The Indiana Judges Association is accepting nominations for its annual awards for "Excellence in Public Information and Education," Lake Circuit Court Judge Lorenzo Arredondo announced today.

Judge Arredondo, who chairs the Community Relations Committee of the Judicial Conference of Indiana, said the Committee selects the recipients on behalf of the Indiana Judges Association.

The IJA gives two "Excellence in Public Information and Education" awards each year. One award is presented to a member of the Indiana judiciary for special efforts in community relations. In addition, an award is presented to a member of the news media for efforts in responsible reporting on the Indiana judiciary.

Nominations for either award should include a letter outlining the reasons for making the nomination and any supporting information that will assist the committee in its decision-making. The selection will be based on the breadth and depth of the effort, quality of the effort, ingenuity and public response

Nominations must be received at the Indiana Judicial Center by 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 23, 2006. The awards will be presented at the Indiana Judges Association luncheon on September 14, 2006 in Indianapolis .

For further information or a copy of the nomination forms, please contact Jenni fer Bauer at 317-232-1313. Nomination forms are also available online at www.in.gov/judiciary/center.