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COLUMBUS, Ind. -Bartholomew County Emergency Management (BCEM) received reports of storm damage in the north Columbus area following thunderstorms on Friday night, August 14.

STATE OF INDIANA- Governor Mike Braun has declared a statewide disaster emergency due to the flooding, severe weather, tornadic activity and a derecho that impacted the state beginning on Aug. 11, 2026.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - According to Bartholomew County Emergency Management (BCEM), the National Weather Service (NWS) now says the Flood warnings for three rivers in the county remain in effect until Monday, August 17.   

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has announced a road closure for State Road 46 in Bartholomew County.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - City of Columbus and Bartholomew County Fire, Law Enforcement, and EMS personnel dedicated numerous units to a water rescue call on Clifty Creek near US 31 and County Road 50N early Thursday morning.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - The Johnson County Community Foundation (JCCF) recently received a $200,000 allocation from the Johnson County Commissioners using remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to strengthen early childhood education and literacy throughout Johnson County.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - The City of Franklin Fire Department (FFD) honored Lt. Chuck Ridpath this week on completing 25 years of dedicated service to the department and the citizens of Franklin.

SHELBYVILLE, Ind. - The City of Shelbyville’s community rebranding initiative was recently named a finalist in PR Daily’s 2026 Media Relations Awards in the Brand Messaging category, placing it alongside entries from organizations including PepsiCo Foods, Purdue University, and PwC. 

NORTH VERNON, Ind. - The Jennings County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) on Wednesday, August 12, announced the arrest of 70-year-old Ronald Brown of North Vernon on felony charges arising from an investigation into the sexual abuse of a child.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The City of Columbus government and business offices will be closed on Friday, August 14, from 10:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., to accommodate the annual City of Columbus Employee Picnic.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Bartholomew County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) responded to the intersection of W. State Road 46 and N. County Road 675W regarding a vehicle crash at around 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 12. 

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Bartholomew County Emergency Management (BCEM) says flooding remains a significant concern in Bartholomew County. Additional impacts are expected as rain continues over the next few days.   

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The United States Department of Justice announced Wednesday, August 12, that it had sentenced Teresa Palmer, 55, of Columbus, to three years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release after she pleaded guilty to two counts of bank fraud. She was also ordered to pay $381,400 in restitution.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - The Johnson County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) is alerting the public to an increase in incidents involving the social media trend of juveniles kicking doors at random homes.

SEYMOUR, Ind. - The Jackson County Chamber and Seymour Main Street present the inaugural "Taste of Our Town," a brand new community dining experience set for downtown Seymour on September 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. 

JENNINGS COUNTY, Ind. - UPDATE: According to the Jennings County Sheriff's Office (JCSO), Highway 50 is back open for the time being.

SOUTH-CENTRAL, Ind. - The National Weather Service in Indianapolis has issued a Flood Warning for parts of Bartholomew, Johnson, Jennings, Jackson, and Shelby Counties in south-central Indiana until 6:45 p.m. on Wednesday.

JENNINGS COUNTY, Ind. - Because of excessive flooding, the Jennings County School Corporation (JCSC) has officially canceled school for Wednesday, August 12.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. – A four-year-old child was killed when a tree fell on a Country Squire Lakes home along Honey Locust Drive during a thunderstorm on Tuesday afternoon, August 11.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Cummins Inc. has announced increases in revenues and net income for the second quarter of 2026 vs. the second quarter of 2025.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Bartholomew County Emergency Management (BCEM) and the Bartholomew County Highway Department have announced lane closures and partial road closures for Tuesday and Wednesday, August 11 and 12.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - Franklin Community Schools announced Tuesday, August 11, that Custer Baker Intermediate School math teacher Amanda Ray, has been named one of the Top 10 finalists for the 2027 Indiana Teacher of the Year.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - City of Columbus officials will hold a series of public budget hearings next week to gather input on the proposed 2027 city budget. The hearings will take place in the council chambers at Columbus City Hall. 

WHITELAND, Ind. - (UPDATE): Whiteland officials have released the name of the man who died in the two-vehicle wreck at U.S. 31 and Whiteland Road on Monday afternoon. Medical and Whiteland Fire personnel at the scene determined that the driver who perished was Danny Fine, 72, of Indianapolis.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The National Weather Service (NWS) in Indianapolis says that south-central Indiana has the potential for severe weather beginning late Tuesday afternoon and continuing through early Wednesday. The threat is at an "Enhanced Risk" (level 3/5).

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Former Bartholomew County Council Candidate Mark Bense is suing his opponent Leah Beyer and her husband Mathew Beyer for defamation due to alleged comments made on social media.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Mill Race Center will host the 'Senior Expo' this Friday, August 14, from 9 a.m. to noon, at 900 Lindsay St., in Columbus.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - Discover Downtown Franklin announced Monday, August 10, that for the second time, the Franklin Farmers Market has been voted Indiana's Ultimate Farmers Market by "Indiana Grown." 

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Cancer Center at Columbus Regional Health (CRH) presents an important screening opportunity on Saturday, August 29, from 10 a.m. to noon.

SOUTH-CENTRAL, Ind. - The National Weather Service (NWS) has advised that South-Central Indiana, including Bartholomew, Johnson, Jackson, and Jennings counties, is under a "slight risk" (2 out of 5) for severe weather on Monday, August 10.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - A Jennings County man is in jail after fleeing from police and crashing his car. A Columbus Police Department (CPD) sergeant observed the vehicle driving recklessly on Central Avenue at around 6:15 p.m. on Friday, August 7.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Lincoln-Central Neighborhood Family Center (LCNFC) has announced the creation of the annual "Dan Greene Service Award." Greene was a founding member of the LCNFC and a longtime, dedicated volunteer. He passed away in 2025.   

FRANKLIN, Ind. - Franklin Mayor Steve Barnett presented the "Marty and Carolyn Williams Volunteer of the Year" award to Deb Stubbeman at the August Franklin City Council meeting last week. 

INDIANAPOLIS - Crew Carwash has announced the results of its 17th annual "Crew for Kids" fundraiser that took place on July 18 and 19. The two-day effort at all locations in three states, including those in Columbus and Greenwood, raised $268,632 in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS). 

GREENWOOD, Ind. - The Johnson County Community Foundation (JCCF) presents the next workshop in its free "Elevate Impact" series on Wednesday morning, September 23, at the Greenwood Fieldhouse, 411 S. Madison Ave.

SEYMOUR, Ind. - Schneck Medical Center has been named one of the nation's top hospitals by Forbes, earning the highest possible five-star rating in the publication's 2026 hospital quality rankings.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. - The Jennings County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) and North Vernon Police Department (NVPD) responded to a residence in Spencer Township on Tuesday, August 4, after receiving a report of a man who was choking and turning blue.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Toyota Material Handling North America (TMHNA) on Wednesday opened a new $100 million, 295,000‑square‑foot manufacturing facility in Columbus dedicated to producing electric forklifts.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is holding a public information meeting for a proposed pavement replacement, sidewalk, and drainage project along State Road 46 in Columbus this Monday, August 10.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The City of Columbus has received three responses from development firms to its Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeking a lead development partner for the Downtown 2030 Finish Fourth District. 

EDINBURGH, Ind. – Edinburgh Main Street has been awarded a grant from Festival Country Indiana to help launch the first annual "Edinburgh Rubber Duck Regatta," a new family-friendly festival on Saturday, August 22, at Irwin Park.

GREENWOOD, Ind. - Raise a glass and celebrate summer at WAMMfest, a one-day festival highlighting Wine, Art, Music, and Microbrew on Saturday, August 15, from noon to 8:30 p.m., at Craig Park in Greenwood. 

SEYMOUR, Ind. - The Seymour Narcotics and Detective Divisions assisted Jackson County Probation Officers with a probationary search in the 200 block of South Park St. in Seymour just before noon on Tuesday, August 4.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. - The City of North Vernon announced Thursday, August 6, that residents should be aware of a railroad maintenance project being completed by CSX Transportation.

JACKSON COUNTY, Ind. – SPARK Jackson County has announced that applications are now being accepted for the third annual SPARK Tank Pitch Competition. The contest gives aspiring entrepreneurs the chance to make their business dreams come true.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - Franklin Parks and Recreation and the Franklin Family Aquatic Center have scheduled "Doggie Pool Day" for Wednesday, September 2. 

INDIANAPOLIS - Governor Mike Braun on Wednesday proclaimed a new statewide energy emergency and reinstituted his suspension of Indiana’s Gasoline Usage Tax and Gasoline Excise Tax through September 5, continuing nation-leading relief for Hoosiers from high gas prices. 

BROWNSTOWN, Ind. - The Jackson County Sheriff's Department asked the Indiana State Police (ISP) Versailles Post on July 25 to begin an investigation after an inmate in the Jackson County Jail was found unresponsive in his jail cell.

INDIANAPOLIS - The American Heart Association (AHA) recently recognized 53 Indiana hospitals for their commitment to improving care for patients with heart disease and stroke through the "Get With the Guidelines" quality improvement programs.

STATEHOUSE - Three local students studying to become teachers are among over 300 recipients of the "Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship." 

COLUMBUS, Ind. - A local man is in custody for felony charges following a 30-minute-long vehicle pursuit. The Columbus Police Department (CPD) was called to the 800 block of Reed Street for a disturbance at around 9:40 a.m. on Monday, August 3.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Milestone Contractors will begin roadway improvements starting Wednesday, August 5, on County Road 450S, from Old Lane Drive to County Road 50W as part of the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program.   

INDIANAPOLIS - Drivers are advised to fill up by Thursday night, because State officials say Indiana's temporary gas tax relief is expiring. That means normal state fuel taxes return on Friday.

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - After a 10-month investigation, seven Indiana University fraternity members were charged with two counts of felony hazing on Monday, August 3.   

COLUMBUS, Ind. -  Local News Digital (LND) has been experiencing an email delivery service problem for the last two days.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - Franklin College is now accepting applications for the Class of 2031. It welcomes students who desire to broaden their horizons, are prepared for success in a challenging academic environment, and are ready to learn through interactive experiences in and out of the classroom.  

SEYMOUR, Ind. - Schneck Medical Center has announced that Eric Fish, MD, President and CEO, has been elected to the American Hospital Association (AHA) Board of Trustees for a three-year term beginning January 1, 2027.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. - The North Vernon Police Department (NVPD) congratulates Officer Chris Allen, who graduated from the Instructor Development Course last week, adding another valuable skill set to his commitment to professional development and the continued growth of NVPD.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation (BCSC) announced Monday morning that music teacher Kaila Lifferth, of Clifty Creek Elementary School, was named as the 2025-26 BCSC "Teacher of the Year."

EDINBURGH, Ind. - Edinburgh Correctional Facility will become the first correctional institution to implement "The 4P’s of Freedom," a new reentry program created by author, educator, U.S. Navy veteran, and entrepreneur Trunnis Goggins II. 

TAYLORSVILLE, Ind. - In January, Alisha Roberts State Farm Insurance Agency launched "Protect Those Who Protect Us," a new community initiative pledging $1,000 each month to support a local volunteer fire department. The July donation will benefit the German Township Volunteer Fire Department.

SHRLBY COUNTY, Ind. - The Shelby County Sheriff Department, Shelbyville Fire Department, Shelbyville Police Department, and Fairland Fire Department responded early Saturday morning to an accident on County Road 400N, on the overpass of I-74. One man died in the 4:25 a.m. wreck. 

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Harrison Lake Country Club (HLCC) is hosting the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Legends Tour Championship the week of August 10.

OLUMBUS, Ind. - The inaugural Columbus Riverfest, featuring the first‑ever Ya Gotta Regatta, stayed afloat in more ways than one.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - A sentencing hearing was held for Charles W. Alexander, Jr., on July 28, following a jury trial that ended on July 1, in which Albertson was found guilty of Public Indecency (Level 6 felony).

FRANKLIN, Ind. - The Franklin Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly luncheon on Thursday, August 13, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Garment Factory Events, 101 E. Wayne St., in Franklin.

The City of North Vernon is continuing to conduct routine, controlled flushing of its distribution water system through at least Friday, August 7.

MARTINSVILLE, Ind. - Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville) announced Friday that he does not intend to seek re-election as Indiana Senate President Pro Tempore in November.

INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently announced organizations in 18 Indiana counties will receive $1,297,500 in grants to fund 21 lake, river, and watershed land treatment projects through DNR's Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) program.

SEYMOUR, Ind. - The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 108 participated in the City of Seymour Parks and Recreation's "End of Summer Escape" on Friday, July 31, at Shields Park. It was one of the last summer events before the kids head back to school. 

NORTH VERNON, Ind. - The Jennings County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) received a report of a minor being sexually assaulted in June 2025. A year-long investigation produced enough evidence and probable cause for a warrant to be issued for 32-year-old Amber Giddings.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) will hold a public information meeting for a proposed pavement replacement, sidewalk, and drainage project along State Road 46 in Columbus.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - Johnson County Coroner Michael Pruitt announced that he will officially step down from his position early. He will exit on Wednesday, August 5, following various legal charges against him.

FRANKLIN, Ind. – Johnson County Superior Court 3 sentenced a Columbus man to 20 years for causing the death of an Illinois man while operating a vehicle while intoxicated in Franklin last summer.

INDIANAPOLIS – Students at 72 Indiana schools will experience the outdoors during the 2026-27 school year thanks in part to a grant program that supports field trips to Indiana State Parks and other state park-managed properties.

GREENWOOD, Ind. - The City of Greenwood had the privilege of celebrating an incredible act of generosity and gratitude this week.

DECATUR COUNTY, Ind. – The Indiana Department of Transportation has announced upcoming lane closures for U.S. 421 and County Road 250 in Decatur County.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Columbus Regional Health (CRH) patients will start receiving their financial statements electronically in August 2026.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to the annual Women in Leadership Luncheon at The Commons on Friday, August 28, at 11:30 a.m. It's a celebration of women whose leadership, vision, and dedication are creating lasting impact throughout the community.

LOUISVILLE - Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced Wednesday that Interstate 65 in Louisville has reopened to traffic three days ahead of schedule, restoring two lanes in each direction and marking a major milestone in the I-65 Central Corridor Project.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Columbus is home to four National Historic Landmarks designed by Eliel and Eero Saarinen, an extraordinary concentration of work by the Finnish father and son. Landmark Columbus Foundation (LCF) recently hosted Ambassador Jarmo Sareva, Finland’s consul general in New York, and Jaana Sareva for a visit to the properties.    

SEYMOUR, Ind. - The Jackson County Industrial Development Corporation (JCIDC) is partnering with the Jackson County Learning Center for the "Career Expo" on September 2 at the Learning Center, 323 Dupont Drive, in Seymour.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. - The Jennings County Sheriff's Office is again hosting "National Night Out" this Tuesday, August 4, from 5 to 8 p.m., at the Jennings County Fairgrounds.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Mill Race Theatre Company (MRTC) will present four performances during its upcoming season. The season, "Stories That Stay With You," celebrates the power of live theatre.

COLUMBUS, Ind. – Bartholomew County Prosecuting Attorney Lindsey Holden formally charged Rudy Minton with one count of Murder related to a recent investigation on Tuesday, July 28.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Columbus Police Department (CPD) is investigating the death of a 77-year-old Edinburgh man following a crash at 25th Street and Home Avenue on Monday.    

COLUMBUS, Ind. (UPDATE: 1:00 p.m.) - David Jayne has been located. The Columbus Police Department (CPD) is looking for information on the whereabouts of David Jayne, who was reported missing by family on Tuesday morning, July 28.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - Franklin Community Schools (FCS) is preparing for the first day of classes for the 2026-2027 school year on Wednesday, August 5.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - The Johnson County Community Foundation (JCCF) reminds students and parents that applications for the 2027 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship open this Saturday, August 1.

SEYMOUR, Ind. - Seymour Main Street presents another "City Jam" on Thursday, August 20, at 6:30 p.m., at Crossroads Park, 101 E. Tipton St., in downtown Seymour.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation (BCSC) held orientation sessions for teachers on Monday, July 27.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Cummins Inc. announced on Thursday, July 23, the updates to its Model Year 2027 North American on-highway product launch plans following its review of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s recently proposed changes to upcoming emissions regulations.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Troy Forman, MBA, Branch Manager, Financial Advisor, and Investment Management Consultant at Forman Investment Services, recently earned the prestigious Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) credential.

HENRYVILLE, Ind. (7 p.m. UPDATE) - A semi-truck driver, involved in a fiery one-vehicle crash on southbound I-65, died in the accident on Monday morning, July 27.

SOUTH-CENTRAL, Ind. -The National Weather Service (NWS) advises that South-Central Indiana will experience two rounds of severe weather on Monday, July 27 into Tuesday, July 28.

BROWNSTOWN, Ind. - The Jackson County Fair kicked off a week's worth of activities on Sunday evening, July 26, with the annual Fair Queen contest. And, the winner is Mallory Klosterman, of Dudleytown. 

COLUMBUS, Ind. - ColumBUS Transit riders will get an upgrade to their digital experience, as ColumBUS Transit and the Transit app announce a new partnership.

COLUMBUS, Ind. - United Way of Bartholomew County debuts a new community event this month, inviting residents to race cardboard boats, enjoy family-friendly activities, and fund a great cause. The inaugural Columbus Riverfest featuring "Ya Gotta Regatta" is on Friday, July 31, at Mill Race Park.

TRAFALGAR, Ind. - The Johnson County Community Foundation (JCCF) presents its annual "Community Painting Day" on Saturday, August 1, from 9 a.m. to noon. 

EDINBURGH/BUTLERVILLE, Ind. - Camp Atterbury in Johnson County and Muscatatuck Urban Training Center in Jennings County are busy places right now.

FRANKLIN, Ind. - Gov. Mike Braun recently visited Franklin College to highlight how Indiana’s colleges and universities are preparing students for careers in growing industries and help more graduates build their lives in Indiana, as well as Franklin’s life sciences initiative.