The 119th U.S. Congress will be sworn in today. The new two-year term will get underway after the House members are sworn in.

Our area will be represented by Republicans Erin Houchin of Salem and Jefferson Shreve of Southport. Houchin is returning for her second term in District 9 which includes Brown, Jackson, Jennings, Decatur and southern Bartholomew Counties as well as the rest of southeastern Indiana. In District 6, freshman Shreve of Southport is being sworn in. District 6 includes parts of Bartholomew as well as Johnson and Shelby counties and central eastern Indiana. Shreve will replace Greg Pence of Columbus who chose not to run for re-election.

The new House will first have to elect a speaker, and it’s not clear if Republican Mike Johnson has the votes needed to retain the position.

TTWN Media Networks contributed to this report

The city of Columbus is announcing the promotion of Mikala Brown as the assistant director of the city’s redevelopment department, effective this week.

Brown is a native of Hope and a graduate of IUPUC with a business degree. Since 2021, Brown has been with the department as project coordinator.

In her new role, Brown will oversee various public and private improvement projects. Her responsibilities will include managing projects, engaging with stakeholders and the public and advocating for awareness of Redevelopment issues within the community. She will also working closely with the director on the professional development and organization of the Department.

The redevelopment department works to stimulate business growth, to expand economic and employment opportunities, and to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors.

Forecasters have issued a winter storm watch for our area that goes into effect Sunday morning through Monday evening.

Bitterly cold temperatures, high winds and a snow storm are likely heading into early next week with 6 inches or more of snow across central Indiana Sunday night into Monday. Snow could mix with freezing rain and sleet making travel treacherous. Wind gusts of up to 35 mph are also expected.

Emergency officials say you should consider delaying all travel, getting on the roads only if is absolutely necessary. And if you do have to go out, you should use extreme caution.

They suggest that you put together a winter storm kit for your vehicle. That should include items such as tire chains, booster cables, a flashlight, shovel, blankets, extra clothing and water in case you become stuck or stranded.

INDOT says that crews in the Seymour district will be pretreating highways throughout the weekend ahead of the potential winter weather.

According to the Bartholomew County Emergency Management department, the city is opening a warming station at Donner Center off of 22nd Street from 8 to 5 Sunday through Saturday, Jan. 11th. .

You will be able to stop by the shelter to get warm. Pets are welcome at Donner Center, but they must be kept in crates and will be kept in a designated part of the facility. Columbus Animal Care Services will provide crates and service animals do not need crates.

After 5 in the afternoon, the Brighter Days shelter will continue to offer shelter services to those in need.

The Bartholomew County Public Library branches are also open as warming centers.

A flood warning continues on East Fork White River at Seymour but the river is returning to normal levels.

According to the National Weather Service. the river crested overnight at 12.86 feet, about 9 inches above the minor flood stage of 12 feet. This morning it is at 12.4 feet and headed down. It should drop back out of minor flooding later this afternoon.

Forecasters say that we could see some snow tonight and slick roads tomorrow morning. But things are looking worse this weekend.

According to the National Weather Service in Indianapolis, a cold front is moving across Indiana and there is a chance of rain and snow late tonight. They expect that rain will turn to snow early Friday morning with less than an inch of accumulation likely. Northern parts of Central Indiana are expected to get 1 to 2 inches overnight.

Untreated roads could become slick tonight. You should use extra caution if you have to be driving tonight and early on Friday. Make sure to give yourself extra time to reach your destination.

Cold weather and gusty winds are also on our way with temperatures below freezing and near zero wind chills possible Friday into Saturday.

Forecasters have issued a winter storm watch that goes into effect Sunday morning through Monday evening. Bitterly cold temperatures and a snow storm are likely heading into early next week with up to 6 inches of snow across central Indiana Sunday night into Monday. Snow could mix with freezing rain and sleet making travel treacherous.

INDOT says that crews in the Seymour district will be pretreating highways throughout the weekend ahead of the potential winter weather.

According to the Bartholomew County Emergency Management department, the city is opening a warming station at Donner Center off of 22nd Street from 8 to 5 Sunday through Saturday, Jan. 11th. .

You will be able to stop by the shelter to get warm. Pets are welcome at Donner Center, but they must be kept in crates and will be kept in a designated part of the facility. Columbus Animal Care Services will provide crates and service animals do not need crates.

After 5 in the afternoon, the Brighter Days shelter will continue to offer shelter services to those in need.

The Bartholomew County Public Library branches are also open as warming centers.

A Columbus City Utilities worker has been recognized as professional of the year by the Southern Indiana Operators Association.

According to the city water company, Melinda Burton received the award in December. The award is given annually to a worker who exhibits excellence in their work and contributes positively to their organization and the industry as a whole. She was nominated by her colleagues and was selected unanimously by the awards committee.

Burton is the first Columbus City Utilities employee to receive the award.

She is retiring after 42 years of service.

Jennings County deputies say that what originally appeared to be a crash into a tree led to a drug dealing arrest last weekend.

According to the Jennings County Sheriff’s Department, deputies were called to the scene of the suspected crash early on Saturday morning near County Roads 20S and 700W. A witness said a vehicle was off the road and against a tree, but while officers were en route the driver attempted to leave the scene. When they arrived the found the vehicle stopped in the road and soon determined that there had not been a crash and the driver was uninjured.

However, police say that the driver was acting suspiciously and a police dog Dino alerted to the smell of narcotics inside the vehicle. A search of the driver, 23 year old Grant Stuckwisch of Seymour recovered four baggies containing more than 100 pills along with a bottle of a liquid believed to be Bromazolam. A synthetic drug, It is frequently used to enhance the effects of fentanyl and is considered an extremely dangerous substance, police say. They also found two guns in the vehicle.

Stuckwisch was arrested and is facing preliminary felony charges of

• Dealing in a Controlled Substance
• Possession of a Controlled Substance and
• Violation of a Legend Drug Act

Police say the investigation is ongoing and more charges may be possible.

Forecasters say that it is suddenly going to feel like winter again, after recent temperatures in the 50s.

According to the National Weather Service in Indianapolis, a quick moving cold front is moving across Indiana and there is a chance of snow late tonight and early Friday morning. They expect that rain will turn to snow with less than an inch likely. Northern parts of Central Indiana are expected to get 1 to 2 inches overnight.

Cold weather and gusty winds are also on our way with temperatures below freezing and near zero wind chills possible Friday into Saturday. Bitterly cold temperatures and a snow storm are likely heading into early next week.

A flood warning on East Fork White River at Seymour has been extended through Saturday.

The National Weather Service in Indianapolis says that heavy rains in recent days has led to flooding on several rivers around the state. Minor flooding is ongoing on East Fork of White River at Seymour and downstream and minor flooding is forecast.

As of this morning, the river was at 12.8 feet, about nine inches above the 12 foot flood minor stage. It is expected to crest early Friday morning at about 13 feet. It is expected to fall back below the flood stage by early Saturday.

Authorities warn that you should not try to drive across flooded roadways or drive around barricades. They say that most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Turn around and don’t drown.