East among state’s best; North builds around youth

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November 18, 2016

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.”

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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.

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Man surrenders after standoff with Columbus Police

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Staff Reports

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November 18, 2016

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

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Staff Reports

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November 18, 2016

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

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Staff Reports

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November 18, 2016

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

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Staff Reports

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November 18, 2016

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

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Staff Reports

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November 18, 2016

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.

29th Street paving to disrupt traffic today

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Staff Reports

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November 18, 2016

Milestone Contractors will be milling and paving 29th Street today between Foxpointe Drive and Foxridge Drive on the city’s northeast side.

The city of Columbus engineering department warns that the road, at times, will be impassable, asking motorists to plan accordingly.

Regional Hospital, Police – November 18

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Staff Reports

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November 18, 2016

JENNINGS COUNTY

Arrests

Monday

Thomas Burton, 28, North Vernon, two bench warrants, 10:12 a.m., by the Jennings County Sheriff’s Department, $2,110 bond.

Gregory Dean, 33, North Vernon, three bench warrants, 11:56 a.m., by the Jennings County Sheriff’s Department, $3,815 bond.

Christen Ferguson, 32, Madison, bench warrant, 7:54 p.m., by the Jennings County Sheriff’s Department, $2,605 bond.

Tuesday

Trevor Dilk, 46, North Vernon, failure to appear, 9:15 a.m., by the Jennings County Sheriff’s Department, $1,155 bond.

Clifton Cornett, 34, North Vernon, parole violation, 1:40 p.m., by the Jennings County Sheriff’s Department, no bond.

Jason Farris, 35, Commiskey, warrant, 2:53 p.m., by the Jennings County Sheriff’s Department, no bond.

Incidents

Monday

8:29 a.m. — Fraud in the area of North State Street.

1:11 p.m. — Property damage in the 700 block of Woodfield Court.

2:42 p.m. — Possibly intoxicated individual on Norris Avenue.

7:44 p.m. — Disturbance in the 300 block of Brookside Place.

9:35 p.m. — Threats reported in the 100 block of West Baker Street.

9:58 p.m. — Disturbance in the 700 block of North Madison Avenue.

9:59 p.m. — Property-damage accident in the 1600 block of West Middle School Road.

Tuesday

7:30 a.m. — Property-damage accident at the intersection of State Road 7 and State Road 750.

7:40 a.m. — Property-damage accident at the intersection of North State and West Walnut streets.

3:41 p.m. — Theft reported in the 500 block of Hayden Pike.

4:29 p.m. — Leaving the scene of an accident in the 1200 block of North State Street.

11:14 p.m. — Fraud in the area of North State Street.

Local Police, Fire – November 18

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Staff Reports

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November 18, 2016

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

Arrests

Monday

Jeremiah E. Crawley, 38, Trafalgar, Bartholomew County warrant, 4:42 p.m., by the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department, held in lieu of $10,000 bond.

Casandra N. Kreinhagen, 41, Seymour, driving while suspended with prior conviction, 4:44 p.m., by the Columbus Police Department, released on $5,000 bond.

Fire, medic runs

Tuesday

11:51 a.m. — Injury in the 100 block of Hitchcock Court.

1:54 p.m. — Injury in the 3600 block of North National Road.

2:11 p.m. — Structure fire in the 5400 block of 25th Street.

2:26 p.m. — Unconscious person at the intersection of 22nd and Maple streets.

4:28 p.m. — Injury in the 6800 block of West Deaver Road.

11:07 p.m. — Injury in the 6100 block of East Meadow Ridge Road.

Incidents

Monday

5:57 p.m. — Property-damage accident in the 7300 block of East 25th Street.

6:39 p.m. — Battery in the 1000 block of Phoenix Court.

8:15 p.m. — Property-damage accident in the 8500 block of South State Road 58.

8:49 p.m. — Property-damage accident at the intersection of North County Road 600E and East County Road 600N.

Tuesday

1:29 a.m. — Theft reported in the 2000 block of Merchants Mile.

7:31 a.m. — Property-damage accident at the intersection of Miami and Flintwood drives.

8:32 a.m. — Theft reported in the 500 block of Pence Street.

10:09 a.m. — Property-damage accident at the intersection of Third Street and Central Avenue.

10:19 a.m. — Theft reported in the 2900 block of South County Road 300E.

10:59 a.m. — Shoplifting in the 2000 block of Merchants Mile.

11:00 a.m. — Fraud in the 1100 block of Quail Run Drive.

12:05 p.m. — Theft reported in the 6200 block of South International Drive.

1:21 p.m. — Theft reported in the 1800 block of 25th Street.

1:26 p.m. — Theft reported in the 3400 block of Kensington Court.

1:40 p.m. — Theft reported in the 3500 block of Nicholas Lane.

2:31 p.m. — Fraud in the 1900 block of 25th Street.

3:27 p.m. — Theft reported at the intersection of Indiana Avenue and Salzburg Boulevard.

3:52 p.m. — Property-damage accident at mile marker 67 of I-65 South.

3:55 p.m. — Theft reported in the 400 block of Jackson Street.

4:39 p.m. — Property-damage accident in the 90 block of Johnson Boulevard.

5:17 p.m. — Property-damage accident in the 2700 block of West Jonathan Moore Pike.

5:57 p.m. — Property-damage accident in the 7300 block of East 25th Street.

6:39 p.m. — Battery in the 1000 block of Phoenix Court.

8:15 p.m. — Property-damage accident in the 8500 block of South State Road 58.

8:49 p.m. — Property-damage accident at the intersection of North County Road 600E and East County Road 600N

Looking Back – November 18

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Staff Reports

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November 18, 2016

2006

A team from Parkside Elementary School tied for first place in its class in the 14th annual statewide Elementary Spell Bowl competition.

1991

Seymour Police Sgt. Woodrow DeZarn received the Good Samaritan Award from the American Police Hall of Fame and the American Federation of Police for his efforts in dislodging a nickel from the throat of a 10-month-old boy. Amanda Jones, a lifeguard credited with saving the life of a swimmer who lost consciousness while exercising at Columbus North High School pool, received an official commendation from Columbus Board of Parks and Recreation.

1966

Columbus Kiwanis Club celebrated its 46th anniversary.