Editorials

Congratulations for avoiding tragedy, but more leadership needed in solving state, region bridge woes

Many important questions surround the recent closure of the Cline Avenue bridge between East Chicago and Hammond, including how the bridge regressed to such poor structural condition that an emergency closure was necessary. A strong need remains for region and state transportation officials to evaluate and improve the way they ensure structural integrity and functional design of road bridges. However, one bright spot in the recent Cline Avenue closure was the ability of state transpor…

Letters to the Editor

Obama should focus on war effort, not celebrity visitors

Press Secretary Robert Gibbs was asked the other day how many hours has the president spent on strategy for the war in Afghanistan.  His answer was 20 hours. Wow Mr. President! Don't strain yourself. In the meantime, a list was released last week with names of people who have visited President Obama at the White House in the last 10 months. The rapper Jay-Z, Serena Williams,  George Soros,  George Clooney,  Oprah Winfrey, Brad Pitt,  Al Franken, Al Gore, Al Sharpton and Denzel Wa…

Columnists

Bill Masterson Jr. William Nangle Doug Ross Mark Kiesling Phil Wieland

DOUG ROSS: How callous are lawmakers toward lobbyists?

Beginning last Sunday, The Times and a group of 22 other newspapers across Indiana have told of the influence lobbyists have had on legislators and their work.

Forum

Put the brakes on ethanol plant until all information is made public

Each time new information regarding the proposed trash-to-ethanol plant escapes to daylight from the cracks of the fortress-like Lake County Government Center, the venture appears a riskier deal for taxpayers. First, taxpayers were asked to look upon the plant -- which would be the first of its kind in the country and unproven on the commercial scale -- as an economic opportunity. Then came the revelation last week from county officials that the plant would be owned by the county -- a…

Guest Commentary

'Tis the season for winterizing autos, proper disposal of fluid

Whether we like it or not, winter is on its way. If winterizing your vehicle is on your "to do" list, good for you. Keeping your car in good operating condition is a great way to prevent air pollution and save money. This is an excellent time to make sure your car is not contributing to local water pollution. Check and fix any leaks you find. Even a small amount of antifreeze or other fluid can pollute thousands of gallons of water.