Good morning Columbus. What you need to know — flooding; 2 new eateries to open; mood at East after threat; drug arrests

By
Scarlett Syse
-

Greetings Columbus —

Now that was some commute this morning. I hydroplaned nearly all the way to work.

If you are trying to get to downtown Indianapolis from Columbus, be warned. Officials used snow plows to get water off Interstate 65 near Greenwood and Southport exits.

The alternate routes are just as waterlogged. Portions of Emerson Avenue and Stop 11 Road are nearly impassable due to flooding.

Just a few minutes ago, the National Weather Service in Indianapolis reported that it had already recorded 2.39 inches of rain today, making it the wettest April 3 on record. The old record was 1.92 inches from 1892.

What that means for us here in Bartholomew County is that water from the southside of Indianapolis and Johnson County is heading our way. Our already saturated fields and swollen waterways are taking on even more water.

This morning, authorities put out a tree fire caused by lightning and are monitoring flooding. Click here for story.

And more rain is coming. Click here for the weather forecast.

A few other tidbits from this morning —

JUST IN: The Johnson County sheriff says the Johnson County 911 system is currently down. Calls are being transferred to Bartholomew County. It’s unknown how long this problem will be ongoing.

FAMOUS TWEET: David Hogg, a survivor of the Parkland school shooting and a leader in a movement to reduce gun violence, tweeted about Erin Bailey, the senior who is organizing the first gay pride festival in Columbus. Click here to read about Bailey’s project.

LINDEN PROJECT: A tweet from Jonathan Nesci shows how a portion of an outdoor classroom at Lincoln Elementary is taking shape.

Here’s what else you need to know today —

‘There was a culture of kids feeling fearful.’
The Republic’s Julie McClure was in the courtroom Monday for a hearing on whether a former East student accused of making a threat against the school should be tried as an adult. She is reporting on testimony from a police officer who painted a picture of how students and staff were feeling in the hours and days after the Feb. 21 incident. Attendance at East a day after the incident declined significantly, and an officer testified: “The students were very anxious. Some were panicked.” The East threat occurred just a week after the school massacre in Florida. Wednesday’s Republic.

More drug arrests.
Investigators went to Reo Street where they served a search warrant. Story here.

Coming to Columbus.
Reporter Mark Webber is on the restaurant beat this morning and writes: Two national restaurant chains — McAlister’s Deli and Panda Express — are expected to open locations on Columbus’ west side later this year. Wednesday’s Republic.

Remembering King.
Reporter Brian Blair is talking to area residents about the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. He was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4, 1968. And here’s a heads up on Wednesday’s thought for the day in The Republic. It’s a quote from King:

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments
of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.  The true neighbor will risk his position,
his prestige and even his life for the welfare of others.”

Have a great day. Send your story ideas to [email protected].

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