GRIFFITH | The Griffith Town Council has begun preparations for next year's Calumet Township secession attempt by rehiring the lobbying firm that represents it.
The council retained the Indianapolis law firm of Barnes & Thornburg to begin laying the groundwork for next year's state legislative session.
The agreement calls for the firm to help Griffith develop legislative strategies, including new bills or attaching amendments to existing ones, board members said.
The firm also will meet, as needed, with various state representatives and senators.
The one-year contract begins Wednesday for a fee of $5,000 per month.
Vice president Rick Ryfa, R-3rd, said the town still hopes to "escape the township mess we're in."
In other business, private funds continue to come in for the police dog that the town expects to buy later this year.
Gus Parianos, owner of Jedi's Garden, presented the council with a $10,000 check to help pay for the dog and its training.
So far, the town has also received private donations from Prompt Ambulance, True Life Ministries, Double T Towing, AT&T Telecom Pioneers-Marcia C. Warren Trust Fund and various residents.
"Putting a canine unit on the street will give our officers an added tool to help fight the problem and better enhance our ability to work with our neighboring towns," Ryfa said.
Council President Glen Gaby, R-1, said donation checks can be sent to Town Hall and written to Town of Griffith-K9.
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