Extension granted for appeal in biomass lawsuit

An extension for an appeal has been granted to the group opposing the conversion of the Jasper Power Plant to burn miscanthus grass and natural gas as fuel sources.

Healthy Dubois County had filed for the extension to give them more time to file a brief in the case. Indiana Court of Appeals Chief Judge Margret Robb ruled Thursday to extend the time to Dr. Norma Kreilein, Rock Emmert and Healthy Dubois County until next Friday to continue their appeal.

Dr. Norma Kreilein and the others hired appeals lawyer Christopher Putt of Mishawaka to file the appeal on their behalf. Putt filed a request with the Indiana Court of Appeals to extend the time period for the filing of a brief stating the reasons for the appeal saying that he needs the extra time to review the transcript of the lower court’s proceedings.That document was just released earlier in May.

Judge Lucy Goffinet in Perry County Circuit Court dismissed the lawsuit in January of this year. She found that there were no violations of the open door laws and that Healthy Dubois County did not prove its case against the City. The group is appealing that decision.