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By Becky Killian, Staff Writer
The county has adopted a mass notification system to communicate with the county’s residents during emergencies. Deni Stempowski, the county’s Emergency Management Agency director, explained the Code Red system to the Washington County Council during the Monday, Dec. 2, meeting.
Residents can decide how they wish to receive notifications, such as by landline, cell phone, or email. The notifications would include information about the type of emergency as well as any instructions, such as detours needed due to police or fire emergencies.
The mass notification system is less costly and more effective than sirens, Stempowski said.
The Code Red system will cost a total of about $21,625 for a five-year contract.
In another matter, Stempowski asked the council to consider changing her employment status as EMA director from part- to full-time. She explained that the change would allow the county to receive more grant money from the state to help pay her salary.
As a part-time employee, Stempowski said the state will provide the county with about $12,500 to offset her salary cost. If her position is made full-time, the state will reimburse the county about $23,600.
The council agreed to table the matter until January to further consider it.
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By Becky Killian, Staff Writer
Officials have unanimously approved an ordinance that details the requirements for private and commercial septic systems in the county. The vote came during the Tuesday, Dec. 3, meeting of the Washington County Board of Commissioners.
The county had a septic system ordinance previously, but a state law that became effective as of July 2023 voided all local ordinances passed before that date that pertain to septic systems. That law also formed a nine-member state-level technical review panel.
The local ordinance will require installers to register with the Health Department. The registration will be reviewed annually. Unless the installer is registered to install septic systems in another county, the installer will have to pass a certification examination.
Soil testing will still be required prior to the installation of a new septic system or before any changes are made to an existing system.
Any violations of the proposed ordinance or state law concerning septic systems could result in a notice of violation being sent to the property owner, who will have a set amount of time to remediate the violation. The local health department could also issue a stop work order.
If the violation isn’t remedied within the allotted time frame, violators could face a fine of $2,500 each day the violation occurs.
The ordinance details the appeals process the property owner can follow to dispute any permit denials, revocations, stop work orders, and penalties.
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Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita is alerting Hoosiers to important consumer protection concerns for products recalled in November. The office is encouraging consumers to take advantage of opportunities available to them to return, fix, dispose, return or replace a purchased recalled item that could be harmful to their families.
“The holidays should be a time of togetherness, not a time to worry about defected products,” Attorney General Rokita said. “Hoosiers need to know if purchased items are flawed or have the potential to hurt them or their families.”
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the following consumer products were recalled in November:
If you believe you recently purchased a recalled product, stop using it, and check its recall notice (linked above for all products). Then follow the notice’s instructions, including where to return the product, how to get the product fixed, how to dispose of the product, how to receive a refund for the product, or what steps must be taken to receive a replacement product.
To view recalls issued prior to November visit the Consumer Protection Safety Commission website.
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By Becky Killian, Staff Writer
Officials heard about an incentive that could lead to more broadband service in underserved and unserved areas of the county. The discussion happened during the Tuesday, Dec. 3, meeting of the Washington County Board of Commissioners.
Representatives from Mainstream Media said they have already invested $5 million to install broadband in the county. To help continue their investment, they asked commissioners to consider declaring portions of the county as an Infrastructure Development Zone. If implemented, any provider that provides broadband within that zone will be exempt from personal property tax on the fiber and equipment that is installed in the ground.
The area proposed for the zone is in the west and southwest portions of the county, including Hardinsburg and Palmyra.
Commissioner Todd Ewen said the county currently has about 75 percent broadband coverage thanks to tax abatements county officials approved for broadband providers like Jackson Connect and Orange County Telemedia.
Ewen advised the Mainstream Media representatives to approach the County Council about the request to establish the Infrastructure Development Zone.
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Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN-09), along with Committee on Education and the Workforce Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05), has formally requested that the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) review special education services for children with disabilities enrolled in private schools to determine possible under-identification. This effort aims to address significant gaps in the identification and provision of services mandated for students under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
“Children with disabilities deserve access to the resources and support they need, regardless of the type of school they attend,” said Congresswoman Houchin. “It is unacceptable that students in private schools may be overlooked, leaving them without the assistance provided by federal law.”
Under IDEA, local educational agencies are required to evaluate all children with disabilities within their jurisdiction, including those enrolled by their parents in private schools. However, research suggests that only 3 percent of private school students are identified as having disabilities under IDEA—far below the 6 to 9 percent estimated need and significantly lower than the 13 percent identification rate for public school students.
“These discrepancies suggest widespread issues that must be addressed,” added Congresswoman Houchin. “Through this review, we can ensure that children with disabilities in private schools are no longer left behind and receive the support they need, regardless of their educational setting.”
Congresswoman Houchin remains committed to advocating for students with disabilities and their families, ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed.
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