Today, Congresswoman Erin Houchin (R-Ind.-09) announced she will serve on three committees in the 118^th Congress. The committees include the House Financial Services Committee, the House Rules Committee, and the House Education & Workforce Committee.

“I’m honored to be appointed to three important committees to get our country back on track and ensure families back home are prioritized,” said Congresswoman Houchin. “These committee assignments will allow Hoosiers to have a voice on the issues that matter the most to them.”

The House Financial Services Committee:

The House Financial Services Committee will tackle top economic issues. Congresswoman Houchin’s selection continues the legacy of Hoosiers serving on the Financial Services Committee, with at least one Indiana representative serving on the committee since the 113^th Congress. 

“As a member of the House Financial Services Committee, Hoosiers will have a seat at the table on the some of the most important economic issues.  This committee will play a pivotal role in establishing oversight of the Biden Administration and fighting against their growth-stifling policies.

“Having been a small business owner, it will be my priority to bring commonsense solutions to protect consumers and investors, give Americans control over their personal financial data, and be a voice for rural banking. It’s important to me to help build a framework that encourages innovation in financial technology while keeping citizens safe. As a new member of this committee, I will work tirelessly to help Hoosiers protect their wallets and secure their futures,” said Congresswoman Houchin.

The House Rules Committee:

The House Rules Committee is one of the oldest committees in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Rules Committee is the last step in the process before most major legislation can be considered on the floor of the House, and thus plays an important role in how the House operates.

“I am honored to serve on the Rules Committee to help ensure the House follows regular order and functions in a way that is responsive to the needs of Hoosiers back home,” said Congresswoman Houchin.

Yesterday, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy appointed Congresswoman Houchin to the House Rules Committee and announced several other appointments to the House Intelligence Committee and the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the U.S. and China.

“Under Democrat-control, House committees have been used to target their political opponents and reward their allies at the expense of addressing real concerns to our country. That ends with the new House Republican majority. The Members on these committees will work to shift power back to the American people by providing oversight, transparency, and will stay laser-focused on getting ahead of our national threats,” said Speaker McCarthy. 

The House Education & Workforce Committee:

The House Education & Workforce Committee addresses issues that are foundational to our economy and support families working to achieve the American Dream. The committee focuses on strengthening our education system, career development, and retirement systems. In particular, the committee has oversight over Joe Biden’s Department of Education and will work to restore parental rights and choice in education.

“Indiana’s 9^th district is home to excellent educators, world class institutions, and a workforce that has attracted innovative companies and high-tech manufacturers. I look forward to working to improve our workforce and playing a leading role in giving Hoosier parents their voice back on matters relating to how their children are educated,” said Congresswoman Houchin. “Hoosiers have provided great perspective on what our students, teachers, employers, and workers need to succeed, and I’ll work hard as a member of this committee to deliver results.”

The Washington County Farmers’ Market Board of Directors is hosting a meeting for past, current, and potential market vendors for 2023. 

The meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 13, 2023 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at the Washington Co. Farm Bureau Inc. Building Meeting Room (813 S. Jackson St., Salem) and will cover information such as the 2023 Vendor Contract, market updates, election of directors, and vendor questions.

If you have questions about the meeting call the Purdue Extension – Washington Co. office at 812-883-4601 or email Danielle Walker (ANR Educator) at dhowellw@purdue.edu.

A Seymour couple was arrested east of Salem Monday with over 3/4 pound of Meth in their vehicle.

The driver of the vehicle identified as Charles Root, age 43 of Seymour, IN.

The passenger was identified as Shannon Root, age 40 of Seymour, IN.

The subjects were arrested and remanded to the Washington County Detention Center, and each were charged with the following: 

• Dealing in Methamphetamine – Level 2 Felony 
• Possession of Methamphetamine – Level 3 Felony 
• Illegal Possession of Syringe – Level 6 Felony 
• Maintaining a Common Nuisance – Level 6 Felony 
• (3 COUNTS-) Possession of Level II Controlled Substance – Class A Misdemeanor 

On Monday, January 23, 2023 at approximately 11:15 a.m., Detective Brad Naugle, with the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, conducted a vehicle stop on a gray 2006 Mitsubishi on Heritage Chapel Road at the intersection of State Road 56 East.

During the vehicle stop there were indicators of possible criminal activity.  

Detective Naugle requested the assistance of Captain Chad Webb and his K9 partner, Zuma, of the Salem City Police Department.

Upon arrival, Zuma was deployed and made a positive drug alert on the vehicle.

After a search of the vehicle, Detective Naugle and Captain Webb located and seized approximately 378 grams of methamphetamine (13.3 ounces), as well as paraphernalia and other controlled substances.  

Also assisting on scene were Washington County Sheriff’s Deputy Tory Hildreth and Washington County Sheriff’s Process Server Mark Blackman and Indiana State Trooper, Eric Powers.  

On Monday January 16, and Tuesday January 17, 2023, the Salem Police Department received reports from H&R Bakery, that thousands of dollars in cash had been stolen from the store.

Brittany Colglazier, an employee of H&R Bakery was taken into custody by police.

Information obtained from the investigation led officers to a search of her room at the local Knights Inn Hotel.

The search resulted in a seizure of suspected methamphetamine, and multiple items of drug paraphernalia.

Officers also located numerous items suspected of being purchased with the stolen cash.

One male and another female were arrested during the search of the hotel room.

All three individuals were transported to the Washington County Detention Center.

Brittany Colglazier, 29, Salem

Theft, level 6 felony. Possession of methamphetamine, level 5 felony. Maintaining a common Nuisance, level 6 felony. Possession of marijuana, class B misdemeanor. Possession of paraphernalia, class C misdemeanor.

Autumn Bishop, 23, Salem

Possession of methamphetamine, level 5 felony. Maintaining a common Nuisance, level 6 felony. Possession of marijuana, class B misdemeanor. Possession of paraphernalia, class C misdemeanor.

Bryan Massie, 32, Seymour

Possession of methamphetamine, level 5 felony. Maintaining a common Nuisance, level 6 felony. Possession of marijuana, class B misdemeanor. Possession of paraphernalia, class C misdemeanor.

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The Awareness Washington County Board announced that the 6^th annual Chili Cook Off will be held March 11 from 4-7 at Southern Hills Church, 

Competition is open to anyone interested, and cash prizes will be awarded in several categories. There will be a prize for the judged Best Red Chili as well as the judged Best White Chili. In addition, there are People’s Choice awards for Best Chili and Best Decorated booth. 

Interested chili cooks can register for the event by checking the website at www.awarenesswashingtoncounty.org or by contacting Marji Morris on FaceBook or by phone at 812-216-6505. 

“The event has become a social occasion,” said Morris. “Many people come at 4 and stay until the end to see who wins, although you don’t have to do that.” 

She continued, “Having a booth allows businesses to get themselves and their products or services in front of the public, just for the cost of their chili ingredients.” 

There will be a maximum of 14 teams, and guests can sample as many of the chilis as they can handle. 

Another feature of the event are the famous dessert auctions and the cookie cart. There will also be items available in the Silent Auction and the Bag Raffle.  

Admission to the event is $5 for adults and $3 for children. Chili, crackers, and a drink are all included in the admission along with ballots to vote for favorite chili and best decorated booth.  

Sponsorships for the event are available as well.

Leader Publishing, WSLM, and Country Cookin’ are already signed up as sponsors.Sponsors will be recognized in the media, on the AWC website, and on table tents during the event.