David G. Lucas

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June 26, 2019

BROWNSTOWN

David G. Lucas, 79, of Brownstown, passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2019, at Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis, surrounded by his loving family.

Dave was a lifelong member of the Brownstown United Methodist Church, and he was passionate about his faith in God.

Dave earned his BA in 1961 from Ball State University and continued on to earn a Master’s Degree in Psychometry. During his undergraduate years at Ball State University, he designed the sign that sits today on the lawn of the Administration Building. In addition, he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon, and worked at the Residence Hall for several years while attending college.

Subsequent to his graduation from Ball State University, Dave was on the faculty in the role of a Residence Hall Director, guiding the students and managing Residence Hall living. He then moved to Indianapolis and became the school Psychometrist for the Washington Township school system. This position led him to the Learning Disability Clinic at Riley Hospital, where the staff worked with parents, teachers and doctors to help students have greater success in overcoming their educational challenges. He also co-authored the book Mental Development of the Pediatric Patient with Larry Hartlage.

In 1974, Dave and his family moved back to Jackson County. He joined his current business partner, Steve Ackerman, in operating Lucas-Ackerman Supply Co., Inc. in Brownstown, which was founded in 1946 by their fathers, Harry G. Lucas and Neal H. Ackerman. Lucas-Ackerman Supply Co., Inc. continues in its 73rd year. Because of their desire to help the community to expand services in Brownstown, they were instrumental in the coming of Hoosier Christian Village in Brownstown by providing land to build the facility. They also coordinated the construction of the facility. They further expanded their business adventures over the years by creating the subdivisions of Lucas Ackerman Additions, co-founded the Highlands Subdivision in Seymour, and Bloomington Supply and Tommy D. Windows and Doors located in Bloomington.

Dave was immensely devoted to his community. He served for more than 20 years on the Jackson County Industrial Developmental Service Board, and served as Jackson County Councilman for many years. Dave was also a member of the Brownstown Chamber of Commerce and the Jackson County Home Builders Association.

He loved boat rides, spending time with his family and friends at the Lake & Forest Club in Brownstown, working in his yard, gardening, grilling outdoors, and teaching his family and friends his grilling tricks and techniques, as well as showing them how to make his best marinades. Dave was an avid fan of the Indianapolis Colts and the Indianapolis Pacers, and was a season ticket holder for both teams for many years.

Travel was always a highlight for the family. After hosting an exchange student from Germany, their travels expanded to many international sites often accompanied by Lina, their exchange student, and her family.

Dave loved his family dearly and they loved him beyond measure. Born on September 12, 1939, in Seymour, he was the son of Harry G. and Eleanor Everoad Lucas, both of whom preceded him in death. On June 18, 1961, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Brownstown, he married Jane Elizabeth Beickman.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Jane Lucas; one daughter, Kimberly D. Lucas of Indianapolis; one son, Mark D. (Rachel) Lucas and two grandchildren: Harrison D. Lucas, and Catherine A. Lucas, all of Parker, Colorado; sister-in-law, Ruth Robertson of Brownstown; and nieces and nephews: Jami (Derick) Stuckwisch and Kirby (Justin) Stacks, all of Brownstown.

Besides his parents, Dave was also preceded in death by a sister, Edith A. Lucas McAbee, and brother-in-law, John Henry “Butch” Robertson.

Funeral services for David G. Lucas will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 29, 2019, at Brownstown United Methodist Church with Kevin Stiles and Jessi Langlie officiating. Friends may call from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the service at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday at the church. Family and friends are cordially invited to a Celebration of Life immediately following the service at W.R. Ewing in Brownstown until 8:00 p.m.

Memorials may be given to the Brownstown United Methodist Church or to the Community Foundation of Jackson County in Dave’s memory through Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc.

Online memorials and condolences may be given at www.spurgeonfh.com

Lilly Scholarship applications available

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Staff Reports

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June 26, 2019

Staff Reports

Online applications are available for the 2020 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship, which is administered by Heritage Fund — The Community Foundation of Bartholomew County and Independent Colleges of Indiana.

The Lilly Scholarship provides full tuition, required fees and an allocation of up to $900 annually for required books and equipment for four years of full-time undergraduate study that leads to a baccalaureate degree at any accredited Indiana public or private college or university, according to Heritage Fund.

Two Lilly Scholarships will be awarded to Bartholomew County students for 2020.

Applicants must:

Reside in Bartholomew County

Be on course to graduate with a diploma from an accredited public or private high school by the end of June 2020

Have at least a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale

Demonstrate significant school involvement, community service, good character and leaderships skills

Demonstrate financial need

Scholarship recipients must intend to pursue a full-time baccalaureate course of study beginning in the fall of 2020 and an accredited public or private college or university in Indiana.

Application eligibility requirements and instructions are available at heritagefundbc.org. Applications and all required materials are due by 5 p.m. Aug. 23.

The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program is intended to raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana, and increase the ability of Indiana community foundations to enhance the quality of life for the state’s residents.

Local man arrested on meth-related charges

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Staff Reports

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June 26, 2019

A Columbus man was arrested on felony drug charges after he was seen speeding in a vehicle in a Columbus alleyway.

A Columbus Police Department officer observed Trey A. Smith, 24, of 1520 Sycamore St., driving at a high rate of speed in an alley near the 1500 block of 19th Street early Tuesday morning, said Lt. Matt Harris, CPD spokesman.

Smith reportedly exited the car and appeared to throw something to the ground near the vehicle. Officers confirmed that Smith had a suspended driver’s license and he was taken into custody, Harris said.

The officers located a digital scale with drug residue along with several plastic bags inside Smith’s car. A short time later, officers located a bag containing more than 1/8th of a pound of methamphetamine near Smith’s vehicle, Harris said.

Smith was transported to the Bartholomew County Jail and remanded on preliminary charges of:

Dealing in methamphetamine
Possession of methamphetamine
Driving while suspended

Smith remains in jail on a 48-hour hold, jail officials said.

Argument involving stolen gun leads to local man’s arrest

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Staff Reports

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June 26, 2019

Columbus police officers arrested a Columbus man after he reportedly pointed a stolen gun at another person during an argument over the weekend.

Columbus Police Department officers responded to a reported disturbance in the 1700 block of 17th Street at about 2:35 a.m. Sunday. It was later determined that prior to the officer’ arrival an argument occurred, and the suspect pointed a firearm in the face of another person, said Lt. Matt Harris, CPD spokesman.

A short time later, a CPD officer located the vehicle involved in the incident in the 900 block of Third Street, where a felony traffic stop was conducted, Harris said.

Officers located a stolen firearm inside of the vehicle and arrested Joseph Q. Ford, 43, of 1728 17th St. While searching Ford, the officers reportedly located a small bag of cocaine in his clothing, Harris said.

Joseph was transported to the Bartholomew County where he was remanded on preliminary felony charges of:

Possession of handgun by a serious violent felon
Possession of a stolen handgun
Carrying a handgun without a license
Intimidation with a deadly weapon
Pointing a loaded firearm
Possession of cocaine

Ford is still in jail on a $15,000 bond, jail officials said.

Police seeking man involved in gunfire exchange

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Staff Reports

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June 26, 2019

Staff Reports

Jennings County authorities are searching for a suspect in an incident that involved an exchange of gunfire with a homeowner.

Jennings County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to an address on County Road 1000W in Spencer Township at about 1:12 a.m. Tuesday in reference to shots being fired and a suspicious vehicle.

When deputies arrived, they determined a vehicle that was parked in front of the address had been reported stolen from Medora, said Chief Deputy Dave Turner.

Multiple agencies quickly arrived on scene to assist in looking for the suspect, who was thought to have left the scene prior to law enforcement arrival, Turner said.

During the course of the investigation, deputies learned the homeowner came home and discovered the stolen vehicle in the middle of the roadway. The homeowner checked his house and property looking for the owner of the vehicle and eventually located a male subject hiding in his yard. The male subject opened fire on the homeowner with a small caliber firearm. The property owner returned fire, at which time the suspect fled, Turner said.

At this time, deputies do not believe anyone was injured during the exchange of gun fire. The investigation is ongoing.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department, Seymour Police Department, and the Indiana State Police assisted.

Looking Back – June 26

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Staff Reports

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June 26, 2019

Tricia Lambert, left, and Connie Maple, members of an Adopt-a-Highway group, picked up trash along State Road 9 on a sunny day in 1994.

2009

After an initial dispute with the city, a Columbus pastor vacated property at 17th Street and Marr Road where he had run a church, The Upper Room Full Gospel Tabernacle, for 31 years, while paying the city $150 a month in rent.

1994

Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department purchased devices called Stop Sticks to safely disable and stop vehicles fleeing from law enforcement.

1969

Six cars of a Baltimore and Ohio train derailed in the Seymour business district.

Around Town – June 26

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Staff Reports

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June 26, 2019

Orchids to …

• Pete Buttigieg for being able to take the heat as a leader and not blame others for tough situations.

• President Trump who signed an executive order that can lead to new price transparency in the opaque hospital industry, with a helping hand from eager, capable data networks like those Amazon, Google and Facebook excel in developing.

• the administration of Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School for walking the talk of true Christian values of love and acceptance.

• Rachel Maddow for speaking truth to power.

• Zoe Fleetwood for letting us borrow her bike, from Grandma and Grandpa St. Clair.

• the county fair queen and her court for all they have achieved.

• parents and spectators at Dunn Stadium on Sunday helping us get the field playable again after the torrential downpour, from Adam Fish, Tabitha Fish, Leslie LaRue, Karla Boggs, Kaitlyn Brown, and Rhonda Brown.

• President Trump for not killing 150 people and grieving their families just to get even with Iran for destroying our one unoccupied aircraft.

Onions to …

• people who pretend to believe in service above self and don’t care about anyone but themselves.

• bicyclists who do not obey traffic laws.

• the vice president for providing an evasive answer to a question about climate change.

• a local park having over 50 unsightly dead trees that should be cut down and at least another 50 trees that need dead limbs removed to prevent injury to park-goers.

• the pharmacist who felt obliged to give a personal opinion to a patient asking question about a particular medication.

• animal control for not responding to reports of stray cats in Columbus.

• the city of Columbus for not having a trap, neuter and release program for stray cats in the city.

• the person who complained about a C-130 flying over Thursday night, because those flyovers are good because our military people will be able to handle taking off and landing in quick stops.

• the people continually complaining about the train horn being blown between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., because the horn lets people know that the train is coming and to pay attention.

• Trump’s immigration policy having unaccommodating conditions for immigrant children.

• a parishioner who manipulates a church.

• the columnist for accusing President Trump’s administration of failure despite him making the United States the most effective and respected country in the world.

Happy Birthday to …

• Thomas Delph, from your Columbus family.

• Preston Hensley, love Mamie and Pappy.

• Tom Delph, our Dad, love, Kim and Pamela.

• Bleated Happy Birthday to…

• Hallie Grace Hege.

Happy Anniversary to …

• Adam and Leah Brouse on No. 9, from Claire and Noah, Dad, Mom, and all your family.

• ANOTHER beautiful morning

Regional Hospital, Police – June 26

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Staff Reports

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June 26, 2019

Region Police

JENNINGS COUNTY

Incidents

11:57 a.m. — Theft of a motor vehicle in the 300 block of North Edgewood Avenue.

12:31 p.m. — Fraud reported to the police department.

6:46 p.m. — Theft from a business in the 1300 block of North State Street.

11:45 p.m. — Theft from a business in the 2300 block of State Road 3.

Local Police, Fire – June 26

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Staff Reports

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June 26, 2019

Police, Fire

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following information was summarized from the records of city, county, and state police, fire and hospital agencies.

Arrests

Saturday

Aldair Ramirez Utrera, 21, of 2742 Perry Drive, Columbus, Bartholomew County warrant, 7:18 p.m., by the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department, released on $5,000 bond.

Keith E. Gross, 20, Edinburgh, possession of a controlled substance, resisting law enforcement, 8:51 p.m., by the Columbus Police Department, held on $10,000 bond.

Loretta A. Reed, 34, of 1804 10th St., Columbus, Bartholomew County warrant, 11:20 p.m., by the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department, held on $5,000 bond.

Paul R. Comstock, 52, of 12891 N. County Road 670, Hope, obstruction of justice, possession of methamphetamine, legend drug injection devices, possession of look-a-like substance, Bartholomew County warrant, resisting law enforcement, possession of paraphernalia, 11:47 p.m., by the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department, held on $138,500 bond.

Sunday

Charles R. Rider, 56, of 3020 Lucas Way, Columbus, invasion of privacy, 12:57 a.m., by the Columbus Police Department, held on $5,000 bond.

Nery R. Barrios De Paz, 36, Indianapolis, operating a vehicle while intoxicated, operating without ever receiving a license, 2:21 a.m., by the Columbus Police Department, released on $5,000 bond.

Joseph Q. Ford, 43, of 1728 17th St., Columbus, theft — receiving stolen property, possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, carrying a handgun without a license, possession of cocaine or a narcotic drug, 4:47 am. by the Columbus Police department, held on $60,000 bond.

Nathan E. Jost, 28, Nashville, Bartholomew County warrant, 10:15 a.m., by the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department, held on $7,500 bond.

John M. Stewart, 33, of 1204 Lafayette Ave., Columbus, resisting law enforcement, possession of paraphernalia, driving while suspended, 10:41 a.m., by the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department, released on $15,000 bond.

Fire, medic runs

Sunday

7:55 a.m. — Person injured in a fall in the 4800 block of Pine Ridge Drive.

10:13 a.m. — Unconscious person in the 500 block of Fifth Street.

10:41 a.m. — Person injured in a fall at the intersection of North Marr Road and McKinley Avenue.

11:32 a.m. — Unconscious person in the 1300 block of 27th Street.

Incidents

Sunday

2:14 a.m. — Forgery in the 900 block of Third Street.

10:17 a.m. — Battery in the 700 block of Wilson Street.

12:41 p.m. — Property-damage accident in the 3800 block of Jonesville Road.

1:04 p.m. — Shoplifting in the 700 block of Whitfield Drive.

1:35 p.m. — Property-damage accident at the intersection of West Jonathan Moore Pike and Johnson Boulevard.

2:28 p.m. — Theft in the 1000 block of Ashford Park Place.

2:48 p.m. — Property-damage accident in the 2400 block of 17th Street.

3:38 p.m. — Theft in the 2200 block of Sycamore Street.

3:43 p.m. — Battery in the 2200 block of Wallace Avenue.

5:45 p.m. — Residential burglary in the 1300 block of Seventh Street.

5:54 p.m. — Property-damage accident at the intersection of West Peartree Court and West Carr Hill Road.

6:17 p.m. — Personal-injury accident at the intersection of Central Avenue and State Street.

9:46 p.m. — Property-damage accident in the 8600 block of East 25th Street.

TV’S NIGHT OF A THOUSAND CANDIDATES!

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Staff Reports

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June 26, 2019

The word "debate" often suggests a one-on-one encounter. The two-night 2020 Democratic Candidates Debate (9 p.m., NBC, MSNBC and Telemundo) offers something resembling a scrum. Tonight and Thursday will offer viewers a chance to see and hear from 10 candidates on each night, 20 presidential hopefuls in all.

The announced moderators include Rachel Maddow, Savannah Guthrie, Lester Holt, Chuck Todd and Jose Diaz-Balart.

Is an event this crowded a real debate? Will it serve any purpose? Is it even good television?

On the most basic level, this event will determine who is or isn’t ready for prime time. The most well-known candidates have the most to lose. One gaffe can derail or distract a campaign. Unknowns have a chance to make an impression. Will a president emerge from this two-night spectacle? Or just another television sensation?

— There are plenty of alternatives to the big debate, but sometimes even those choices seem overshadowed by the event. The race for the Democratic nomination is just beginning, but "The Amazing Race" (9 p.m., CBS, TV-PG) is wrapping up its 31st season. Questions of privacy and security will certainly be raised by the moderators, as more people fear that big government and technology firms are creating a "Big Brother" (8 p.m., CBS, TV-PG) environment.

With so little to lose, it’s no wonder that candidates with low standing in the polls have decided on a "Press Your Luck" (8 p.m., ABC, TV-PG) strategy. Will the candidates be straightforward or trade in illusion, as they do on "Penn & Teller: Fool Us" (8 p.m., CW, r, TV-PG)? The real questions on engaged viewers’ minds is "Are You the One?" (9 p.m., MTV, TV-14).

— The blending of politics and show business did not start with tonight’s debate or with the election of our current reality television president in 2016. Based on real events, the 1985 biographical drama "Marie: A True Story" (1:30 a.m., TCM) stars Sissy Spacek as Marie Ragghianti, the head of Tennessee’s parole board, fired for failing to go along with a culture of entrenched corruption.

The film also featured Jeff Daniels and Morgan Freeman, but the most notable performance was by Fred Thompson, a real-life Tennessee lawyer who had acted as Ragghianti’s lawyer and who played himself in the movie.

Thompson, who had served as a Senate counsel in the 1973 Watergate hearings, would himself become a senator for Tennessee, serving from 1994 to 2003 before joining the cast of "Law & Order." He would leave that show to explore a presidential candidacy in 2008. The Republican nomination that year would go to Arizona Sen. John McCain, who had a brief cameo in the 2005 comedy "Wedding Crashers" (8 p.m., E!, TV-14).

— "True Justice: Bryan Stevenson’s Fight for Equality" (8 p.m., HBO, TV-MA) profiles the founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, an organization that represents the incarcerated, the poor and disadvantaged in Alabama courts.

TONIGHT’S OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

— A bouncer and philosophy Ph.D. candidate (Patrick Swayze) joins forces with a local doctor (Kelly Lynch) to take on an unruly town in the 1989 thriller "Road House" (7 p.m., Starz Encore).

— Alessandra Ambrosio serves as a guest-judge on "MasterChef" (8 p.m., Fox, TV-14).

— "Rivers of Life" (8 p.m., PBS, TV-PG, check local listings) explores the Amazon.

— Camera crews embedded in select cities follow "First Responders Live" (9 p.m., Fox, TV-14).

— Wolves and grizzlies loom large on the season finale of "Yellowstone Live" (9 p.m., National Geographic).

— Beth begins buying up a protective corridor around the ranch on "Yellowstone" (10 p.m., Paramount, TV-MA).

CULT CHOICE

A runaway (Reese Witherspoon) runs afoul of a serial killer (Kiefer Sutherland) in the 1996 thriller "Freeway" (9:30 p.m., TMC), a wild and violent variation on the story of Little Red Riding Hood, written and directed by Matthew Bright.

SERIES NOTES

Contestants play "Ellen’s Game of Games" (8 p.m., NBC, r, TV-PG) … "Card Sharks" (9 p.m., ABC, TV-PG) … Work woes for Rafael on "Jane the Virgin" (9 p.m., CW, TV-PG) … Alec Baldwin hosts on "Match Game" (10 p.m., ABC, TV-14).

LATE NIGHT

Perry Bacon Jr. appears on "The Daily Show With Trevor Noah" (11 p.m., Comedy Central) … Bill Hader is booked on "Conan" (11 p.m., TBS, r) … Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Incubus appear on "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert" (11:35 p.m., CBS) … Jimmy Fallon welcomes Daisy Ridley, Colin Quinn and Little Big Town on "The Tonight Show" (11:35 p.m., NBC) … Terry Crews and Anthony Jeselnik visit "Late Night With Seth Meyers" (12:35 a.m., NBC).