INDIANAPOLIS — Jim Richter, Indianapolis' famed blind broom salesman, has died at the age of 84. Richter’s death was announced on his Facebook page by his son, Andy Richter.
Jim was a fixture at local post offices for decades. He learned his broom-building craft while attending the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
Jim gained attention in 2016 when the U.S. Postal Service informed him that he would no longer be able to sell his brooms outside its post offices.
After his story got out, Jim received support not only from his loyal customers, but from House Speaker Brian Bosma and Gov. Mike Pence as well.
The U.S. The Postal Service eventually reversed course and allowed Jim to sell his brooms on post office property again – with a few new restrictions.
Jim took the news in stride.
"In spite of all the controversies that we have in life, if you just ride them out to the end, it's like riding a storm, and there's a rainbow at the end of that storm," Jim said.
According to Leppert Mortuaries, visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday, June 2nd at Leppert Mortuary – Nora Chapel.
Funeral services are at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 3rd at the mortuary.
-
Tony Stewart makes it to birth of baby boy after qualifying for NHRA finals
Tony Stewart had a busy weekend qualifying for the NRHA finals and welcoming a new baby boy on Saturday before returning to Pomona for race day Sunday.Spirit Airlines filing for bankruptcy as it faces looming debt payments
Spirit announced on Monday that it would file for bankruptcy. Customers can still book flights during this time, the company said.5 people, including firefighter, injured in apartment fire in Connersville
Five people, including a firefighter, were injured in an apartment fire in Connersville early Sunday morning.W.A.Y.S. uses theme of empathy to encourage youth to engage in community service
W.A.Y.S., an organization with a focus on youth mental health, hosted a fundraiser on Sunday to promote their theme of empathy. Over past few weeks, kids volunteered at several local organizations.