I stopped into the county building to check out the courthouse because we have an assisted living…read moreassault case going to trial in Judge Powers's courtroom. The staff was super nice and unlocked the courtroom so I could check out the space. Projector--built in, ceiling mount--and screen, mics, plenty of space, really nice place to try a case.

The Decatur County Courthouse is one of the most famous courthouses in the U.S. For 150 years, a…read moretree has grown out of the structure's clock tower, grabbing the attention of visitors. The Courthouse is the second dedicated courthouse of Decatur County. Plans for the building were drafted in 1854 by a committee composed of B. Y. Wilson, I. G. Monfort and B. H. Harney. Construction was overseen by Indianapolis architect, Edwin May, who designed the Indiana State House. The final cost of the Romanesque brink structure and grounds was $120,000. The courthouse opened in 1861. Rennovations to update and repair the building have been made periodically throughout the years beginning in 1889 and an expansion in 1997. The staff is friendly and the officer relayed anecdotal stories about the tree(s). The original tree appeared in the 1870s. Additional sprouts appeared over the years, but have been culled to protect the structure. The tree that exists today is a spout of the original tree. The tree has been identified as a large tooth aspen. Inside the courthouse has been preserved throughout history. Iron stairs ascend to the second floor courts. Original oak trim and some furniture adorn the halls. Historical transfer books neatly stacked in cubbies. Court was in session, so I was unable to visit the courtrooms. Framed historical newspaper articles tell stories from the past. The Courthouse is uniquely poised for visitors. On the immaculate grounds surrounding the Courthouse are a War Memorial and several historic markers.

I was drawn here by the "See the tree" signs as I exited the interstate to fill up with gas. I…read moreended up staying for a few hours to use one of the power outlets that are along the curb of the courthouse to charge up my house battery in the Sprinter van. While here, I enjoyed the markers in the courthouse and of course, the tree. The marker reads, "Site of the original court house built in 1827 and occupied until 1854. Present building completed in 1860. Large tooth aspen tree appeared in 1870 on the roof of the 115 foot clock tower. In July, 1863, it became a temporary armory while troops bivouacked on the lawn. The treasurer's office held provisions to feed 10 regiments. The 7th Regimental Band had played weekly on the square before being militarized. Many political figures have given speeches from the steps. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973." Yes, there is a tree growing on the roof. It was noticed in 1870 and it's a tourist draw. Yes, a real tree. [Review 20519 overall - 65 in Indiana - round number 1500 of 2023.]

Amazing! Me and husband got married there and the Judge was really nice, they allowed us to take as…read moremany pictures in the courtroom and the people who was with us could all watch that special moment.

It's a courthouse. The actual building itself was built in 1885, and from the outside it looks full…read moreof history. So full of history in fact that all of its outside stairs are still not approved for bearing weight. So entrance is on Front street beneath the stairs instead. Once inside, going through security was fast and the police officer was courteous. Clerks were efficient as well. Our entire visit took less than 15 minutes, including the time spent filling out the forms. I suppose as far as courthouses go, not that I am an expert, this one is pretty good? Yes I just reviewed a courthouse. Checking that one off the bucket list of things to do.

I just want to give praise to the employees of the Hamilton County Assessors office in Noblesville…read more Every time I call regarding a question or issue I have with my property taxes they are very friendly and helpful. I'm a disabled veteran and I can always use the help when trying to make sense of how my property tax is determined and what is deductible. The Indiana legislature just modified how deductions are calculated for disabled veterans and honestly I was not able to discern how the modification affected me. They took the time to explain the changes and that made all the difference. I only hope someone in that office sees this review and tells the others. Your kindness and compassion makes a challenging life a little easier. Thank you.

I got that dreaded letter in the mail recently: I was being summoned for jury duty! Because I'm a…read moreresident of Hamilton County, I had to report to this particular court house. My experience being called for jury duty was fine. The people who work here are very professional and efficient. The building itself is beautiful. If you do have to serve on a jury and spend some time here, there are lots of restaurant options to choose from. I ended up being dismissed before lunch. Keep in mind that they don't allow you to park outside of the courthouse itself. There's a free parking garage a block away at which jurors are instructed to park. I would add an additional 10 minutes to your trip to find parking and walk to the courthouse. It's not far away, but there's a traffic light that takes a while. Also keep in mind: Before you enter the courthouse, you have to walk through a body scanner and empty your pockets. It's very easy but also kind of a pain, but I guess it's necessary in these strange and unpredictable times.

Shelby County is named for Isaac Shelby, the first Governor of Kentucky and a Revolutionary War…read moreofficer who defeated the British t Kings Mountain. Shelbyville, founded as the county seat in 1822, takes its name from the same figure. The current courthouse was completed in 1937 in a striking Art Deco design by D.A. Bohlen & Son, a prominent Indianapolis architectural firm. It's a limestone building with fluted Doric pilasters, bas-relief panels, and a recessed five-bay facade that gives it a clean, geometric presence. The 1931 Civil War soldier monument on the grounds is historically significant, though it's clearly showing its age with visible damage to the figure's face. That is the third courthouse. The second was built in 1856 and it stood until 1936. It was a large castle-style structure designed and built by Edwin May, later remodeled in 1878 with expansions and a clock tower added over time. It was demolished in 1936 to make way for this building. On a Friday early afternoon of a holiday weekend, I was able to press my nose to the glass and see the marble-clad lobby and the impressive Y-shaped staircase rising from the first floor. The Shelby County Criminal Justice Center was completed in 1994 and sits just southwest of the main courthouse and handles much of the county's modern criminal docket. [Review 1016 of 2026 - 222 in Indiana - 26195 overall]

The Shelby County Court House is unusual by Indiana standards. Unlike most courthouses around the…read moreState, this courthouse does not stand on a grand downtown square surrounded by local businesses. The building is located several blocks south of the town square and is surrounded by other government offices in a campus-like setting. Additionally, the Shelby County Court House is distinctively Art Deco in style and architecture. Built in 1936, the Court House is the third building, replacing former damaged and obsolete structures. Bohlen and Son designed the structure. Currently, the front steps are undergoing renovation. The public entrance is in the rear, where there is also an accessible ramp. Visitors pass through security. The deputies were welcoming and super helpful during my visit. While there is no formal visitor tour, I was welcome to explore and take photos (no courts were in session). The Art Deco atrium is fabulous with classic railings and lovely green swirl marble on the walls. The first floor houses several clerk offices and the courtrooms are upstairs. Beyond the atrium, most of the original Art Deco features have been removed and updated. The grounds are tidy without fanfare. There is a single monument in front honoring those who served in the Civil War and a tree honoring a local deputy lost the line of duty. There is free parking around the building and public restrooms available inside. The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2011. This is a lovely piece of architecture and worth a visit.

I was excited to visit the Bartholomew County Courthouse in Columbus because the Victorian…read morestructure is whimsical and lovely. The building was designed by Isaac Hodgson completed in 1874. The building is Registered as a Historic Landmark. The building is constructed of red brick and trimmed with limestone. The Courthouse is very much a working courthouse. The building house the Circuit Court and two Superior Courts. A person can get a marriage license, pay property taxes or go directly to jail here. I was excited about going inside and seeing what's in those fabulous towers. However, there is no walking tour and no photos are allowed inside. In fact, you must turn your phone off. The interior has been renovated multiple times removing original details. There was no grand atrium that I have seen in other Indiana courthouses. There is a lovely spiral staircase that goes up to the third floor. The courtrooms do have older style (1930's) chairs and bookcases. Many of the doors are antique as well. The courtyard outside has a gorgeous garden and water fountain. There are several war memorials surrounding the building. The grounds are immaculate. There is free parking around the square. Entrants to the building go through security. The guard was all business. There is an ADA access at a different entrance than the front. The businesses surrounding the courthouse are thriving. I would recommend a visit to the grounds of the courthouse as part of a visit to Columbus.

My second courthouse in Indiana and so far, I remain impressed. This is a beautiful structure and…read morewell worth a visit even if you're not here for court business. Batholomew County was formed in 1821and the count seat of Columbus was originally called Tiptona after John Tipton donated thirty acres for the building. Tipton went on to serve as state representative, Indian agent, and United States senator. The building was designed by Isaac Hodgson and was completed in 1874. It is the county's fourth courthouse and is in the Second Empire style. Constructed of red brick with white limestone trim, the foundation is rusticated blue limestone. It was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. [Review 20522 overall - 68 in Indiana - 1503 of 2023.]

This Veterans Memorial in Columbus is the most moving war memorial that I have visited. The…read moreartistic structure is composed of 25 dramatic limestone pillars that tower forty feet high. This spectacular monument was designed by Maryann Thompson and Charlie Rose and unveiled in 1997. The monument honors those who lost their lives during WWI, WWII, Korean and Viet Nam Wars. The names of soldiers who sacrificed their lives and their final letters home, are carved in the pillars. Their stories make this memorial personal. As I read the letters to mothers, wives, grandmothers and others, I couldn't fight back tears. At night, lights shoot up through the pillars into the sky. The monument is located on the Courthouse square in Columbus. There is free parking around the courthouse. There are a few benches around the monument. This monument is a must see for anyone.

Located on the grounds of the county courthouse, this set of limestone pillars is impressive even…read morebefore you get close. Arranged 5 by 5, there are 25 of them. And then you get inside them and can read the inscriptions. These are letters from soldiers sent back home and include the date the letter was sent and then the tragic date of the soldier's death. Usually a few days later. "20 September 1943. Dear Grandma, Well, Grandma, it's a rough road but we have to follow. When this is over we will share our love together. Love, Raymond." and followed by "PFC Raymond Scroghines, U.S. Army, was killed in action September 29, 1943 in Italy." And once again, it is very dusty here. Are you cutting onions? Don't miss this. It is a great tribute to those who fought and died for our freedoms and way of life here in America. [Review 20523 overall - 69 in Indiana - 1504 of 2023.]

Drove up from out of state for a family reunion. Ohio State Troopers were out en masse for a Labor…read moreDay ticket bonanza. I'm good at dodging those... usually. But this time I got speeding ticket from a State Trooper who is smarter than the Waze app. (He used moving radar, got me on I-71 at mile marker 34, which is not half a mile from where the speed limit raises from 65 to 75. This guy knows exactly how to game the system.) Working with Attorney JR Bernans was a breeze. He advised me on the current state of the local prosecutor (some recent personnel changes at the courthouse added some nuance to the case. We discussed strategies, and probable outcomes. And while I know that everyone will not be as fortunate as I in their legal disputes, JR was able to reduce my speeding ticket to a nonmoving violation. This guy is GOOD at his job. Took all of the hassle and stress out of the equation for me. ac And while I can't vouch for the firm at large, I expect that if they attract talented attorneys like JR, working with Rittgers and Rittgers is probably going to be a great experience for you. It certainly was for me.

Emily M. Cochran-Desantis is superior!…read more Had a custody situation where I needed help during difficult covid circumstances with limited access to court enforcement. Emily prevailed for me against strong opposition that resulted in exactly what I needed but would have been helpless to secure on my own. Emily is compassionate empathetic super smart and creative and more than able to "put the hammer down" for her clients. Emily came highly recommended to me from a super credible source.. and I'm only too happy to add my strongest endorsement. If you need a hotshot, Emily will get it done for you.

Grand old lady of the bygone era. As a personal injury lawyer I have tried many cases there. The…read moresheriff's staff to the judge's staff are friendly and helpful. This is a safe courthouse with screening but is not so obtrusive to make our court house feel like a jail. The clerk of court staff from Tracy Winkler on down are helpful, courteous and caring though they can not give legal advice. The bathrooms for a busy courthouse are fairly clean most of the time. The lawyer lounge is a plus though I rarely use it. it really has not changed all that much fro 55 years ago when my grandmother used to take me there.

The cafe inside and to the right is an essential part of the courthouse. They have cheap food…read morethat's pretty good. The service is always fast and Kent is super helpful. I usually get a breakfast sandwich and my friend gets a bagel.