Read more about the article FEMA Storm Aid Deadline

FEMA Storm Aid Deadline

FEMA Assistance Deadline May 8 is the last day to register for FEMA Individual Assistance for the Indiana Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, and Tornadoes Major Disaster Declared March 9, 2012 (DR-4058)The first step for homeowners, renters and business owners to obtain federal disaster assistance is to register with FEMA. One easy way to apply is to call the toll-free telephone registration (800) 621-FEMA (3362). This number is also a help line individuals may call to ask questions and verify their registration.For speech-or hearing-impaired applicants, the TTY number is (800) 462-7585 and Video Relay Service may be accessed at (800) 621-3362. These lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Registration is also possible online at www.fema.gov or www.DisasterAssistance.gov.You can APPEAL a FEMA decision!If you have already registered with FEMA and received a letter saying you are ineligible for assistance, you can appeal the determination. A successful appeal could be as simple as providing missing paperwork, providing a correct address or updating FEMA with additional damage discovered since you registered.The first step in the appeal process is to write a letter to FEMA explaining why you think you are eligible for more coverage than originally determined. The letter must be postmarked within 60 days of the decision letter’s date. Mail the letter to:FEMA National Processing Service CenterP.O. Box 10055Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055or fax to: 1-800-827-8112

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Read more about the article Armand DISMISSED

Armand DISMISSED

RALPH ARMAND DISMISSED as Administrator of Jefferson County Health Department Today!! Thank you to everyone willing to take a stand for the victims of the deadly tornado and decades of abuse at the hand of our corrupt health department administrator. A new administrator will be named at the Board of Health meeting on Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at 12:30 pm. https://youtu.be/x4PGCHdoN08 Serious concerns still remain with a lack of  accountability and transparency with our current health officer and administration. Unresolved policy and permit issues with tornado victims and others will continue to be addressed and communicated with our Commissioners and the Board of Health. Now is the time to share your thoughts and opinions on how to make our health department responsive to the citizens.

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Read more about the article The Buck Stops Here

The Buck Stops Here

Notice: Board of Health Special Meeting 4/17/2012 at 12 Noon Last minute reminder: The board of health is meeting at 12 noon to publicly address the myriad of concerns with the administration of the health department.Most pressing is the mandate from the Commissioners to remove Armand and restore accountability and integrity to the department.If at all possible, please attend in support of all victims of this corrupt administration and don't allow them to pass the buck any longer.Health Department: 812-273-1942715 Green Road Madison, IN 47250 (map)

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Read more about the article Pass the Buck

Pass the Buck

An informal petition drive organized by concerned citizens procured more than 2,000 Jefferson County taxpayer signatures demanding the removal of Ralph Armand. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WILLING TO TAKE A STAND ! The petition was presented to the Board of Health last Tuesday and acknowledged by Julie Berry at the Commissioner's meeting on Friday, a pertinent fact curiously omitted by the Madison Courier. I wonder why?  Commissioner Berry also admitted that over the YEARS, she has received numerous complaints regarding our health department administrator … [and yet she did nothing.] In addition, the Commissioners continue to receive daily communication from a very frustrated and angry public that as she put it, has expressed a “confidence issue” with the health department. We can always count on Commissioner Berry to be politically correct in her words, but what about her actions, or lack thereof? The Commissioners are responsible for appointing the health board members to 4-year staggered terms. Every year the Commissioners have an opportunity to make changes to the board … yet nothing ever changed and Armand was allowed to continue his victimization. Commissioner Berry is equally at fault in perpetuating the current “confidence issue” that has now infected not only the health department, but also Jefferson County’s highest executive branch. The Commissioners praised Dr. Hossler for his efforts to personally meet with some of the victims of the tornado and his administrator, Ralph Armand. However, more than 6-weeks later, three victims remain homeless, without resolution and a 4th victim has the burden of proof to prove their fully functional and grandfathered septic system is in a different location from the permit issued 16-years ago. Despite all the lip service, the current administration continues to dis-serve the public and defy logic in direct conflict with the intent of the resolution passed by the Commissioners to accommodate and assist the victims in rebuilding their homes and lives. Dr. Hossler as our appointed health officer is responsible for the administration of the health department. He has the authority to hire and fire his administrative staff, including Mr. Armand. Unfortunately, Dr. Hossler has chosen to defend his administrator - at the expense of the public trust. The board of health now must force their hand to protect the very public they are appointed to serve and they better. Shame on all you for passing the buck! Dr. John Hossler, MD

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Read more about the article Letter to Commissioners

Letter to Commissioners

Open Letter to Commissioner Tom Pietrykowski Thank you for heeding the concerns of your constituents and having the strength to take a public stand against the corruption that has oppressed Jefferson County for decades. As the county executive, you have demonstrated leadership by initiating necessary measures to protect the public from the very Health Department established to protect it. Contrary to Indiana law and their own mission statement, “The Jefferson County Health Department supports Jefferson County's economic prosperity and quality of life by promoting, protecting and providing for the health of Jefferson County residents.” Our community has suffered far too long at the hand of the current administration. Mainstays like the Chelsea General Store, Kent Mercantile, Mundt's Candies, Big D’s BBQ, and countless other family owned restaurants and food establishments have been forced out of business. The cost of simply doing nothing has already cost us dearly in lost commerce and jobs, broken spirits and financial ruin of countless victims, and a nefarious reputation as “a nice place to visit but you don’t want to live there.” Under the authority granted to our health officer, Dr. John Hossler, MD and the local board of health, Ralph Armand, their administrator has been allowed to perpetuate a hostile environment rife in corrupt business practices, including market control, harassment and intimidation of others through threat of retaliation, all in clear violation of Federal Anti-Trust laws. By compelling our local health department to take immediate corrective actions to remove Mr. Armand, you and Commissioner Mark Cash are the catalyst to restore integrity to our county government and protect taxpayer dollars from the very real threat of costly litigation. You have acknowledged that basic reform also demands pertinent policy and administrative changes towards transparency, accountability and fairness. This includes, but is not limited to complete restructuring of the existing permit process for the food service sector, septic systems and qualifications to become an approved installer. Also, at a minimum, our health board/officer/administrator should include at least one soil scientist or other certified professional or third party qualified to advise on septic issues and concerns, and the appeals process must be conspicuously disclosed, unbiased and responsive to the people. As long as you stay true to your word, you will have earned the respect and trust of the people, allowing Jefferson County to flourish once again. Thank you.

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