Joann Ferguson of Columbus took this photo of a unique flower while on vacation this past summer in Switzerland.
Take Your Best Shot: Joann Ferguson
Joann Ferguson of Columbus took this photo of a unique flower while on vacation this past summer in Switzerland.
CRH practices are on the move
Columbus Regional Health announced several providers and practices within the Columbus Regional Health Physicians network are moving to enhance efficiencies and service quality for patients.
RAU Family Medicine is temporarily closed in order to initiate its transition to a new location at 3580 Central Ave., Columbus. Included in this move, Dr. David Rau will move to the Central Avenue practice location to continue serving his patients. Dr. Jason King will transition to Doctors Park Family Medicine located at NexusPark; and Brittany Andrus, PMHNP, and Stacy Spencer, PMHNP, will join Sandcrest Family Medicine, also located at NexusPark.
Additional relocations are happening among a few practices already housed within NexusPark. VIMCare Clinic will temporarily close on March 5 and reopen on March 9 in Suite H. Similarly, Columbus Regional Health Family Medicine (formerly Family & Internal Medicine) will close briefly on March 19 to transition to Suite J.
On April 9, Columbus Internal Medicine Associates will close its location at 4050 Central Ave. and establish its new home at Suite C, NexusPark, reopening on April 13. As part of this move, providers, Sivagama Ramasundaram, MD, FACP, Heather Brott, FNP-C, and Kristen Gilmore, NP will also join the practice at its new NexusPark location.
Established patients of these practices have been notified, and given instructions for upcoming visits and services. Patients with questions or concerns are asked to contact their provider.
Northeast US scrambles to clear piles of snow as new storm descends on the region
NEW YORK (AP) — Snowplows cleared the way for ambulances and fire trucks in Rhode Island. New York City workers geared up to dump massive basins of warm water on piles of snow and ice. And in Boston, officials tried to clear sidewalks coated in packed snow that cut off access for people using wheelchairs.
The gigantic snowstorm this week across the Northeast U.S. dropped piles of powder from Maryland to Maine and left cities on Wednesday scrambling to clear towering heaps that were not showing signs of melting anytime soon.
By Tuesday evening, New York City had spread 143 million pounds (65 million kilograms) of salt, according to Mayor Zohran Mamdani, and signed up at least 3,500 people as emergency shovelers. The $30-per-hour shifts involve clearing snow across public streets and bus stops.
But with another storm expected Wednesday, there was plenty more work left to do, especially for the many people with disabilities.
Jeff Peters, spokesperson for the Center for Independence of the Disabled, New York, described parts of the city as impassable islands.
“You’ll find a portion of a sidewalk that is clear, and then there’s maybe a 6-inch (15-cm) pathway that can only be walked with one foot in front of the other and no room for a stroller, rollator, walker or crutches,” Peters said. “Then you get to the corner and not only is it unshoveled, but you have basically a glacier at the end of it.”
Tina Guenette, who uses a motorized wheelchair, had to shovel out her yard this week after more than 33 inches (84 centimeters) fell in Harrisville, Rhode Island, a town about 17 miles (27 kilometers) northwest of Providence.
“I really have no choice if my service dog wants to go outside,” Guenette said Tuesday. Harrisville has a volunteer snow-shoveling program, but it hasn’t had volunteers for the last few years, she said.
The National Weather Service warned another storm originating in the Great Lakes could push into the Northeast on Wednesday. The clipper storm brings the prospect of a combination of rain and some snow, though it’s not forecast to be nearly as severe.
NYC Emergency Management warned Wednesday morning commuters that the forecast light snow and freezing temperatures could bring slick roads and sidewalks as well as black ice.
Monday’s storm blanketed the region with snow, canceled flights, disrupted transit, downed power lines and killed at least one person. More than 3 feet (0.9 meters) fell in Rhode Island — surpassing snow totals from the historic Blizzard of 1978 that struck the Northeast, the National Weather Service said.
Meteorologist Ryan Maue, former chief scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, said if all of the snow that fell from Maryland to Maine fell just on Manhattan, the snow would tower over a mile high.
In Newport, Rhode Island, Joseph Boutros, 21, was found unconscious inside a vehicle covered in snow Monday night, the city’s police department said in a statement. The Salve Regina University student was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead due to carbon monoxide poisoning, police said.
Some large school districts moved back to in-person classes on Wednesday, including Philadelphia, which had switched to online learning during the first two days of the week.
In New York City, more than 900,000 students in the nation’s largest public school system had a regular day Tuesday. Many students and their caregivers scrambled over mountainous snow banks and dodged salt spreaders during the morning drop-off.
Power had returned for many of the hundreds of thousands who had lost electricity in Massachusetts, New Jersey, Delaware and Rhode Island. But about 173,000 customers in Massachusetts were still without power early Wednesday.
Thousands of flights in and out of the U.S. have been canceled in recent days. By Wednesday, the disruptions seemed to be subsiding, with only around 150 grounded, according to the flight tracking website FlightAware.
When Jamie Meyers’ flight landed in New York from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tuesday evening, the cabin full of relieved passengers burst into applause. The Manhattan resident was supposed to arrive home Sunday but faced a cancellation and significant delay.
The weather service referred to Monday’s storm as a “classic bomb cyclone/nor’easter off the Northeast coast.” A bomb cyclone happens when a storm’s pressure falls by a certain amount within a 24-hour period.
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Golden reported from Seattle and Boone reported from Boise, Idaho. Associated Press writers Jennifer Peltz, Michael R. Sisak and Philip Marcelo in New York; Mike Catalini in Morrisville, Pennsylvania; Mark Scolforo in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Kathy McCormack in Concord, New Hampshire; and Audrey McAvoy in Honolulu contributed.
Community calendar – Feb. 25
Events listed for Wednesday, Feb. 25
Reading with Friends — 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Bartholomew County Public Library, 536 Fifth St., Columbus. This book group is designed for readers and non-readers. Participants can enjoy stories and be guided through discussion and activities related to the reading.
TOPS (Take Pounds Off Sensibly) No. 1444 — 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Mill Race Center, 900 Lindsey St., Columbus. Weigh-in at 11:30 a.m., meeting from noon to 1 p.m. Must be a member of Mill Race Center. For more information, call Karen Burbrink at 812-371-9616.
Teen Film Series: Black History Month — 3:30 to 5 p.m., Bartholomew County Public Library, 536 Fifth St., Columbus. Watch “Queen of Katwe” in the Teen Room. Register on the library website.
Design Conversations featuring Jessica Kartes — 5:30 to 7 p.m., Bartholomew County Public Library, 536 Fifth St., Columbus. Design Conversations is a lecture and networking series hosted by the Columbus Design Collective. The first event will feature Jessica Kartes, principal and founder of Storyboard, in her talk, “Design, Civic Engagement, and Why Everyone Should Get an Art Degree.” All design disciplines are encouraged to join. Information and registration: comeseecolumbus.com/events/design-conversations-featuring-jessica-kartes.
Inner Shelf Book Club — 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Bartholomew County Public Library, 536 Fifth St., Columbus. Monthly themes on wellness and growth. Adults and young adults can join library staff for authentic conversations. This month, read “Your Heart, Your Scars” by Adina Talve-Goodman.
Jacqueline Chambers
COLUMBUS
Jacqueline Chambers passed away on February 9, 2026 at age 89. Jacque was born on November 26, 1936 to Paul and Frances “Pat” Smith in Bedford, Indiana and later moved to Columbus, Indiana. After graduating from Purdue University in 1959, Jacque returned to Columbus.
One day William Chambers was eating lunch at Columbus Bar with a colleague, saw Jacque for the first time, and his colleague offered to introduce them. The rest, as they say, was history. Bill and Jacque were married on June 6, 1965. The happy couple lived in Nashville, Indiana for a year while Jacque completed her Masters in Education and Bill completed law school.
After their graduations from Indiana University in 1966, they built a beautiful life in rural Columbus surrounded by nature. Following Jacque’s time teaching at Kent School, she continued to dedicate her life to caring for others, not only as a loving wife and devoted mother to their two children, Chris Chambers and Sylvia Chambers, but also to the numerous furkids that joined the family over the years.
Jacque cared deeply for her community. As one of the founders of Mudlarks Garden Club, she inspired generations to take interest in gardening and in the environment. She passionately supported the arts, culture, and progressive causes in Columbus and beyond.
Jacque treated all the lives she touched, whether human, animal, or plant, with the same love and respect as she did with the family she built and nurtured with Bill.
Jacque is survived by her husband, William Chambers; her daughter, Sylvia “Sibby” Chambers; her nephews and nieces, Kip (Aleta) Kiel, Pat (Becky) Kiel, Jenny (Scott) Hollinger, Jeanna (Mike) Pernak, Joni (Brian) Archer, Julie Woods; her many great nieces and nephews; her furkids, Maizie, Tom, and Jerry; and her many friends. Jacque is predeceased by her parents; her son, Chris Chambers; her sister, Sylvia Kiel; her brother, Dave Smith; her nephew, Blair Kiel; and many furkids.
A gathering of family and friends will be held from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Sunday, March 1st at Barkes, Weaver &Glick Funeral Home on Washington St.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be given to the Heritage Fund.
Arrangements by Barkes, Weaver &Glick Funeral Home.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the Chambers family and a video tribute may be viewed at barkesweaverglick.com.
Lois Irene Aldred Brooks
COLUMBUS
Mrs. Lois Irene “Tiny” (VanTyle) Aldred-Brooks, 87, of Columbus, born October 30, 1938 in Rising Sun, IN. Lois was a 1956 graduate of the Rising Sun High School. Lois was united in marriage on June 29, 1957 to James Edward Aldred. Lois was later united in marriage to James E. “Jim” Brooks on March 6, 1977 in Vevay. Lois was employed for the US Shoe Factory, from 1959-1961. Lois resided in the Mt. Sterling community before relocating to Grammer. She was a devoted homemaker who lovingly raised her children, treasured every moment spent with her family, and worked faithfully on the farm throughout her life, raising livestock and tending to fields of hay and grain with her husband. Lois was a member of the Bear Creek Baptist Church in Westport. She enjoyed sewing, bowling, horseback riding, and working puzzles, word search puzzles, as well as, watching NASCAR. Lois died on February 23, 2026, at Silver Oaks Health Campus. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the wonderful staff and nurses at Silver Oaks Health Campus for their excellent care, especially, Cody and Scott.
Survivors: daughters and son, Marla Sue (Loren, Sr.) Lamson of Vevay, Anita Jill (Dennis Catterton) Sanders of North Vernon, Dennis (Debbie) Brooks of Elizabethtown, and Leta Brooks of North Vernon; son-in-law, Bob Hayes of Mt. Sterling; grandchildren, Marlena Townsend (Donovan), Angel Parr (James Michael), Loren Lamson, Jr. (Tiffany), Dorothy Weaver (Scott), Benjamin Lamson (Chalae), James Lamson, Douglas Sanders, Dustin Sanders, Alicia Lack (Shawn), Ashley Sanders, Jason Brooks (Emy), Jennifer Sahagun, and Kayla Brooks; several great-grandchildren; 3-great-great-grandchildren; sister, Doris Ann Shadday of Madison; brother, Lawrence Leslie (Shirley) VanTyle of Cleves, OH; sisters-in-law, Joann Baxter of Aurora, Kay Neal of Fernandina Beach, FL, and Mary Ann Haskell of Columbus; brother-in-law, Mason Uhlmansiek of Rising Sun; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Preceded in death by parents, Lawrence Earl and Mary Eliza (Sherman) VanTyle; husbands; daughter, Jama Lois (Aldred) Hayes; grandson, James Daniel Hayes; great-grandsons, Landon Michael and Lucas Scott Weaver; infant sister; brother, Elmer Nelson VanTyle; sisters, Lutha Mae Nieman, Mavis Carole Uhlmansiek and Florence Marie Peters.
Visitation: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., February 27, 2026, Haskell &Morrison Funeral Home, 208 Ferry St., Vevay, IN. 47043 with Funeral to follow at 1:00 p.m.
Interment: Vevay Cemetery.
Memorials: American Heart Association or Silver Oaks Health Campus Activities Fund. www.haskellandmorrison.com
Raymond G. Keller
COLUMBUS
Raymond George Keller, 90, of Columbus, passed away on February 23, 2026.
Born on February 10, 1936, in Evansville, IN, Ray was the son of George and Pauline (Redicker) Keller. He graduated from Purdue University in 1957 with a degree in electrical engineering. While at Purdue, he met the love of his life, Gwen List. They were married in 1959 and began a devoted partnership that spanned more than six decades.
Following college, Ray moved to California, where he worked in the aerospace industry for nine years. In 1966, he and his family relocated to Columbus, Indiana, where he joined Cummins Inc. at the Technical Center. During his 15 years there, he furthered his education by earning his MBA from Indiana University.
In 1981, Ray became President of AVL North America, serving in that role until 1991. He later joined the start-up Cybermetrix as a part owner. After retiring in 2001, he continued to serve on the company’s board of directors until its sale, providing steady leadership and thoughtful counsel.
Ray was deeply committed to his community. He served with the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce and the Columbus Human Rights Commission, contributing his time and leadership to initiatives that strengthened the city he loved.
A man of strong faith, Ray was active in Lutheran churches in both California and Indiana. He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church and later of First Lutheran Church. He and Gwen were devoted participants in the Walk to Emmaus movement.
Ray greatly enjoyed time spent with his family, especially on family trips. He cherished his role as “Pop Pop” to his grandchildren. He was an avid reader and could often be found working on crossword puzzles or carefully assembling jigsaw puzzles. He learned to fly through the Cummins Flight Club and maintained a lifelong interest in aviation. He was also a lover of music, finding joy and inspiration in it through listening and singing in church choirs.
Ray is survived by his beloved wife, Gwen Keller; his sons, Daniel (Kathi) Keller of Indianapolis and Brian (MaryBeth) Keller of Annandale, VA; and his daughter, Jeannie (Mark) Newell of Columbus. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Morgan, Corey, and Lily; Joshua (Olivia), Thomas (Brenna), and Grace; and Allie (Mac), Sydney (Nhiet), Sam, and Eli; and by his great-grandson, Jack. He is further survived by his sister, Clara Kloeden of Virginia.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Grace, Alice, and Betty; and his brothers, George, Paul, and Alvin Keller.
Ray will be remembered for his integrity, leadership, faith, devotion to family, and his steady, thoughtful presence. His generous spirit and commitment to serving others leave a lasting legacy in the lives of those who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana or First Lutheran Church.
The funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Monday, March 2, 2026 at First Lutheran Church with the Rev. Amy Bartleson Balcam officiating.
Family and friends may gather for a time of visitation from 10:00 a.m. to time of service Monday at the church.
Mr. Keller will be laid to rest at the Garland Brook Cemetery.
Arrangements by Barkes, Weaver &Glick Funeral Home.
Condolences and special memories may be shared with the Keller family and a video tribute may be viewed at barkesweaverglick.com
Joyce A. Meier
SCIPIO
Joyce Ann Wade Meier. 81 went to her heavenly home the morning of February 21st. 2026 She was born July 12, 1944, to Robert and Eva Loy Wade in Ogilville, Indiana. During her lifetime, she played many roles, among them Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mother &Grandma.
She was the oldest of five siblings. Instead of having dolls, she had her youngest twin sister &brother to love &care for.
She was an excellent student. After contracting encephalitis when she was 10, she was upset that her report card was not as good as she was used to – even though she missed school.
She graduated toward the top of her class in high school. Instead of going on to college. she decided to marry Charles Albert Meier. They married on June 10th, 1962 in Mooresville, Indiana. This began her role as a wife, specifically a farm wife. This would mean periodically helping to move machinery from field to field, cooking for farmhands, and becoming a bookkeeper.
The role of mother would soon follow as the first of three children were born over the next 11 years: Jo Linda Meier, Shane Charles Meier, Matthew Henry Meier. This added teacher, chauffeur and sometimes referee to her existing repertoire.
If that wasn’t enough, Joyce a decided to pursue a nursing career. She graduated from nursing school in 1966 as a licensed practical nurse. She would go onto to work on the OB floor of Bartholomew County Hospital (as it was then called) for many years.
Music played a huge part in Joyce’s life while she could play the piano by ear, her mother insisted she take piano lessons, too. She played piano for St. Peter’s Pre-School Sunday School for many years, as well as being Sunday School Superintendent part of that time. She also played piano for the ecumenical VBS program in Rock Creek Township. And lastly, she was the last permanent pianist for Grammer Presbyterian Church until the church dissolved several years ago.
Another church position that she filled for many years was the head of Christian Service Guild at St. Peter’s which provided &served bereavement meals.
In school she was interested in journalism which she put to use by writing a column for The Republic while she was in high school. Later on she would go on to be the editor of a local Farmers Marking Association newsletter. She would put her talents to use on behalf of the Extension Homemakers.
She was a long-time member of Club 24 Extension Homemakers, servicing as many local &county officers.
Joyce’s interests were seldom stymied. She loved trying new things likes crafts &cooking classes. She became a sales consultant with Longaberger Baskets and really enjoyed the new friendships it provided.
As the children aged, grandchildren followed. She was so proud of all their achievements: musical, dancing, figure skating, football, baseball, basketball, swimming, diving, gymnastics, cheerleading, soccer, track, cross country, wrestling and scholastic. Unfortunately, her failing health as years went by meant she could only enjoy the regaling of the activities over the phone
Joyce is survived by her devoted husband of 62+ years, Charles her children Jo Linda, Shane &wife Trish, Henry &wife Melissa; son-in-law James Lutz; her grandchildren Meredith Lutz &husband Aaron Johnson, Nolan Meier &fiance Tommi Stowers, Mickey Meier, Gabbie Meier, Brady Meier &Izzy Meier; her siblings Donna Jackson, Connie Wade &husband Rick Bunn, John Wade &wife Bobbi; brother-in-law Don Meier &wife Diane, as well as nieces, nephews, cousins &their respective families.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother Larry Wade.
In the various condolences that have been received in the past few days, many of the words that have been repeated have been: kind, giving and thoughtful. While we will all miss these qualities, her family is so happy to know that she is at peace and is now embraced in Jesus’ loving arms.
Funeral services will be held at 9:30 a.m. Friday, February 27, 2026 at Jewell-Rittman Funeral Service and Crematory with Pastor Adam Rodriguez officiating. Calling hours will be from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Thursday, February 26, 2026 at the funeral home and 9 a.m. until service time on Friday. Burial will be held at Flat Rock Baptist Cemetery.
Memorials can be made to The American Macular Degeneration Foundation, St Peter’s Lutheran Church Music Department or the Donor’s Choice of Charity.
Trump honors National Guard members shot in Washington
WASHINGTON (AP) — Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, who survived a gunshot wound to the head while patrolling with the National Guard in Washington last year, was presented the Purple Heart medal during Trump’s State of the Union address on Tuesday.
Trump honored Wolfe and his colleague, U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom during his speech, before pausing so Gen. James Seward, head of the West Virginia National Guard, could pin the medal on Wolfe’s civilian suit.
“With God’s help, Andrew has battled back from the edge of death—and we’re talking about the edge—on his way to a miraculous recovery,” Trump said.
“Nice to see you,” he added, looking up at Wolfe in the gallery.
Trump recalled his mother’s determination that he would recover, even as others doubted it would be possible to survive his severe injuries. She buried her head in her son’s chest as the president spoke.
Wolfe and Beckstrom, members of the West Virginia National Guard, were shot in an ambush on Nov. 26 while deployed to Washington as part of Trump’s executive order to battle what he said was rampant crime. Beckstrom died on Thanksgiving Day.
Trump also spoke directly to Beckstrom’s parents in the gallery.
“Your daughter was a true American patriot and she will be greatly missed,” Trump told Evalea and Gary Beckstrom.
The tributes prompted several minutes of bipartisan applause.
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who was wounded in the attack, has been charged in connection with the shooting. He has pleaded not guilty and remains in custody. Authorities say he drove across the country from his home in Washington state to execute the attack.
Lakanwal, 29, entered the United States in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, officials said. The Biden administration program evacuated and resettled tens of thousands of Afghans after the U.S. withdrawal from the country.
Trump, who halted asylum decisions in response to the shooting, said during his speech that the gunman “shouldn’t have been in our country.”
Asian stocks gain after optimism about AI sends Wall Street higher
TOKYO (AP) — Asian shares mostly rose in Wednesday morning trading, with Japan’s benchmark hitting a record high, as investors were cheered by an overnight Wall Street rally that seemed to reflect optimism about the artificial-intelligence boom.
Japan’s benchmark surged 1.3% to 58,081.62. That came despite China’s move the previous day to restrict exports to 40 Japanese companies and organizations it says are contributing to Japan’s “remilitarization.”
The reaction was varied with the prices of some listed companies rising, like Subaru Corp. and Mitsubishi Materials Corp., while others slipped, including Eneos Corp. and Sumitomo Heavy Industries.
Analysts said the declining yen worked to boost export shares, such as Honda Motor Co. and Panasonic Corp. The U.S. dollar slipped to 155.78 Japanese yen from 155.83 yen. The dollar traded close to 160 yen levels several months ago. The euro cost $1.1784, up from $1.1779.
Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 jumped 1.1% to 9,122.50. South Korea’s Kospi surged 1.7% to 6,069.36. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rose 0.3% to 26,668.83, while the Shanghai Composite added 0.7% to 4,147.68.
Investors are also closely watching President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address that’s being delivered dayside for Asia. Trump hopes to convince increasingly wary Americans that the U.S. economy remains strong and his policies support the domestic job market and manufacturing.
On Wall Street, the S&P 500 climbed 0.8% Tuesday and recovered nearly three-quarters of its sharp drop from the day before. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 370 points, or 0.8%, and the Nasdaq composite gained 1%.
Advanced Micro Devices helped lead the market and rallied 8.8% after announcing a multiyear deal where it will supply chips to Meta Platforms to help power its AI ambitions. Under the agreement, Meta also got the right to buy up to 160 million shares of AMD stock for 1 cent each, depending in part on how many chips Meta ultimately buys.
It’s a reminder of the excitement that built in recent years about the billions of dollars pouring into AI, producing a sharp turnaround from the prior day, when worries about the potential downsides of AI shook Wall Street. IBM rose 2.7% to recover some of its 13.1% drop from Monday, which was its worst since 2000.
On Tuesday, Anthropic unveiled new tools for businesses to use with its Claude AI assistant. They covered everything from human-resources work to engineering to investment banking.
The event suggested that fears about AI supplanting existing software, rather than merely making it easier to use, may be overblown, according to Dan Ives, an analyst at Wedbush.
“While these use cases are impressive, the reality is that these new AI tools will not rip and replace existing software ecosystems and data environments with these AI tools only as useful as the data it can reach,” he said.
Big U.S. companies continued to report mostly better profits for the end of 2025 than analysts expected. Keysight Technologies rallied 23.1% for the biggest gain in the S&P 500, while Home Depot rose 2% after likewise delivering stronger profit and revenue than analysts expected.
All told, the S&P 500 rose 52.32 points to 6,890.07. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 370.44 to 49,174.50, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 236.41 to 22,863.68.
In the bond market, Treasury yields held relatively steady after a report said that confidence among U.S. consumers improved by more than economists expected. The yield on the 10-year Treasury held at 4.03%, where it was late Monday.
In energy trading, benchmark U.S. crude added 45 cents to $66.08 a barrel. Brent crude, the international standard, rose 47 cents to $71.24 a barrel.
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AP Business Writer Stan Choe contributed.
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Yuri Kageyama is on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@yurikageyama
