Today, Circuit Court Judge Larry Medlock announced he will be running for re-election for a second term.

“As Judge of the Washington Circuit Court, I believe that I have provided the community a productive Court,” Medlock said in a statement. “My staff and I have worked hard to restructure how Circuit Court cases flow. The staff has been cross trained and are able to assist each other. The Court is open at 8 am to assist the public and sometimes we stay long after the Courthouse closes at 4 pm to complete cases if it is reasonable to do so.”

Medlock said the court calendar remains full each week.

“I work on deciding cases when a case gets settled and falls off the calendar. This allows me plenty of time to finalize outstanding cases without blocking out court time to complete those tasks. Therefore, I feel I am utilizing the Court’s time wisely and getting as much accomplished as possible for the public. I ask that you consult with Attorneys that work in my Court on a daily basis and questions them as to our productivity,” said Medlock.

Medlock said he feels that Court staff both here and Superior Court work efficiently and are willing to help each other when needed.

“Each staff member [when] completed [with] their own work will help out each other to complete as much work as possible,” said Medlock.

In addition, Medlock said he has eliminated a part-time filing position from the county government, which helps to save taxpayers money by lowering expenses.

Medlock added, “Thank you for your time and consideration and I would greatly appreciate your continued support in the 2016 election.”

Troopers from the Indiana State Police Jasper Post will be conducting a sobriety check point at an undisclosed location in Orange County on Friday, August 21, 2015.

Those drivers passing through the check point area should have their licenses and registrations ready to present to troopers, and will only be detained briefly while troopers determine whether further investigation is necessary.

The purpose of the sobriety check point is to remove those motorists from the highways who are alcohol and/or drug impaired and poses a danger to all who use the roadways.

Impaired drivers are responsible for billions of dollars in property damage, personal injury, and death annually.

Reminders so motorists do not find themselves “Over the Limit and Under Arrest”:

• Plan ahead and always designate a sober driver before consuming alcohol.
• Don’t drive your vehicle if you’ve been drinking alcohol. Call a taxi or sober friend.
• Take care of your friends. Never let a friend drive while impaired.
• If you are hosting a party, always offer non-alcoholic beverages. Make sure all of your guests leave with a sober driver.
• Never provide alcohol to anyone under the legal drinking age of 21.

Motorists encountering another vehicle being operated erratically are encouraged to dial 911 or call the Jasper Indiana State Police Post at (812) 482-1441 or (800) 742-7475. Be prepared to give a description of the vehicle, location, and direction of travel.