Our Transformation to 300% Growth and a Higher Quality Publication Began with a Single Phone Call
Ron H. Cosby, President and CEO
City-County Observer
When I first called Joe Wallace in the winter of 2010, I was simply seeking to verify a few facts about a story that the City-County Observer was working on about some of the activities undertaken by the Growth Alliance for Greater Evansville, or GAGE, during his time as the founding President and CEO. What the City-County Observer has ended up with over the last six months as a result of that call are a return to our core values, a transformational strategy, and a renewed spirit of execution.
On that first phone call Mr. Wallace spent about an hour not only answering my questions to the extent that he could but also engaging me in a conversation about the business of the City-County Observer, my start-up online newspaper that serves greater Evansville. It seemed as though he had been reading our content for some time and had been formulating some ideas and opinions about our business. After hanging up, I decided to offer Mr. Wallace the opportunity to serve as a consultant to the City-County Observer.
His consultancy started off with a simple examination of our core values of being an advocate for good public policy and ways to build a business around that concept. Joe always called this the period of becoming aware of what is needed to prosper. Together we engaged in deep discussions about format, content, revenue, distribution, and costs. He was always focused on the actions required to achieve the long-term goals of the City-County Observer as opposed to the day-to-day emotions that a news-based business tends to be distracted by.
After many meetings on building awareness, Joe became insistent that I as the business owner acknowledge the changes that were needed and internalize the new way of operating that we had jointly agreed would benefit my business. After guiding me through the ideas and actions that would raise the ability of the City-County Observer to prosper and serve our core mission, we set out to develop a practical action plan that was achievable with the talents and resources at our disposal.
Our action plan included broader and more detailed content, expanded authorship, a migration plan to a daily format, a diversified revenue model, and cost control measures that lowered our operating costs by over 50%. Additionally, Joe advised that we invest in equipment to enhance our video capability. He is cultivating contributing authors from across the country to submit scholarly articles to this publication. The results have been dramatic. During our third month of working together, alexa.com reported that our readership had increased by 300%. In a more recent analysis for a three-month period our metrics are as follows:
Global Internet Reach: +50%
Visits from Search Engines: +50%
Page Views: +27%
Time on Site: +137%
Page Views: +20%
Global Ranking: up 1,735,000 places
I am pleased and astonished at the level of positive results that Mr. Wallace’s practical advice and guidance has brought to the City-County Observer. It is clear to me why he was selected to head an organization that had a mission to assist entrepreneurs and local businesses. The value that his practical and hands-on consulting services have brought to the City-County Observer has paid for itself many times over in a very short time. I am looking forward to a continuous and prosperous relationship with Joe and want to encourage the business community of greater Evansville to do the same. It is my strong recommendation that if your business is experiencing stagnation in the marketplace or if your desire for growth is stymied by lack of direction or vision, Joe Wallace is an affordable, results-driven agent of change who will respectfully guide you to a path toward prosperity. I have included his contact information below.
Joe J. Wallace, Hadannah Business Solutions
“IS IT TRUE” JANUARY 30, 2024 Working draft
We hope that today’s “IS IT TRUEâ€Â will provoke honest and open dialogue concerning issues that we, as responsible citizens of this community, need to address in a rational and responsible way?
City-County Observer Comment Policy. Be kind to people. No personal attacks or harassment will be tolerated and will be removed from our site.â€
We understand that sometimes people don’t always agree and discussions may become a little heated.  The use of offensive language, insults against commenters will not be tolerated and will be removed from our site.
Any comments posted in this column do not represent the views or opinions of the City-County Observer or our advertiser.
IS IT TRUE that there is no greater ambassador of goodwill than a homegrown, non-partisan community newspaper? Â …that local newspapers can serve as a “Community Watchdog” by sounding the alarm when the citizen’s rights are being violated? …we realize that a community can have no greater ambassador of goodwill than one that keeps its citizens informed about their accomplishments and triumphs?
IS IT TRUE that for many years this column has served the City of Evansville and Vanderburgh County as the place to go to learn things that are going on in local government that other media is reluctant to cover?…much good has come from things
posted in “IS IT TRUE” and the comment section has, for the most part, made the City-County Observer the go-to place for open constructive dialog?
posted in “IS IT TRUE” and the comment section has, for the most part, made the City-County Observer the go-to place for open constructive dialog?
IS IT TRUE that for many years the City-County Observer has addressed the gap in the value of buildings in downtown Evansville and the cost to refurbish or establish new office space?…the building that the CCO has treated as the poster child for never having a chance at being refurbished is the former Old National Bank building at 420 Main Street?…after many years of irrational hope for a white knight to come along and squander $25 million to bring the old building up to modern standards, the realization of value has finally happened?…that almost two years ago the ONB 420 building was demolished to make a place for a new but smaller development? …the lot that once housed the 420 Bank Building is currently vacant and unsightly and is being used for storage of City Of Evansville water and sewer construction materials? …that dreams die hard and delusions die harder?
IS IT TRUE that it has been rumored that a city-created downtown organization recently announced they are going to spearhead an effort to install multi-color track lighting underneath several highway overpasses welcoming people to Evansville? Â … that is also rumored that this worthy community beautification project may now have to be aborted because the money for this project is needed (several hundred of thousands of dollars) to make expensive repairs on the elevators located at Invocation Point (home office of EREP)? Â …that we hope that this is just a rumor and the beautification lighting project can proceed as planned?
IS IT TRUE that the citizens of Evansville hope that Mayor Stephanie Terry will figure out a creative way to pay down Evansville’s current one (1) billion dollars plus bond indebtedness?
IS IT TRUE that the taxpayers are hoping that Mayor Stephanie Terry will give them an honest financial assessment on how Evansville will pay the originally projected $400 million cost to build a new Sewer Treatment Plant on the banks of the mighty Ohio?
IS IT TRUE that a miracle just happened at the EVANSVILLE  WATER AND SEWER Board meeting today?  …that the CEO OF THE EVANSVILLE WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY announced that the new SEWER TREATMENT PLANT has been reduced to $265 million dollars?  …that the originally projected cost of building a new Sewer Treatment Plant on the banks of the mighty Ohio was $400 million dollars?
IS IT TRUE that we feel that the citizens of Evansville know that Mayor Stephanie Terry understands that she is employed by the taxpayers and not the other way around?
IS IT TRUE that we are told that many local taxpayers hope that Mayor Stephanie Terry will be involved in the future planning of the proposed EREP multi-million dollar riverfront project?
IS IT TRUE that for over 20 years the EPA has allowed the City of Evansville to pussyfoot around with the serious lead contamination issues in Jacobsville and also several other economic disadvantage areas of Evansville?…the real tragedy is that lead poisoning can be treated, but any damage caused by contaminated lead cannot be reversed?
IS IT TRUE that we find it intriguing when a career politician masterfully tries to convince the economically disadvantaged that they understand and feel their despair, grief, and economic plight? Â …that the career politician also tries to convince the economic downtrodden that he understands how personal suffering is caused by wage disparities while he enjoys extensive social and financial perks for being a long-term elected public official?
IS IT TRUE that we strongly recommend that individuals, families, businesses, and schools be extra cautious about hosting or attending any large gatherings indoors this coming Holidays? Â …we urge you to please remember that the COVID-19 virus is making a quiet comeback and could be extremely dangerous if you’re a senior citizen that has serious underlying health issues?
IS IT TRUE that Kalah Hirsch, Records Specialist, and Asst. IDACS Coordinator for the Evansville Police Department is doing a credible job in providing us with the daily EPD Activity Report in a timely manner.
IS IT TRUE that the good folks at local TV Channel 14 are providing the masses with up-to-date and accurate local news, weather, and sports? Â …that we also wish our good friends at TV Channel 14 a Happy 70th Anniversary?
IS IT TRUE we ask our “Prayer Warriors” to continue to pray for our good friend, city councilman, and community leader Ron Beane who is receiving treatment for cancer?
Today’s “Readers Poll†question is:  HOW DO YOU RATE THE JOB THAT MEMBERS OF THE CURRENT EVANSVILLE CITY COUNCIL ARE DOING?
If you would like to advertise in the CCO please contact us City-County Observer@live.com.
Please take time and read our articles entitled “STATEHOUSE FILES, LAW ENFORCEMENT, READERS POLL, BIRTHDAYS, HOT JOB, EDUCATION, and LOCAL SPORTSâ€.
You now are able to subscribe to get the CCO online daily at zero costs.
If you would like to advertise in the CCO please contact us City-County Observer@live.com.
IS IT TRUE that we have been told by several people in the know that the “TERRY FOR MAYOR” transition team has been selected and moving forward in an extremely cautious manner?
IS IT TRUE that we are glad to hear that the transition is moving forward cautiously because it is a well-known fact that Evansville has serious financial challenges and should that be addressed cautiously?
IS IT TRUE we’re hearing that there may be a little pushback concerning a FORENSIC AUDIT?
IS IT TRHE that we are told by several well-regarded business people that the rumor Evansville has over a Billion dollars in bonds indebtedness may be sport on? … that they are also concerned about how many hundreds of millions of dollars will it cost to finish the massive water and sewer project throughout Evansville and build the new multi-million dollar Sewer Treatment Plant and how we are going to get the money to pay for it?
IS IT TRUE that the City is also facing many millions of dollars worth of financial obligations regarding sidewalks and street repairs, upgrading of our city parks, City Department equipment upgrades, and finding an affordable employee Healthcare plan to name a few additional financial challenges for the incoming Mayor to address?
IS IT TRUE that local governments face structural challenges in their finances because their spending obligations often far outstrip their revenues?
IS IT TRUE that local governments are faced with a serious financial crisis due to the accumulation of long-term debts?
IS IT TRUE that as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, local governments across the country face the formidable task of committing resources to rising healthcare needs while maintaining services their communities expect, including schools, parks, and libraries?
IS IT TRUE that the only ways that local government can pay for its mounting debt is to make severe budget cuts, raise property taxes, or borrow money from local banks?
IS IT TRUE that when local governments struggle, states also pay a price because of lost jobs, reduced tax collections, and diminished services?
IS IT TRUE that during the last City Council meeting (the week after the city election) every current Council member went on public record to oppose the proposed Center Point Energy rate increase?  …that during the recent City election, not one current member of the Evansville Council publicly opposed the proposed Center Point Energy rate increase? …that this type of political posturing is what is commonly known as  “Political Vacillation”?
IS IT TRUE that members of our current City Council recently approved a 9 million dollar loan to update the Ford Center by using the naming rights of city streets as collateral to purchase “Lease/Rental Revenue Bonds” from a local bank? Â We wonder how many city streets have been sold and how much money the City has collected from the sale of the naming rights of our city streets? Â Many people feel that the above method to get the money to finance a 9 million dollar loan to make renovations at the Ford Center using the naming of streets as collateral is not only questionable but downright embarrassing.
IS IT TRUE that it is incumbent upon us to remind our City and County officials that Revenue Bonds are rated based on the revenue they generate to make principal and interest payments and based on any assets pledged to secure the bonds? …that Corporations are judged on their ability to generate earnings, while a state or local municipality may also issue a general obligation bond, which is backed by the taxing power of the municipality.
IS IT TRUE that it is seldom that the federal government does something that accomplishes exactly what it was meant to at the price that was advertised?…it is also true that most government programs exist perpetually even after they have accomplished what was intended?…there are even laws on the books that should have been canceled or rescinded years ago for obsolescence?…one local community in their zeal to be like the federal government still has a law on the books forbidding the riding of a stud bull in front of a church on Sunday morning?
IS IT TRUE that our “Readers Poll†is non-scientific but trendy?  …our current “Readers Poll†question is:  HOW DO YOU FEEL THAT MAYOR ELECT STEPHANIE TERRY IS GOING TO DO?
Please take time and read our articles entitled “Statehouse Files”, Law Enforcement, Weekly Birthday, Hot Jobs, and “Local Sports”. Â
You now can subscribe to get the free City-County Observer daily. Â Please go to the top upper right corner of the front page of the CCO and click the “Subscribe” link to sign up.
Copyright 2015 City County Observer. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
If you would like to advertise on the CCO please get in touch with us at City-County Observer@live.com
“IS IT TRuE” PROPOSED DRAFT FOR january 30, 2025
We hope that today’s “IS IT TRUE” will provoke honest and open dialogue concerning issues that we, as responsible citizens of this community, need to address rationally and responsibly.
City-County Observer Comment Policy. Be kind to people. No personal attacks or harassment will be tolerated and removed from our site.
We understand that sometimes people don’t always agree and discussions may become a little heated. The use of offensive language and insults against commenters will not be tolerated and will be removed from our site.
Any comments posted in this column do not represent the views or opinions of the City-County Observer or our advertisers.
IS IT TRUE that there is no greater ambassador of goodwill than a homegrown, non-partisan community newspaper? Â …that local newspapers can serve as a “Community Watchdog” by sounding the alarm when the citizen’s rights are being violated? …we realize that a community can have no greater ambassador of goodwill than one that keeps its citizens informed about their accomplishments and triumphs?
IS IT TRUE that for many years this column has served the City of Evansville and Vanderburgh County as the place to go to learn things that are going on in local government that other media is reluctant to cover?…much good has come from things
posted in “IS IT TRUE,” and the comment section has, for the most part, made the City-County Observer the go-to place for open, constructive dialog.
posted in “IS IT TRUE,” and the comment section has, for the most part, made the City-County Observer the go-to place for open, constructive dialog.
IS IT TRUE that the citizens of Evansville hope that Mayor Stephanie Terry will figure out a creative way to pay down Evansville’s current one (1) billion plus dollars in bond indebtedness?
IS IT TRUE that the taxpayers hope Mayor Stephanie Terry will give them an honest financial assessment on how Evansville will pay the originally projected $400 million cost to build a new Sewer Treatment Plant on the banks of the mighty Ohio?
IS IT TRUE that we are told that many local taxpayers hope that Mayor Stephanie Terry will be involved in the future planning of the proposed EREP multi-million dollar riverfront project?
IS IT TRUE that we find it intriguing when a career politician masterfully tries to convince the economic disadvantage that they understand and feel their despair, grief, and economic plight? Â …that the career politician also tries to convince the economic downtrodden that he understands how personal suffering is caused by wage disparities while he enjoys extensive social and financial perks for being a long-term elected public official?
Non-Profit Hospitals and Pricing: Balancing Care and Compliance
Non-Profit Hospitals and Pricing: Balancing Care and Compliance
By Joe Wallace
Non-profit hospitals in the United States are a vital part of the healthcare system, providing medical services to millions of patients while benefiting from tax-exempt status. This status is granted under the condition that these hospitals serve the public good by offering charitable care, community health initiatives, and other benefits that justify their exemption from federal and state taxes. However, recent scrutiny has raised concerns about whether some non-profit hospitals are engaging in pricing practices that could jeopardize their non-profit status.
The Basis of Non-Profit Hospital Status
To maintain their tax-exempt designation, non-profit hospitals must comply with Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations, most notably the requirements outlined in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010. These regulations mandate that non-profit hospitals:
Conduct Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs): Every three years, hospitals must assess local health needs and create an action plan to address them.
Provide Financial Assistance Policies (FAPs): Hospitals must offer reduced-cost or free care to eligible low-income patients and widely publicize these policies.
Limit Charges: Charges for medically necessary care must not exceed those generally billed to insurance patients.
Avoid Aggressive Debt Collection Practices: Hospitals are prohibited from pursuing extraordinary collection actions before determining whether a patient qualifies for financial assistance.
Concerns Over Pricing Practices
Despite these requirements, recent reports suggest that some non-profit hospitals in Evansville charge patients significantly higher prices than what Medicare and Medicaid allow for the same services. Critics argue that such practices contradict the hospitals’ mission to provide community benefits and could potentially violate their tax-exempt obligations.
Some key concerns include:
Overcharging Uninsured and Underinsured Patients: Investigations have found cases where non-profit hospitals billed uninsured patients at rates many times higher than those negotiated by Medicare or private insurers.
Insufficient Charity Care: Studies indicate that some hospitals provide minimal charity care while accumulating substantial financial surpluses.
Revenue Maximization Strategies: Non-profits have been accused of using aggressive billing and collection tactics that align with for-profit business models.
Regulatory Responses and Potential Consequences
In response to these concerns, federal and state regulators are increasing scrutiny of non-profit hospitals’ billing and financial assistance practices. The IRS has the authority to revoke tax-exempt status if a hospital is found to be non-compliant with its obligations. Such a revocation could have severe financial consequences, including:
Loss of Tax Benefits: Hospitals would be subject to federal, state, and local taxes, significantly increasing operational costs.
Reputational Damage: The public’s trust in the hospital could erode, leading to a decline in patient volume and donor contributions.
Legal Penalties: In some cases, hospitals may face lawsuits or fines for deceptive billing practices.
Strategies for Non-Profit Hospitals to Maintain Compliance
To avoid jeopardizing their non-profit status, hospitals must take proactive steps to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations. These measures include:
Transparent Pricing Policies: Hospitals should adopt clear, easily accessible pricing structures that align with Medicare reimbursement rates.
Enhanced Financial Assistance Programs: Ensuring that eligible patients are aware of and can easily access assistance programs.
Regular Compliance Audits: Conducting internal reviews to verify adherence to IRS and ACA requirements.
Community Engagement: Strengthening efforts to address local health needs through targeted outreach and public health initiatives.
Conclusion
The mission of non-profit hospitals is to provide affordable, high-quality healthcare to communities while enjoying the benefits of tax-exempt status. However, recent allegations of overpricing and inadequate charitable care have placed these institutions under heightened scrutiny. To preserve their status and continue serving the public, non-profit hospitals must remain vigilant in their compliance efforts, ensuring their pricing and financial practices reflect their commitment to the community.
😒As regulatory oversight intensifies, hospitals must carefully balance financial sustainability and their core mission of public service. We at the City County Observer hope to see all of the non-profit hospitals in the Evansville region correct any compliance issues identified quickly and commit to operating as compliant non-profit hospitals in the future.
Bill to Increase the Amount of Tax Captured from the Evansville Professional Sports and Convention Development Area To Be Heard in Ways and Means
On Wednesday afternoon (1/29), the Indiana House Ways and Means Committee will hold a hearing on a bill that will have a significant impact on Evansville and Vanderburgh County. HB 1451, authored by Tim O’Brien and co-authored by Wendy McNamara, Matt Hostettler, and Alex Burton, will increase the amount of tax money captured from the Evansville Professional Sports and Convention Development Area.
The current tax cap is $10 per resident, and revenue generated in 2024 was $680,000. Under HB 1451 the revenue cap would be $5,000,000, allowing a significant amount of money to be available for sports-related development.
LINK OF PTOPOSED BILL
2025 Changemaker Challenge Winners Receive Scholarships
2025 Changemaker Challenge Winners Receive Scholarships
EVANSVILLE, IND. (01/27/2025) High school students throughout the Tri-State and beyond were awarded significant scholarships on Saturday at the University of Evansville’s 11th annual High School Changemaker Challenge, made possible by Toyota Indiana.
The challenge is designed to motivate young people to take a leading role in identifying and solving challenges in the world through innovation and creativity.
UE has committed more than $1 million in scholarships to winners of this competition since its inception. Those who choose UE as their college destination will each receive four-year scholarships as listed below:
First Place / STEMpire: Empowering Young Women in STEM
Team member: Norah Ahmed; Evansville Day School, Evansville, Indiana
STEMpire: Empowering Young Women in STEM is a youth-led nonprofit that aims to break down barriers women face in joining STEM fields. This initiative provides resources, education, and assistance for high school girls, especially women from underserved communities like the Evansville Promise Neighborhood, and we are exploring doing so through the first STEMpire Conference in summer 2025 and the STEMpire Task Force.
Second Place / Boomerang Learning
Team members: Kris Lau, Abdul-Aleem Mohammed, Parth Patel; Signature School, Evansville, Indiana
Boomerang Learning is a learning program that will help students who have had trouble catching up to Indiana standards post-COVID and to help students who are falling behind their peers.
Third Place / Sprouts: Rooted in Education
Team members: Olivia Cooper; North High School, Evansville, Indiana
Sponsored gardens would be constructed at EVSC elementary schools (with summer school options). The gardens will serve to provide fresh food to nearby food pantries and mitigate local climate change.
On Friday, January 24, a panel of judges heard pitches from the top 20 teams and individual students who had been invited to the in-person competition. From those top 20, six ideas were then chosen for the championship round that took place on Saturday, January 25. During that event, judges awarded first, second, and third place. Additionally, a surprise $10,000 UE scholarship was given to each of the runners up.
Runners up:
Clear Vision
Team members: Evan Walker, Charles March-Gibson; Zionsville Community High School, Zionsville, Indiana
Clear Vision will help neighborhoods achieve safer and more accessible communities by providing durable, reflective address plaques applied directly to the curb for clear and uniform home visibility.
Freedom Boots
Team members: Keegan Griepenstroh, Elias Hager, Isaac Hager; North High School, Evansville, Indiana
Freedom Boots are advanced motorized leg braces powered by electrical stimulation, designed to deliver an immersive experience when paired with a VR headset-all at an affordable price.
PoliTech
Team members: Jonathan Baker, Tyoshi Chikayama-Jackson; Signature School, Evansville, Indiana
PoliTech is an innovative platform that bridges the gap between politicians and their voters through AI technology and social media integration, while ensuring credibility through verified politician accounts and transparent engagement metrics. The platform offers features like PoliAI providing faster information for voters, PoliFeed for sharing verified updates and engaging with followers, and a comprehensive dashboard for politicians to manage their online presence and track authentic engagement metrics.
To learn more about High School Changemaker Challenge please visit https://www.evansville.edu/
Resolution calling for congressional term limits passes Indiana Senate
By The Statehouse File
On Monday, the Indiana Senate passed Senate Joint Resolution 21, which would notify Congress that Indiana seeks to participate in an amendment convention for the sole purpose of proposing a congressional term limits amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
The effort, led by Sen. Andy Zay, R-Pierceton, and spearheaded by the nonpartisan nonprofit U.S. Term Limits passed with 31 yeas to 18 nays. Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith formerly served as the organization’s state chair.
“The people of Indiana are lucky to have public servants who see what is going on in D.C. and are willing to take action to fix it,” said U.S. Term Limits President Philip Blumel. “They know that Congress won’t set term limits on itself. Therefore, it is the obligation of the states to do so.”
SJR 21 now heads to the Indiana House. Should it ultimately pass, Indiana will join other states in the call to convene the states for the exclusive purpose of proposing term limits on the U.S. Congress. Once 34 state legislatures pass similar resolutions on the topic and approve the term limits amendment, it must be ratified by 38 states to become part of the U.S. Constitution.
ATC Warns of Alarming Trend in Illegal Sale of Nitrous Oxide
ATC Warns of Alarming Trend in Illegal Sale of Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide used to get intoxicated can cause heart attacks and death
INDIANAPOLIS (Jan. 27, 2025) — The Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission issued notice today to over 8,200 tobacco sellers throughout Indiana, warning them about the illegal sale of nitrous oxide. “It is illegal in Indiana to sell nitrous oxide for the purposes of intoxication, and Indiana State Excise Police have discovered an alarming trend of this activity among certain gas stations, convenience stores, smoke shops, and tobacco/vaping businesses throughout the state,” said Jessica Allen, ATC executive director.
Pursuant to Indiana Code § 35-46-6-3, a person who knowingly or intentionally uses or distributes nitrous oxide with the intent to cause a condition of intoxication, euphoria, excitement, exhilaration, stupefaction, or dulling of the senses of another person commits a Class B misdemeanor (unless used for medical purposes). However, the offense is a Class A misdemeanor if the person has a prior unrelated conviction.
To date, 18 Indiana tobacco certificate holders have been cited for this illegal activity and some of their employees have been referred for criminal prosecution. “We’re seeing some sellers hiding the nitrous oxide tanks and only offering them for sale upon request and selling nitrous oxide tanks with no additional culinary items such as whipping cream,” warns Superintendent Matt Strittmatter of the Indiana State Excise Police. Superintendent Strittmatter said some of these sellers are also giving customers, including minors, instructions on how to use a nitrous oxide tank for the purposes of intoxication.
Excise also found some of the nitrous oxide products even appear to contain certain flavors such as blue raspberry, cotton candy, and watermelon.
While commonly used in clinical settings as a sedative or anesthetic, nitrous oxide is also used to make whipped cream. This makes the substance readily accessible to use it recreationally to get high or intoxicated. When inhaled for recreational purposes, nitrous oxide can cause side effects including, but not limited to, blurred vision, dizziness, dissociation, disorientation, loss of balance, impaired memory and cognition, numbness, and weakness in the legs. In large amounts, nitrous oxide can cause a lack of oxygen amongst users which may lead to loss of blood pressure, fainting, heart attack, and even death.“Not only are these products risky to store and when used to become intoxicated, but they are also extremely costly to dispose of,” said Allen. Allen estimates that cost could amount to $1 million by 2026 if the trend continues.
The ATC encourages the public to submit anonymous tips or complaints about this matter to Indiana State Excise Police or their local law enforcement agency. For a copy of the letter issued to tobacco sellers throughout Indiana today, and photos of nitrous oxide containers seized for evidence, please click here .
Indiana House urges federal lawmakers to expedite approval of electric projects
Jan 27, 2025
On Monday, the Indiana House of Representatives adopted House Concurrent Resolution 3, which calls for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the United States Department of Energy, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, and the United States Congress to speed up the approval rate of electric transmission and generation projects. Representatives voted 71-23 to pass the resolution.
Resolution author Rep. Edmond Soliday, R-Valparaiso, said it is necessary because if a utility company wants to build an entity that would generate electricity, they first must petition the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) or Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Maryland Interconnection (PJM). Due to a long queue, there is currently a four-year wait to get approval for new energy generation.
Soliday said this waitlist makes it hard for utilities to meet energy demand.
MISO and PJM are energy grid management organizations. This means they manage the generation and transmission of energy without owning generators, transmission lines or parts of the electric grid.
The two organizations work to ensure the correct amount of energy is generated and transmitted to utility companies (Duke Energy, AES, CenterPoint Energy, etc.) at the best price for consumers.
Soliday’s resolution requests that the federal government make a new rule in which state utilities propose areas on Indiana’s power grid that need more energy generation and that they get new generation approval prior to areas that need it less.
“All this resolution does, and other states are joining us—we’re saying to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Congress and the NERC, you’ve gotta change the system. You’ve got to prioritize,” Soliday said.
Rep. Matt Pierce, D-Bloomington, opposed the resolution because of concerns about investor-owned utilities being able to jump the line in front of entrepreneurial energy companies that might offer sustainable or clean energy sources.
“People will be waiting in line for a long time and going through this process, and suddenly they’re going to have the investor-owned utility jump in front of them. All the time their capital is tied up. It’s at risk. They’re waiting to get an answer,” Pierce said. “Those of you who are in the business world, you know what it’s like to have your capital committed and you just can’t get the approvals you need to get things going. … I think this is going to make that worse.”
Soliday responded to Pierce’s argument, saying that when entrepreneurs do receive approval, most cannot afford to build transmission lines, so they do not become new energy generators.
“All we’re saying is, ‘MISO, these are the things that have been approved. These are the things that will meet certificates of public need and public convenience. Put them in the right priority so we can continue to serve businesses and folks,’” Soliday said. “All we’re doing is saying, ‘Clean up the mess.’”
Anna Cecil is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.