Dearborn County, Indiana
A unique mixture of agriculture and industrial enterprises with easy access to surrounding areas
Agriculture Resources
The following websites provide many resources for local, state, and national Agriculture.
IASWCD – Indiana Association Soil and Water Conservation Districts
NRCS - Indiana Department of Natural Resources Conservation Service
Please also look through the subtopics, found when you hover over Agriculture (to the left), to find out more information on the following items: Cover Crops, Indiana Soil Scientists, Fence, Livestock, and Forage.
The Dearborn County Recorder’s Office now has records available online for citizens to search, dating back to the year 2000, via Doxpop. Click the icon below to begin searching for records.
Doxpop also has Fraud Alert features. To learn more about Fraud Alerts via Doxpop, please visit the Doxpop Property Watch page.
Your job as a juror is to listen to all the evidence presented at trial, then "decide the facts" – decide what really happened. The judge's job is to "decide the law" – make decisions on legal issues that come up during the trial. Everyone must do their
job well if our system of trial by jury is to work.
You do not need special knowledge or ability to serve as a juror. It is sufficient that you keep an open mind, use common sense, concentrate on the evidence presented, and be fair and honest in your deliberations.
Remember: Do not be influenced by sympathy or prejudice. It is vital that you be impartial with regard to all testimony and evidence presented at the trial.
Information regarding jury service for your particular date will be announced on a pre-recorded message at 812-532-2038. Call this number for information on Sunday evening (before the Monday you are required to report for service) to see if there has been a change in your jury service.
Dearborn County recognizes no exemption from jury service except for those individuals with severe emotional or physical problems that preclude them from working and are supported by a health professional's certificate; and those who are 75 years of age or older who request to be excused. Any other request to be excused (for example, vacation or occupation) will not be automatically granted. Every individual circumstance will be reviewed and considered upon a written request for deferral, however is your responsibility as a potential jurors to follow up with the Court (and not make any assumptions) in regard to your written request for a deferral from service.
If you have thoroughly read the Jury Summons, front and back, and still have questions regarding jury service, or you have lost your summons, please call 812-537-8865 for further assistance and information.
We hope you find your experience as a juror interesting, educational and rewarding. Jury service is the foundation of the American judicial process. Your participation in jury service for Dearborn County is invaluable and greatly appreciated.
Forms for Jurors can be located in the "Useful Links" tab below
Your Responsibilities to Obtain an On-Site Sewage Disposal Application
This bulletin outlines the steps you must take to obtain an on-site sewage disposal system permit. It is your responsibility to follow the steps below in order to obtain a permit. Any delay in your completing these steps will result in a corresponding delay in the issuance of your permit.
The Health Department cannot issue a permit until you provide all the necessary information as outlined herein.
You must obtain an Application Form for On-Site Sewage Disposal System Installation or Review from the Health Department. You must complete the application and submit it to the Health Department. The Health Department recommends that you do this between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. (the normal office hours of the Environmental Health Specialists) so that you can schedule an appointment with an Environmental Health Specialist for an on- site review of the application. It is your responsibility to provide all the information required by the application.
You must make an appointment with an Environmental Health Specialist for an on-site review of your application. The purpose of the on-site review is to understand your proposed system location and determine whether the topography of your site will accommodate a system. The Environmental Health Specialist will flag sites selected by you that are of suitable topography to assist your Soil Scientist. Only an Environmental Health Specialist can schedule an appointment for an on-site review of your application. The normal office hours of the Environmental Health Specialists are 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. The Health Department recommends that you come to the office or call the office during the Environmental Health Specialists’ normal office hours to make the appointment. This will minimize telephone tag and expedite your application.
You must employ an Indiana State Department of Health recognized Soil Scientist to analyze the soil within and around your selected sites. The purpose of this analysis is to determine whether the soils in your selected sites will accommodate a system. A copy of the Indiana State Department of Health “List of Soil Scientists” may be obtained from the department office, or you may contact the Indiana State Department of Health at, Indiana State Department of Health, Division of Sanitary Engineering, Residential Sewage Disposal Section, 2 North Meridian, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46204; telephone number: (317) 233-7177, to also obtain a list of recognized Soil Scientists.
The Soil Scientist you employ must send a report detailing his or her findings to the Health Department. It is your responsibility to make sure your Soil Scientists sends a report to the Health Department. Within one week of receiving your report an Environmental Health Specialist of the Health Department will evaluate whether the soils in your selected sites will accommodate a system and notify you of your system sizing requirements or, if your soils are inadequate, notify you accordingly by sending you a copy of the On-Site Sewage Disposal Soil Profile Report Evaluation Form. If you do not timely receive this report, the Health Department recommends that you contact an Environmental Health Specialist during normal office hours to check on the status of your application.
You must obtain an Application for Approval of On-Site Sewage Disposal System Plat Plan and an Application for Approval of On-Site Sewage Disposal System Site Plan from the Health Department and must complete the applications and submit them to the Health Department. It is your responsibility to provide all the information required by the applications. You must employ a registered on-site sewage disposal system installer to install your system. The Health Department recommends you work with a registered installer to complete these applications. You may obtain a list of registered installers from the Health Department. Within one week of receiving these applications, an Environmental Health Specialist of the Health Department will notify you that your application is approved or, if there are deficiencies in your applications, notify you accordingly. If you do not timely receive a notice, the Health Department recommends that you contact an Environmental Health Specialist during normal office hours to check on the status of your application.
Click here to obtain an On-Site Sewage Disposal Application.
To be in compliance with federal and state regulations, Dearborn County adopted the following two ordinances on July 16, 2024:
2024-012 Ordinance to Adopt the MS4 Fee Schedule and Establish the MS4 Fund
The Stormwater Technical Standards Manual was finalized by the Dearborn County Technical Standards Committee and approved by the County Commissioners on December 3, 2024. The Dearborn County Stormwater Technical Standards can be found here. Enforcement of the MS4 Ordinance, Technical Standards and permitting will begin January 1, 2025 for the unincorporated areas of Dearborn County, excluding the towns of Dillsboro, Moores Hill, St. Leon, and West Harrison, which are not considered MS4 communities. Please note that Aurora, Greendale, Hidden Valley Lake, and Lawrenceburg are permitted separately from Dearborn County. Please contact those individual entities for their MS4 permitting information.
Qualified Professional Inspector training will be offered by Dearborn County in the first quarter of 2025. Please visit our Contractor Training Opportunities & Educational Resources page for more information as it becomes available.
Dearborn County is required by the Indiana MS4 Permit to develop a Construction Site General Permit. Please click here to be directed to the permitting page.
If you will be working within streams or wetlands or any other water body, additional permits maybe required. If you are unsure what other permits you may need, please use Indiana's Waterways Inquiry Request Tool.
Indiana Waterways Inquiry Request
Typically, you will receive a reply within ten (10) business days from the Waterways Tool. Please note that the tool is not an application, it will only identify what additional permits are required if applicable.
Since 1999, key conservation and agricultural organizations have sponsored the River Friendly Farmer (RFF) Program. The statewide initiative recognizes farmers, who through good production management practices helps keep Indiana’s rivers, lakes and streams clean.
Beginning July 1, 2006, new legislation will take effect regarding the recording of documents in the County Recorder's Office. This specifically has to do with reviewing documents presented for recording regarding social security numbers.
RESPONSIBLITY OF THE PREPARER OR REVIEWER OF A DOCUMENT TO BE RECORDED
A document may not be submitted to the County Recorder for recording or filing that contains a Social Security Number unless required by law. IC 36-2-7.5-4
The preparer must make the statement required by IC 362-11-15(c), identifying the name of the preparer, on all instruments not exempted under IC 36-2-11-15(a).
Any document that must by statute have a prepared by statement must also have the affirmation statement listed in IC 36-2-11-15(d). Typed exactly as quoted in the statute:
"I affirm, under penalties for perjury, that I have taken reasonable care to redact each Social Security number in this document, unless required by law."
________________________________Signature
________________________________(Printed Name)
The exemptions to this requirement are Federal Tax Lien documents, Judgments, Orders and Writs of the Court, Wills, Death Certificates, UCC documents and any instruments executed before July 1, 1959 and documents prepared or acknowledged outside the state of Indiana. The name can be typed, printed or be a signature.
This means that all Deeds, Mortgages, Assignments and Releases, Miscellaneous and Oversized documents that are executed or acknowledged in Indiana, MUST have the affirmation statement on them in addition to be near the prepared by statement at the conclusion of the document.
Anyone who submits a document with the affirmation statement and without redacting a Social Security Number commits perjury.
As a "pro se" the first thing to do is to ask yourself, "Am I sure that I want to represent myself?" In answering that question, you must keep this in mind: YOU WILL BE HELD TO THE STANDARDS OF A LAWYER. You should follow all the rules that apply to lawyers. If you fail to follow the rules, you may be subject to the same penalties as if you were a lawyer.
The Court personnel cannot answer any legal type of questions. We cannot assist you with the completion of the paperwork. Any legal questions will have to be directed to an attorney. The law prohibits court personnel from giving you legal advice or instruction on which forms you may need or how to complete them because they are not trained to do so. All cases are filed in the Clerk's office at the courthouse. All filings must be accompanied by self-addressed envelopes for all mailings to be done in the case. If mailings are to be sent by certified mail, please include the completed certified articles.
There is an old saying: "The person who represents himself has a fool for a client." There are at least two reasons for this saying. First, you will find that the legal process is complex and difficult to understand. The person on the other side of your case will probably be represented by a lawyer. Without a lawyer, you will be at a disadvantage. Second, you have a personal interest in the outcome of your case, which will deprive you of the objectivity you need to present your case effectively in court.
You improve your chances of winning your case when you have a lawyer represent you. We encourage you to consult with an attorney. You should make the decision to represent yourself carefully.
If you choose to represent yourself, you may find forms at the Indiana Self-Service Legal Center.
A link to the site is found below in the "Services" tab.
Any development or redevelopment occurring within the unincorporated areas of Dearborn County that meets the requirements for MS4 projects will be required to have a Trained Individual. A Trained Individual is a person who is trained and experienced in the principles of stormwater quality, including erosion and sediment control as may be demonstrated by state registration, professional certification (such as Certified Erosion, Sediment & Stormwater Inspector and/or Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control), or other documented and applicable experience or coursework as deemed sufficient by Dearborn County that enable the individual to make judgments regarding stormwater control or treatment and monitoring.
Dearborn County will offer Qualified Professional Inspector Training, and upon passing the course, an individual will receive a registration, active for 3 years, as a Qualified Professional Inspector (QPI) in Dearborn County. Please check this page for upcoming information on QPI training.
For Best Management Practices during active construction, please see the handout below:
For guidance on specific Best Management Practices, please select a handout below:
To view information on Pet Adoptions in Dearborn County, please visit one of the following pages below:
Be sure to also check out P.A.W.S. of Dearborn County on Facebook!
The Board of Health Members are pictured to the right, with their details below in the member list.
Front row, left to right: Allen Goodman, Harbans Gill, M.D.
Second row, left to right: Board of Health Attorney Joe Votaw: Donald Rechtin R.P.H.: Board Chairman Michael K. Hankins BSN, CRNA: Gerald Miller:
Not Pictured, Board Vice-Chairman Steve Hubbard D.V.M.: Stephen C. Eliason, M.D.: Board Secretary and Health Officer Commissioner Gary Scudder, M.D.
"Just as they do on the farm, conservation practices on nonagricultural land can help increase food and shelter for birds and other wildlife, control soil erosion, reduce sediment in waterways, conserve water and improve water quality, inspire a stewardship ethic, and beautify the landscape.
Backyard Conservation shows you how conservation practices that help conserve and improve natural resources on agricultural land across the country can be adapted for use around your home. These practices help the environment and can make your yard more attractive and enjoyable. Most backyard conservation practices are easy to use. America's farmers and ranchers have been using these practices successfully for decades.
Whether you have rural acreage, a suburban yard, or a city lot, you can help protect the environment and add beauty and interest to your surroundings. Ten conservation practices have been scaled down for homeowners." (Source: NRCS)
For more information about Backyard Conservation contact the Stormwater Coordinator at 812-926-2406 ext. 109 or kyla.dick@in.nacdnet.net.
Effective July 1, 2009, Senate Enrolled Act 450 made some slight changes to the Indiana code that deals with where to file/or record Assumed Business Name (ABN) forms.
When filing an ABN for Corporations, Limited Partnerships, Limited Liability Companies or Limited Liability Partnerships, either foreign and domestic, conducting business in Indiana under a name other that the name shown on its Application for Registration, file a certificate with the Secretary of State's office at www.INBiz.in.gov.
If you are a Sole Proprietorship, Associations or General Partnership you may bring or mail the Certificate of Assumed Business Name Form to the Recorder’s Office with the required fee for recording
See Tips for Recording and Fee Schedule (links located to the left under Topics of Interest) for assistance.
Dearborn County's first Courthouse was built in 1810 on the public square in Lawrenceburg. It was a two-story brick building with a hipped roof, crowned by an octagonal cupola, following the standard design for public buildings at that time.
The entire first floor was dedicated to the courtroom while the jury room and judges' chambers were on the second floor. On March 5th, 1826 it was burned to a shell. The fire was believed to be the result of arson. Some records were saved but many were lost to the fire. Property owners were asked to bring their deeds to the recorder for re-copying. These records were hand written.
The Courthouse was re-built within the same walls and local architects Jesse Hunt, James W. Hunter and George Dunn were appointed construction superintendents. The building was not ready for occupancy until the fall or winter of 1828. Two separate one-story brick buildings were erected between the courthouse and Mary Street for the county clerk and recorder.
Over time the population of Dearborn County grew and so did the needs of local government. The county commissioners decided to build a new courthouse. They were impressed with the Floyd County courthouse built in New Albany. The commissioners modeled the new courthouse after Floyd County. George H. Kyle was selected as architect.
Kyle was a native of Virginia before moving to Vevay around 1840. He had an excellent reputation and his buildings exhibited superior craftsmanship. His plans for the new courthouse were approved by the commissioners on June 15, 1870. The pearl gray limestone was quarried in Monroe County Indiana. The contract for the stone cutting was awarded to Francis Raman, Indianapolis. T.J. Shannor of Lawrenceburg was the general contractor. Excavation began on July 17, 1870.
The cornerstone was laid on April 13, 1871. Louis Jordan of Indianapolis was the guest speaker. The ceremony drew 5,000 spectators according to one account. Included in the cornerstone were histories of the Masons, Odd Fellows, Druids, Good Templars as well as Lawrenceburg religious societies. Stamps, newspapers and fashion plates from 1871 were deposited as were many documents considered historic at the time including continental money and old coins from the Revolution.
The Courthouse was completed in 1873 at a cost of $135,775.00. During the three years of construction, all courthouse business was conducted in the Odd Fellows building at the southwest corner of High and Walnut streets.
The three-story building included city hall offices and a public opera house. The entire back half of the second floor was devoted to a magnificently appointed courtroom roughly 70 feet long by 50 feet wide. Thirty feet overhead was an ornate plaster ceiling featuring arches, coffers, finials and two center medallions from which enormous brass chandeliers were suspended. Surrounding the medallions is a painted sky featuring clouds and gold leaf stars.
Political rallies, high school graduations and other public ceremonies were held in the courtroom. In 1902, Judge George E. Downey ordered that the Courtroom be divided in half and that the plaster ceiling be covered by the pressed tin ceiling that is present today.
One of Dearborn County’s local radio stations, Eagle Country 99.3 FM, provides information on lost and found pets in the area.
To report a lost or found pet: Contact the Animal Control Office by phone at (812) 537-0913 or via email at animalcontrol210@gmail.com.
Check out the PAWS of Dearborn County Humane Center website or call (812) 577-0829 to learn more about adopting a pet in need of a home!
If you have a lost pet in Dearborn County, you should also ask PAWS if it has been taken to their shelter.
Helpful Tips to Avoid Rejection of Documents
To obtain more information on or ask questions about rejections, please contact our office.
Transcripts are available for purchase. All requests for transcripts must be initiated on TheRecordExchange (TRX) website. The general public, private attorneys, appointed public defenders and prosecutors will be able to handle requests on TRX. On the TRX site you can complete an online form that will allow you to request and pay for transcripts and audio transcripts. Assistance is available on the site to help you with any questions and requests for transcripts.
To access this service, simply visit the Court’s TRX Portal at:
https://seventhjudicialcircuit-in.trxchange.net/
Email if you need assistance:
customersuccess@trxchange.com
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