Legal Advertisement STATE OF INDIANA COUNTY OF BARTHOLOMEW SS: IN THE BARTHOLOMEW CIRCUIT COURT CAUSE NUMBER: 03C01-2512-JC-007161 03C01-2512-JC-007162 IN THE MATTER OF: ALN – DOB 4/12/2023 RLB – DOB 9/3/2024 CHILDREN ALLEGED TO BE CHILDREN IN NEED OF SERVICES AND LUIS E. BRISENO (FATHER) SUMMONS FOR SERVICE BY PUBLICATION &NOTICE OF CHILDREN IN NEED OF SERVICES HEARING. TO: Luis E Briseno NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to the above noted parent whose whereabouts are unknown, that the Indiana Department of Child Services has filed its Verified Petition Alleging the children to be in Need of Services, in accordance with I.C. 31-34-9-3, and that an adjudication hearing has been scheduled with the Court. YOU ARE HEREBY COMMANDED to appear before the Judge of the Bartholomew Circuit Court, 234 Washington Street, Columbus, IN 47201 – 812-379-1605 for a(n) hearing on 31st day of March, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. At said hearing, the Court will consider the Petition and evidence thereon and will render its decision as to whether the above named minor children are children in need of services and shall enter adjudication accordingly. Your failure to appear after lawful notice will be deemed as your default and waiver to be present at said hearing. UPON ENTRY OF SAID ADJUDICATION, A DISPOSITIONAL HEARING will be held in which the Court will consider (1) Alternatives for the care, treatment, or rehabilitation for the children; (2) The necessity, nature, and extent of your participation in the program of care, treatment, or rehabilitation for the children; and (3) Your financial responsibility for any services provided for the parent, guardian or custodian of the children including child support. YOU MUST RESPOND by appearing in person or by an attorney within thirty (30) days after the last publication of this notice, and in the event you fail to do so, an adjudication on said petition, judgment by default may be entered against you, or the court may proceed in your absence, without further notice. Shari J. Lentz Clerk Hallie Roots, 37345-30 Attorney, Indiana Department of Child Services 60157437 hspaxlp R: 2/11, 2/18, 2/25/2026
2026-02-25 The Republic 60157436
Legal Advertisement STATE OF INDIANA COUNTY OF BARTHOLOMEW SS: IN THE BARTHOLOMEW CIRCUIT COURT CAUSE NUMBER: 03C01-2511-JT-006751 IN THE MATTER OF THE TERMINATION OF THE PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIP: BF – DOB 1/24/2025 AND DARBY GENE DOWDEN (ALLEGED FATHER) HALEY FIELDS (BIOLOGICAL MOTHER) AND ANY UNKNOWN ALLEGED FATHERS SUMMONS FOR SERVICE BY PUBLICATION &NOTICE OF TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS HEARING TO: Any Unknown Alleged Father NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to Any Unknown Alleged Fathers, whose whereabouts are unknown, that the Indiana Department of Child Services has filed a Petition for Involuntary Termination of your Parental Rights, and that an adjudication hearing has been scheduled with the Court. YOU ARE HEREBY COMMANDED to appear before the Judge of the Bartholomew Circuit Court, 234 Washington Street, Columbus, IN 47201 – 812-379-1605 for a(n) Hearing on Publication on 5/12/2026 at 10:00 AM and to answer the Petition for Termination of your Parental Rights of said child. You are further notified that if the allegations in said petition are true, and/or if you fail to appear at the hearing, the Juvenile Court may terminate your parent-child relationship; and if the Court terminates your parent-child relationship you will lose all parental rights, powers, privileges, immunities, duties and obligations including any rights to custody, control, visitation, or support in said child; and if the Court terminates your parent-child relationship, it will be permanently terminated, and thereafter you may not contest an adoption or other placement of said child. You are entitled to representation by an attorney, provided by the State if applicable, throughout these proceedings to terminate the parent-child relationship. If you have been appointed an attorney in the Child in Need of Services action involving the above-named child(ren), that attorney may not be automatically appointed to represent you in these proceedings. You must appear at the hearing currently scheduled in this matter and request that the Court appoint an attorney to represent you in these proceedings to terminate the parent-child relationship. YOU MUST RESPOND by appearing in person or by an attorney within thirty (30) days after the last publication of this notice, and in the event you fail to do so, adjudication on said petition and termination of your parental rights may be entered against you, in your absence, without further notice. Shari J. Lentz Clerk Robert Reel, 21244-49 Attorney, Indiana Department of Child Services 60157436 hspaxlp R: 2/11, 2/18, 2/25/2026
2026-02-25 The Republic 60157604
Legal Advertisement STATE OF INDIANA COUNTY OF BARTHOLOMEW SS: IN THE BARTHOLOMEW CIRCUIT COURT CAUSE NUMBER: 03C01-2511-JT-006750 IN THE MATTER OF THE TERMINATION OF THE PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIP: AMT – DOB 11/18/2014 AND DONALD THOMAS DYER (BIOLOGICAL FATHER) SUMMONS FOR SERVICE BY PUBLICATION &NOTICE OF TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS HEARING TO: Donald Thomas Dyer NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to the above noted parent whose whereabouts are unknown, that the Indiana Department of Child Services has filed a Petition for Involuntary Termination of your Parental Rights, and that an adjudication hearing has been scheduled with the Court. YOU ARE HEREBY COMMANDED to appear before the Judge of the Bartholomew Circuit Court, 234 Washington Street, Columbus, IN 47201 – 812-379-1605 for a(n) Initial/Fact Finding Hearing on 4/24/2026 at 9:00 AM and to answer the Petition for Termination of your Parental Rights of said child. You are further notified that if the allegations in said petition are true, and/or if you fail to appear at the hearing, the Juvenile Court may terminate your parent-child relationship; and if the Court terminates your parent-child relationship you will lose all parental rights, powers, privileges, immunities, duties and obligations including any rights to custody, control, visitation, or support in said child; and if the Court terminates your parent-child relationship, it will be permanently terminated, and thereafter you may not contest an adoption or other placement of said child. You are entitled to representation by an attorney, provided by the State if applicable, throughout these proceedings to terminate the parent-child relationship. If you have been appointed an attorney in the Child in Need of Services action involving the above-named child(ren), that attorney may not be automatically appointed to represent you in these proceedings. You must appear at the hearing currently scheduled in this matter and request that the Court appoint an attorney to represent you in these proceedings to terminate the parent-child relationship. YOU MUST RESPOND by appearing in person or by an attorney within thirty (30) days after the last publication of this notice, and in the event you fail to do so, adjudication on said petition and termination of your parental rights may be entered against you, in your absence, without further notice. Shari J. Lentz Clerk Robert Reel, 21244-49 Attorney, Indiana Depart- ment of Child Services 60157604 hspaxlp R: 2/18, 2/25, 3/4/2026
2026-02-25 The Republic 60157582
Legal Advertisement SUMMONS – SERVICE BY PUBLICATION STATE OF INDIANA COUNTY OF BARTHOLOMEW SS: IN THE BARTHOLOMEW SUPERIOR COURT 1 CAUSE NO. 03D01-2602-MF-000928 ABBEY PLACE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., Plaintiff, v. KENNETH BLAKE ROBERTS, MIDFIRST BANK, A FEDERALLY CHARTERED SAVINGS ASSOCIATION, ET AL., “THE WORLD”, Defendants. NOTICE OF SUIT You are notified that you have been sued in the above-referenced Court. This Summons and Notice of Publication is directed to the following persons who may have an interest in the following described real estate located in Bartholomew County, Indiana that is the subject of this proceeding, and whose whereabouts are known to Plaintiff as follows: Kenneth Blake Roberts, MidFirst Bank, a Federally Chartered Savings Association, American Express National Bank, Columbus City Utilities, and John Doe/Mary Doe as Unknown Occupants, et al., “The World”. Lot 218 in Abbey Place Major Subdivision, Section 4, an Addition in Bartholomew County, Indiana, as per plat thereof recorded May 25, 2022 as Instrument No. 2022005331, Plat Book S, Page 103A, in the Office of the Recorder of Bartholomew County, Indiana. Commonly known as: 4013 Winston Lane, Columbus, IN 47201 Tax Parcel ID No.: 03-95-10-410-000.123-005 (the “Property”). And all other persons claiming any right, title or interest in the described real estate herein, through or under them or any other person or entity, the names of all who are unknown to the Plaintiff. In addition to the above-named Defendants being served by this summons, there may be other Defendants who have an interest in this lawsuit. If you have a claim for relief against the Plaintiff arising from the same transaction or occurrence, you must assert it in your written answer. The Publication of Notice is given pursuant to Indiana Code 32-20-3-14 and Indiana Code 43-21-1. You must answer the Complaint in writing, by you or your attorney, on or before the 3rd day of April 2026, the (same being within thirty (30) days after the Third Notice of this Suit), and if you fail to do so, a judgment will be entered against you for what the Plaintiff have demanded. Shari J. Lentz ATTEST: BY: /s/ Jynell D. Berkshire Jynell D. Berkshire #21999-49 BERKSHIRE LAW GROUP 1320 E. Vermont Street Indianapolis, IN 46202 Phone: (317) 434-3000 Email: jynell@berkshirelawllc. com Councel for Plaintiff 60157582 hspaxlp R: 2/18, 2/25, 3/4/2026
2026-02-25 The Republic 60157745
Legal Advertisement STATE OF INDIANA COUNTY OF BARTHOLOMEW SS: IN THE BARTHOLOMEW CIRCUIT COURT CAUSE NUMBER: 03C01-2407-JC-004173 IN THE MATTER OF: BLC – DOB 1/17/2014 A CHILD ALLEGED TO BE A CHILD IN NEED OF SERVICES AND Victoria M Copeland (Biological Mother) MATTHEW ROSE (ALLEGED FATHER) AND ANY UNKNOWN ALLEGED FATHERS SUMMONS FOR SERVICE BY PUBLICATION &NOTICE OF CHILD IN NEED OF SERVICES HEARING TO: Matthew Rose and Any Unknown Alleged Father NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to the above noted parent whose whereabouts are unknown, as well as Any Unknown Alleged Fathers, whose whereabouts are also unknown, that the Indiana Department of Child Services has filed its Verified Petition Alleging the child to be in Need of Services, in accordance with I.C. 31-34-9-3, and that an adjudication hearing has been scheduled with the Court. YOU ARE HEREBY COMMANDED to appear before the Judge of the Bartholomew Circuit Court, 234 Washington Street, Columbus, IN 47201 – 812-379-1605 for a(n) hearing on 23rd day of April, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. At said hearing, the Court will consider the Petition and evidence thereon and will render its decision as to whether the above named minor child is child in need of services and shall enter adjudication accordingly. Your failure to appear after lawful notice will be deemed as your default and waiver to be present at said hearing. UPON ENTRY OF SAID ADJUDICATION, A DISPOSITIONAL HEARING will be held in which the Court will consider (1) Alternatives for the care, treatment, or rehabilitation for the child; (2) The necessity, nature, and extent of your participation in the program of care, treatment, or rehabilitation for the child; and (3) Your financial responsibility for any services provided for the parent, guardian or custodian of the child including child support. YOU MUST RESPOND by appearing in person or by an attorney within thirty (30) days after the last publication of this notice, and in the event you fail to do so, an adjudication on said petition, judgment by default may be entered against you, or the court may proceed in your absence, without further notice. Shari J. Lentz Clerk Robert Reel, 21244-49 Attorney, Indiana Department of Child Services 60157745 R: 2/25, 3/4, 3/11/2026
Deadline approaches in Hubbell appeal
Julie McClure | The Republic
Jason Hubbell is escorted by Bartholomew County Sheriff deputies to the courtroom for a pre-trial hearing in his murder case on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025.
The Bartholomew County Prosecutor’s Office faces a deadline this week to submit its brief to the Indiana Court of Appeals as it challenges a local judge’s decision overturning the murder conviction in the Sharon Myers murder case.
In October, local prosecutors appealed a ruling by Bartholomew Circuit Court Judge Kelly Benjamin that overturned Jason Hubbell’s conviction and granted him a new trial. The Indiana Court of Appeals has given prosecutors until Friday to file a brief outlining the basis for its appeal.
Hubble has spent more than 25 years in prison after being convicted by Bartholomew Circuit Court jury in 1999 for the murder and criminal confinement of Myers, an Arvin Industries employee who was abducted from the company’s Gladstone plant in Columbus in 1997. Her body was found six months later in the Atterbury Fish and Wildlife Area north of Columbus.
According to court records, Hubbell was a former Arvin employee whose benefits were handled by Myers. During the trial, a witness testified Hubbell was having difficulty getting insurance benefits and that Myers was treating him coldly.
In September, Benjamin overturned the conviction, finding that Hubbell’s attorneys had met the burden of showing he is entitled to post-conviction relief. Benjamin found that prosecutors at the time had withheld favorable and material exculpatory evidence from the defense, including information linking death row inmate Michael Dean Overstreet to Myers’ murder.
Local prosecutors, for their part, had argued that the withheld information did not meet the legal threshold required to overturn a conviction, and that their disclosure would have been unlikely to have led to a different result at trial.
Overstreet was convicted for the 1997 killing of Kelly Eckart in Johnson County. In 2014, a South Bend judge ruled Overstreet was not mentally competent to be executed but would remain on death row until the state could prove he was competent.
Hubbell, who is being represented by his own attorneys and the Exoneration Justice Clinic at Notre Dame Law School, has maintained his innocence for decades.
Redevelopment commits $750K for new animal care services building
The Columbus Redevelopment Commission voted unanimously on Monday to recommend approving $750,000 in TIF funds toward the construction of a new Columbus Animal Care Services building.
The funding, which still needs the green light from the Columbus City Council, would include $500,000 from the Central Allocation Area — split equally in 2026 and 2027 — and $250,000 from the Midtown Allocation Area in 2026, officials said. The city council is expected to consider approving the funding on March 3.
Officials have described Columbus Animal Care Services’ current building, 2730 Arnold St., as an “overall dilapidated facility with overwhelming maintenance issues” and “unhealthy and hazardous working conditions for employees.” Some of the issues include overcrowded kennels, maxed-out electrical capacity, consistently clogged drains, faulty exhaust, as well as inadequate ventilation and moisture reduction.
The current facility is around 4,900 square feet and was built in 1987, officials said. As of this past August, 39 dogs and 48 cats were housed in the facility, with eight dogs and 88 cats in its foster program.
The proposed 21,113-square-foot facility is expected to be built in the Columbus Airpark across the street from the current facility. The new facility is expected to house up to 66 dogs and 86 cats. It is also expected to include a reception area, larger medical intake area, meet-and-greet rooms for all species, office space for employees and volunteer spaces.
“This is a very important project for the city of Columbus,” Columbus City Council member Tom Dell, who is not on the commission, said during the meeting. “Animal Care Services building … has been way neglected for quite a few number of years. So, we can’t really can’t blame it on anybody. …Now we have an opportunity with not only what you can help provide by some seed money in this, as well as what the city is willing to provide, what the community itself is raising to provide is just going to give Columbus an asset that we didn’t really want to see go away. We really want to see it enhanced. We want to see it protect our employees, protect the animals that are out there as well.”
The estimated $9.75 million project is being funded through a combinations of sources. Besides the TIF funds, the project funding includes $5 million from the city’s general fund, $1.3 million in Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) grant funding, a $1 million donation from Mark and Wendy Elwood, a $1 million community capital campaign and $250,000 in Economic Development Income Tax (EDIT) funds. As of Tuesday morning, the community campaign was 78% of the way to its goal, according to the campaign’s website.
The redevelopment commission is also expected to consider recommending an estimated$450,000 in additional funding for the project in the future, officials said. The additional funding would come from the Airport Allocation Area and would be used to relocate a sewer line.
“The Airport Allocation Area is able to fund the infrastructure needs of relocating that sewer line that goes catty-cornered across the property, which is estimated at $450,000,” Director of Redevelopment Heather Pope said during the meeting. “So, (Airport Director) Brian (Payne) will be bringing that request forward at a later date. …He has got some larger plans for the airport area, and so he’s asking for some design and engineering work, and in that package of design and engineering work, a portion of it is to design and engineer the relocation of this sewer line. …Once he gets the project out to bid, and we get a well-suited bidder, then we’ll know what the true cost is to move that sewer line. But we’ve plugged in a placeholder of $450,000.”
Overall, the estimated project budget includes $8.6 million for site preparation and facility construction and $1.15 million in equipment and furniture fit-out.
In November, the Columbus Board of Works in November hired Doug Sunkel, a Cummins retiree with experience in logistics, to manage the project, The Republic reported previously. In December, city officials hired Force Design to do initial design services on the new facility ahead of it going to bid.
Site preparation and construction is expected to start in July, with the facility expected to start operations in July 2027, according to an estimated project timeline presented during the commission’s meeting on Monday.
“We just actually released the request for proposals and qualifications,” Sunkel said during the meeting. “That was just released to the vendors, the potential developers last Friday. So that’s gone out, and so the process of the bids and the reviews and things like that is underway.”
Lawsuit: Family alleges bullying, sexual harassment and abuse led to Jennings County student’s suicide
INDIANAPOLIS — The parents of an 11-year-old Jennings County girl who died by suicide last year have filed a federal lawsuit against the Jennings County School Corp., alleging school officials failed to protect their daughter from bullying, sexual harassment and abuse at school despite repeated warnings leading up to her death.
Benjamin and Sarah Cook, the parents of Brooklyn Cook, filed a civil complaint on Feb. 17 in U.S. District Court in Indianapolis, alleging, among other things, wrongful death, negligence, as well as violations of Title IX and the Equal Protection and Due Process clauses of the 14th Amendment.
Brooklyn Cook, 11, a fifth grader at North Vernon Elementary School, died by suicide in February 2025, according to the lawsuit.
Jennings County School Corp., Superintendent Nicole Johnson, North Vernon Elementary School Principal Leonard Collett, former North Vernon Elementary School Principal Nicholas Hill, teachers Pamela Kelly and Judy Alford and guidance counselors Kelli Gambrel and Mary Driver are named as defendants in the lawsuit.
The complaint alleges that Brooklyn Cook was “repeatedly subjected to severe and pervasive bullying, harassment and sexual abuse by two male students” during the 2024-2025 school year at North Vernon Elementary School.
The same male students, who are not named in the lawsuit, had allegedly bullied and harassed her the previous school year but were removed from her classroom after their behavior was reported to school administrators, the complaint states. However, the two male students were allegedly placed in the same class as her again the following school year.
“Shortly thereafter, the same male students, along with additional male students resumed and escalated the bullying Brooklyn experienced in fourth grade,” the complaint states. “…During the 2024-2025 school year the bullying and harassment were ongoing and occurred nearly every day leading up to Brooklyn’s death. …In addition to verbal abuse, Brooklyn was subjected to inappropriate sexual touching by male students.”
“The bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct directed at Brookyln was repeatedly reported to school officials,” the complaint further states.
During the 2024-2025 school year, the male students allegedly called Brooklyn Cook names, ridiculed her about her weight and repeatedly told her she needed to kill herself, the complaint states. On multiple occasions, the male students allegedly inappropriately touched her without consent, including an incident in which a male student allegedly grabbed her buttocks, according to the complaint. The same male student allegedly engaged in similar conduct toward other female students.
One of Brooklyn Cook’s friends allegedly heard multiple male students tell her to kill herself and reported it to Kelly, a teacher, and Gambrel, a guidance counselor, according to the complaint.
In another instance, a friend allegedly showed Gambrel a text message in which a male student told Brooklyn Cook, “(expletive) you, kill yourself, I (expletive) hope you die in a (expletive) show you dumb (expletive) whore.” Brooklyn Cook allegedly responded that she would kill herself, the lawsuit states.
The complaint alleges the Gambrel said she would report the message to the principal, but the male student who allegedly sent the message was never disciplined.
The lawsuit further alleges that Superintendent Johnson and Principal Collett “had actual knowledge that male students were inappropriately touching and sexually abusing female students” at (North Vernon Elementary School), including Brooklyn Cook … yet failed to take any reasonble action.”
The complaint further alleges that no Title IX investigation was conducted and that school officials were allegedly “deliberately indifferent” to student harassment. Title IX is a federal civil rights law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in schools and other education programs that receive federal funds.
The parents allege that despite repeated reports of bullying, sexual harassment and threats of suicide, school officials failed to remove the male students from classrooms, discipline them or otherwise stop the conduct.
In one instance, Brooklyn Cook allegedly told Kelly that she was going to kill herself. Kelly allegedly responded, “Why would you do that? … it won’t make it better,” or words to that effect, according to the complaint.
In another instance, Brooklyn Cook allegedly posted on TikTok in November 2024 “that she didn’t … want to be sexually assaulted at school anymore.” A teacher’s assistant at North Vernon Elementary School allegedly reported the post to Driver, a guidance counselor.
Driver allegedly informed the teacher’s assistant that she would report the post to Gambrel and have the matter addressed, according to the complaint.
The lawsuit also alleges negligent hiring, training and retention, claiming the school corporation failed to properly train staff on responding to bullying, sexual harassment and reports of suicidal threats and ideation.
“Defendants’ negligence in supervising and training Defendants Kelly, Alford, Gambrel and Driver was the proximate cause of Brooklyn’s injuries and damages,” the complaint states.
The parents are seeking damages and are represented by Indianapolis law firm CohenMalad LLC.
Claims made in filing a lawsuit represent only one side of the case and may be contested in later court action.
Taste of Soul event returns for fourth year at new venue with new menu offerings
Photo provided Guests may sample from a variety of cuisine at The Taste of Soul on Saturday.
New food, new venue, same soul.
Taste of Soul, hosted by Black History Month Columbus and the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp., is wrapping up Black History Month this Saturday with new chefs, new menu offerings and moving to Stunna’s, a new venue.
“We express ourselves historically through our food… through our music, our faith and so food for us is a way that we come together and that we celebrate with each other and love on each other,” Black History Month Columbus founder and project manager Whittney Wood-Gaines said. “It’s really well received in the community.”
Taste of Soul will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday. When purchasing tickets, attendees select a time slot to come during the 2 p.m., 3 p.m. or 4 p.m. session. Each session will last an hour.
Tickets cost $35 with an additional $4.19 Eventbrite fee for adults and $15 with an additional $2.85 Eventbrite fee for children 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased on eventbrite.com.
There’s four categories of food this year for patrons to try. The side dishes category and the meats category will have Stunna’s famous pot roast and wings from newer Black-owned food business His Wings. The desserts category will feature peach cobbler from Goodness Gracious Peach Cobbler, in addition to a dessert by Elev8 Events.
New this year and the last category is the macaroni and cheese category, where patrons may sample macaroni and cheese made by Homeboyz, Stunna’s, Elev8 Events and Jerone Wood.
“Macaroni and cheese is something really synonymous in our culture. We always say ‘he makes the best mac and cheese,’ so it’s usually a really debated topic at holidays and family gatherings,” Wood-Gaines said. “We’re super excited to have four different people doing that category…”
Though the chefs are volunteering their time and food for free, attendees can also leave tips for them. Before they leave, attendees will also vote for their favorite in each category, the winners to be announced at the end of each session and will receive a trophy created by BCSC’s C4 department. Wood-Gaines said they’ll most likely livestream the grand finale winners, or whoever won the most votes overall, at the end of the 4 p.m. session.
“It’s a rite of passage for people to tell you ‘you make the best food,’ especially the best mac and cheese and so it’ll be a lot of fun, people getting to taste all of them and vote and all,” Wood-Gaines said. “And when we announce the winners, that’ll be a big moment so we’re excited about that.”
In past years, Taste of Soul has been held at Central Middle School, but this year, it will be held at Stunna’s. Wood-Gaines said she likes to make it a little different each year, whether that means new food categories or a new venue. Because of the smaller venue, she said it will make the event a little more intimate and give attendees a chance to meet the chefs.
“… it’s a full circle moment that the first year we did this, (Stunna’s owner Michelle Mulimba) was kind of just starting her food prep business and now she’s (a) full-fledged caterer, including meal prep, has her own event space and a commercial kitchen,” Wood-Gaines said. ”We always try to use her as an example of how much this has grown and how much this had benefited just other local cooks who this might have helped motivate them to start a business.”
IU Singing Hoosiers to collaborate with Columbus North show choirs in their last public performance of season
Mike Wolanin | The Republic Columbus North student Nora Tame sings and dances during rehearsal for the Columbus North Show Choir at Columbus North High School in Columbus, Ind., Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026.
The Grammy-nominated Indiana University Singing Hoosiers group will join Columbus North High School’s Vocal Pointe and North Stars show choirs on the Erne Auditorium stage at 7 p.m. March 4.
The performance will be part of a very successful season so far for the two show choirs, after taking home the title of grand champion at their first competition and third in their second competition.
“I think we’ve got good shows and if they want to see it for the final time, that’s the perfect time but also see such a collegiate group and not have to drive all the way to Bloomington for it,” said senior Vocal Pointe dance captain and North Stars member Bella Zigler.
Tickets are $5 and are available both online at onthestage.tickets/show/columbus-north-high-school and at the door.
All proceeds will go to Columbus North choir students’ summer music camp scholarships so students can attend Showchoir Camps of America and learn from show choir professionals from across the country. Choir director Ellie Kopp said these camps have been very beneficial for students, but only a handful go each year.
“But since we’ve had students go each year, they come back and they are stronger because of it but they also have such a great time that they tell all their friends about how great it is,” Kopp said. “And so I’m glad that all the proceeds from this can go toward summer music scholarships because I know there are so many kids interested in going that I want to make sure that we have enough scholarships to help all the people go who want to go and make it possible for them.”
The show will be the last public performance of the show choirs’ 2025-2026 season. It will feature the music of the “Chosen Family” themed show, which explores relationships and becoming friends. In choosing this theme, Kopp said she wanted something where the students could have a learning experience outside of the music as well.
“… we focused a lot on this year about teamwork and working together and building positive relationships with each other, which I think has helped the show onstage too,” Kopp said. “So I picked a show that I thought could have teachable lessons and moments both in the music and outside of the music.”
Vocal Pointe and North Stars will open the show with their songs, including “Dance with a Stranger” by Lake Street Dive, “With a Little Help From My Friends” by the Beatles and “Me and My Gang” by Rascal Flatts. The IU Singing Hoosiers will then take to the stage.
Columbus North choir students are also learning “Battle Hymn of The Republic” to perform alongside the IU Singing Hoosiers to conclude the concert. This song is a staple in IU Singing Hoosiers’ repertoire, Kopp said, and they also invite alumni to join them on stage to sing with them.
“So if there are alumni at this concert, I think it’s the kind of thing where every person who goes to the Singing Hoosiers gets to learn that song and gets to sing it at the end of every concert, which is cool because some of these North students are going to IU and I know they are hoping to join the Singing Hoosiers in the future, so I told them ‘you’ll know this already,” Kopp said.
The IU Singing Hoosiers, led by director and Columbus resident Chris Albanese, had visited previously to clinic and help the Columbus North show choirs as they prepared some of their concert choir music. The show choirs also take an annual trip to watch the Singing Hoosiers’ spring show.
Enjoying the work they had done with them so far, Kopp reached out to Albanese, who was also one of her professors at IU, to see if they would be interested in keeping that collaboration going. She also thought that her students would enjoy getting to see and work with a collegiate show choir, students who she said are not much older than them and are keeping music in their lives.
Though they haven’t rehearsed together yet, Zigler said she is very excited to perform alongside a collegiate, Grammy nominated group like the IU Singing Hoosiers. Similarly, junior Vocal Pointe dance captain Lou Grafelman said he feels over the moon to get to perform with them and to get a chance to learn from them. He himself hopes to learn how they stay so motivated and energized throughout the year.
“We’ve been to a few Singing Hoosiers concerts as sort of like a group field trip and we see these just incredible performers because it’s such a dedicated group and to know each person on that stage is giving their everything to be there and the fact that we get to meet them and perform with them and share that passion and joy for performing is just so cool,” Grafelman said.
