merger. However, credit unions operate democratically and in Indiana large changes, such as a merger, must be approved by votes of both memberships.

The merger would have given the combined credit unions more than $3 billion in assets, with Centra holding just over $2 billion already and Hoosier Hills bringing $900 million to the merger.

Credit union officials say that Hoosier Hills members raised questions and concerns about the proposal, primarily through social media. And there was a great deal of misinformation circulated, they say.

The combined credit unions would have continued under the Centra name and Centra President and CEO, Rick Silvers, will remain in those roles in the combined Credit Union.

Silvers said he was grateful for the trust Centra Members placed in the leadership related to the partnership, with largely positive feedback. He said he was also “grateful for the passion that Hoosier Hills Members displayed during this process.”

“It’s that passion from Members that will keep credit unions thriving. We’re cooperatives, which means we all succeed together,” he said.

A major reconstruction project will start next week on Lowell Road in Columbus.

According to the city engineer’s office, the $3 million dollar project will widen the road from the west side of U.S.31 to just past County Road 200W, which is the city limits. Officials say that with the increase in development and heavier traffic volumes, the age and condition of the road means it needs to be reconstructed.

The project includes a lighted and landscaped roundabout at the intersection of Lowell Road and County Road 200W. The project will increase Lowell Road to three lanes, with the center lane being a turn lane. It will also add a 10-foot multi-use side path on the south side and a 5-foot concrete sidewalk on the north side. ADA compliant ramps and storm water infrastructure will also be installed.

Work will start Tuesday with crews from Milestone closing Lowell Road from U.S. 31 to Drummond Drive.

During the work there will be no local access to Progress Drive, Princeton Park Drive, Hackberry Drive, Stanford Drive, or Carter Crossing. You should find alternate routes and entrances to those neighborhoods during the work.

The intersection of County Road 200W and Lowell Road is expected to be closed for 90 days.

Columbus Congressman Greg Pence gave a speech on the House floor this week, praising long-time local sportscaster Sam Simmermaker.

There will be a special AM Columbus broadcast from 11 to 1 today to celebrate Sam’s career. You can check it out here on News Talk 1010 WCSI and 98.1 FM. We will also be streaming it live on video on Facebook and on our website.