Statehouse Task Force Passes Final Report Aimed At Addressing The Housing Shortage
Statehouse Task Force Passes Final Report Aimed At Addressing The Housing Shortage
INDIANAPOLIS—On Thursday morning, the Housing Task Force met for the third time since Sept. 29 to revise and adopt a final report, going through 15 “findings and recommendations†for the General Assembly and Gov. Eric Holcomb.
The committee, headed by Rep. Doug Miller, R-Elkhart, and Sen. Linda Rogers, R-Granger, recommended that the state provide loans and grants to help fund housing infrastructure, saying it “will pay off in private-sector investment and economic growth.â€
It also suggested implementing both “tax incentives for homeownership programs targeted at first-time buyers or low-income buyers†and “state funding for financial literacy efforts†related to homeownership.
“[A]s a former teacher that taught this, I think this is really a great point and something that everyone really needs to understand—what it costs to own a home,†Rogers said.
Miller said he was excited to see point No. 8, which suggests using more Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative funds for housing projects, as “READI actually is targeted more broadly across the state … So it gets into even some of our smallest communities, so it has the opportunity to make the largest impact.â€
READI, according to the state’s website, takes “state appropriations to promote strategic investments that will make Indiana a magnet for talent and economic growth.â€
“Housing requests comprised 30% of all funding request[s] in the first round of READI, but more could be done to promote projects that result in the highest end use of limited grant dollars,†the task force’s final report reads.
One recommendation that the committee altered slightly was the proposal to “consider voluntary revisions in local zoning.â€
An example the report gave for the recommendation was the “waiver or elimination of unnecessary regulations,†and some members successfully advocated for the removal of “unnecessary.â€
Jeremy Stutsman, mayor of Goshen and representative for Advancing Indiana Municipalities, first questioned the inclusion of the word, saying it was subjective.
Different numbers were thrown around for what percentage of costs for building a home is due to regulations—Rogers said 25% while Gina Leckron, Habitat for Humanity of Indiana’s director, said 20%—but both said it was a reason for supporting the recommendation because if some regulations were removed, then the price of building a house would go down.
“Regulations imposed by all levels of government account for $93,870, or 23.8% of the current average sales price ($397,300) of a new single-family home,†said the National Association of Home Builders, referencing a NAHB study. It lists “hard costs of compliance,†such as fees, as the top regulatory cost during lot development and “changes to building codes over the past 10 years†during construction.
Other suggestions from the task force included “faster approval times for construction permits and timely inspections of projects at the local level†and allowing a half year between the passing of new building codes and when they take effect.
There was consternation among some members regarding a part of the report that said the committee is against “new sales taxes on services.â€
While Indiana currently does not tax services, Stutsman said it was a broad position for the group to take and if the General Assembly did want to pass a tax on services, it may be for good reason.
Miller disagreed, saying a tax on the services that go into homebuilding, like framing, plumbing and electrical work, would work against what the task force is trying to accomplish.
“So I feel strongly enough about this that I think that this needs to stay in that policy statement,†said Miller.
The biggest change made to the report was the inclusion of a 16th recommendation, after Sen. Fady Qaddoura, D-Indianapolis, expressed concern that there was nothing addressing the problem of landowners not keeping properties safe and up to standard.
The new addition—which said, “Support addressing substandard housingâ€â€”was suggested by Miller to appease Qaddoura, who responded with a moment of thankfulness.
“You did an amazing job,†Qaddoura said, referring to the two Republican co-chairs. “You’ve been transparent, you’ve been inclusive, you’ve been asking people to testify.â€
The new substandard housing recommendation was “the final piece that will … help me fully endorse and support this report publicly and privately,†Qadoura said.
The final report passed 10-2, with Rep. Cherrish Pryor, D-Indianapolis, and Stutsman voting no. It will now go to the Legislative Service Agency and then the General Assembly and governor.
EDUCATOR, COMMUNITY LEADER, AND VOLUNTEER SUE SCHRIBER TO BE HONORED BY CITY-COUNTY OBSERVER
EDUCATOR, COMMUNITY LEADER, AND VOLUNTEER SUE SCHRIBER TO BE HONORED BY CITY-COUNTY OBSERVER
EVANSVILLE – On November 3, 2022, community leaders will gather at BALLY’S to observe the City-County Observer bestowing several “Community Service Awards†to deserving individuals who are well-known and highly respected public servants and community volunteers.
It is with extreme pleasure and pride that we announce our first deserving “Community Service Awardâ€Â winner for 2022.  Sue Schriber is a highly respected and well-known teacher, community leader, and beloved community volunteer.
Sue is a graduate of Reitz High School, who moved on to the University of Evansville where she earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in Education.  Later she continued her education at Western Kentucky University earning a Certification in Counseling.  She was also a participant in Leadership Evansville. With this strong educational background and her strong commitment to stewardship of time and talent, she has been an outstanding teacher and leader in our community for many years.
In addition to her long teaching career in Evansville, Ms. Schriber has served as a music consultant at USI, Musical Director for “Young Abe Lincoln†outdoor drama, Musical Director for Civic Theatre, and performed in more than 75 Civic Theatre productions. She has performed in the New Harmony Theater Company and has served as Drama Director for the Public Education Foundation Summer Musicals.  Sue has served Wabash Valley College in various positions over the years as vocal, music, and drama director.  She has also been involved in Jacob Ball Wish Fund activities as a fundraiser and performer.  This list is certainly not inclusive of all that this respected and appreciated community leader has accomplished.
Others in our community have recognized the outstanding talents and generosity that Sue Schriber has shared with our community.  Recognition and awards include the Outstanding Educator Award from the University of Evansville and Bristol Myers, the Arts Council Youth Awards, the Scottish Rite Community Service Award, and the Reitz Home Civic award.  With her husband, Jack, the couple received the Rotary Civic Award and the Leadership Evansville Lifetime Achievement Award.  In addition to these accomplishments and recognition, Ms. Schriber has been a member of numerous professional and community organizations.
Sue and Jack Schriber have been married for nearly 50 years.  They have a daughter, Tiffany Schriber Ball, and two grandsons, Reagan Alexander and Jacob Andrew.  Sue and Jack have been members of the First Presbyterian Church where Sue has served in a variety of ministries for many years. The CCO is proud to recognize her with the “Community Service Award†for 2022.
Last year’s “Community Service Awards†winners were: Mayor Winnecke was recognized with the Inaugural “Person of the Year Award.† Other 2021 “Community Service Awards†honorees were: Charles L. Berger-Attorney, State Senator Vaneta Becker, City Councilman Ales Burton, retired County Treasurer, and County Clerk-Susan Kirk, retired Vanderburgh County Superior Court Judge Rich D’Amour, and Community Volunteer-Lisa Rhyand Vaughn.
For the last 10 years, this event was totally sold out and this year is no exception
Foster Farms Recalls Fully Cooked Frozen Chicken Patty Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Foster Farms Recalls Fully Cooked Frozen Chicken Patty Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
FSIS Announcement
- 80-oz. plastic bag packages containing 20 pieces of “CHICKEN PATTIES BREADED CHICKEN BREAST PATTIES WITH RIB MEAT†with best by date “08/11/23,†establishment number “P-33901,†and lot code “3*2223**†in inkjet print on the back edge of the packaging as well as “7527899724†under the barcode.
These items were shipped to Costco distribution centers in Arizona, California, Colorado, Utah, and Washington, and may have been further distributed to Costco retail locations.
The problem was discovered when the firm notified FSIS that it received consumer complaints reporting hard clear plastic embedded in fully cooked, frozen, breaded chicken breast patty products with a best-by date of Aug. 11, 2023.
There have been no confirmed reports of injury associated with the consumption of this product, but FSIS believes the hard plastic pieces could be sharp and possibly cause an injury. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.
FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them and retailers are urged not to sell them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.
FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.
Consumers with questions about the recall can contact the Foster Farms Consumer Hotline at 1-800-338-8051 or info@fosterfarms.com. Members of the media with questions about the recall can contact Ira Brill, Vice President of Communications, Foster Farms, at 209-394-6891.
Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or live chat via Ask USDA from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Consumers can also browse food safety messages at Ask USDA or send a question via email to MPHotline@usda.gov. For consumers that need to report a problem with a meat, poultry, or egg product, the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/.
“Evansville Painter/Artist Sells Out London Show First Nightâ€
Andrew “Cooper” a 30-year local /Artist recently completed his international solo gallery exhibition in London England and it was a massive success.
“Cooper” studio is located in Evansville, Indiana, Cooper painted 29 canvases in 2022 that were shown at his first Exhibition
American Painter “Cooper†recently just had his debut international solo gallery Exhibition in London England and it was a massive success. “Cooper” painted 29 canvases in 2022 that was shown at his first Exhibition held at Maddox Gallery in their Westbourne Grove location.
“Cooper” grew up drawing at a very early age and even has a book at his mother’s where he drew a picture of himself painting a canvas and wrote, “I want to be an artist when I grow up.†He later attended art school at Ball State University where he got his training. 2 weeks after graduating he moved to Miami where he worked at a record label and then began painting on his own at night. 1 year after the record label job, Cooper then packed up and moved to Los Angeles where he began to paint full-time and take commissions. He painted for 2 years in LA while selling canvases and even getting collaborations with global companies such as PUMA, COACH NY, and Mountain Dew. After 2 years Covid hit in 2020 and Cooper moved back to downtown Evansville where he got his first large studio and began painting 5 x 6-foot canvases and selling work strictly through his Instagram account – @iam.cooper.
He began to build a fanbase online and then showed some work at Artswin Gallery on the main street in Evansville in January of 2021. The exhibition showed 25 works and on opening night it was difficult to get people in the door because covid was hitting hard, “Cooper” still managed to sell works to collectors in Taiwan and China through Instagram. After posting these canvases to Instagram, Guy Hepner Gallery out of New York contacted Cooper and wanted him to show works in New York. Cooper was so thrilled and immediately began to work on new works. Unfortunately, since covid was still in effect “Cooper had to show his 6 new large masterpieces on the Guy Hepner Website, but they still all sold out on the first day. After the huge success with the 6 works in New York, Cooper took on 15 commission paintings through the gallery that lasted the rest of 2021.
Meanwhile, Maddox Gallery found “Cooper” on Instagram and began to contact him, but he was busy with a project. Out of the blue Maddox sent him a plane ticket and said let’s do this.  Right after “Cooper” finished the commission piece for a NY gallery he then hopped on a plane the following day to London to meet Maddox. “Cooper” and Maddox signed a deal for 3 exhibitions over the next couple of years and painted a couple of pieces while being there.
On October 13th, 2022 Maddox hosted a private dinner party at a well-known gallery where “Cooper” gave an informative talk about his work, displayed his current paintings, and met current clients of Maddox. Amazingly, all the “COOPER” work was sold by the end of the private dinner.
“Cooper” is back in Evansville and is currently working on a large painting for a December Basel Art Fair in Miami. After he is finished the Basel Art Fair, “Cooper” is starting his next exhibition with Maddox Gallery at their Gstaad Switzerland location next July 2023.
“Cooper” studio is located in Evansville, Indiana.  You can contact him at Email – iamcooperart@gmail.com.  You can view his work on his Instagram account at – @iam.cooper Or here is the IP address – https://www.instagram.com/iam.cooper/
Voters Can Cast Their Ballots Early At Five EVPL Locations Starting Today
Voters can cast their ballots early at five Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library locations from Monday, October 31, to Friday, November 4.Â
 “EVPL is proud to partner once again with the Vanderburgh County Election Office to offer early voting at five of our library locations,†EVPL CEO-Director Scott Kinney said. “We look forward to providing a safe and welcoming space for voters to cast their ballot.â€Â  While the library is an early voting site, EVPL is not a polling place on Election Day.Â
Voters can register to vote, check their voting status, and see who is on their ballot at https://indianavoters.in.gov/.Â
EPA Enforcement Actions Help Protect Health of Vulnerable Communities from Lead Paint Hazards
WASHINGTON (October 28, 2022) – As part of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) highlighted several federal enforcement actions completed from October 2021 through September 2022, as well as future planned investigations. These actions ensure that renovation contractors, landlords and realtors comply with rules that protect the public from exposure to lead from lead paint. By bringing companies into compliance with these rules, EPA protects future customers and their families.
Lead-contaminated dust from chipped or peeling lead-based paint in homes built prior to 1978 presents one of the most common causes of elevated blood lead levels in children. Infants and children are especially vulnerable to lead paint exposure because their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults do, and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead.
“Because lead-based paint is the most common source of elevated blood lead levels in U.S. children, EPA is taking action against those who violate federal lead-based paint regulations and ensuring the public understands the danger of this hazard,†said Larry Starfield, EPA’s Acting Assistant Administrator for the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “The enforcement actions EPA took this past year send a clear message that EPA is committed to enforcing regulations designed to protect the public from lead-based paint exposure.â€
Reduction of childhood lead exposures is a high priority for EPA. These enforcement actions reflect the agency’s continuing commitment to implementing the Federal Lead Strategy and EPA’s Lead Strategy and result in reducing or eliminating lead exposures, particularly to children.
Regulations under the federal Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act (LHRA) apply to most pre-1978 dwellings and child-occupied facilities such as pre-schools and child-care centers. TSCA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP) and Lead-based Paint Activities Rule require contractor certification and lead-safe work practices. LHRA’s Section 1018 Lead Disclosure Rule requires disclosure of information about lead-based paint before the sale or lease of most housing built before 1978. By ensuring compliance with federal lead-based paint requirements, EPA addresses a major source of lead exposure that occurs in communities across the nation.
The cases below involve alleged noncompliance with at least one of these lead paint requirements. These cases highlight the range of the Agency’s work, including:
- criminal prosecution in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ),
- a focus on geographic areas that suffer from disproportionate levels of lead exposure, and
- bringing civil administrative actions against renovators with a far-reaching influence on the compliance landscape locally, regionally or nationwide.
By ensuring compliance with federal lead paint requirements, EPA strives to address major sources of lead exposure that occur throughout the nation and particularly in areas of environmental justice concern. In addition to EPA’s actions, the Agency supports states, tribes, and territories on the implementation and enforcement of the EPA-authorized lead-based paint programs.
Although the federal government banned residential use of lead-based paint in 1978, it persists in millions of older homes, sometimes under layers of new paint. Lead exposure, particularly at higher doses, continues to pose a significant health and safety threat to children, preventing them from reaching their fullest potential for their health, intellect, and future development. Even small amounts of lead dust can cause harm to children living in the home.
Case Highlights:
GB Group, Inc. Settles to Resolve Alleged Renovation Violations
Property Management Firm Settles Alleged Lead Renovation and Asbestos Violations
Property Manager Sentenced for Failure to Properly Notify Tenants about Lead Hazards
USI rallies to tie for 1st at KWC Invitational​​​​​​​
OWENSBORO, Ky. – University of Southern Indiana Men’s Golf rallied from nine strokes down to tie for first at the Kentucky Wesleyan College Invitational Saturday and Sunday at The Pearl Golf Club in Owensboro, Kentucky.
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The Screaming Eagles shot a red-hot six-under 282 during the first round, but trailed by nine-strokes to a red-hot McKendree University, which posted a blistering with a 15-under 273. McKendree would cool off in day two with a four-over 292 as USI made up the ground with a five-under 283 to tie for first.
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USI’s 36-hole 565 (282-283) set a program record, breaking the mark set by the 2006-07 squad that posted a 568 (285-283) at the GolfExchangeKY.comClassic.
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Senior Zach Williams (Mt. Vernon, Illinois), freshman Carter Goebel (Breese, Illinois), and sophomore Jason Bannister (Laguna Niguel, California) led the second-round charge. Williams and Goebel rallied in the final 18 holes with a pair of three-under 69s, while Bannister matched his first-round score with a second-straight two-under 70.
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Individually for the tournament, Bannister was USI’s top finisher and tied for second with a four-under 140 (70-70). Williams was not far behind, tying for seventh with a two-under 142 (73-69). Goebel rose from 26th after the first round to a tie for 13th with an even par 144 (75-69).
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Junior Bryce Kirchner (North Vernon, Indiana) also tied for 13th with a 144 (69-75). Kirchner’s 69 was USI’s top round on day one and was tied for tied for fifth.
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USI’s five was rounded out by junior Jace Day (Bloomington, Indiana), who tied for 20th with a three-over 147 (70-77). Â
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The Eagles continue 2022-23 during the spring championship portion of the season. The spring schedule will be announced during the coming months.
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