Belle Mina, Indiana, August 30, 2025

News Summary

In Belle Mina, Indiana, legal issues surrounding a quarry development escalate as Elephants R Us sues local churches for $1.6 million in damages. Allegations include interference with lease contracts, causing permit delays for the quarry. Community opposition led by the Southern Environmental Law Center highlights concerns over environmental impacts, adding complexity to the case. The outcome could significantly affect corporate activities and community rights regarding environmental justice.

Belle Mina, Indiana: Legal Battle Escalates Over Quarry Development

In a significant legal dispute, Elephants R Us, a corporation linked to a quarry under construction off Mooresville Road in Belle Mina, is suing several local churches and community members for alleged interference with its operations. The lawsuit, filed in the Hamilton Superior Court in Indiana, seeks $1.6 million in damages, along with attorney’s fees and court costs.

The churches involved in the lawsuit include Belle Mina Methodist Church, New Beginnings Covenant Ministries, and Pastor Cody Gilliam, along with the Mitchell-Frazier Farms Partnership Limited. Elephants R Us claims that these defendants interfered with a lease contract between Elephants R Us LLC and Stoned LLC, a company owned by the same family, thereby delaying necessary permits for the quarry.

According to Elephants R Us, the defendants’ actions have resulted in improper delays affecting the quarry’s operations, which is located approximately half a mile from the center of historic Limestone County community. The Alabama Department of Environmental Management has already issued permits to Stoned LLC and Grayson Carter & Son, allowing them to discharge water and emit air pollutants, despite ongoing opposition from the churches.

Community Opposition and Legal Repercussions

The defendants, represented by the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC), have publicly opposed the quarry, voicing concerns over its potential harmful impacts through press releases, social media, and administrative proceedings. The SELC represents not only the churches in this lawsuit but also in another related case pending in the Limestone County Circuit Court against Stoned LLC and Grayson Carter & Son.

Elephants R Us had earlier attempted to dismiss the churches from the lawsuit but faced denial from Circuit Judge Matthew Huggins. The legal landscape has become increasingly complex as the churches argue for the dismissal of the case, contending that the Indiana court lacks jurisdiction, given that Elephants R Us is primarily based in Huntsville, Alabama, despite being registered as an Indiana LLC.

Statements from the Defendants

Pastor Cody Gilliam has raised concerns about the use of intimidation tactics by powerful entities to silence opposition, especially from faith communities. Another pastor, Eddie Walton, has vowed to reach out within the community and continue fighting against the quarry’s proposed projects and their potentially detrimental effects.

SELC attorney Sarah Stokes emphasized the defendants’ right to exercise their First Amendment rights in opposing the quarry development. The legal outcome of this case could set a precedent regarding the balance between corporate activities and community concerns, particularly in cases where environmental and health impacts are at stake.

Background Context

The quarry construction in Belle Mina has sparked significant concern among local residents and community leaders, highlighting the tension that often arises between economic development and community health interests. The potential environmental impacts, including air and water pollution, are central to the discussions surrounding the quarry and have fueled community activism.

As this legal battle unfolds, both sides appear resolved in their positions, indicating that the future development of the quarry may hinge on the outcome of the ongoing court proceedings. The community watches closely as the case develops, with widespread implications for both local governance and environmental policy in Indiana.

Conclusion

This lawsuit represents not only a conflict between Elephants R Us and local faith-based organizations but also reflects broader issues surrounding environmental justice, community rights, and corporate governance. As the legal battle continues, the stakeholders involved are preparing for what could be a lengthy and contentious process.

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Additional Resources

• WAFF: Rock Quarry Landowners Sue Two Belle Mina Churches and Pastor
• AL.com: Quarry Owners Sue Alabama Churches for $1.6 Million Over Public Opposition
• Rocket City Now: Alabama Churches, Pastor Face Lawsuit Over Belle Mina Quarry
• Wikipedia: Quarry
• MSN: Judge Denies Landowners’ Request to be Removed from Belle Mina Quarry Lawsuit

Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER

The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.