Indiana superintendent criticized for letter seeking prayers
A southern Indiana school superintendent’s letter asking local churches to pray for the district has led to criticism that he may have overstepped the boundary between church and state.
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Divided COA upholds summary judgment denial in contract dispute between developer, laborers
A divided panel of the Indiana Court of Appeals has upheld the denial of cross-motions for summary judgment in a Lawrenceburg contract dispute, finding genuine issues of material fact as to whether a land developer breached its contract with the city and whether a class of laborers was entitled to prevailing wages under Indiana’s wage laws.
State police ID woman who died in Sullivan County Jail
State police have identified a woman in custody at a western Indiana jail who died after a medical emergency.
Terre Haute denied summary judgment on ex-employee’s retaliation, negligence claims
A man who claims he was fired from his employment with the city of Terre Haute for defending a co-worker partially defeated a motion for summary judgment, with a judge finding the man’s claims of negligent supervision and retaliation under the Americans with Disabilities Act can proceed.
AG Hill joins Indiana as amicus against ‘subjective’ handgun permitting
Indiana Attorney General Hill has signed the state on to an amicus brief urging the United States Supreme Court to take a case that could decide the constitutionality of may-issue firearm permits requiring citizens to meet subjective standards to publicly carry a weapon.
COA reinstates Hammond zoning suit against landlord
The city of Hammond may proceed with an ordinance violation act against a local landlord after the Indiana Court of Appeals rejected a trial court’s finding that it lacked subject matter jurisdiction to hear the case in a trial de novo.
South Bend police wiretapping dispute continues
A long-running dispute over wiretapping within an Indiana police department will continue and could go to trial after city officials rejected a proposed agreement with officers who want to block the tapes’ release. The South Bend Common Council last week unanimously voted to reject any settlement agreement that may have been reached in mediation.
Lake County commissioners shoot down broader gunfire limits
The Lake County commissioners in northwestern Indiana have defeated a new ordinance that would have enlarged areas where guns cannot be fired.
Coroner: Toxicology needed for 2 dead at Lafayette jail
A coroner says toxicology reports are needed on two inmates who died after falling ill in their cells at the Tippecanoe County Jail in Lafayette.
Tax Court : Assessor’s petition not untimely, non-compliant
The Indiana Tax Court has denied an Indianapolis business and arts center’s motion to dismiss an assessor’s appeal, finding the assessor’s summons was not untimely or non-compliant.
Tow operator pleads guilty to bribing Portage mayor
A northwestern Indiana towing operator has pleaded guilty to a federal bribery charge alleging he paid a mayor $12,000 for a towing contract. John Cortina, 79, of Kustom Auto Body in Portage entered the plea Friday, three days before the public corruption trial of Republican Portage Mayor James Snyder is set to begin.
Gary woman settles lawsuit over jailing due to mistaken identity
A northwest Indiana woman who alleged she was wrongfully jailed for nearly two months in a case of mistaken identity has reached a $6,000 settlement in the case. Court records show Gloria J. Blue of Gary also will get attorneys’ fees as part of this month’s settlement.
Lake County widens ban on discharge of firearms
Officials in Lake County in northwestern Indiana are widening a ban on the discharge of firearms in parts of the county despite protests from gun owners.
AG’s office seeking more than $132K from Gary councilwoman who violated state law
A Gary city councilwoman has been ordered to reimburse the Gary Sanitary District more than $132,000 in wages for the time she illegally held two municipal positions simultaneously, and the Indiana Attorney General has begun efforts to secure the reimbursement.
Elkhart mayor names new police chief after resignation
The mayor of Elkhart has named a new permanent replacement for a police chief who resigned under fire. Mayor Tim Neese on Friday named 21-year police veteran Chris Snyder to replace Ed Windbigler, who resigned Dec. 10.
Appeals panel upholds Charlestown water utility sale
A southern Indiana community’s sale of its water utility was affirmed Monday after a challenge by a nonprofit group opposed to the deal. The Indiana Court of Appeals let stand the sale of the City of Charlestown water utility to Greenwood-based Indiana-American Water Company, Inc.
Federal board’s ruling paves way for Nickel Plate Trail development
The Federal Surface Transportation Board has ruled in favor of a plan by Fishers and Noblesville to convert the Nickel Plate Railroad into a recreational trail, removing the last big legal hurdle faced by the project.
Prosecutors concede 3 Buncich convictions should be vacated
Federal prosecutors concede there wasn’t enough evidence to convict former Lake County Sheriff John Buncich on three of the five wire fraud counts he was found guilty of and he should be resentenced. Prosecutors say they failed to introduce sufficient evidence of “Federal reserve payroll fund” transfers alleged in three counts of the indictment against Buncich and “the Court should vacate Buncich’s convictions on those counts.”
Former Van Buren town marshal pleads guilty to pain medication theft
A former Indiana town marshal is pleading guilty after authorities alleged he broke into the home of a local elected official and stole pain medication while still wearing his police uniform. Former Van Buren Town Marshal Donald R. Bosley admitted during a hearing on Dec. 19 that he entered the home of Van Buren Town Council President Tony Manry in May and stole the medication.
Lawyers face scooter liability confusion; bill seeks regulations
As scooter accidents mount, liability has become a significant issue for lawyers representing clients involved in crashes, and at least one lawmaker has proposed statewide regulations.