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Commissioners permit courthouse rally Aug. 17, warn organizers after sidewalk graffiti reported
Summary
Porter County commissioners approved a permit Aug. 15 for a public rally on courthouse grounds Aug. 17 but publicly warned organizers that graffiti found after a prior demonstration would not be tolerated and that law‑enforcement could be asked to hold those responsible accountable.
The Porter County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 15 approved a permit allowing organizers to hold a rally on the southeast and southwest corners of the county courthouse grounds on Sunday, Aug. 17, from 4:45 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. Organizers said the permitted setup will include handheld signs and one table.
During the permit discussion the chair told organizers officials had received a photograph of graffiti left on courthouse sidewalks after a prior demonstration and said the county would not tolerate defacement of public property. “We're not gonna allow that,” the chair said, and later added, “This is your only warning.” The chair also said he would request the sheriff’s department investigate and, if appropriate, hold those responsible accountable.
Organizers who addressed the board said they did not intend the later graffiti and offered to work with county staff to ensure it would not recur; one organizer asked whether the board wanted to act on the permit immediately or require the group to return at the board’s next meeting. Commissioners approved the permit by voice vote and set the conditions described on the application.
Details: The approved permit authorizes handheld signs and one table on courthouse grounds during the posted hours and names the applicant on the permit record. Commissioners repeatedly stressed that the county expects permit holders to supervise participants and to prevent property damage or leave‑behind materials.
What wasn’t decided: No criminal charges or formal enforcement action was announced at the meeting; the chair said he would ask the sheriff’s office to follow up if the graffiti issue persisted. The board did not add new permit conditions beyond reminding organizers of existing rules about defacing public property.
Next steps: Permit holder must adhere to county rules for use of courthouse grounds; commissioners said they will expect a cleanup and that repeat violations could prompt denial of future permits or referral to law enforcement.
