Columbus emergency workers will be holding a Public Safety Family Fun Day on Tuesday.

According to the Columbus Fire and Police Departments, the event will be taking place at the Columbus Lowe’s store on 10th Street from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday.

It will be a family friendly event with opportunities for fun, education and connecting with the community.

If you attend, you will have a chance to check out a variety of emergency response equipment, including fire trucks, police cruisers, and specialized vehicles. City officers and firefighters will be on hand to answer questions and to about their roles in the community.

Organizers say that Public Safety Family Fun Day is designed “to foster a stronger bond between our public safety teams and the citizens they serve.” The goal is a chance to get to know local emergency responders in a relaxed and engaging environment.

The event is free and you are invited to attend.

Columbus Regional Health has made a list of Indiana facilities being recognized by the American Heart Association for its efforts to improve the outcomes of those with heart disease or strokes.

The hospital is among 43 statewide to be recognized for its efforts through the association’s Get With The Guidelines program. Each year, the association recognizes hospitals for following up-to-date, research-based guidelines to ensure all patients have access to lifesaving care.

Columbus Regional was recognized on the Target Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll, a Gold plus Stroke Award and on the Target Stroke Elite Plus Honor Roll. It is the only hospital in Bartholomew or surrounding counties to make the list.

Heart disease and stroke are the first and fifth leading causes of death in the United States. The association says they require swift and proven treatment to ensure the best outcomes.

Applications will soon be available for next year’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships in Johnson County, through the Johnson County Community Foundation.

Three students from Johnson County will be chosen for the scholarships, which pay full tuition and required fees for four years of full-time undergraduate study that lead to a bachelors degree at any eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university. Students also receive a $900 stipend to help cover other costs.

To apply, you must live in Johnson County; be on course to graduate by the end of June 2025; with at least a 3.5 GPA. Applicants will be evaluated based on volunteer community service, academic preparation and performance, leadership, and good character..
Applications will open on August 1st for the Johnson County scholarships. Applications and all required materials must be submitted by Aug. 28th

Eligibility requirements, instructions and the application are available at www.jccf.org

A new venture fund to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in Jackson County has raised $280,000 to create opportunities for local startups.

Flywheel Fund of Jackson County and Spark Jackson County are announcing the new fund, saying that money has been raised from 11 local investors committed to economic development. Organizers say the Flywheel Fund will provide critical financial resources and strategic guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage companies in the area. The fund will focus on supporting startups across various sectors and will provide mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to other resources.

Eric Steele, Managing Partner of Flywheel Fund said the fund “will serve as a catalyst for innovation and entrepreneurship in our community” with a goal to “empower visionary entrepreneurs and drive sustainable economic growth.”

Flywheel Fund is described as a venture capital firm dedicated to investing in early-stage startups and entrepreneurs with innovative ideas and high growth potential. It supports regional economic development and partners with local organizations.

Spark Jackson County is a program of the Jackson County Chamber.

The fund is looking for entrepreneurs, startups and potential investors. you can get more information at www.sparkjacksoncounty.com/funding.

Columbus City Utilities is announcing that its lab receives a certificate of excellence in recent proficiency testing.

According to the city water utility, the lab is required to participate in the testing of water and wastewater annually. This year’s testing achieved a 100 percent success rate.

The testing assesses a lab’s performance under a set of controlled conditions through the analysis of samples. It evaluates sample handling protocols, laboratory reporting practices as well as accuracy.

A Columbus police officer is being recognized for his efforts to save two people from East Fork White River last month.

Officer Andrew Plank received a letter of commendation from Mayor Mary Ferdon at Tuesday’s meeting of the Columbus Board of Public Works and Safety.

According to the Columbus Police Department, rescue workers were called to Mill Race Park the afternoon of Saturday, June 15th because of a woman in the water calling for help. Plank was the first to arrive on the scene and found a woman and a child in the water clinging to a fallen tree. The woman said she couldn’t hold on much longer.

Police say Plank did not hesitate to remove his body armor and gear and dive into he water to their rescue. He first assisted the child, who was an 8-year-old, swimming her to shore as she held onto his back. He then went back to rescue the mother.

The commendation recognized Plank for his heroic efforts.

Plank received a letter of commendation in 2019 from Mayor Jim Lienhoop for his efforts to save a teen who tried to kill themself.

Photo courtesy of Columbus Police Department.

Jackson County officials will be holding an outdoor job fair next week.

According to the Jackson County Industrial Development Corp,, the job fair will be Thursday, August 1st from 10  a.m. to noon and from 4 to 6 p.m. at Crossroads Community Park in downtown Seymour. Organizers say that 15 local companies have agreed to take part.

If you are looking for a job, you should bring your cover letters and resumes and be prepared to talk to local employers.

For more information you can call 812-522-4951 or go online to https://jcidc.com

You could see some lane restrictions on Goeller Boulevard in Columbus starting today.

According to the Columbus Engineering Department, contractors will be removing and replacing pavement, curb and gutter on the street between Mimosa Drive and Terrace Lake Road. There will be temporary lane restrictions and lanes of traffic will shift during this work. The work is expected to be going on through the end of the day Friday, weather permitting.

The project is being done by Lawyer Excavation.

You should find an alternate route and avoid the area if you can. City officials urge you to slow down, be alert for workers and drive without distractions in all work zones.

The Community Education Coalition will be hosting an event next month in Columbus aimed at helping the parents and caregivers of black and bi-racial children navigate the upcoming school year.

According to Felicia Garr, with the coalition’s black and bi-racial youth initiatives program, the meeting will present new information including details on new Indiana Department of Education regulations affecting third grade literacy requirements, efforts to address chronic absenteeism, work-based learning and cell phone restrictions. There will also be information on the newest high school diploma changes, academic standards and information on BCSC back to school guidelines.

There will be two sessions of the August 22nd meeting — a morning session from 10 a.m. to noon and evening session from 6 to 8 p.m. The meeting will be at Nexus Park, the former Fair Oaks Mall on 25th Street.

If you have any questions you can contact Garr at 812-371-5255.

The Columbus Fire Department will be welcoming its newest fire engine with a ceremony next week.

According to firefighters, the new Engine 5 is a custom pumper manufactured by E-One. It can carry up to four firefighters, has a Cummins power train, a 1000-gallon portable water supply and can pump 1500 gallons of water per minute. In addition to firefighting equipment it also carries advanced life support and trauma equipment. The new engine cost the city $868,000.

The previous Engine 5 is a 2004 truck and is being reassigned to the Fire Department Training Division where it will be the department’s first designated training engine.

The fire department will be holding a traditional wet down and push-in ceremony starting at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 1st at Fire Station 5 on Goeller Court. There will be an open house from 5 to 7 p.m. at the fire station.