The Belle Mina community is celebrating after an Indiana judge dismissed a $1.6 million lawsuit filed against local pastors and churches over their opposition to a proposed rock quarry.

The suit, brought by Keith Sharp and his companies, claimed the churches' efforts to stop the quarry caused financial harm. He sought $1.6 million in damages, plus attorney's fees. Community members have fought the quarry for years, citing concerns about air and water quality, environmental damage, and risks to vulnerable neighbors.

Pastor Cody Gilliam of Belle Mina Methodist Church was one of the individuals named in the lawsuit, along with his church. He said this lawsuit being dismissed shows that communities should be allowed to raise concerns when the industry plans to bring these types of projects i

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