January 27, 2012   Suspected Gas Gouging Hotline # 866.241.9753

Indiana Department of Corrections Most Wanted

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Scottsburg Police Department's 24-Hour Reports:

Breaking/ entering/ theft on York Rd.

Theft by forgery

Theft by shoplifting @ Cracker Barrel

Breaking/ entering on Thomas Crt.

Theft by credit card fraud

57-year-old Ricky W. Fraland of Salem arrested for public intoxication

33-year-old Kathy J. Bennett of Gilford arrested for public intoxication

22-year-old Presley J. Taylor of Scottsburg arrested for possession of marijuana

Scott Memorial Hospital Begins Narcotics Policy in ER

In an effort to address the potential for abuse of narcotics, Scott Memorial Hospital and other area hospitals have now adopted a proactive policy relating to narcotic and sedation medication prescriptions written by emergency room physicians.  In a press release, the hospital states the purpose of the new policy is to promote the safety of patients and discourage the use of narcotic and sedative medication except when necessary. While these medicines are technically safe, they can become counter-productive to treating painful conditions.  In addition to potential side effects, they can lead to addiction, withdrawal and in some situations, additional pain. The new pain policy is for patients, who after a medical screening exam in the Scott Memorial Hospital Emergency Department, are found NOT to have an emergency medical condition.  Prescriptions for narcotic medications that have been lost, stolen or expired will no longer be refilled.  Patients will be encouraged to maintain a more in depth and consistent treatment plan with their regular physician.  Under the new policy, patients with chronic pain will receive non-narcotic pain medications as a temporary treatment. If a narcotic prescription is given for care of an acute painful condition, the prescription will only be for a very small amount of medication to last until the patient can follow up with a primary doctor or specialist. If a narcotic medication is given, the patient must have another driver present to escort them home. “In 2011, we saw over 12,000 people in our Emergency Department,” Dawn Mays, VP of Nursing at Scott Memorial Hospital explained “We felt it was important to have a policy in place that monitors the amount of narcotics that is prescribed.  We do realize that many patients do not have a regular doctor.  We will do everything we can to help our patients access primary care physicians or pain specialists so they can begin a closely monitored pain treatment plan.” Scott Memorial Hospital Emergency Department Director, Sheila Colwell has seen the devastating effects that drugs are having on our community, “I support the new pain protocol and hope to see a decrease in the number of pills on the streets of Scott County.  The Coalition to Eliminate the Abuse of Substances (CEASe) and all their partners are doing an excellent job at getting the word out to the community, and we wanted to do our part also.”  CEASe of Scott County’s mission is to reduce the incidence and prevalence of substance abuse and addiction among adults and children in Scott County.  CEASe is a county-wide citizen body that plans and monitors a comprehensive substance abuse action plan. "CEASe is so excited and proud of Scott Memorial Hospital for taking the lead among Southern Indiana hospitals at setting up a pain medicine policy for their staff,” explained CEASe Coordinator, Lori Croasdell “With Scott County having the highest Oxycodone retail distribution in the State, as well as 17 prescription drug overdose deaths with 2 pending this year so far out of 39 coroner cases (48%), we are thankful our hospital is taking the lead and setting a good example among the medical community. CEASe has a great relationship with the hospital and appreciates their response to this prescription drug epidemic.

Source:  press release

Young Stops in Scottsburg After Filing for Ninth District Re-Election

Ninth District Congressman Todd Young made his run for re-election official yesterday.  Young currently does not have a challenger in the spring Primary however two Democrats will be on the fall ballot:  Jonathan George of Bedford and John Tilford of Bloomington.  Young kicked-of his re-election campaign yesterday with stops in each of the 13 counties in the district, including in Scottsburg yesterday afternoon.  He will finish up his tour today.  Incumbent state District 73 Representative Steve Davisson of Salem filed for re-election with his fall challenger to be Democrat Sandra Blanton. 

Source:  press release

WindStream Tech Opening in NV 

A North Vernon company has announced its mass producing micro-wind energy systems.  WindStream Technologies announced in a press release that it has been mass producing TurboMill which will create more jobs for the area.  WindStream Technologies Inc is the first manufacturing facility of its kind in the state and will employ 30-green collar workers with more employees expected to be added by 2015.  The company originally tried to work out a deal with New Albany before deciding to operate in North Vernon. 

Source:  press release, News and Tribune

IUS Building New Dorm 

Indiana University Southeast has announced plans to build a sixth student dorm.  The lodge will be completed in time for the fall 2013 semester. 

Law Enforcement Receives Big Check in Washington County 

Source:  press release

Bill Would Allow Creationism in Schools

A bill approved by the Indiana Senate Education Committee could provoke lawsuits as it would allow creationism to be taught in Indiana schools.  The bill would allow schools to create various theories on the origin of life.  Scientists and religious leaders urged the panel to keep religion out of the classrooms.  The legislation was passed by an 8-2 vote and moves to the full Senate. 

Source:  WLKY

Inmate Found Dead in Jail Cell 

Source:  WLKY

Scott Memorial Hospital offering Safe Sitter Training

Scott Memorial Hospital will offer Safe Sitter classes for girls and boys age 11-13 on Saturday, March 10th.  The class will be from 9am-4pm and will cost $40.  All instructors are nurses at Scott Memorial Hospital, who have been specifically trained to teach this very valuable course.  During the day, students will get hands-on training in basic lifesaving techniques giving them the knowledge on how to act in a crisis.  Students will receive helpful tips on child care making them more confident caregivers.  They will learn safety precautions, how to care for children of different ages, and the business of babysitting.  To successfully complete the Safe Sitter program, students must pass a rigorous practical and written test to show that they have mastered the key concepts and have the skills necessary to handle emergencies.  Class size is limited to 8 students and the registration deadline is March 2nd.   Students may bring a sack lunch or purchase their lunch in the cafeteria.  For more information and to register for this course please contact Andrea Gibson, Staff Educator at Scott Memorial Hospital at 812-752-8572 or andrea.gibson@smh1.org

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