Jefferson County Courthouse Rededicated Two Years after Three-Alarm Fire
October 31, 2011 by Editor
On a sunny day in downtown Madison, just two years after a fire nearly destroyed the historic Jefferson County Courthouse, a group of dignitaries, veterans, first responders, media, and local residents gathered to witness the courthouse rededication ceremony.
“The courthouse has been restored to its rightful place as the center of law and government,” remarked Jefferson [...]
Reporting Security Incidents
October 31, 2011 by Editor
Every day Indiana’s courts resolve disputes, sentence criminals, assess fines, grant divorces, order custody and visitation, and order the payment of money from one party to another. The inherently contentious nature of the matters that come before our courts sometimes give rise to situations that threaten courthouse security. The development of effective policies [...]
Where there’s smoke, there’s… water?
August 16, 2011 by Editor
Thanks to the quick and knowledgeable responses by Tippecanoe Clerk Christa Coffey and her staff, no records of permanent value were lost as a result of a fire in the courthouse annex. The fire—deemed “suspicious” by the Lafayette Fire Department—occurred in the overnight hours of May 3rd and May 4th. Clerk’s office staff [...]
Allen County Courts Prepare for the Unexpected
May 5, 2010 by Editor
Just as Jefferson County’s Courthouse fire of 2009 demonstrated the catastrophic impact of unforeseen events, ongoing efforts undertaken by the Allen County Courts are leading the way in preparing for such disruptions that could occur at any time. Agreeing to take the lead in helping to evolve the Indiana Courts Continuity Program in a way [...]
Slowly But Surely
May 5, 2010 by Editor
Jefferson County Courthouse Repair and Reconstruction—
The reconstruction of the Jefferson County Courthouse is steadily progressing, according to the Jefferson County Commissioners. On May 20, 2009, just a few days after being repainted in anticipation of Madison’s upcoming Bicentennial Celebration, the roof and cupola of the 154-year-old courthouse were completely destroyed by fire. Efforts to stem [...]
Flames Engulf Historic Jefferson County Courthouse
June 30, 2009 by Editor
As the sun on a clear blue sky day was beginning to make its descent in the west, sirens blared and fire trucks rushed to the Jefferson County Courthouse in Madison, Indiana. The fire department received a frantic call reporting flames billowing from the cupola of the beautiful and historic building. The fire proved extremely [...]
Don’t Underestimate, Don’t Take For Granted: Administrative Rule 17 in Retrospect
June 30, 2009 by Editor
Disasters can strike at any time, as the citizens of Jefferson and Morgan Counties can attest. On May 20, 2009, after the workday, the historic Jefferson County Courthouse bell tower burst into flames. Firefighters fought bravely for several hours to tame the blaze. On January 29, 2008, a violent storm ripped off part of the [...]
Storm Damage in Morgan County Prompts First Use of Emergency Rule – Administrative Rule 17
April 30, 2008 by Editor
Morgan Circuit Clerk Peggy Mayfield had just stopped by her office to pick up the mail and check her email around 7:30 p.m. on the evening of January 29th, when a savage storm lashed its way through Martinsville.
As the wind gathered strength, the lights in the 1859 Courthouse flickered and then went out. Crouching [...]
