Snow forces court, office closures

Many people in Indiana may be enjoying an extra-long Christmas vacation thanks to blizzard-like conditions in parts of the state. Heavy snow and high winds have led to closures, including Indiana’s appellate courts.

The Indiana Supreme Court, Court of Appeals and Tax Court – located in Indianapolis – announced Wednesday morning that they would be closed. The Marion County Clerk’s Office announced Tuesday evening it would be closed; Marion Superior and Circuit courts are also closed.

Numerous courts around central and southern Indiana have shut down, including in Boone, Gibson, Henry, Knox, Rush, Vanderburgh and Vigo counties. Many town, city and county offices are closed.

The U.S. District Court in the Southern District of Indiana originally was open Wednesday, but made the decision to close the District and Bankruptcy courts at 10 a.m.

State government offices are open, but non-essential employees who live in areas where snow emergencies have been declared and where roads are closed are not required to report to work, Jane Jankowski, Gov. Mitch Daniels’ spokeswoman, announced Tuesday evening.

Some law offices also are quieter today because of the storm. Barnes & Thornburg LLP decided to close its Indianapolis office and has a skeletal crew providing secretarial, office services and IT support as required, said Executive Director Ken Kobe in an email to Indiana Lawyer. Some attorneys are in the office, but many are working from home.

Jim Dimos, a member with Frost Brown Todd LLC in Indianapolis, said that firm office is also closed. While some attorneys are in the office, many are working remotely.

The majority of the state is under a blizzard warning through this evening, with snow totals projected anywhere from 6 to 12 inches, or more, depending on location. As of 10 a.m., several counties, including Daviess, Monroe and Owen counties, have issued travel warnings, which restrict travel to emergency personnel only. Many counties are also under either travel watches or advisories, warning motorists to stay off the roads unless necessary.