Forecasters say that you could see areas of dense fog out there this morning.

According to the National Weather Service in Indianapolis, patches of dense fog are developing. Visibility could be less than a quarter of a mile in some spots.

That could make for some hazardous driving conditions this morning. If you have to be on the road, authorities say you should slow down, leave plenty of distance between the vehicles ahead of you and use your low-beam headlights.

Two people were arrested in Jennings County last week, after an investigation into the theft of hundreds of pounds of copper wire and tools in Jennings and Decatur counties over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

According to Jennings County Sheriff’s Department, deputies began investigating last Monday after thefts were reported from multiple construction companies at the South Eastern Purdue Agricultural Center in Butlerville over the weekend. Three separate companies were hit for more than $63,500 dollars in thefts. Decatur County deputies also reported thefts in their county over the weekend as well, and authorities identified 41 year old Ryan Beeman of North Vernon as a suspect.

Deputies began searching for Beeman and a warrant for Beeman was served at a home where he was located on Thursday. As he was taken into custody, police found items stolen from both counties and a second search warrant led to police recovering more stolen property. Authorities believe that Beeman stole more than $10 thousand dollars in wire, burned it down and then sold the 362 pounds of copper to a scrapyard for about $1,000.

Beeman was arrested on preliminary charges of burglary, theft and for a warrant out of Decatur County.

At the home, police also found 38-year-old Shaun Webb who was taken into custody during the search and found to be carrying meth and drug paraphernalia. He is facing charges for possessing the drugs and paraphernalia.

U.S. 421 will be closing in Greensburg for up to five days starting today as crews work to replace utilities in the area.

According to the Indiana Department of Transportation, Dave O’Mara Contractors will be closing the highway between Lakeview Drive and Park Street. A detour will follow State Road 3 to State Road 46 or Main Street.

The work schedule is dependent on the weather.

INDOT reminds you to slow down, to drive without distractions and to use extra caution to worker safety in all work zones.

Bartholomew County is joining a 10-county wide economic development organization as part of the Indy Chamber.

The Indy Partnership announced yesterday that Columbus and Bartholomew County were being added to its service area. Adding the county brings the partnership to 10 members, with the goal of improving the region’s appeal to businesses and investors. The regional partnership will be working with the Greater Columbus Economic Development Corporation.

Marlon Webb, Senior Director of Regional Economic Development at the Indy Chamber said expanding the partnership allows the group “to further Central Indiana’s growth in key industries and make the region even more attractive to companies seeking a supportive business environment. The partnership plans to use the new member to advance projects that will bring new jobs, innovation, and increased investment to the area.

The Columbus area has the nation’s highest concentration of industrial engineers, mechanical engineers, industrial engineering technicians, and related occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. And 38 percent of the community’s employment is in manufacturing, putting it in the top 2 percent of counties nationwide.

Jason Hester, president of the local development efforts, says that joining the partnership will bring resources and connections critical to grow the local and regional economy.

The head of an organization dedicated to improving education efforts locally and regionally is retiring at the end of the year, and her role will be filled by a former Bartholomew Consolidated School superintendent.

The Community Education Coalition in Columbus is announcing that Kathy Oren, the group’s president and CEO, is retiring effective Dec. 31st. Dr. Jim Roberts, former BCSC superintendent who retired from the district earlier this year, will be moving into that role.

Oren has been with the education coalition for 12 years and has been leading the group since the retirement of John Burnett two years ago.

During her tenure the coalition has taken several important steps including efforts such as Tu Futuro and Umoja Unity in working to improve education efforts aimed at minority students, becoming a Lumina Talent Hub and 21st Century Talent Region, and launching branding efforts for a unified AirPark Columbus College Campus. Her work has also led to funding from groups ranging from the Strada Education Foundation to the Indiana Commission on Higher Education.

The Coalition will host a community event from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, December 12 at Upland Pump House to celebrate Oren’s tenure.

A Columbus man has been arrested, accused of trying to avoid police when he crashed into a tree early this morning.

According to the Columbus Police Department, an officer noticed two cars on 25th Street jockeying for position side-by-side as if they were getting ready to race. The officer turned his vehicle around to intercede, but one of the vehicles turned and raced away, allegedly committing several moving violations. The driver tried to turn onto Midway Street from 17th, lost control and crashed into a tree in a yard.

The driver was taken into custody and police say showed signs of being intoxicated. An open beer was also found in the vehicle, along with a gun near the driver’s seat. Two passengers in the vehicle were not injured.

Police found that the driver, 25-year-old Jaylen Flemmons, was carrying cocaine. He is facing charges of reckless driving, operating a vehicle while intoxicated and possession of cocaine with a firearm.

Photos courtesy of Columbus Police Department

Despite Friday night’s frigid temperatures, a crowd turned out to visit with Santa, listen to festive music and enjoy the start of the holiday season at Crossroads Park in Seymour.

The Christmas at the Crossroads event, organized by the Jackson County Chamber drew about 200 people over the program, said Dan Robison, head of the chamber.

Robison said the event is in its fourth year.

The park is decorated in Christmas lighting and Santa had a small workshop in a hut where he chatted with young visitors while their parents snapped photos. Outside, a restless reindeer also posed while attendees posed for picture-taking.

Robison praised the vendors and Chamber member businesses which took part, handing out information, swag and chatting with attendees.

Our Hospice of South Central Indiana is announcing its 27th annual Jennings County Gala, coming up on Saturday, Feb. 8th at the Barn at Willow Lake.

The event is themed “Rodeo and Rhinestones” and attendees are encouraged to dress for the theme.

This year’s Gala features dinner catered by First Class Catering, a cash-bar by Miller’s Tavern, both a silent and live auction, crowning of the and music provided by Jeff Downs.

This is the Hospice’s largest annual Jennings County fundraiser. It supports the patients and families cared for by the staff in Jennings County.

Fundraising activities surrounding the event include the gala queen contest, where the largest fundraiser among the participating Jennings County High School students will be crowned the winner.

Tickets are $60 each or $450 for a table of eight. Tickets must be purchased in advance and will not be sold at the door. The event starts at 6 p.m. on Saturday Feb. 4th.

You can find  more information here: ourhospice.org/gala

Columbus State Senator Greg Walker will again serve as chairman of the Senate Committee on Family and Children Services.

The Republican caucus is announcing their member’s committee assignments and Walker has been appointed by Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray to continue in the leadership role.

Walker said he is pleased to be chosen to head up the Family and Children Services committee and is looking forward to working on several important issues this year. He stressed the importance of committee work, saying that members are the first to understand what a bill would accomplish if it becomes a law.

In addition, Walker will serve as ranking member on the Elections and Ethics committees. He will also serve on the Senate Pensions and Labor committee as well as the Public Policy panel.

The 2025 legislative session began with Organization Day last month, but the real legislative work will begin when the legislature reconvenes on January 8th.

The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce is again offering a passport program to encourage people to shop and dine at local businesses this holiday season.

According to the chamber, the Keep the Cheer Here! Passport program promotes shopping, eating and living locally. The program began last week and will end on January 7th.

Passports are available at participating locations and the Chamber office. Passports can also be printed from the Chamber website.

If you are a customer at a participating business, you can get your passport stamped during checkout for the value spent. After you complete $250 in stamps, you can return the passport to the Chamber office to be entered to win prizes donated by Chamber member businesses. The grand prize is an experience at Top Golf, sponsored by the Steve Silver Team at RE/MAX Professionals of Seymour.

Participants shopping at sponsor locations will earn double entries.

You can find a complete list of sponsors and download your passport at the Chamber’s website at www.jacksoncochamber.com.