FOOTNOTE: Â EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.
EPA Proposes Updates to Strengthen the Safer Choice Standard
WASHINGTON (Nov. 13, 2023)Â – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced proposed updates to the Safer Choice Standard, which identifies the requirements that products and their ingredients must meet to earn EPA’s Safer Choice label or Design for the Environment (DfE) logo. The Agency is requesting public comments on the proposed updates by Jan. 16, 2024, and will hold a webinar on Dec. 19, 2023, to provide information on proposed updates to the Standard.
The Safer Choice program helps consumers and purchasers for facilities, such as schools and office buildings, find cleaners, detergents, and other products made with chemical ingredients that are safer for human health and the environment. Similarly, the DfE program helps people find disinfectants that meet high standards for human health and the environment.
“The Safer Choice program continues to encourage safer and greener chemistry in the marketplace to safeguard human health and protect the environment,â€Â said EPA Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Deputy Assistant Administrator for Pollution Prevention Jennie Romer. “These proposed updates to the Safer Choice Standard will increase transparency, safety, and sustainability in consumer and commercial products.â€
EPA’s proposed updates to the Standard include:
•  New certification for cleaning service providers that use Safer Choice- and DfE-certified products to help protect workers that use cleaning products all day as well as the people who live or work in the spaces they clean.
•  Strengthening sustainable packaging requirements in response to consumer demand and innovations in packaging materials and technologies.
•  Expanded criteria specific to pet care products to ensure such products use only the safest possible ingredients for both humans and pets.
•  Clarifying language on EPA’s process for entering product classes and exiting those that pose unexpected risks despite safer chemistry.
•  Clarifying language regarding the use of data from New Approach Methodologies during Safer Choice chemical review.
•  New, optional energy efficiency or use reduction criteria to encourage companies to reduce water use and carbon-based energy consumption.
•  Updated criteria for wipe products to help reduce damage to wastewater treatment systems.
•  Potential creation of a new alternate logo, similar to the Fragrance-Free logo, to distinguish products used outdoors that meet additional EPA criteria for environmental safety.
EPA periodically updates the Standard to keep current with the state of scientific and technological innovation; increase transparency and reduce redundancy; and expand the scope of the program as appropriate. This will be EPA’s fourth update of the Standard since its inception in 2009, and the first since 2015.
On Dec. 19, 2023, 2-3 p.m. ET, EPA will hold a webinar to provide further information on the proposed updates to the Standard. The webinar may be of interest to stakeholders interested in commenting on the updates, including manufacturers and distributors, retailers, community groups and representatives from states, Tribal Nations, non-profit organizations, trade associations, and others. Register here for the webinar.
Upon publication of the Federal Register notice, comments should be submitted to docket EPA-HQ-OPPT-2023-0520 on Regulations.gov by Jan. 16, 2024.
EPA will use the written comments to guide updates to the Standard.
COLLISION ON New Harmony Road
The victim of a collision involving an ATV and motor vehicle has been identified as Robert A. Lutz, age 49, of Vanderburgh County. The collision occurred on New Harmony Rd. in western Vanderburgh County on November 11, 2023 at 13:39 hrs. He died at the scene and was the operator of an ATV struck by a Motor Vehicle.  The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the circumstances of the collision. They can provide updates of their investigation when available.
“IS IT TRUE ” NOVEMBER 13, 2023
City-County Observer Comment Policy. Be kind to people. No personal attacks or harassment will not be tolerated and shall be 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, or insults against commenters will not be tolerated and will be removed from our site.
Reader’s comments in this column do not represent the views or opinions of the City-County Observer or our advertising.
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, failures, and triumphs.
IS IT TRUE that the local GOP just experienced a major political split that began when Mayor Winnecke and GOP Party Chairmen Mike Duckworth openly opposed County Commissioner Cheryl Musgrave as the Republican nominee for Mayor of Evansville? …that because of their serious political misstep, there is now an active movement to oust the current Chairman of the Vanderburgh Republican Party from his position? Â …that this may be a developing story?
IS IT TRUE that we have been informed Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke tapped his friends, PAC Committee members, and associates that raised a little over one million dollars for the Republican for Natalie Rascher’s campaign for Mayor of Evansville?
IS IT TRUE that many people feel that the political strategists not allowing the well-qualified and extremely personable GOP mayoral candidate Natalie Rascher to speak directly to the voters in her TV commercials was a major political misstep?…the person who spoke in her TV ads was none other than Mayor Lloyd Winnecke instead of the extremely articulate Natalie Rascher?
IS IT TRUE that it is widely believed that if the leadership of Vanderburgh County GOP had given the appropriate amount of campaign money to several of their well-qualified City Council candidates they could have won their race, keeping a balanced ideology on the City Council?
IS IT TRUE that we are told that the leadership of Vanderburgh County GOP spent a small fortune of money trying to blunt the efforts of the Libertarian Michael Daugherty campaign from taking votes from Mayoral candidate Natalie Rashner? Â …that the GOP leadership made a big political mistake when they didn’t challenge Stephanie Terry’s County Council voting record while she was a member of the Vanderburgh County Council?…that because she went unchallenged by GOP leadership she will walk through the golden door known as the Office of the Mayor of Evansville?
IS IT TRUE that several well-known Republicans are hoping that Nattalie Rashner will get a Department Head appointment in the Terry administration? Â …if she does get an appointment we know that she will serve the Mayor well?
IS IT TRUE that we have been told by reliable sources that Michael Daughty may also be getting an appointment to a county-run board? Â …we also feel if he gets appointed to a county board he will do a good job for the taxpayers of Vanderburgh County?
IS IT TRUE that members of our current City Council recently approved a 9 million dollar “Lease/Rental Revenue Bond” to update the Ford Center by selling the naming rights of 27 city streets as collateral so they purchase bonds to renovate the Ford Center? Â …that we have been told that several local taxpayers want to know how much money has Evansville collected from the sale of naming rights of our city streets. Â …if you would like the answer to this question please contact Russ Lloyd Jr. at the City Controller’s office.
IS IT TRUE that when a City is in a serious financial bind and can’t purchase any more Municipal Bond money for future capital projects it resorts to the questionable practice of having a Building Contractor quietly fund the capital project and sign a long-term Lease/Rental Revenue Bonds contract with interest agreement with the builder? Â …that “Lease/Rental Revenue Bonds” have quietly been used on several other capital projects throughout Evansville during the last several years? Â …if you don’t think this comment is true then contact Russ Llloyd, Jr in the City Controller’s office?
IS IT TRUE that the Evansville Redevelopment Commission’s “Potential Projects Lists†for 2023 and beyond are: • 4th and Main Park and new Affordable Housing Developments • Riverside Drive Pedestrian and Transportation Improvements • Historic Lighting – continued in Arts District • Development of Bond Street property – new Affordable Housing Project • Assist with potential READI Grant Projects • Burkhardt Road TIF area infrastructure development?  …that we wonder where the Evansville Redevelopment Commission is going to get the money for these proposed projects?
IS IT TRUE that our “Readers Poll” is non-scientific but trendy? Â …our current “Readers Poll” question is: HOW DO YOU FEEL THAT MAYOR ELECT STEPHANIE TERRY IS GOING TO DO?
If you would like to advertise on the CCO please contact us at City-County Observer@live.com
 BREAKING NEWS: Joe Kiefer Will Not Seek Another Term On The Vanderburgh County Council
 Joe Kiefer Will Not Seek Another Term On The Vanderburgh County Council But His Son Joey Kiefer 11 Will Be Running For His Dad’s Vacant Seat
NOVEMBER 13, 2023
Joe Kiefer, the local business person, elected official, and volunteer has decided to not seek another term on the County Council. As the owner of Hahn Kiefer Real Estate Services and Next Home Hahn Kiefer Residential, Joe has decided to spend more time growing his business and to spend more time traveling with his wife, Jo Ann, and also more time with his nine grandchildren.
Joe was first elected to the Evansville City Council in 1999 and served 2 terms, later, becoming a Vanderburgh County Commissioner and Vanderburgh County Councilman. Before being elected, he served as a board member of the Alcohol Beverage Commission.
During his tenure, he served on numerous boards including, the Old Courthouse Foundation, where he led multiple renovation projects that led to leasing much of the vacant space. He currently donates his time as a commercial broker, at no cost to the county, and his leasing team to help maintain a high level of occupancy. Joe is also on the EVPL Board and serves on the Finance Committee at St. Benedict Cathedral.
As an elected official, Joe was active in multiple road projects including improvements to the University Parkway, and North Green River Road expansion, and was always an advocate for I-69.  During his time as an elected official, he is very proud that he has always had a great working relationship with both Republicans and Democrats to help the community move forward. He played a role in multiple capital projects, such as the Ford Center, the Old National Events Plaza, Swonder Ice Arena, and many other community projects. In the county, Joe is proud that he and his fellow elected officials have worked together to keep the tax rate low while still being able to fund pay raises to employees.Of course, along the way, Joe is very proud that his son, Joe II, desires to follow in his footsteps in serving the Evansville community.
Another Political Announcement:Â
Joe Kiefer II plans to run for County Council in 2024
Joe Kiefer II, age 34, plans to run for the Vanderburgh County Council At-Large seat in 2024. He would be filling the seat, his father, Joe Kiefer has held for the last 2 terms. Joe II will be running as a Republican but prefers to be identified as someone who cares deeply about Vanderburgh County and the people and businesses who reside in our community. As a board member since 2015 of the Evansville Visitor & Convention Bureau, he has helped lead the convention bureau as its board president from 2019 – 2023. He also has volunteered at Memorial High School as a track and fitness coach for 6 years and has served several years as president of the Memorial Booster Club. In 2020 he was recognized in the Rotary Club’s, 20 Under 40, leaders in the community.
Joe II, since graduating with his MBA from Bellarmine University in 2013, has worked in wealth management and currently manages/leads a local wealth services team. He is well-positioned to serve his community on the county’s fiscal body. In addition to his Master’s in Business Administration, he also has a Bachelor’s in Economics.
Joe II is married to Emily and together they have 3 children. He is excited about the opportunity to run for County Council and to serve his community. It’s a family tradition!
RECAP OF THE 2023 CITY-COUNTY OBSERVER AWARDS LUNCHEON
The City-County Observer was excited to honor the following community leaders and volunteers who have been selected as our 2023 “Outstanding Community Service Award” winners. Over the years this event has become one of several must-attend events in this region and this year was no exception.
The “COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD” winners for 2023 were: Â DANIELA VIDAL, the well-respected Chancellor of Ivy Tech-Evansville, Â the Honorable Vanderburgh County Superior Court Judge TOM MASSEY, and the well-respected SOUTHWESTERN INDIANA BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION COUNCIL.
The annual “WOMAN OF THE YEAR” award winner for 2023 was none other than the well-respected community and political leader and volunteer CONNIE ROBINSON-BLAIR. Â The “MAN-OF THE YEAR” award winner was the extremely popular and award-winning TV Sportscaster and News Anchor MIKE BLAKE.
This year’s event Master of Ceremonies was the Memorial Baptist Church mega preacher and publisher of “Our Times” newspaper, Dr. Adrian Brooks.
Steve Hammer and County Commissioner Ben Shoulders were Co-Chairpersons of this year’s event.
The keynote speaker for the event was the well-known and well-regarded CEO/PUBLISHER OF THE INDIANA CITIZEN NEWSPAPER, D. William Moreau, Jr. Â
Some of the past City-County Observer “Outstanding Community Service Award†winners over the last fifteen (15) years were: Holly Dunn Pendleton, Indiana Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch,  Dr. Dan Adams, Dr. Steve Becker, AttorneyTed Ziemer and his wife Clare, Attorney Joe Harrison Jr., Tracy Zeller, former Vanderburgh County Sheriff and U S Congressmen Brad Ellsworth, Attorney Charles L. Berger, retired Vanderburgh County Clerk and Treasurer Susan Kirk, Indiana State Senator Vaneta Becker, 4TH Ward  City Councilman Alex Burton, and community volunteer Lisa Rhyand Vaughan, retired Vanderburgh County Superior Court Judge Richard G. D’Amour, Superior Court Judge Robert Pigman, Chief Superior Court Judge Les Shivery.
 The First Annual Annual CCO “Person Of The Year” award winner was none other than Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke.
This year’s awards luncheon was held at Bally-Evansville and was a total sell-out.
In the garden of patriots
In the garden of patriots
MARION, Indiana—The rows of white headstones stretch out in perfect alignment as far as my eyes can see.
John Krull, publisher, TheStatehouseFile.com
I’m here at Marion National Cemetery to pay my respects to my veteran, my father. Dad died earlier this year, almost 80 years after he wore his country’s uniform.
Dad enlisted in the waning days of World War II, as soon as he graduated from high school and well before he was even 18. After basic training, his orders took him to the Aleutian Islands off the coast of Alaska. He joked that the only thing he ever fought there were the mosquitoes, which he said came in swarms.
Dad didn’t find his military service to be painful. He’d been a poor boy, one who spent a fair slice of his childhood in an orphanage.
Those years were a time about which he never would talk. I knew that he’d known hunger when he was young. He always cleaned his plate, even when he didn’t care for the food on it, and he worried that his children didn’t have enough to eat.
Even when we had plenty.
When he got into the Army, he started receiving three solid meals a day. He grew three inches and packed on weight and muscle in a matter of months, emerging from his time in uniform physically transformed.
He also learned things. He’d never been taught to drive, but part of his duties in the service involved driving a truck.
Some sergeant handed Dad the keys and told him to teach himself.
Which he did.
“Only in the Army,†Dad would say, then shake his head.
But for all his wry bemusement, I knew Dad’s military service meant a great deal to him. He took one of the Honor Flights to Washington, D.C., late in his life. Afterward, he wore the ball cap from the flight that touted his Army years all the time.
As I stand now at his grave, I look at all the other headstones—thousands of them in this cemetery alone—reaching out into the distance.
Veterans, every one of them.
I decided to stroll about and see with whom my father is resting.
Just in the sections close to Dad, there are veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Gulf wars. Some are buried with their spouses. Some lie alone.
Many of the headstones—like Dad’s—refer to the people who loved them. Dad’s marker says he was a beloved father and grandfather. Other headstones describe a husband, a brother or a son who is dearly missed.
As I walk among these rows of uniform tombstones, I ponder at and think of all the stories—all the lives—that now rest here.
Dad’s life began in Minnesota and ended here in Indiana. His path through life carried him many places and brought him both joys and sorrows.
As I look at the headstones in their long lines, I wonder about the joys and sorrows experienced by those who lie here now. I hope it was more of the former and less of the latter, but I know that, for at least some of them, that couldn’t have been the case.
And I think about what ties all these honored dead together.
At one time in their lives, they all made a commitment to this country. They all said they were willing to die in its defense.
Most of them were young—very young—when they made that promise. That means they were willing to give up a great deal—willing perhaps to surrender the long years that stretched before them.
There have been times since Dad died a few months ago that I have awoken at night troubled by the thought that my father lies among strangers.
Now, though, I cannot think of a better place for his earthly remains to reside. Certainly he could not be in better company.
I walk back to Dad’s grave and stand for a moment, thinking of the boy he was and remembering the man he became.
I glance again at all the headstones stretching into the distance.
And I pray that my father and all who rest here know peace.
They earned it.
FOOTNOTE: John Krull is director of Franklin College’s Pulliam School of Journalism and publisher of TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students. The views expressed are those of the author only and should not be attributed to Franklin College
MARION, Indiana—The rows of white headstones stretch out in perfect alignment as far as my eyes can see.
I’m here at Marion National Cemetery to pay my respects to my veteran, my father. Dad died earlier this year, almost 80 years after he wore his country’s uniform.
Dad enlisted in the waning days of World War II, as soon as he graduated from high school and well before he was even 18. After basic training, his orders took him to the Aleutian Islands off the coast of Alaska. He joked that the only thing he ever fought there were the mosquitoes, which he said came in swarms.
Dad didn’t find his military service to be painful. He’d been a poor boy, one who spent a fair slice of his childhood in an orphanage.
Those years were a time about which he never would talk. I knew that he’d known hunger when he was young. He always cleaned his plate, even when he didn’t care for the food on it, and he worried that his children didn’t have enough to eat.
Even when we had plenty.
When he got into the Army, he started receiving three solid meals a day. He grew three inches and packed on weight and muscle in a matter of months, emerging from his time in uniform physically transformed.
He also learned things. He’d never been taught to drive, but part of his duties in the service involved driving a truck.
Some sergeant handed Dad the keys and told him to teach himself.
Which he did.
“Only in the Army,†Dad would say, then shake his head.
But for all his wry bemusement, I knew Dad’s military service meant a great deal to him. He took one of the Honor Flights to Washington, D.C., late in his life. Afterward, he wore the ball cap from the flight that touted his Army years all the time.
As I stand now at his grave, I look at all the other headstones—thousands of them in this cemetery alone—reaching out into the distance.
Veterans, every one of them.
I decide to stroll about and see with whom my father is resting.
Just in the sections close to Dad, there are veterans from World War II, from Korea, from Vietnam and from the Gulf wars. Some are buried with their spouses. Some lie alone.
Many of the headstones—like Dad’s—refer to the people who loved them. Dad’s marker says he was a beloved father and grandfather. Other headstones describe a husband, a brother or a son who is dearly missed.
As I walk among these rows of uniform tombstones, I ponder at and think of all the stories—all the lives—that now rest here.
Dad’s life began in Minnesota and ended here in Indiana. His path through life carried him many places and brought him both joys and sorrows.
As I look at the headstones in their long lines, I wonder about the joys and sorrows experienced by those who lie here now. I hope it was more of the former and less of the latter, but I know that, for at least some of them, that couldn’t have been the case.
And I think about what ties all these honored dead together.
At one time in their lives, they all made a commitment to this country. They all said they were willing to die in its defense.
Most of them were young—very young—when they made that promise. That means they were willing to give up a great deal—willing perhaps to surrender the long years that stretched before them.
There have been times since Dad died a few months ago that I have awoken at night troubled by the thought that my father lies among strangers.
Now, though, I cannot think of a better place for his earthly remains to reside. Certainly he could not be in better company.
I walk back to Dad’s grave and stand for a moment, thinking of the boy he was and remembering the man he became.
I glance again at all the headstones stretching into the distance.
And I pray that my father and all who rest here know peace.
They earned it.
John Krull is director of Franklin College’s Pulliam School of Journalism and publisher of TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students. The views expressed are those of the author only and should not be attributed to Franklin College