Chiefs, politician clash over choice of E-911 vendors

CROWN POINT | Before Lake County can merge the emergency networks of its 17 municipalities, everyone has to agree on a vendor.

E-911 becoming Lake County's squawk box

ST. JOHN | Efforts to open a clear line of communication among Lake County's police and firefighters were troubled by static over government policy Wednesday.

Two Hobart firefighters given awards for overhauling ATV

HOBART | Two Hobart firefighters were honored with awards of excellence at the recent Board of Public Works meeting.

Hobart police take kids to court (to shoot hoops)

HOBART | Harrison Smith, 13, took a break while shooting hoops with friends at the gym inside the Police, Court and Community Center.

Hobart police take kids to court (to shoot hoops)

Jacob Lynch, 14, Hobart police Detective Steve Houck and Hobart Fire Chief Brian Taylor watch as 15-year-old Jared Humphrey comes in for a layup Tuesday during a pickup basketball game at the Police, Court and Community Center. The Police Department started a trial after-school program to gi…

Hobart police take kids to court (to shoot hoops)

Jared Humphrey, 15, executes a jump shot over Hobart Fire Chief Brian Taylor on Tuesday during a pickup basketball game at the Police, Court and Community Center.

New E-911 draft surprises Lake police, fire chiefs

ST. JOHN | The county's municipal police and fire chiefs were surprised Thursday to learn Lake officials are pushing cities and towns to make a $5.8 million commitment to get a consolidated E-911 emergency communications center up and running months sooner than first anticipated.

Lake commissioner assures public E-911 still answers the call

CROWN POINT | Lake County Commissioner Gerry Scheub, D-Crown Point, said E-911 communications were flowing with little disruption Friday after the departure of the county's director.

Hobart officials place limits on number of fire department officers

HOBART | The Fire Department's top brass is top heavy, Fire Chief Brian Taylor told city officials.

Lake County Council refuses E-911 call plan until they know the price tag

CROWN POINT | The Lake County Council put the E-911 merger on hold Tuesday until its staffs can estimate how much a unified emergency communications system would cost the county and where to find the money.

Hobart officials consider privatizing city's emergency services

HOBART | City officials are exploring the possibility of privatizing Hobart's emergency medical services, said City Councilman David Vinzant, D-5th.

Former Hobart fire prevention director wants his job back

HOBART | The Fire Department's former fire prevention director will have to wait a few more days to find out if he gets his job back.

Brian Kerr named Hobart's new assistant fire chief

HOBART | Veteran firefighter Lt. Brian Kerr, who was recently named assistant fire chief, is following in his dad's footsteps.

Cause of Christmas house fire in Hobart under investigation

HOBART | The cause and origin of a Christmas Eve house fire that left a family homeless remains under investigation, Fire Chief Brian Taylor said.

Hobart Fire Commission agrees to not demote firefighter but place him on suspension

HOBART | Hobart Fire Department Lt. Mark Slonaker will retain his rank but he will receive a five-day suspension and be on probation, the Fire Commission ruled Tuesday.

Jaracz removed as Hobart's assistant fire chief

HOBART | Fire Chief Brian Taylor said the recent removal of Jim Jaracz as his second in command is an "administrative change."

Hobart Fire Commission holds three-hour hearing for firefighter fighting demotion

HOBART | Barber shop operator Shelly Gilliana testified Tuesday she contacted Fire Chief Brian Taylor because, she said, of disparaging comments she overheard Lt. Mark Slonaker had made about fellow firefighters.