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Religion News – Nov. 19

By
Kaitlyn Evener
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Services and studies

First Baptist — The Rev. Dan Cash will deliver the message, “Live Simply: Share Enough,” with Scripture from Philippians 4:11b-13 at the 9:30 a.m. Sunday service at the church, 3300 Fairlawn Drive. Music worship will be led by the Chancel Choir. A skit, “Live Simply,” will be presented. Child care is available for infants. Older children will leave during the service for children’s church where the topic will be “Jonah,” with Scripture from Jonah 1:1–3:3. Classes for all ages will begin at 10:45 a.m.The Prayer Shawl Ministry will meet at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday.

The Cross Connections session will meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday to continue “All The Places to Go.”

The Men of Faith Bible study will meet at 6:15 a.m. Friday in the private dining room at Four Seasons Retirement Center, 1901 Taylor Road. Pastor Cash and Bill Griffith will lead the discussion of “New Wineskins: Faith’s Great Paradigm Shifts.” All men of First Baptist and their guests are welcome.

Live streaming of the Sunday service is available at 9:25 a.m. Go to sundaystreams.com/go/fbccolumbus or access through the link on the web page.

Information: 812-376-3321; fbccolumbus.org

First Presbyterian — Worship begins at 9:30 a.m. Sunday at the church, 512 Seventh St., Columbus. The Rev. Felipe Martinez will deliver the message, “Plot Twist,” which will reflect on Jeremiah 23:1-6, Luke 1:68-79 and Luke 23:33-43. The passages provide contrasting expectations of Jesus as triumphant ruler and as crucified Christ, which will shape the message. The Reign of Christ is the last Sunday of the Christian year, just prior to Advent.

A brief Transgender Day of Remembrance community service will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday, honoring the memory of transgender people around the globe who have been killed over the past year.

Infant and toddler care is available from 9:15 a.m. to noon. Sunday school for children from preschool to Grade 3 will begin at 10 a.m. and Sunday school for Grades 4 to 12 will be at 11 a.m. The Adult Fellowship and Education hour also will be at 11 a.m. The Men’s and Women’s support groups meet at 7 a.m. Fridays. Those in need of a meal are invited to the Hot Meals offered at 5 p.m. Friday through the glass doors on Franklin Street.

Information: 812-372-3783; fpccolumbus.org

First United Methodist — The Rev. Lisa Cottingham will deliver the message, “Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude,” at both the 9 a.m. traditional and 11 a.m. contemporary services at the church, 618 Eighth St., Columbus. Scripture will be Philippians 4:4-8.

Sunday Night Connections begins with food at 5 p.m. followed by children’s choirs, youth group and adult small group studies. Everyone is invited for food and fellowship.

Information: 812-372-2851; fumccolumbus.org

Flintwood Wesleyan — Amplify, the non-traditional service, is at 9 a.m. and The Well, the traditional service, is at 11 a.m. Sunday in the main sanctuary of the church, 5300 E. 25th St. Sunday school classes are at 10 a.m. The Prayer Team will meet at 8 a.m. After The Well, we will share the Thanksgiving Dinner. This is a pitch-in with the church providing the meat. There will be no evening activities.

The Connections small group meets at 10 a.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of each month. For further information, contact Pastor Teri Jones through the church office.

A Christian Journey With Paul has been put on pause until further notice.

The Greater small group will meet at 6:15 p.m. Wednesdays in the large Sunday school classroom in the basement of Curry Hall. This group is for women only and will last six weeks.

Wednesday activities begin with supper served at 5:30 p.m. Prayer Team will meet at 6:15 p.m. in the Prayer Room. JAM, for preschool through Grade 6, begins at 6:15 p.m. Youth begins at 6:30 p.m. Adult Bible study begins at 7 p.m. in the main sanctuary.

Cub Scout Pack 588 meets at 6:30 p.m. Thursday and Boy Scout Troop 588 meets follows at 7 p.m.

The church will celebrate a Cozy Christmas at 6 p.m. Dec. 4 in the Friendship Center. Service starts at 6 p.m. and includes games and Christmas caroling.

Operation Christmas Child is nearing the end. Empty shoe boxes are in the foyer of the church to receive donations. Filled boxes must be turned in to the church by Sunday.

Information: 812-379-4287; flintwoodoffice@gmail.com

Old Union United Church of Christ — Pastor Kirby Rupp will deliver the message, “Christ Over Chaos,” at the 10 a.m. service Sunday at the church, 12703 N. County Road 50W, Edinburgh. Scripture will be Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20 and Luke 23:33-43. Sunday school begins at 9 a.m. with fellowship at 9:40 a.m.

Wednesday Bible study begins at 6:30 p.m.

Information: 812-526-9430

Petersville United Methodist — The Rev. Stormy Scherer-Berry will bring the message, “Redemption,” at the 9 a.m. service Sunday at the church, 2781 N. County Road 500E. Joe Bush will serve as liturgist and will read Scripture from Jeremiah 23:1-6 and Luke 1:68-79. Teresa Covert will give the children’s message and adult choir will provide special music. A time of fellowship will follow the service. Chris Kimerling will be leading the Adult Sunday school class at 10:30 a.m. using the book, “Life Lessons _ Book of Genesis,” by Max Lucado. Class members are asked to read Genesis 2:4-25 in preparation.

The Monday night Bible study classes will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Kimerling and Nolting homes. The Sit and Stitch group will meet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, also at the Nolting home. Choir practice will be at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday and the Thursday morning prayer group will meet at 10 a.m. at the church. The Walking group will meet at 9 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at the church, weather permitting; otherwise, they meet at FairOaks Mall. For information contact Linda Jackson at 812-546-4065.

Allyson Loper is beginning a sign language class for youth and children who are at least 6. Allyson may be contacted at 812-350-9178. Kathy Bush will be coordinating a singing and acting class. She may be reached at 812-376-3501. The youngsters will perform during worship service Dec. 18.

Information: 574-780-2379; 812-603-8378

Sardinia Baptist — The church will celebrate its annual Harvest Day this Sunday, beginning with worship at 10:30 a.m. at the church, 12642 State Road, Westport. Pastor Tom Rust will speak and a pitch-in dinner will be held at noon. The Harvest Day program will begin at 1:30 p.m. with Brian Vanest as speaker. Vanest lives in Rushville, but grew up in Sardinia. Shirley Vanest will provide special music.

Information: 812-591-3699

St. Paul Lutheran — The Thanksgiving Eve service with holy communion will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the church, 6045 E. State St., Columbus. The theme of Pastor Juan Luna’s sermon will be “Returning to Give Thanks,” based on Luke 17:11-19.

Information: 812-376-6504

Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbus — The Sunday service will be dedicated to those who serve in the armed forces. It will begin at 10 a.m. at the church, 7850 W. Goeller Blvd., with Jack Head discussing how to celebrate the worth and dignity of these individuals.

Information: 812-342-6230

Music

Faith Victory — The church will welcome the Reen Family Singers in a free concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 2 at the church, 4286 Jonathan Moore Pike. Steve and Sophie Reen are classically trained musicians who have performed professionally for the past 25 years. They were joined by their nine children in 2010.The free Christmas Eve Circle of Joy Concert begins at 6 p.m. Dec. 24. The church’s praise team and children will be featured at this event.

The public is invited to both events.

Information: 812-372-6625

Events

Brownstown United Methodist — Vendor booth applications are being accepted now through Friday for the 12th annual Snowflake Christmas Bazaar to be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 10 at the church, 110 N. Poplar St., in Brownstown. Vendors of hand-crafted are being sought. Space is limited and rental fees must accompany applications to reserve space. Six-foot tables are available for rent, at $25 for one and $40 for two. Specify if you need electricity.A Cookie Walk will be conducted. The church requests that vendors not sell cookies, but other baked goods such as breads, cakes or pies. There will be a quilt raffle, silent auction, white elephant sale and lunch.

Information: Margo Brewer, 812-358-2924

Faith Victory — The church will welcome Michael Jacobs at 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Nov. 27 at the church, 1703 Home Ave. He will be at the church from Nov. 27-30. He has ministered on more than 100 mission trips and travels extensively throughout the United States spreading the word of God. The community is invited to hear him speak.

Information: 812-372-6625

First United Methodist — Santa’s Workshop will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 3 at the church, 618 Eighth St. This is a day of crafts and projects for kids of all ages. There is no charge to participate but all children must be accompanied by an adult.

Community Carol Sing will be at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8. This is an evening of brass, organ, soloists, handbells and songs of the season. This event is free and open to the public.

The Blue Christmas Service, a service of remembrance for those struggling with loss, is at 7 p.m. Dec. 14. Everyone is invited to participate in this service.

Information: 812-372-2851; fumccolumbus.org

Flintwood Wesleyan — The Secret Pal Reveal Party will follow The Well service Dec. 4. Names will be drawn for 2017. All women are invited.

The Senior Adult Ministry Christmas luncheon will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 8 in the Friendship Center.

Information: 812-379-4287; flintwoodoffice@gmail.com

Old Union United Church of Christ — The Voices Christmas Concert will be held at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 10 at the church, 12703 N. County Road 50W, Edinburgh.

The Candlelight Christmas Eve service is at 11 p.m. Dec. 24 at the church.

Information: 812-526-9430

Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbus — The Holiday Market will be Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the church, 7850 W. Goeller Blvd., Columbus. Breakfast sweets will be available from 9 to 10 a.m. and a hot soup lunch will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The market will have unique handcrafted and gourmet items by local artisans and chefs. Everyone is invited to take part in the festive atmosphere.

Information: 812-342-6230

Standoff with police ends peacefully

By
Julie McClure
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A local man surrendered to Columbus police after a standoff that started over a dispute with a neighbor.

James E. Bowling, 40, 4662 Breckenridge Drive, was arrested on a preliminary charge of resisting law enforcement, said Lt. Matt Harris, Columbus Police Department spokesman.

Police were sent to the 4600 block of Breckenridge Drive at about 7 p.m. on a complaint that a man had been beating on a neighbor’s door and threatening him, Harris said. The neighbor, Bowling, said the man was accusing him of letting the air out of one of his vehicle tires.

Officers were called back to the residence shortly after 8 p.m. when the man claimed someone had punctured and deflated another tire on his vehicle. The man asked officers to stay until his vehicle could be towed.

Officers then attempted to talk with Bowling who was standing nearby in his yard, Harris said.

Bowling fled on foot into his home despite being asked to stop by officers, Harris said. Bowling later threatened multiple times to blow up his house and to shoot officers, Harris said.

Columbus SWAT officers and its crisis negotiators spoke with Bowling for an extended period of time before Bowling surrendered peacefully to SWAT officers, Harris said. The standoff ended at about 12:30 a.m. Friday, officers said.

Bowling was released from the Bartholomew County Jail after posting $5,000 bond, jail officials said.

Firefighters search for cause of rural 7-acre woods fire

By
Julie McClure
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Investigators are still looking for the cause of a woods fire that burned about seven acres of private property covered in trees and underbrush west of Columbus.

Harrison Township firefighters were sent to the woods fire in the 14000 block of West Baker Hollow Road at about 2:15 p.m. Wednesday after a caller reported about one acre of land was on fire and close to a building, said Matt Lynch, deputy chief for the German Township Fire Department.

Firefighters found a large fire in a wooded area with steep terrain and several buildings close by, and requested assistance, Lynch said.

Wally Dietz, deputy chief for the Harrison Township Fire Department, said extremely dry conditions contributed to the fire spreading rapidly.

Six Bartholomew County fire departments and firefighters from Brown County and Johnson County arrived to help along with firefighters from the Hoosier National Forest. An estimated 45 firefighters worked at the scene into the early evening, Lynch said.

A private helicopter was utilized by the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department to fly over the scene to keep firefighters informed of where the fire was spreading.

The firefighters used brush trucks and brought water to the scene with tanker trucks, but had difficulty at the scene because of the dense woods and the thick underbrush, Lynch said. Firefighters had to approach much of the fire by hand and several burning trees were cut down by firefighters in their efforts to extinguish the fire.

Firefighters had the tree fire under control at 3:53 p.m., Lynch said, but firefighters stayed an additional two hours to extinguish hot spots and to walk the burned area to make sure the fire was entirely out. No buildings were damaged by the fire, firefighters said. Although evacuations of nearby homes were considered, no one was asked to leave their homes.

A Columbus Regional Hospital ambulance was at the scene, although no injuries were reported. The Salvation Army provided refreshments to firefighters who were working at the scene.

Olympians hang on against taller Trojans

By
Ted Schultz
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Of the nine girls who played for East Central on Thursday night, six stood 6-foot or taller.

That posed a matchup problem for Columbus East, but the Olympians didn’t let that stop them. They jumped out to a big lead early and withstood a couple of last-second 3-point attempts by the Trojans to hang on for a 42-39 victory.

“Their size affected us,” East coach Danny Brown said. “They pounded it inside the first half. We have to do a better job defensively. We’re just fouling too much.”

Despite the size mismatch, the Olympians (2-1) were outrebounded only 40-36 East Central (3-1). Columbus East held a 24-20 rebounding advantage in the first half.

Kristen Lyons had one of the best nights of her career. The 6-2 junior led the Olympians with 11 points, 13 rebounds, six steals and five blocked shots.

“Our guards played great defense on their guards, and when we went into the zone, we really compacted, and we all just played great defense,” Lyons said. “Our guards hit shots on the outside, which opened up the inside. Our guards looked at us (post players), and we got open shots.”

Columbus East led 13-10 in the opening minute of the second quarter before back-to-back 3-pointers by Kary Horner and Addy Galarno and two free throws by Lyons stretched the lead to 21-10. The lead stayed between five and 11 points the next two quarters, with the Olympians leading 38-28 with 7 minutes left in the game.

That’s when the Trojans came to life. They went on an 8-0 run, capped by a 3-pointer from Courtney Robbins, to cut the lead to two.

Claire Cunningham scored from inside to extend the lead to 40-36 before an East Central free throw made it a three-point game. With the Trojans having only two fouls in the second half, Columbus East went to its delay game, forcing East Central to foul.

A free throw by Galarno with 34 seconds remaining and a free throw by Lyons with 23 seconds left gave the Olympians a 42-37 lead. The Trojans’ Logan Cox scored with 14 seconds left to cut it to three, and Galarno missed the front end of a one-and-one with 11 seconds remaining.

East Central advanced the ball into the frontcourt and called timeout with 4.1 seconds left. The Trojans got the ball to Robbins, who had an open look at a 3-pointer, but it bounced off the backboard and rim. Abby Koch grabbed the rebound, backed up to the 3-point line and got off a shot just before the buzzer, but it bounced off the rim.

“We have a lot of work to do,” Brown said. “We have to get better defensively, offensively. We’re inconsistent right now through three games, but we’ll get better.”

The game was eerily similar to last year’s game at East Central, when Columbus East led the entire game before falling on a last-second shot. The game also was similar to Tuesday night’s game at Heritage Christian, where the Olympians led for most of the first three quarters before the Eagles rallied for a 57-48 win.

The difference is that this time, Columbus East held on.

“We played very well against Heritage Christian on Tuesday and had them beat for 25 minutes,” Brown said. “I felt we would have the momentum coming into our first home game this evening, but we didn’t.”

Galarno finished with 10 points for the Olympians, who bounced back from their first loss by knocking off the previously-unbeaten Trojans.

“That Heritage game, it hurt,” Lyons said. “We had it, but then we let it go. So we really practiced hard on Wednesday, and we wanted it, and I’m glad we finished here. It felt good.”

East among state’s best; North builds around youth

By
Ted Schultz
-

To say the Columbus East wrestlers are entering the 2016-17 season with high expectations would be an understatement.

The Olympians won a sectional title last season and return six wrestlers who qualified for the semistate, including three regional champions. They begin the season ranked No. 10 in the state by IndianaMat.com.

“Our goal is to be the best team in the state,” East coach Chris Cooper said. “We have several kids who have goals of winning an individual state title, so we really think that we can compete with any team in the state.”

The Olympians, who finished second in the Hoosier Hills Conference and the Jeffersonville Regional last winter, wrestled more than 50 duals meets over summer, from the Disney Duals in Kissimmee, Florida, to Virginia Beach to Michigan. They entered the All-Star division in most of those tournaments.

Junior Graham Rooks is a two-time state place-winner. Rooks, who finished third at 106 pounds as a freshman and fourth at 120 last season, will move up to 126.

Junior Dawson Combest, who placed eighth at state at 126, moves to 132. Sophomore Cayden Rooks, who was ranked No. 1 in the state at 106, but lost in the ticket round at semistate, moves to 120.

Sophomore Jake Schoenegge, who moves from 113 to 138; junior Corban Pollitt, who moves from 132 to 145; and senior Austin Wilson, who stays at 160, were semistate qualfiers a year ago. Junior Lane Goode, who stays at 182, was a regional qualifier.

Junior Andy Davidson moves from 145 to 152. Looking to steo into the lineup are freshmen Braeden Berger at 106 and Joey Gordon at 113, sophomores Hunter Dickmeyer at 170 and Jacob Bolte at 195, senior Austin Sheckles at 220 and either senior Harry Crider or sophomore Dalton Anderson at 285.

“It’s a good group,” Cooper said. “They’re pretty dedicated. Our kids have worked really hard to prepare in the offseason. We spend a lot of  time wrestling, so they’re pretty excited.”

Columbus North

The Bull Dogs have a new coach in Whiteland native Justin Cooper (no relation to Chris Cooper).

Justin Cooper, who wrestled one year at University of Indianapolis before finishing at Lindsey Wilson, spent a year at Lindsey Wilson as an assistant coach. He takes over a team that went only 9-19 and finished sixth in Conference Indiana and fifth in the sectional.

“I would like to improve on last year’s record,” Justin Cooper said. “They’ve been working hard and learning some technique. It’s a learning process for the kids. It’s a different coach and a different atmosphere.”

Only 14 wrestlers are out for this year’s team. Six of those are freshmen.

“We want to gain a ton of experience with all these young guys and build toward the future,” Justin Cooper said. “We’re definitely rebuilding right now.”

Junior Andrew Chapman, lost in the ticket round at 160 in last year’s semistate. Chapman likely will start the season at 170, with hopes of working his way back down to 160.

Senior Josh Larson, a was regional qualifier at 182, moves up to 195. Senior Patrick Sheehan, was regional qualifier as a sophomore before sitting out last year and likely will be at 145 or 152 when he gains eligibility in January.

Sophomore Morgan Smith returns at 106. Another returner, senior Will Russell, will be at 145 or 152.

Looking to fill the other spots are junior Nick Miller at 113, freshmen Keandre Watson and Nate Woods at 120 and 138, junior Antonio Garcia at 145, freshmen Nick Holt and Rashan Wells at 160 and 182, freshman Zach Lobring or sophomore Bradley Guttirez at 220 and freshman Dalton Kirk at 285. North will begin the season without wrestlers at 126 and 132.

“I expect Chapman to have a great year and Larson to have a great year,” Cooper said. “Morgan Smith was giving up a ton of weight last year, and he’s put on some weight and is looking solid in the room.”

Jennings County

Graduation took its toll on the Panthers following HHC and regional titles.

Of the 61 wrestlers in the program this year, 27 are freshman. Those freshmen, however, come from a middle school team that was undefeated the past two years.

“A lot of the kids coming from the middle school have wrestled quite a bit over the summer,” Jennings coach Howard Jones said. “It’s going to be a struggle, especially at the beginning. We have a long way to go and a really young group. We could be competitive, but we’ll have to wait and see.”

The Panthers return a pair of state qualifiers in junior Dalton Craig, who moves from 113 to 126, and sophomore brooks Wathen, who moves from 138 to 145. Senior Brendan Sutton was a state qualifier at 285 as a sophomore and a semistate qualifier last season.

Junior Victor Antunez, who lost in ticket round in the semistate at 106, is now at 120, but plans to get down to 113. Junior Zane Beineke, a semistate qualifier at 145, is now at 160 with hopes of getting down to 152.

Junior Xavier Barberis, a regional qualifier at 120, moves to 132. Sam Wolff, a regional qualifier at 170, is now at 182 with hopes of getting back down to 170.

Freshmen Teagen Johnson and Dathan Malone are battling at 106, freshmen Michael Pemberton and Rusty Vaughn will start the season at 113 and 138 and senior Jacoby Trotter will begin at 152. Seniors Alex Skelton and Josh Rayburn and sophomore Paul Alba are battling at 170.

Senior Jaylan Kirchner, who was at 182 last year, could challenge Wolff at 170. Senior James Jump steps in at 195, and senior Dakota Pearson returns at 220.

Junior Brady Shepherd, who was a regional champion at 220 as a freshman before sitting out last year, could challenge at 220 or 285. Also battling for a spot at those two weight classes is senior Duncan Toppe, who wrestled first two years, but was injured last season.

“The great thing that has happened with us is, most of those kids are multiple-sport athletes,” Jones said. “They don’t just wrestle. I’m not a real good coach, but if I have an athlete, a lot of times I can lead them to success.”

Brown County

Josh Sparks, who was an assistant at East last year, takes over the Eagles program. The former Edgewood and Wabash College wrestler, also was an assistant for a year at Edgewood.

Senior Evan Bullock won a sectional title at 132 last season, but did not make weight at the regional. He will start the year at 152.

“Evan is looking really good,” Sparks said. “I talked to him over the summer and told him ‘Your legacy was, you won the sectional, but couldn’t make weight at regional.’ But he’s worked hard and has been a great senior leader.”

Sparks will look to freshmen David Tucker and Kenny Eason at 106 and 113, senior Job Lawson at 120, sophomores Bryce Denton and Chad Warren at 126 and 132, junior Ben Rygiel at 145, sophomore newcomerx Christian Fouts and Cameron King at 160 and 170, junior Levi Mullins at 182, senior Baylee Mosier at 220 and junior Thomas Duncan or senior Dylan Hazelgrove at 285.

Hazelgrove is coming back from an injury. Cameron Flescher who is currently injured, could challenge at 145.

Brown County will begin the season without wrestlers at 138 and 195.

“I would say the energy is high,” Sparks said. “We have a wide variety of skill level and experience. The people that are here are highly motivated and have a lot of high expectations for the team and themselves this season.”

[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”At a glance” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]

The 2016-17 Columbus East and Columbus North wrestling schedules:

Columbus East

Dec. 1;Seymour;6:30 p.m.

Dec. 3;HHC Duals at Jeffersonville;9 a.m.

Dec. 8;Franklin;6:30 p.m.

Dec. 10;at Perry Meridian Tournament;9 a.m.

Dec. 14;at Martinsville;6 p.m.

Dec. 17;East 8-way meet;9 a.m.

Dec. 23;IWCA State Duals at Fort Wayne, 9 a.m.

Dec. 29;at Mishawaka Tournament;10 a.m.

Dec. 30;at Mishawaka Tournament;9:30 a.m.

Jan. 7;East 6-way meet;9 a.m.

Jan. 11;Columbus North;6:30 p.m.

Jan. 14;HHC at Jeffersonville;9 a.m.

Jan. 17;at Mooresville;6:30 p.m.

Jan. 19;at Bloomington North;6:30 p.m.

Columbus North

Nov. 26;at Triton Central Tournament;10 a.m.

Dec. 1;Franklin;7 p.m.

Dec. 3;at Bloomington North Invitational;9 a.m.

Dec. 10;Columbus North Invitational;9 a.m.

Dec. 13;Jennings County;7 p.m.

Dec. 17;at East Central Super 8;9 a.m.

Dec. 27;at North Montgomery Holiday Duals;9 a.m.

Dec. 28;at North Montgomery Holiday Duals;8:30 a.m.

Jan. 5;at Seymour;7 p.m.

Jan. 7;at Corydon Tournament;8:30 a.m.

Jan. 11;at Columbus East;7 p.m.

Jan. 14;Conference Indiana at Perry Meridian;9 a.m.

[sc:pullout-text-end]

Man surrenders after standoff with Columbus Police

By
Staff Reports
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A local man surrendered to Columbus police after a standoff in the 4600 block of Breckenridge Drive that started over a dispute with a neighbor.

James E. Bowling, 40, Columbus, was arrested on a preliminary charge of resisting law enforcement, said Lt. Matt Harris, Columbus Police Department spokesman.

Police were sent to Breckenridge Drive at about 7 p.m. on a complaint that a man had been beating on a neighbor’s door and threatening him, Harris said. The neighbor said the man was accusing him of letting the air out of one of his vehicle tires.

Officers were called back to the residence shortly after 8 p.m. when the man claimed someone had punctured and deflated another tire on his vehicle. The man asked officers to stay until the vehicle could be towed.

Officers then attempted to talk with Bowling who was standing nearby in his yard, Harris said. Bowling fled on foot into his home and later threatened multiple times to blow up his house and to shoot officers. He later surrendered peacefully.

For more on this story, see Saturday’s Republic.

Woman, 86, escapes kitchen fire

By
Staff Reports
-

A smoke alarm activation provided early warning, allowing a Columbus woman to safely escape her California Street home following an accidental cooking fire.

Columbus firefighters were called to 812 California St. at about 8:35 p.m. Thursday, according to a news release. They found a single-story residence with smoke coming from the interior of the home.

Firefighters entering the home and spotted fire between an electric range and a refrigerator, the release said. It was quickly extinguished with a minimal amount of water.

Homeowner Jeannine Lear, 86, who was preparing to cook food on the stove top and had gone to another area of the home, was not injured.

See Saturday’s Republic for more details.

High school scoreboard – November 18

By
Staff Reports
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GIRLS BASKETBALL

Columbus East 42, East Central 39

East Central;8;11;9;11;—;39

Columbus East;13;12;11;6;—;42

East Central (3-1): Logan Cox 1 0-0 2, Hayley Tippitt 0 0-0 0, Hannah Schloemer 0 2-4 2, Alex Disbro 0 0-0 0, Courtney Robbins 7 7-10 22, Abby Koch 0 0-0 0, Corryn Caudy 3 4-6 11, Alyssa Robben 0 2-2 2, Audrey Vogelgesang 0 0-0 0. Totals: 11 15-22 39.

Columbus East (2-1): Karli Reynolds 1 2-2 4, Claire Cunningham 2 0-0 4, Addy Galarno 4 1-3 10, Britney Ballard 3 1-2 8, Kary Horner 1 0-0 3, Lauren Meade 0 0-0 0, Sarah Park 1 0-0 2, Kristen Lyons 4 3-4 11, Korin Humes 0 0-0 0. Totals: 16 7-11 42.

3-point goals: East Central 2 (Robbins, Caudy); Columbus East 3 (Galarno, Ballard, Horner).

BCSC Superintendent’s statement on respecting others

By
Staff Reports
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TO: All Stakeholders of the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation

RE: Respect, Fairness and Trust for ALL

The results of the recent Presidential election have inspired a myriad of reactions and behaviors within our local community and local schools. In the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation, some of these reactions have included remarks and behaviors that are particularly hurtful to many members of our student body and compromise our efforts to provide a welcoming and diverse learning culture of respect, fairness and trust for all.

Our school system will not tolerate actions that demonstrate a lack of understanding and respect for our differences. Evidence of our commitment to addressing these situations is easily found as our building administrators and staff members have been diligent in their efforts to communicate expectations, provide counsel to those in need, and deliver corrective measures as warranted.

We will continue this diligence to ensure that all students feel safe and secure within the confines of our school buildings. In order to maximize the effectiveness of our actions, we ask that students and families report any concern to the teacher or school administrator closest to the issue so that it can be immediately addressed.

In addition, we request the contributions of all stakeholders in the community in order to most effectively assist with the raw feelings that currently exist. Regardless of our political leanings, it is imperative that we address each other in a civil manner, openly communicate, and actively demonstrate respect and appreciation.

We are thankful for the support and collaborative nature of this community as we work to guarantee an environment that is inclusive and accepting of all people.

Jim Roberts

Superintendent

Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation

Time to deck the (City) Hall

By
Staff Reports
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The city’s official Christmas tree made its way to Columbus City Hall on Thursday morning, following a longtime tradition that kicks off the holiday season.

Each year, the city asks local residents to consider donating a tree from their property to be placed in front of City Hall. This year’s tree came from the home of Mark and Dawn Selig, who live along Glendale Drive, after public works director Bryan Burton approached the couple to ask if they’d be interested in donating their 20-foot-tall spruce.

Mark Selig, who works as a mechanic in the city’s parks department, said the spruce was planted in front of their home in December 1994 and was the couple’s last Christmas tree at their previous Columbus residence.

“That tree’s been here longer than the house,” Selig said.

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Dawn Selig said she initially had mixed feelings about donating the tree, which has a 14-foot diameter at the base, but came around to the idea.

“Everybody will be able to enjoy it,” she said. “It’s an honor.”

The Seligs stood outside their home taking photos as the tree was cut down and lifted by a crane onto the bed of a city truck.

Burton said the process of selecting official Christmas trees is challenging.

Recognizing that there are few perfect trees, Burton said the process involves making sure one is tall enough and has a good appearance as well.

Identifying potential donor trees is a lengthy process, something he works on year-round, Burton said. This year, Burton said he considered at least a dozen different trees.

“We usually try to find something with a story behind it,” Burton said.

More than a dozen people helped transport the Seligs’ tree to City Hall, where they fit it into the city’s tree stand.

“It’s a big relief when the tree’s standing there,” Burton said.

The tree will be decorated starting Monday, although the city will not be have an official lighting ceremony this year. Tree lights and displays will be lit starting Nov. 25.

Instead of having a second Christmas tree at The Commons this year, residents will find a Santa house there, said Mary Ferdon, the city’s executive director of administration and community development.

Santa will be available Dec. 10 and 17 at The Commons from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., as well as during the downtown “Not So Silent Night” event from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15, she said.

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