Call 6 Investigation On Center Township Small Claims Court Leads To Rules Change

WRTV Call 6's Kara Kenney told her viewers how public resources were being used to promote a private business operated by former Center Township Small Claims Court Judge Michelle Scott and her husband officiating wedding ceremonies. That caught the attention of Marion Co. Circuit Court Judge Louis Rosenberg and Lawrence Township Small Claims Court Judge Clarke Rehme, who worked together to write a new rule prohibiting the practice. Here's some of Kenney's latest update:

“I think your series made it clear there was a problem,” said Judge Louis Rosenberg, Marion County Circuit Court and adviser for Marion County Small Claims Courts. “That’s why we acted the way we did.”

Rosenberg and small claims court judges, including Lawrence Township Small Claims Court Judge Clark Rehme, drafted a proposed rule that would impact all nine township small claims courts in Marion County.

The rule would prohibit judges from using public officials or public employees to solicit wedding business for a fee.

“You bringing this to our attention really was a big catalyst to making this rule,” Rehme told Kenney. “One bad apple spoils the whole bunch. I hope this rule helps restore, if not bolster, some more confidence in our positions.”

Rehme said he performs about a dozen weddings a year, and usually only charges a fee if he performs a ceremony on the weekend.

“We’re supposed to be there as a catch-all,” said Rehme. “If you want a nice wedding, feel free to call a wedding planner and get it done.”

“Fees should not be an impediment . . .

Judge Scott abruptly resigned after Kenney's report aired. Center Township Democrats chose Brenda Roper, their November candidate for that office, who defeated Scott in this year's primary election.