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Resident urges Adams County to consider noise ordinance after repeated late‑night vehicle stunts
Summary
A Pleasant Mills resident described repeated late‑night vehicle noise and burnouts that wake neighbors; the sheriff and commissioners discussed enforcement limits, possible civil nuisance remedies and agreed to increase patrols to monitor the area.
A Pleasant Mills resident, Marvin Double, told commissioners that loud vehicle noise and burnouts near his property have been recurring for about a year and that he was recently awakened at about 1:50 a.m. He asked whether the county could establish a noise ordinance or take other steps to address the problem.
"I was woke up Sunday morning early at 1:50 in the morning. Loud noise," Marvin said. He described vehicles, UTVs and dirt bikes with modified exhaust and said incidents include burnouts on the county road and on private property.
Sheriff's staff and county legal counsel explained enforcement constraints: county ordinances tied to decibel readings require certified equipment and procedures, and proving the source of intermittent noise is difficult in practice. The sheriff recommended increased patrols as a near‑term response; staff also noted that affected residents may have a private civil remedy through Indiana nuisance law if they pursue a claim in court.
Why it matters: Repeated late‑night disturbances affect residents' sleep and safety perceptions. The discussion highlighted the limits of immediate enforcement without a formal ordinance or evidence, and it laid out possible next steps for both law enforcement and private civil action.
Next steps: The sheriff's office will increase patrols in the affected area and report back to the board; staff offered to convene follow‑up meetings with the incoming sheriff to explore ordinance language and enforcement logistics if commissioners request it.
