Never fun but you gotta take care of business. It's official now...I live in Kentucky. First time I…read morewent I was told I needed a piece of mail with my new address on it. Who would lie about that? Not me...not you. I explained I had a piece of mail with my son's name and my address in my car, but was told NO. Come back when you have something. Another day and I got in line again. Was second...woot! But the young lady in front of me was transferring from Ohio also and had been there several times before. She had a driving abstract - whatever that is - instead of a Drivers License and a interlock. I don't know what that is, and it was causing so many problems I hope I never find out. Someone finally came to help after about 20 minutes, and I was done in about 5 minutes. Exiting I saw the line had grown to about 25 people. So lucky me I didn't came later. I would probably have left and some again another day.

We went to the courthouse to change our daughters name (she is a minor). She was/is very excited…read moreabout the name change and once we got the paperwork we brought it back notarized the next morning and before the end of the day we got a call saying it was official and we could pick up the paperwork. We had no lines on either visit and when they called I explained I had told my daughter (she's 6) she would have to sign something. A wonderful employee named Gaila (I am sure that's spelled incorrectly-sorry) made this even more special by asking our daughter some questions and getting her more excited.. thank you!!! From this staff and the judge that doesn't let these things pile up-- good work! I am from San Diego and the stories you hear about wait time with any government office is not an exaggeration so I am shocked on how smooth it is here. I miss my hometown but NOT the lines and trying to make sure you get to the right person. This experience and previous ones at this courthouse have been amazing! Thank you For anyone curious... name change from Sandra Marie Frances to Sandy Bella

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.]

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.

Fairytale-like house [Cincinnati OH]…read more We couldn't just drive-by this whimsical house without stopping and doing a double take... and staring. This is the Mushroom House in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Cincinnati. The amount of detail is really breathtaking: circular steel steps, deck rails of wood shingles, stained glass windows, tiled ceilings... of course, I had to snap some pics. How often do we come to Cin City. The original owner/builder by the name of Terry Brown has passed away in 2008. The house is currently not on the market and occupied as a private residence as of 2021. Here are the deets in Zillow: 1 beds, 1 baths, 1,260 sq-ft. If you are curious about the inside of the home you can click on this link and watch it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pVUFwH9Q6fk Review #3885

If you're passing through Cincinnati you have to stop by the Mushroom House. This is the most…read moreunique real house I have ever seen. It is a relatively young house, when it comes to house age. It was started to get built by architect Terry Brown in 1992 and completed in 2006. Terry Brown him self resided in it until his passing in 2008. This house looks like a mushroom from a certain angle, and like an owl from another. It is a fairytale house in the real world. There's so much fine detail, there's no wonder it had taken this genius man 14 years to complete this artistic masterpiece of a home. The spiral orange stair case was chained off not allowing access to the public. There was a car parked in the driveway as well as a surveillance camera. They also had a "no trespassing" sign. The land around, although very minimal is very well groomed and well kept. Something tells me there are people who currently reside here. I don't know how I would feel about living in a home that gets so much attention and that is always being photographed. The Mushroom House is a must see in Cincinnati. Use your fairytale imagination to guide you inside. Happy travels!

During most of the year, the square tends to cater to the downtown lunch crowds with occasional…read moremusic and a so-so market during the noon hour. La de da.. For me, the square is best at christmas time. The weekend after thanksgiving is the tree lighting ceremony. Local celebrities (aka annoying news anchors) show up, we all sing jingle bells, and we light our tree. It's not quite a Seuss-esque Whos-down-in-Whoville gathering, but it's close. While you're there, ride some horse-drawn carriages, try to get a sneak-taste of the gingerbread houses, and check out the old Rike's display. For a very long time tubas accompanied the jingle bells sing along. This was always a great trainwreck of a performance and a helluva a lot of fun. I wonder what has happened to our tubas...

Alright, I'm not knocking Dayton, but I wasn't expecting this! Courthouse Square was the start of…read morethe recent Dayton Urban Nights (http://www.yelp.com/biz/dayton-urban-nights-dayton#hrid:JvRwKxVmhjS1sT_n2FTobg) and I was briefly taken aback when I saw it. Its large and spacious and is wonderfully suited as an event space as it was being used that evening. There is plaza space, a fountain, and plenty of access to the street-front. The Courthouse itself is neat looking! Old fashioned and the cannon out front added a great deal of local charm. From all the people taking pictures at the cannon, it must be a great photo op! The water in the fountain was abnormally green, however. Made me wonder what they put in the water in Dayton!!

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.

The first time I passed by the Rush County Courthouse, I thought it was a cathedral. Like most…read moreIndiana courthouses, the building sits on a grand square in the center of the county seat, Rushville. The Courthouse was built in 1896 and is the third courthouse to sit on the square. In the brochure, it's referred to as the "new" courthouse. The building was designed by architects out of Grand Rapids, Michigan, A. W. Rush and Sons. The Richardsonian Romanesque style is different from other courthouses I've seen in Indiana. The courthouse cost $257,385.88 to build. The grounds are simple with a single historical marker that recognizes historic local resident Wendell Willkie. I went through security and asked if there was info about the Courthouse. A friendly deputy was able to give me a 1996 pamphlet that described the courthouse and its history. The interior is beautiful after a complete restoration in recent years. Venetian mosaic floors at the entrance and in the atriums are spectacular. Original staircases with lovely iron scrollwork ascend up to the third floor. Original woodwork and hand painted scrollwork decorate the walls and ceilings. Victorian lettering identifies office areas. On the third floor, a large atrium with a stain glass dome transforms the grand space. A stained glass image of Lady Liberty adorns a wall near the courtroom. The original 1890s spectator chairs remain in the courtroom. Of course, many necessary updates to modernize and improve accessibility have occurred throughout the year. Yet, several ornate fireplaces still grace office corners. The courthouse has received accolades for its beauty from the Indiana Bicentennial Project. The historic sheriff's quarters and jail, which once stood on the southeast corner, were destroy to make room for a modern jail facility. The Courthouse is spectacular and worth a visit. There's plenty of parking on the Square.

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.]

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.

This review is for the Clerk's Office of Hamilton County. I needed a copy of my 45 year old…read moreMarriage License for the new Real ID Driver's License. So off we go to Noblesville. After the quick security check, the women at the Information Desk explained directions clearly and made it very easy to find. What a pleasant surprise when we walked into the Clerk's Office without a line or even a wait. Asked what I needed, I told her and she didn't bat an eye, roll her eyes or take the deep, loud sigh. She was friendly, professional, personable and efficient!! She continued and less than 5 minutes later I had the Certified License in my hands! Poof! Was that a dream? Wow! We were happily stunned with the entire process. The experience felt like we had a personal friend behind the counter. If you need to get an old Marriage License don't totally dread the process. Hopefully, yours will go as smoothly as ours.