Public's right to inspect public records without charge upheld

NEWCASTLE — The small claims court in Newcastle upheld the public’s right to inspect public documents without charge when the court ruled in favor of Wayne Chittim on Dec. 5.

According to attorney William Curley, who represented Chittim, his client was taken to court by the Osage Water District and Osage Improvement and Service District over costs associated with a public records request made by Chittim.

In the written request dated Oct. 17, 2016, Chittim specifically asked to inspect the 2015 and 2016 accounting books for the two districts.

“I Wayne Chittim am requesting the accounting books,...