INDIANAPOLIS (AP) _ A longtime lawmaker from northern Indiana has returned to the Statehouse after missing several weeks of the legislative session to undergo radiation treatment for cancer.
House members applauded as Republican Rep. David Wolkins of Warsaw came to the chamber microphone Tuesday, ending an absence that started in mid-February following cancer surgery to his ear.
Wolkins underwent a 14-hour surgery in December during which his right eardrum was removed. He said he had to travel to an Illinois facility for about six weeks of precautionary radiation treatments.
Wolkins has been a House member since 1988 and is chairman of the House Environmental Affairs Committee.
