Chief Justice Rush speaks at Problem-Solving Court Month celebration
On May 2, Chief Justice Rush delivered the keynote address at a celebration of Problem-Solving Court Month in Jeffersonville. Additional remarks were given by organizers Magistrate Lisa Reger and Judges Maria Granger, Vicki Carmichael, and Jason Mount. Other elected officials in Clark and Floyd counties, as well as a host of community supporters attended the event featuring a breakfast, inspirational speakers and panelists, and discussion of community resources.
Justice Massa addresses mental health court graduates
Justice Mark Massa delivered the graduation keynote to recent graduates of Judge Christopher Buckley’s Mental Health Restoration Court in Porter County. One of six problem-solving courts in the county, Judge Buckley’s court works with participants who have a primary mental health diagnosis deemed to be a significant contributing factor for criminal behavior.
IOCS and Court Technology representatives speak at Government Information Day
On May 17, Deputy Director of the Children & Families Division Leslie Dunn and Director of Case Management System Gaye Lynn Strickland joined Indiana Legal Help Manager Mike Commons and Civil Filing Division Manager Jennifer Pimpton to present a Legal Resources Roundtable at the 2024 Government Information Day. Held biannually at the Indiana State Library, GID is a free conference for librarians interested in learning about government resources and improving information literacy.
Targeted to public librarians who may receive legal questions from their patrons, the roundtable covered resources available to the public on Indiana Legal Help, what information is (or is not) accessible on MyCase, the Family Law Taskforce’s Legal Information vs. Legal Advice Guide, and the responsibilities and challenges of being in a public-facing role at the Marion County Clerk’s Office.
Lake County Veterans Court celebrates graduation with Super Bowl champion
The Lake County Veterans Treatment Court presided over by Judge Julie Cantrell held its spring graduation on May 15. Chicago Bears Super Bowl Champion Dan Hampton delivered his keynote address to 21 graduates. The Lake County Veterans Treatment Court was established to provide alternative sentencing to offenders who are veterans of the United States Armed Services and received an honorable, less than honorable, or general discharge. To date, 407 veterans have graduated from the program.
Judge Gaither named as Grand Marshal of Juneteenth parade
Marion County Judge Geoffrey A. Gaither served as the Grand Marshal of the 7th Annual Indy Juneteenth Celebration parade, which began on Indiana Avenue and Blackford Avenue at 10 a.m. on June 15. The parade was followed by a festival with live music in Military Park.
Kevin Elkins awarded 2024 Order of Augustus
Kevin Elkins, chief probation officer for Lake County Juvenile Probation, received the Order of Augustus Award for 2024. This award is presented annually by the Probation Officers’ Advisory Board of the Judicial Conference of Indiana to celebrate individuals who demonstrate outstanding commitment and personal dedication to the field of probation.
IBJ Honors Chief Justice Rush as one of 250 Most Influential Hoosiers
IBJ Media selected Chief Justice Loretta Rush for inclusion in this year’s Indiana 250 book, an annual publication that recognizes the 250 most influential leaders in the state. Chief Justice Loretta Rush was previously recognized in the 2023 volume and the inaugural 2022 volume alongside former Chief Justice Randall Shepard and Supreme Court Chief Administrative Officer Justin Forkner. Each year, Indiana 250 features photos, brief biographies, personal comments, and advice from each honoree.
JLAP volunteer award winners recognized
The Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program presented its annual volunteer awards on April 20. Lun Kham Pieper, James Beckley, Kari Morrigan, and Judges John Potter, Wayne Trockman, and Caryl Dill were recognized for their outstanding contributions to lawyer assistance.
Justice Slaughter receives award for commitment to civil legal aid
On Friday, June 21, the Indiana Bar Foundation honored Justice Geoffrey Slaughter with its Champion of Legal Assistance Award. The award recognizes his support for projects that promote access to Indiana’s civil legal justice system, especially for populations who otherwise lack the resources and support needed to navigate civil matters.
Disciplinary Commission members recognized for ten years of service
On June 14, Brian Carroll and John Krauss were recognized for their 10 years of service as members of the Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission. Justice Derek Molter presented them with framed certificates signed by all five Supreme Court justices.
Judicial Appointments
Carroll County
Shane M. Evans appointed to Carroll County Circuit Court
Governor Eric Holcomb announced Shane M. Evans as his appointment to the Carroll County Circuit Court, replacing Judge Benjamin Diener who stepped down in April. Evans was most recently chief trial deputy in the Carroll County Prosecutor’s Office since 2020, and prior to that served as the Mayor of Delphi. Evans earned his undergraduate degree from Wabash College and a law degree from Indiana University McKinney School of Law. He is a board member of the Carroll County Community Foundation and vice president of membership for the Sagamore County Boy Scouts of America.
Elkhart County
Magistrate Elizabeth (Betsy) A. Bellin appointed to Elkhart County Superior Court #4
Governor Holcomb appointed Magistrate Elizabeth (Betsy) A. Bellin to Elkhart County Superior Court #4. She replaced Judge Gretchen Lund, who was appointed to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana. As the juvenile court magistrate in Elkhart County, Bellin handled cases involving juvenile delinquency, CHINS, and termination of parental rights. Prior to her 2021 appointment to magistrate, she worked in private practice. Bellin earned an undergraduate degree from State University of New York College at Cortland and her law degree from Valparaiso University School of Law.
Marion County
Magistrate Patricia (Trish) McMath appointed to Marion Superior Court
Governor Holcomb appointed Magistrate Patricia (Trish) McMath to the Marion Superior Court, filling the vacancy left by the retirement of Judge Cynthia Ayers. McMath had served as a magistrate in the court’s civil division since 2021. Before that, she worked in the Office of the Attorney General as the assistant chief deputy. She serves as a member of the Indiana Judicial Conference Protection Order Committee and is chair of the IndyBar’s Standing Committee on Professionalism. McMath earned her undergraduate degree from Indiana University and a law degree from Indiana University Maurer School of Law.
St. Joseph County
Christopher C. Fronk appointed to St. Joseph Superior Court
Governor Holcomb appointed Christopher C. Fronk to the St. Joseph Superior Court, replacing Judge Cristal Brisco, who was appointed to the federal bench in January. He handled homicide prosecutions as chief deputy prosecutor in St. Joseph County since January 2015 and was previously with the LaPorte County Prosecutor’s Office. Fronk earned his undergraduate degree from Valparaiso University and a law degree from Valparaiso University School of Law.
Warrick County
Brett M. Roy appointed to Warrick County Superior Court #2
Governor Holcomb appointed Brett M. Roy to Warrick County Superior Court #2 to succeed Judge Amy Miskimen. Roy has been the chief public defender in Warrick County since 2021. Prior to this role, he served as a part-time public defender while working as a self-employed attorney in Boonville. Roy earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Evansville and a law degree from the University of Dayton. He is the president of the Warrick County Bar Association and is a volunteer baseball, softball, and football coach.
In Memoriam
Magistrate Ronnie Huerta
Marion County Magistrate Ronnie Huerta passed away on June 11 surrounded by close family and friends. Magistrate Huerta started with the court as a Commissioner in March 2013 and became a Magistrate in 2018. He served in numerous criminal courts and will be dearly missed by his loved ones and court colleagues.
