Local efforts to limit Fourth of July festivities fizzle
Not everyone is having a blast over the explosion of fireworks use in Indiana in recent years. But local attempts so far to curb the concussions have bombed.
Local government
Articles
ITCA does not apply to lawsuit challenging local firearm law
An Evansville man suing the city for enforcing a local law prohibiting firearms in public parks is not effectively bringing a tort claim, as the city argued in its motion on the pleadings. The Court of Appeals affirmed denial of the city’s motion, finding the claim is being brought pursuant to I.C. 35-47-11.1-5, which creates a private right of action for individuals to enforce that statute’s provisions.
Justices rule for small Arizona church in sign law dispute
The Supreme Court of the United States ruled Thursday for an Arizona church in a dispute over a town's sign law in a decision that three justices said could threaten municipal sign regulations across the country.
Annexation law gives landowners more clout
Forty-nine days after the start of the 2015 Indiana General Assembly, many landowners fighting municipalities around the state got what they wanted. But language ending involuntary incorporation was stripped from the bill.
Tippecanoe County Courthouse dome rusted, needs repairs
Small pieces of metal are falling from the Tippecanoe County Courthouse and officials say its dome and pillars need repairs.
Prosecutor offers parents behind on child support amnesty
A northeastern Indiana prosecutor is offering parents who lost driving privileges because they're behind on child support payments a chance to get back behind the wheel.
Indianapolis City-County Council to sue over $32M electric-car contract
The Indianapolis City-County Council has voted to sue the city as a way to prevent it from implementing a $32 million plan to rent 425 electric cars for its vehicle fleet.
Council votes not to consider revised justice center plan
The City-County Council voted 16-13 Monday night against considering a scaled-down plan for a new Marion County criminal justice center.
Whitestown likely to appeal Zionsville case to Supreme Court
A ruling from the Indiana Court of Appeals allowing Zionsville to merge with Perry Township is likely to be challenged before the state Supreme Court.
Court declines to rule on constitutionality of statute as it relates to auditors
Because the Marion County auditor does not have statutory or common law standing to appeal a property tax assessment board of appeals’ decision under Indiana Code 6-1.1-15-12 to the Indiana Tax Court, its judge, Martha Wentworth, held that the constitutional challenge raised regarding the statute will have to be decided another day.
Sheriff: Federal oversight could end soon at Indiana jail
A sheriff in northwest Indiana says a county jail could be released from oversight by the U.S. Department of Justice later this year.
Capstone of criminal code reform put in place during 2015 session
The bill establishing the funding and the mechanism to distribute the dollars needed for Indiana’s new criminal code reform had a bumpy ride through the Statehouse. But in the final hours of the 2015 legislative session, lawmakers approved language that ensured the money would be funneled through local programs and projects designed to reduce recidivism and ease overcrowding in Indiana’s prisons.
City will push criminal justice center proposal at next council meeting
The proposed Indianapolis criminal justice center plan was not placed on the agenda of Monday’s City-County Council meeting, but Mayor Greg Ballard will seek to gather votes to pass the divisive 35-year private-public partnership next month. Ballard’s statement drew a rebuke from council chairwoman Maggie A. Lewis.
Marion County justice center debate proves divisive
Nearly a year-and-a-half after Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, Marion County Sheriff John Layton and other community leaders laid out a vision for an Indianapolis criminal justice center, its future is clouded as late opposition resulted in a major setback to the plan.
Hope town marshal to spend 2 weeks in jail
A southern Indiana town marshal will spend two weeks in jail after a jury in Columbus convicted him of felony misconduct and misdemeanor false informing.
New Albany council to weigh in on religious objections law
The revision of Indiana's religious objections law isn't stopping a southern Indiana city from considering a measure condemning the statute.
Northern Indiana county council rejects abortion ordinance
A county council in northern Indiana voted down an ordinance that would have added new local requirements for doctors who perform abortions.
Lawsuit over Covanta recycling center plan set for hearing
A lawsuit prompted by Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard’s controversial recycling-plant deal is set for hearing March 10.
Indy Land Bank trial could turn on government wiretaps
Reginald T. Walton is guilty of "very poor judgment" and "ethics violations," and also "did a pretty good job concealing" his involvement in private real estate partnerships during his tenure leading the Indy Land Bank, but he's not guilty of any crime, his attorney argued in federal court Wednesday.
Cumberland ups ante in fight to save historic church
Cumberland officials are stepping up their efforts to stop a supermarket and convenience store chain from demolishing a historic church by hiring one of Indianapolis’ top real estate attorneys to argue their appeal.