Local warming locations expanded in face of cold snap

Bartholomew County emergency officials are expanding the number of local warming centers, as arctic temperatures are in the forecast for the rest of this week.

Due to the expected cold, the city of Columbus and Bartholomew County are offering some facilities as warming center.

The city is opening Donner Center off of 22nd Street as a warming station from 8 to 5 p.m. through Thursday. Also in Columbus, the Doug Otto United Way Center on 13th Street will be open as a warming center from 8 to 5 through Friday. The Community Engagement Center on Second Street will also be available to warm up from 7 to 5 through Friday.

After 5 p.m., Brighter Days will continue to offer shelter services to those in need. Brighter Days is on South Mapleton Street on the east side of Columbus.

Bartholomew County public library branches are open as warming centers also. The main branch on Fifth Street in Columbus is open from 9 to 8 today. The Hope Branch is open from 10 to 5 p.m. today.