The Honorable Larry L. Ambler, Magistrate of the St. Joseph Circuit Court, died unexpectedly on February 14. He was 71 years old. A graduate of St. Joseph High School, University of Dayton, and the University of Notre Dame Law School, Magistrate Ambler was appointed magistrate in 2005. He also served as an attorney for the St. Joseph County Council, an assistant county attorney, a legal adviser to the St. Joseph … [Read more...] about Court family mourns loss
New IOCS Executive Director
Mary Willis, Chief Administrative Officer of the Indiana Supreme Court’s Office of Judicial Administration, announced that Indiana Office of Court Services (IOCS) Deputy Director Justin Forkner has been promoted to Executive Director. The position was previously held by Jane Seigel, who announced her well-deserved spring retirement after many years of dedicated and faithful service. Forkner, an Indianapolis native, g … [Read more...] about New IOCS Executive Director
$6.3M in grants distributed to 83 counties
The Indiana Office of Court Services (IOCS) distributed more than $6.3 million in grants to 83 counties. IOCS houses several programs with specific judicial focuses meant to assist children, families, the elderly, and those with physical disabilities. The amount allocated for each program is determined by various methods, and is distributed from funds allocated by the Indiana General Assembly during the last budget … [Read more...] about $6.3M in grants distributed to 83 counties
Intimate partner violence in the LGBTQ community
By Lisa Manning, Indiana Office of Court Services Early this year, the founder of Miss Transgender America, Christa Leigh Steele-Knudslien, was found dead in her home after being stabbed and beaten to death by her husband. In an interview with police, Mark Steele-Knudslien said he “snapped” after arguing with his wife. Intimate partner violence is as prevalent in the LGBTQ community as in heterosexual communities. 43% … [Read more...] about Intimate partner violence in the LGBTQ community
Legacy of Vivian Bridgeforth Smith
Related article: 2017 Winter Workshop By Hon. Sheryl Lynch, Marion Circuit Court On October 12, 2017, my grandmother, Vivian Bridgeforth Smith, ascended into heaven at 101 years of age. She was born on May 19, 1916, in Alabama in the home of her grandparents, George and Jennie Andrews Bridgeforth. She was the daughter of Bascomb and Rassie Townsend Bridgeforth. She was born in the family home which was located on the … [Read more...] about Legacy of Vivian Bridgeforth Smith