Spotlight shines on Lake County in annual ‘State of the Judiciary’ address: Report

Indiana Chief Justice Loretta Rush highlighted the strength and efficiency of the state’s judiciary in her annual “State of the Judiciary” address, praising Hoosiers’ collective efforts in resolving 1.1 million cases annually. She commended Lake Superior Judge Tom Hallett and the Domestic Relations Committee for modernizing Indiana’s nearly 40-year-old Child Support Guidelines, ensuring fairness in distributing $770 million in court-ordered payments, reported NWI.com.

Rush also recognized Lake County’s Kevin Elkins, a juvenile probation officer for over 30 years, for his dedication to reducing recidivism and supporting at-risk youth. She emphasized the judiciary’s role in public safety, problem-solving courts, protecting vulnerable populations, and leveraging technology to enhance efficiency. Despite challenges, Rush reaffirmed the courts’ commitment to justice, earning applause from legislative, executive, and judicial officials.