Rep. Steve Davisson says legislators have made great strides this session to tackle the issues that matter most to Hoosiers and their families.

Those issues include: education, economic growth, public safety, health care and the financial direction of our state.

“I’ve passionately advocated for improved healthcare and medical practices in Indiana,” Davisson says. “Most notably, I’ve co-sponsored Senate Bill (SB) 536 as a way to tackle a growing problem in our state regarding synthetic drugs.”

Over the past few years, Indiana has been caught in the midst of a cat-and-mouse pursuit with pharmaceutical production companies, drafting legislation to criminalize synthetic substances that mimic the effects of harmful, illegal drugs.

“Yet, deceptive drug manufacturers find new ways to evade the law. SB 536 will give our state the leeway to stop the practice of dealing synthetic drugs in its tracks by way of the Attorney General,” Davisson says.

The bill permits the Office of the Attorney General to issue a civil investigative demand to obtain immediate access to records relating to the sale of synthetic drugs, bring an action to subside a nuisance created in connection with the sale of synthetic drugs, and order the Department of State Revenue to suspend a retail merchant certificate if the holder commits certain violations relating to synthetic drugs or like substances.

The Board of Pharmacy would be permitted, on its own initiative or upon formal request from the State Police Department, the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, or a Poison Control Center, to adopt an emergency rule declaring certain substances to be synthetic drugs. The sale of synthetic drugs will be a criminal offense with possession resulting in a misdemeanor or felony by way of this bill.

Just last year, as HB 1196 was drafted to put a stop to this exact issue, new substances were discovered that were manufactured, sold and used as a drug. Instead of attempting to block specific substances, SB 536 instead places the authority to criminalize synthetic drug manufacturers in the hands of the Attorney General.

Ensuring the safety of Hoosiers is always a top priority and keeping harmful drugs out of Hoosier communities is important. With the passing of this bill, we hope to see the production of synthetic substances halted and bad actors put behind bars.

The bill has passed the Senate and is working its way through the House.  You can continue to track legislative happenings at the Statehouse by visiting http://www.in.gov/legislative.

Rep. Steve Davisson represents parts of Washington, Orange, Lawrence, Jackson, Clark and Harrison counties.

The Bedford Police Department has released the names of the victims of Wednesday’s fatal accident on Mitchell Road.

The victims are:

• Stacey D. Orman-Glotzbach, 36, Bedford;
• Derek Finney, 14, Bedford
• Chayce Orman-Glotzbach, 4.

In addition, 28-year-old Skye C. Orman-Glotzbach,  and 11-year-old Tessa Finney, were injured in the wreck.

Police are still investigating what caused the fatal crash.

“We do not yet know all of the details about the tragic loss of animal life in Madison County this week. We are just now learning about the conditions under which the owners kept their animals.

“Luckily, a local farmer sensed something was wrong and immediately reported his suspicions to local law enforcement so swift corrective action could be taken. The Indiana Board of Animal Health, the local Animal Protection League and the law enforcement agencies involved are to be commended for their rapid and professional response to a sad and potentially dangerous situation.

“Indiana Farm Bureau does not condone the actions or support the husbandry practices that have led to this unfortunate incident. Responsible farmers do not allow this kind of situation to go on without seeking help. We encourage all farmers to take advantage of the professional expertise available to them to address health problems with their animals.

“One doesn’t get into the livestock business lightly. In most cases livestock farmers, regardless of species and herd size, receive specialized training and education through high school ag programs and college courses in animal science, nutrition and animal well-being.  Finance and accounting acumen is necessary, and marketing know-how is a must in order to operate a well-managed farm.

“Above all, true livestock farmers’ most important attribute is that they care about the health and well-being of their animals.

“This tragic event in Madison County should act as a stark reminder that those who own or care for animals of any kind have a moral obligation to provide proper food, shelter and veterinary care for those animals.

“The Madison County Farm Bureau has made a donation to help the Animal Protection League with some of the costs of caring for the surviving animals. Anyone who’s interested in donating can do so through the Animal Protection League’s website, www.inapl.org/ .”

Scottsburg-Shortly after 2:00 pm on today’s date, a red 2001 Ford Windstar van
was northbound on Interstate 65 near the 28.5 Mile Marker in Scott County, when
for an unknown reason the van crossed into the median. After crossing into the
median the vehicle then crossed the southbound lanes ending up on the west side
of the roadway in a wooded area.

When troopers and other emergency personnel arrived at the scene the driver was
deceased. The preliminary death investigation by the Scott County Coroner,
Jerry Buchanan, revealed the driver likely suffered a medical condition causing
the crash. It is unknown if the driver’s death was a result of the impact of
the crash, the likely medical condition, or a combination of both.

The driver’s name is being withheld at this time until the next of kin is
notified.

Assisting Agencies; Scott County Sheriff’s Department, Scottsburg City Police
Department, Scottsburg City Fire Department and Scott County E.M.S.

Join WSLM as the Reds begin a new series with the Pittsburg Pirates — tonight and Saturday at 7p and Sunday at 1:35p.

Be sure and listen for your chance to win tickets to next weekend’s series with the Florida Marlins at Great American Ballpark!

Listening to WSLM can make you a winner! But you have to listen to win!

Get ready to go racing later tonight and on Saturday afternoon with WSLM and NASCAR.

Tonight tune in for TEXAS SIZED ACTION with the O’Reilly Auto Parts 300 Nationwide Race coming to you at 8p.

1. Salem True Value SWING INTO SPRING EVENT Friday and Saturday!

2. Jinny Scifres 5K Walk/Run at Paul A. Graves Athletic Field Saturday morning!

3. Relay For Life Yard Sale at Bingo Hall from 8a-Noon Saturday!

4. Ross Country Jamboree – Saturday at 7p in Scottsburg!

5. Celtic Spring Song and Dance performance on Sunday at 3 and 6p at the Lincoln Amphitheatre.

6. REDS BASEBALL AND NASCAR ACTION ON WSLM!

Monday, April 15th is the deadline to file both state and federal income taxes.

Senior Communication Specialist Chetrice Mosley with the Indiana Department of Revenue says there is still plenty of time for Hoosiers to file their income taxes electronically. Mosley says the state offers people who qualify the opportunity to file both federal and state income tax returns for free through a program called Indiana Freefile. Qualified filers must have an adjusted gross income of 57-thousand dollars or less.

With the filing deadline just a few days away, many people may need and extension to file their returns. Mosley says people who are filing an extension will still need to pay all or as much of the taxes they owe as they can by the April 15th deadline.

Mosley says people should use their best estimate of the taxes owed.Once a payment is made and the extension form is submitted, the taxpayer has until June to submit their completed return. Information about the Freefile program or extensions to file is available at the Department of Revenue‘s website, www.in.gov/dor.

Feel the heart-pounding boom of firing cannons, smell the campfire and hear the roar of a dozen rifles firing at once! On April 12 and 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., visitors to downtown Corydon will be transported back to the Civil War era during Corydon’s Civil War Weekend. From seeing a Civil War cannon fired to joining in a game of cricket, visitors can experience a wide range of Civil War activities and demonstrations.