A Columbus City Councilman could be losing his seat, according to a story in The Republic.

The newspaper is reporting that Republican Jay Foyst has lost the seat in an ruling by an Indiana Appeals Court. Instead, Democrat Bryan Munoz would be declared the winner of the District 6 seat on the council.

The appeals court overturned an earlier court’s decision, ruling that a Republican caucus to put Foyst on the ballot last year had not been properly notified to the public. And that the certification that Foyst had been selected as the candidate had not been filed in time.

Without an opposing candidate, Munoz was the winner of the election, the court concluded.

You can find out more at therepublic.com or in the newspaper.

Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI) announced today that the company has been awarded $75 million to convert approximately 360,000 sq. ft. of existing manufacturing space at its Columbus (Indiana) Engine Plant (CEP) for zero-emissions components and electric powertrain systems. The $75 million grant is the largest federal grant ever awarded solely to Cummins and is part of the appropriations related to the Inflation Reduction Act.

Cummins will match the grant and invest $75 million for a total of $150 million to convert the space and expand production of battery packs, powertrain systems and other battery-electric vehicle (BEV) components for Accelera by Cummins, the company’s zero-emissions business segment. To support this additional manufacturing capacity, Cummins anticipates adding approximately 250 full-time jobs, with opportunities for the plant’s existing workforce to transition to many of these positions over time.

“This DOE grant is another step forward in the progress we are making toward a zero-emissions future and expanding battery manufacturing in the United States, strengthening our global position in electrified solutions for commercial markets,” said Amy Davis, President of Accelera by Cummins. “Today’s announcement represents a crucial step in advancing electrification and domestic battery supply chains. Partnership with government, customers, and the industry as a whole is required to accelerate the shift to zero. We are proud of this milestone and to be adding clean tech jobs to develop the workforce and communities of the future.”

After the completion of this project, CEP will house approximately 350 employees focused on BEV-related work. Nearly half of the 1.42 million sq. ft. facility, which opened in 1926, will be dedicated to zero-emissions manufacturing. The electric powertrains produced at CEP will result in greenhouse gas emission reductions of approximately 104 million metric tons of carbon dioxide by 2030.*

Through its Destination Zero strategy, Cummins is committed to helping customers seamlessly and successfully transition to a zero-emissions future and understands that a variety of solutions are required to reach this goal. The company is unique in its ability to meet customers’ needs wherever they are in their journey, offering fuel-agnostic engine platforms powered by advanced diesel, natural gas and alternate fuels; fully electric and hydrogen fuel cell solutions; and key components. Cummins continues to be committed to advancing all of these solutions.

“Known as Plant One, CEP was Cummins’ first engine plant in our headquarter city of Columbus, Indiana, and this grant from the DOE allows us to broaden the legacy of the site even further. By expanding the production of batteries and electric vehicle components at CEP, at the same plant where we manufacture blocks and heads for our current and next-generation, engine-based solutions, we continue to prove our commitment to Destination Zero and dedication to innovation, strengthening the communities we serve and environmental stewardship,” said Jennifer Rumsey, Chair and CEO of Cummins. “As a Columbus native, I am especially proud of the significant contribution Cummins is making to economic and social vibrancies of the local community alongside our broader goals of improving and decarbonizing commercial and industrial applications.”

“As a City, Columbus has benefited from Cummins’ innovative spirit and technology investments for over 100 years,” said Mary Ferdon, Mayor of Columbus. “This expansion by Accelera reinforces the commitment the company has made to clean energy and a more sustainable future. Columbus also benefits from the re-investment in our workforce and the conversion of CEP space for advanced technology. We’re excited about this $150 million investment which moves the company forward in its zero-emissions manufacturing and de-carbonization goals and we’re proud to celebrate this milestone award from the Department of Energy.”

*Emissions reduction of BEV compared to ICE heavy-duty commercial vehicles

About Cummins Inc.

Cummins Inc., a global power solutions leader, is comprised of five business segments – Components, Engine, Distribution, Power Systems and Accelera by Cummins – supported by our global manufacturing and extensive service and support network, skilled workforce and vast technological expertise. Cummins is committed to its Destination Zero strategy, which is grounded in the company’s commitment to sustainability and helping its customers successfully navigate the energy transition with its broad portfolio of products. The products range from advanced diesel, natural gas, electric and hybrid powertrains and powertrain-related components including, aftertreatment, turbochargers, fuel systems, valvetrain technologies, controls systems, air handling systems, automated transmissions, axles, drivelines, brakes, suspension systems, electric power generation systems, batteries, electrified power systems, hydrogen production technologies and fuel cell products. Headquartered in Columbus, Indiana (U.S.), since its founding in 1919, Cummins employs approximately 75,500 people committed to powering a more prosperous world through three global corporate responsibility priorities critical to healthy communities: education, environment, and equality of opportunity. Cummins serves its customers online, through a network of company-owned and independent distributor locations, and through thousands of dealer locations worldwide and earned about $735 million on sales of $34.1 billion in 2023. See how Cummins is powering a world that’s always on by accessing news releases and more information at https://www.cummins.com/.

Bartholomew County deputies are trying to find the location of two people in order to check on their well-being.

According to sheriff’s department, officers were called to the Carwood Suites apartment complex on Carr Hill Road at about 4:50 this morning after a 911 call, but they couldn’t find anyone there.

If you have any information on the whereabouts or contact info for Jean V.  Sejourne or Erlla Aristide you are asked to contact Bartholomew County dispatchers at 812-379-1689.

Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department press release

On 02/14/2024 at approximately 10:41 PM the sheriff’s office responded to a report of an alleged theft of a vehicle. The victim told deputies that she left the Taylorsville area traveling east bound on E 650 N. As she approached the intersection of E 650 N and N 50 W a vehicle behind her flashed its headlights then activated blue flashing lights, believing she was being pulled over by law enforcement the victim pulled to the side of the road.

The victim told deputies that two male suspects wearing all black clothing approached her vehicle and displayed a handgun. The suspects pulled her out of the vehicle, pointed the firearm at her while making threats to her life. The victim described the two suspects as in their mid-20s, approximately 6-foot-tall with a stocky build who spoke English. The victim also described the suspect’s vehicle as a blue passenger car, the make and model are unknown. After the suspects drove away with her vehicle the victim was forced to walk back to the Taylorsville area to report the crime which took approximately 30 minutes.

At about the same time the theft was being reported deputies were also responding to a vehicle fire approximately 6 miles from the alleged theft scene. At this time it is believed the destroyed vehicle is the victim’s car based on the make and model however investigators are working to confirm ownership.

The sheriff’s office is asking the public to come forward with any information about this incident which remains under investigation. Please call the sheriff’s office at (812) 565 – 5926 with any relevant tips.

Photo courtesy of Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department.

A few city streets will be shut off from the public today, Due to continued filming for the movie, The Ice Cream Man, the following closures will be in effect for most of today from 6AM – 8PM.

These are the following streets affected:

7th Street from Franklin Street west to Lafayette Avenue

The northern half of the City/Library parking lot, as well as the entrance/exit off 7th Street

and The North South alleys between Franklin and Lafayette at 7th Street.

A Columbus man was arrested early yesterday morning, accused of driving drunk through a road construction zone at Central Avenue and National Road.

According to Columbus Police reports, workers saw a vehicle driving through the construction zone dragging traffic cones stuck underneath his vehicle at about 12:56 a.m. Thursday morning. Police say that workers were able to stop the vehicle and when police arrived, they found 52-year-old Eric S. Federico driving the vehicle, while wearing only his underclothes.

Federico appeared to be unsteady on his feet and there was a strong odor of alcohol on his breath, police say. He failed several field sobriety tests and was taken to Columbus Regional Hospital to have his blood drawn.

He was arrested on preliminary charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated and a highway work zone violation.

A Jennings County man is being accused of driving drunk and causing a death after a fatal crash Saturday night on Interstate 65 in Scott County.

Indiana State Police say that 47-year-old Scotty R. Hoosier of Altamont, Tenn. was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash at about 11:55 p.m. Saturday night just south of Austin.

Trooper say that 24-year-old Cooper A. Hensley of Paris Crossing was speeding in the northbound left lane of the highway, and crashed into Hoosier’s vehicle, which was also driving northbound. The crash sent Hoosier’s pickup truck off the highway where it crashed into a tree. Two passengers in Hoosier’s vehicle were taken to University of Louisville Hospital for serious injuries.

Hensley’s vehicle went into the median, where it hit the cable barrier and flipped over. Hensley was uninjured. He was arrested on preliminary charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing a death and was taken to the Scott County Jail.

The northbound lanes of the interstate were closed for about four hours.

Vice President Mike Pence and his wife are testing negative for the coronavirus.

They took tests this morning after President Trump and the First Lady tested positive last night. Pence is last known to have been with the President on Tuesday when they met in the Oval Office before the debate. The two also attended a coronavirus task force briefing together on Monday. If the President becomes incapacitated, Pence would step in until he could return.

Mike and Karen Pence are wishing President Trump and the First Lady well in a Tweet this morning.

President Trump’s adviser Hope Hicks tested negative Wednesday morning, but started experiencing symptoms later that day. She was isolated on a return flight on Air Force One and tested again Thursday. This time it came back positive.

The CDC has released new guidelines on how schools can plan to reopen for the upcoming school year while also being mindful of the Coronavirus pandemic.

The agency is broad in its guidelines separating them into low-risk, moderate-risk, and high-risk recommendations for reopening schools. Within these guidelines they talk about promoting “behaviors that reduce spread” from how to serve food to students, keeping classrooms clean, teachers wearing personal protective equipment, etc. They also give recommendations on what to do in the event a student or teacher contracts Coronavirus during the school year.

Dr. Sarah Stelzner, a pediatrician, told Dan Dakich on 107.5 The Fan she feels schools should be able to open to in-person classes later this year. She recommends starting earlier in the summer than schools normally do.

Stelzner also said that closing at Thanksgiving would make sense due to that being the time when we know, there are lots of flu and that there are fears that COVID could possibly have a second wave.

The CDC is careful to clarify in their recommendations that their guidelines DO NOT replace state and county mandates on reopening schools. They say schools must comply with whatever state education leaders and local governments say.