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.

One of this year’s first Kentucky Derby events is kicking off in Los Angeles this Thursday night. All you need is a plane ticket and $850 and you’re in! 

The Unbridled Derby Prelude Party Los Angeles will take place Thursday, January 4, 2018 at Bardot at Avalon Hollywood in Los Angeles. Hosted by the York  sisters, Tammy York Day and Tonya York Dees.

The exclusive cocktail party celebrates the Kentucky Derby and introduces guests to the Unbridled Eve Derby Gala, held in Louisville, Kentucky on Derby Eve.

CELEBRITY/VIP ATTENDEES:

• Red Carpet Host  Julie Smith and television personality with CBS46 Atlanta
• Taye Diggs
• Bill Fichnter
• Kate Flannery (The Office, etc.)
• Greg Grunberg
• Bob Guiney
• Chris Harrison
• Randy Jackson
• Bonnie Jill Laflin
• George Lazenby (original James Bond)
• Meredith Lawrence (Jennifer Lawrence Foundation)
• Chris McDonald
• Heather McDonald
• Judd Nelson
• Don Most (Ralph Malph)
• Oriol Servia (Indy 500 Driver)
• Linda Thompson
• Sam Trammel
• Steve Bauer (Ray Donovan)
• Kathleen Bradley
• Reggie Calloway (Midnight Star, Kentucky native)
• Patrika Darbo (The Bold and the Beautiful, Days of our Lives)
• Florence LaRue (The 5th Dimension, Grammy winner)
• Kate Linder (Young & the Restless)
• Sofia Milos (CSI Miami)
• JB Smoove (Curb Your Enthusiasm, SNL)

A limited number of tickets are available for purchase with a $100 donation to the Unbridled Charitable Foundation, Inc. Please go to http://www.derbyprelude.com/ to purchase tickets.

Guests will enter the Derby Prelude Party at Bardot at Avalon Hollywood on the red carpet and be immersed in the Kentucky flair and southern hospitality expected from the Bluegrass state at Derby time.

Guests will also enjoy a full array of Kentucky delicacies, including Mint Juleps, fine Kentucky bourbons and Derby Pie!

Guests include celebrities, entertainment and business professionals, corporate sponsors and special friends from around the country.

The two featured charities are Blessings in a backpack and the Humane Society of Ventura County.

Sponsors of the Unbridled Derby Prelude Party include the Unbridled Charitable Foundation, Inc., Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, Don Julio, Ketel One Vodka, Brett Trager-Kusman, York Management, Inc., World Media LA, Bella Vita Media, Barry Wooley Designs, Galt House Hotel & Suites and Style Icon, LL, The Hat Girls and Ashley Lauren.

The local event will be held at the Galt House on Friday, May 4.