After a year of investigation and following up on leads, detectives are still looking for any leads that the public may be able to provide in the murder of James Bryson. 

James Bryson was found deceased on December 27th, 2016 at 11387 West County Road 50 South in French Lick after concerned family members asked police to check on Bryson’s welfare.

Bryson was last seen on December 24th, 2016, three days prior to being found. 

State Police Investigators, along with grieving family members are pleading for information that may help solve this case.

Anyone with even the smallest piece of information are asked to contact the Indiana State Police Jasper Post by calling 1-812-482-1441, and all callers may remain anonymous.

A $5,000 reward is also has been established for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or person’s responsible for the death of James Bryson.

A bill authored by State Sens. Erin Houchin (R-Salem) and Joe Zakas (R-Granger) that will require DNA collection of individuals arrested for a felony goes had gone into effect.

Senate Enrolled Act 322 requires all individuals arrested for a felony to submit a DNA sample via cheek swab along with fingerprints, photographs and other data during the booking process.

The DNA profile will be run through the state’s Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) and compared to other profiles in the database, only after a finding of probable cause. If an individual is acquitted of all felony charges, the charges are lowered to a misdemeanor, or no charges are filed after one-year, the sample may be expunged.

“DNA profiling is an accurate, widely used tool that will help law enforcement solve crimes and convict those who are responsible,” Houchin said. “Since serious criminals often go on to commit numerous additional crimes before they are caught and convicted, the collection of DNA upon felony arrest will save lives. This legislation will give law enforcement the tools necessary to bring more criminals to justice for their crimes and bring peace to victims and their families, making Indiana an even safer place to live, work, and raise our families.”

State Sen. Joe Zakas (R-Granger), a longtime advocate of this issue, echoed Houchin’s sentiments.

“Collecting DNA samples on felony arrests will help prevent serious crimes and can also be used to exonerate the innocent,” Zakas said. “This bill should improve our criminal justice system in a substantial way. I look forward to seeing the success this law will have.”

Indiana will become the 31st state to allow DNA samples to be collected and used to solve and prevent crimes. The United States Supreme Court has ruled that such legislation is constitutional, and similar laws have solved tens of thousands of crimes across the country.

State Sen. Erin Houchin (R-Salem) announced the Indiana Senate is now accepting applications for the Senate Page Program.

This full-day interactive program gives students in grades six through 12 the opportunity to tour the Indiana Statehouse, observe session debates on the Senate floor, and assist staff with age-appropriate tasks. Students will also meet with their state senator.

“Students participating in the page program are able to get an up-close look at their state legislature,” Houchin said. “Civic involvement is crucial to our democracy, and I encourage students in the area to come to the Statehouse to experience it firsthand.”

The 2018 Senate Page Program will run from mid-January through early March. Positions fill quickly, so it is important to sign up early.

Pages are scheduled for Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays during the legislative session starting at 8:30 a.m. and dismissing at 3:30 p.m. Groups serve together on Wednesdays. Serving as a page is considered an excused absence from school.

For more information or to apply, visit www.IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/page-program.

Two people were arrested after Mitchell Police found 275 syringes in their vehicle during a traffic stop last week.

Police arrested 39-year-old Thomas Moffitt of Boonville and 40-year-old Piper Brown of Evansville on Dec. 27 on charges of possession of meth and unlawful possession of syringes.

Moffit is also facing a charge of maintaining a common nuisance and he was wanted on a warrant for theft Vanderburgh County.

Brown is also facing a charge of visiting a common nuisance.

According to a Mitchell Police report, an officer stopped Moffitt’s vehicle after he ran a stop sign at the intersection of Teke Burton Drive and Main Street in Mitchell.

Moffitt told police he had lost his wallet and didn’t have his license with him.

Police then discovered Moffitt was wanted on a warrant.

During the stop the officer noticed a digital scale in the vehicle.

The scale tested positive for meth residue.

Police also found 275 syringes in the vehicle.

Brown, who was acting nervous, told the officer Moffitt had given her his meth to hide on her body.

Police say Brown had hid two baggies of more than 7 grams of meth inside a body cavity.

Both were taken to jail where they are being held on a $50,000 surety or $5,005 cash bond.

Last night in West Washington School Cooperation Superintendent’s message to the community about a 2-hour delay, Keith Nance offered to help those having trouble with freezing pipes. 

Nance said the school would be assisting families who need access to water due to freezing pipes.

Arrangements can be made for you to get water at the school, Nance noted in his message. 

“If your child or family needs to shower or do laundry officials will make arrangements,” said Nance. “We’re here to help.”

Call the Superintendent’s Office at (812) 755-4872 if you need assistance.

Also, due to the extreme cold, if your child needs a coat, hat or gloves please call and officials will do their best to get them something as soon as possible.