Category Archives: Uncategorized

Arianne Trail closing today for road work

Bartholomew County officials say that Arianne Trail will be closed today for repaving.

According to the county highway department, the work will be going on from County Road 300S until the road ends to the south, and between Vine and Pine streets. The work is scheduled to be going on from 8 a.m. in the morning to 5 p.m. in the afternoon.

You should avoid the area, if you can.

Volunteers needed for Bartholomew United Way’s Day of Caring

The United Way of Bartholomew County is looking for volunteers to help community organizations with the annual Day of Caring next month.

The Day of Caring is being held on May 16th and registration will start at noon on Tuesday for the volunteer slots.

The annual Day of Caring is a full-day volunteer event that connects local businesses and community members with non-profit agencies and organizations. More than 500 volunteers are needed to help organizations that make a positive difference in Bartholomew County.

Volunteer projects will include tasks such as planting flowers, mulching, painting, organizing, and sorting donations.

Organizers say that by volunteering you help free up the staff of the charitable groups to focus on their core mission providing essential services to members of the community in need.

Volunteers of all ages and skill levels can take part

You can sign up by going to https://uwbarthco.galaxydigital.com/need/. 

Nursing scholarship applications open in Seymour

Applications are now being accepted for the Dr. Bud Scholarship for registered nursing students through Schneck Medical Center in Seymour.

The scholarship benefits students working toward becoming a registered nurse. Candidates must have completed their first year of a registered nursing program, or already be a licensed practical nurse. Those who have been accepted into a master’s program to become a nurse practitioner are also encouraged to apply.

The scholarship is primarily for residents of Jackson, Jennings, Scott and Washington counties.

The scholarship is awarded in honor of Dr. H.P. “Bud” Graessle who was a physician and surgeon in Seymour for 53 years.

Applications for the scholarship are available at SchneckMed.org/careers. The deadline to apply is May 16th.

Officials urge safety in roadway work zones

State highway officials say that it is the start of the spring constructions season and as you start seeing more orange cones and barrels on area streets, roads and highways you need to stay extra alert for worker safety.

Officials from INDOT, Indiana Constructors Inc., Indiana State Police and other partners recognized National Work Zone Awareness Week with a visit to the Interstate 65 Safety and Efficiency project site on the southeast side of Indianapolis. There are more than $3.3 billion in road improvements going on during this construction season in Indiana, across more than 1,200 projects.

Matt Ubelhor, the Indiana secretary of transportation and infrastructure said that last year 30 people were killed in Indiana work zones, and more than 1,500 were injured.

Chad Scott, with Milestone Contractors, says that the company has lost employees over the years in construction zone crashes and had many close calls. He said trying to reach your destination a few minutes sooner, or trying to read a text message while driving isn’t worth anyone’s life.

Safety officials urge you to slow down, to drive without distractions and to be alert to worker safety in all work zones.

Republican ladies give $1,000 scholarships

The Bartholomew County Republican Ladies League awarded its annual $1,000 scholarships this week to four area high school seniors.

This year’s scholarship winners were:

  • Samantha Holzer, daughter of Denny and Christy Holzer, graduating from Hauser Jr. Sr. High School. She plans to attend Indiana Wesleyan University to study education.
  • Katherine Lynn London, daughter of Tony and Amy London, graduating from Columbus North High School. She plans to attend Indiana University Bloomington to study Law.
  • Genea Martoccia, daughter of John and Aimee Martoccia, graduating from Columbus East High School. She plans to attend Indiana University – Columbus to study Psychology.
  • Jonathan Ruch, son of David and Carla Ruch, graduating from Columbus East High School.  He plans to attend  Purdue University to study Mechanical Engineering.

According to the organization, the scholarships recognize outstanding young students involved in many extracurricular, community, and school activities. Among the requirements to qualify for the scholarship, students must pass a 5-question political history test, as well as maintain a 3.0 GPA.

If you would like to support the Ladies League scholarship fund with a donation, you can contact Phyllis Apple at 812-343-1992.

If you would like to learn more about the Bartholomew County Republican Ladies League, you
can follow them on Facebook @barthcoladiesleague.

Photo courtesy of Bartholomew County Republican Ladies League

Signup lottery starting soon for Columbus Police and Fire camp

Registrations will be opening soon for the 2025 Columbus Police and Fire Youth Camp and Bitty Boot Camps.

According to organizers, due to the popularity of the camps and limited spaces, there will be a lottery system for enrollment. Registration will be open May 5th at noon and close May 9th at noon. The participants will then be drawn and parents notified.

The Bitty Boot Camp will be June 2nd and 3rd for 6 to 8-year-old Bartholomew County children.

The Youth Academy will be June 4th, 5th, and 6th for 8 to 12-year-old Bartholomew County children.

You can find a more information here: https://www.columbus.in.gov/police/info-documents/columbus-police-fire-youth-academy/

Gleaners providing food for families Wednesday

Gleaners Food Bank will be holding a drive-thru food pantry distribution from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Columbus Municipal Airport at 5175 N. Warren Drive.

You will be able to stay in your vehicle and the food will be delivered to you. There will be no early arrivals and there is no parking allowed on River Road or Cunningham Drive. The food bank will be providing enough food for 600 families.