Court resumes hearings following judge's death

By Matt Poston
City Editor

For the first time since the late Judge George Heid's death on Jan. 19, Tippecanoe County Superior Court 2 began hearing cases again Tuesday.

But a different, albeit familiar, person is sitting on the court's bench.

On Monday, the Indiana Supreme Court appointed Senior Judge David J. Crouse as judge pro tempore, to sit on the Superior Court 2 bench until Gov. Frank O'Bannon appoints a judge to serve the remainder of Heid's six-year term, which expires Dec. 31.

Crouse, 72, served in the former Tippecanoe County Court 2 — now known as Superior Court 5 — from 1979 until his retirement in 1996. Since his retirement, Crouse has served as a senior judge, filling in for sitting judges during schedule conflicts and vacations.

"It's not overwhelming," Crouse said, adding that he had worked in the Superior Court before. "We have a wonderful staff, and they're making things very easy for me."

Mary Dieter, spokeswoman for O'Bannon, said the governor had no specific timeline set for appointing a permanent judge to serve the remainder of Heid's term.

"(O'Bannon) is aware the need is great, and he plans on moving quickly," said Dieter.

Court resumes hearings following judge's death

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City editor: Matt Poston

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