Whiting Court is Now Adjourned Gayle Faulkner-Kosalko January 2020

December 30 marked an important event in Whiting’s history. It was officially the last session of Whiting City Court. The city court had always been for traffic cases, ordinance compliance, and misdemeanors. As Bailiff Tom Mordus worked security duty in the back of the courtroom, it was obvious that there was a somber atmosphere among the court employees that night.

Having worked together for so long, each of them said that they had come to feel as if they were family. “ In my six years as a Bailiff, these people that I’ve worked with here are the greatest,” he said. Other employees of the court are Wanda Unate, Cindy Padilla, Cindy Stahura, Art Okerstrom, and Joe Curosh Jr., Prosecutor. They all worked under Judge Anne P. Likens, Whiting’s Judge since 2004.

Probation Officer Cindy Padilla said it was her first job out of Valparaiso U. where she received a degree in criminology and sociology. “The Judge gave me my first opportunity,” she said. “I loved this job with this incredible group of people. I looked forward to coming to work. I’ve learned so much here.” But Cindy’s memory of the courtroom itself is particularly special because she and her husband were married there by Judge Likens herself.

At the beginning of court the last evening, former Bailiff John Strabavy said to all those present that Judge Likens brought to her courtroom “fairness and impartiality” and called for “a warm round of applause for a job well done.” With her typical dry wit, the Judge replied, “Let’s hold off on that. I still could make a mistake tonight… we’re not done yet.”

But after about an hour of reviewing cases about city ordinances, the work of the city court was complete. Judge Likens then took the time to graciously thank all those who had worked for and with her. While Cindy Stahura has only been there for 3 years, she too will miss her co-workers. “I personally liked the small town feel of the Court and that it gave the Judge the opportunity to know the defendants and their situations,” Cindy added

“Let us remember past judges back when I was Deputy Prosecutor under Judge Obermiller and also remember Mrs. Obermiller, Ann, too,” she said, speaking of the couple fondly. She also mentioned her predecessor Judge Bill Ciesar. Wanda Unate has been Court Clerk for 22 years and was there with Judge Ciesar and remembers the fun it was (working along with Judy Fehrman) to help Judge Ciesar with his Christmas program and his initial Safe Prom program. Working for the court was not simply a job. They were involved with the community too.

“It was a great experience learning the judicial system,” Wanda said. “I also enjoyed working with Judy, doing a room every year during FOP Halloween Haunted House for the Court.” And like Wanda, Bailiff Art enjoyed the days when the Court provided food baskets and toys for underprivileged families. This was before the Food Pantry and the City’s collection of toys.

Art started as a bailiff under Judge Ciesar and has been there for 24 years, years he’s enjoyed and feels were important. “The court was an asset to Whiting residents, allowing them to attend court locally rather than requiring travel,” Art said “It dealt with all defendants fairly, impartially and compassionately. I believe that we did help some people straighten out their lives. Personally, I will miss being part of something that existed for the betterment of in Whiting.

From the bench Judge Likens said, “It’s hard to believe. It’s the end of an era. I’m not happy that court is closing but they had good reasons why it has to. I’m naturally a little sad as you are when something comes to an end. And to all of you….everybody connected with court, thank you all.”

And with that Bailiff Okerstrom, for the very last time, pronounced the words, “Whiting City Court is now adjourned.”