Pulaski County residents have the chance to learn how they can help guide abused and neglected kids through the court system. Circuit Court Judge Michael Shurn told the county council and commissioners Monday that an open house is planned, to celebrate the county’s newly-independent Court Appointed Special Advocates program. Continue reading
Pulaski Circuit Court to Make CASA Program Full-Time
An uptick in court cases involving children has led to some changes for Pulaski County’s Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program. CASAs are trained volunteers who help guide abused and neglected kids through the court system.
Pulaski Circuit Court Granted Permission to Spend Another $10,000 on Employee Overtime
Pulaski County Council to Consider Additional Appropriations for Circuit Court, IT Department
The Pulaski County Council will consider extra funding to cover overtime costs for Circuit Court staff tonight. Judge Michael Shurn is asking for permission to spend another $10,000 for employee overtime. Several cases have been transferred to Circuit Court from Superior Court, following Crystal Brucker Kocher’s appointment as Superior Court judge this past summer. There are many cases she’s not allowed to hear because she worked on them when she was chief deputy prosecutor.
Pulaski Commissioners Approve Annual Court Technology Agreements
Pulaski Circuit Court Reverses Change in Posted Operating Hours, Amid Confusion
Court Costs Continue to Add Up for Pulaski County
Pulaski County’s court system remains busy, and that means costs continue to add up. To deal with a backlog in cases, Pulaski Circuit Court is now open from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., instead of its usual hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Pulaski County to Make Court Documents Available Online through Doxpop
Pulaski County Council Considers Additional Appropriations for Court-Appointed Attorney Costs
The cost of providing court-appointed personal injury lawyers is adding up for Pulaski County. The county council Monday approved an additional appropriation of $15,000 for Pauper Council in Superior Court and $30,000 for Pauper Counsel in Circuit Court. But before those appropriations were even finalized, council members got requests for even more money.
Elevator Repairs Moving Ahead at Pulaski County Courthouse, Annex Building
Two Pulaski County government buildings should once again have working elevators next week. Continue reading
Increased Police Efforts Lead to Budget Shortfalls in Pulaski County
Pulaski County Sheriff’s Deputies have been busy recently, and that’s led to budget shortfalls for a few county departments. Sheriff Jeff Richwine has had to transfer money from various line items to cover deputy overtime payments. It was one of a few transfer requests approved by the county council Monday.
Pulaski County Courtroom Ready to Reopen, Permanent Repairs Still to be Made
North Judson Council to Meet Monday to Open Demolition Bids for Partially Collapsed Building
Falling Ceiling, Broken Elevator Create Challenges for Pulaski County Court Activities
Conditions at the Pulaski County Courthouse have led to some challenges for Circuit Court Judge Michael Shurn. A complaint about the courthouse has recently been filed with the Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Among other items, it calls for the county to repair a piece of falling ceiling in the courtroom.
Pulaski County Commissioners to Discuss Courtroom Issues, Consider IT Director Position
Rise in Drug Use Concerns Pulaski County Officials, Impacts County Budget
Drug abuse is costing Pulaski County. Circuit Judge Michael Shurn told the county council Monday that drug-related cases are a big concern. Continue reading
Report Finds Partially Collapsed North Judson Building Unsafe for Entry
The owner of a partially collapsed building in downtown North Judson will not be able to retrieve his personal property from inside. The 205-207 Lane Street Structural Engineering Report prepared by South Bend-based DLZ found the building to be in “critical condition” overall. Continue reading
North Judson Council Hires Engineering Firm to Evaluate 205 and 207 Lane Street
North Judson officials hope to move forward soon with the demolition of a downtown building. Pulaski Circuit Judge Michael Shurn approved an emergency demolition order Monday morning, allowing the town to tear down the structure at 205 and 207 Lane Street without having to go through a bid process. But before that can happen, Shurn also asked that a structural engineering report be completed, to determine whether Doug Cassel can safely remove several pieces of his personal property. Continue reading
Structural Engineer to Evaluate North Judson Building Before Demolition
Demolition of a partially collapsed North Judson building is on hold until a structural engineer can be brought in to determine whether it’s safe for the owner to remove personal items from inside.
Part of the roof and upper floor of the structure at 205 and 207 Lane Street fell in last Thursday afternoon. The town sought an emergency demolition order to tear the structure down without having to go back through the bid process. Continue reading
North Judson Block Closed Pending Monday Unsafe Building Hearing
A block of the North Judson business district is closed until at least Monday morning after part of a building previously declared unsafe by the town council fell in. Town attorney Justin Schramm says an emergency hearing on the fate of the structure at 205 and 207 Lane Street will take place Monday morning at 8 a.m. EDT in Winamac. Special Judge Michael Shurn of Pulaski County will hear the case. Starke Circuit Judge Kim Hall recused himself due to a conflict of interest. Continue reading