Brian Bade
The 60-second story
Brian Bade serves as the judge of the Blackford Circuit Court, presiding over the 71st Judicial Circuit in Hartford City, Indiana. He is a frequent presence at both Blackford County Commissioners and County Council meetings, where he advocates for court resources, probation staffing, and courthouse security improvements.
Judge Bade has been a persistent advocate for expanding the county's probation capacity, securing approval for a third probation officer position in the 2025 budget after a contested 4-3 vote at the August 2024 budget workshop. When the position was later eliminated mid-year by a 2-4 council vote in May 2025, Bade argued that failing to fund an already-budgeted position may be unconstitutional. He also arranged for a drug screening service paid directly by clients rather than the county.
On courthouse infrastructure, Judge Bade successfully requested $21,000 for four magnetic door locks on courthouse external doors and $6,500-$8,000 to replace outdated Circuit Court recording equipment. He also secured a $3,346.75 transfer from the Juvenile Detention fund to the Courtroom Equipment line for the recording upgrade.
Quick facts
- Office Judge, Blackford Circuit Court (71st Judicial Circuit)
- Jurisdiction Blackford County, Indiana
- Key Initiatives Third probation officer, courthouse magnetic door locks ($21K), courtroom recording equipment replacement
- Court Location Blackford County Courthouse, Hartford City, IN
- Meeting Presence Regular attendee at County Commissioners and County Council meetings
Biography
Brian Bade is the judge of the Blackford Circuit Court, serving in the 71st Judicial Circuit from the Blackford County Courthouse in Hartford City, Indiana. His court handles circuit-level cases for Blackford County, and he oversees probation services and court operations.
Judge Bade is actively involved in county government beyond the bench, regularly appearing before the County Commissioners and County Council to request funding for court operations, probation staffing, and facility improvements. He has been documented at county meetings since at least early 2024, covering budget workshops, appeals hearings, and regular sessions.
His major priorities have included expanding probation staffing to three officers, improving courthouse security through magnetic door locks, modernizing courtroom recording equipment, and arranging cost-neutral drug screening services. He has scheduled executive council meetings to discuss court needs and has pushed back firmly when the council reversed previously approved budget positions.