EDITORIAL: Easing jail crowding is no easy task

As Porter County continues to talk about how to ease crowding at the jail, among the ideas that has come up is to stop taking in federal inmates. But even that idea has its drawbacks.

Action on Porter County jail medical service contract delayed

VALPARAISO | Porter County Sheriff Dave Lain hopes to have a recommendation at the next county commissioners meeting for providing round-the-clock medical service for inmates, but commission President John Evans warned that Lain also better include a recommendation on how to pay for it.

GUEST COMMENTARY: Look for commonalities, not differences between us

From our Neanderthal beginnings, we as humans banded together for survival and efficiency. Hunter-gatherers were more effective when working toward a mutual goal. So that we might better our chance of survival, we came together for our own sake. Even if the saber-toothed tiger succeeded in p…

Inmates flushing frustration for utility workers

It's a problem that's almost as old as indoor plumbing in jails, but it's becoming a frequent frustration for the Valparaiso utilities maintenance crews.

2 fulfill dream of becoming Porter County Sheriff's Department officers

VALPARAISO | Two men, who shared a long-time dream of becoming police officers, had that dream come true Monday.

While county sees increase in fuel use, others see drops

While Porter County officials blamed rising fuel prices for the need to come up with an additional $250,000 last year, the larger communities in the county were able to live within their budgets.

MARK KIESLING: Porter County faces jail crisis head-on

There are just too many darn people in jail.

EDITORIAL: Ease crowding at Porter County Jail

When the Porter County Jail opened a decade ago, it featured a third pod for the eventual day when the jail population would rise to the point of overcrowding. It's time to open that third pod.

EDITORIAL: Dollars aren't only jail security cost

Porter County officials are discussing whether to privatize security at the Porter County Jail and the courthouse. Go ahead and collect the information, but numbers must not be the only criteria used in considering whether privatization makes sense.

Porter County Sheriff Lain seeks removal from federal immigration lawsuit

HAMMOND | Porter County Sheriff Dave Lain has asked a federal judge to dismiss a challenge to Indiana's new immigration law or at least remove him from the lawsuit.

PHIL WIELAND: Hey, Joe, I'm waiting for your call

I'm still waiting for Joe Biden to call, if only to apologize for not saying "Hi" when he was in Porter County two weeks ago. But we have confirmation he was, indeed, at the airport and the Chesterton DQ.

South Haven festival to salute veterans

SOUTH HAVEN | American Legion Post 502 will host a special salute to military veterans during its two-day Veterans Festival on Aug. 3 and 4.

Jail's medical co-pay requirement questioned

VALPARAISO | Porter County Public Defender Peter Boyles is questioning a decision by the Porter County Jail staff to take money from an indigent client to help pay for his medications.

EDITORIAL: Good neighbors help each other out

A new twist on the neighborhood watch program in Porter County encourages citizens to get to know their neighbors and just keep an eye out for each other. It's good advice.

Sheriff's program promotes neighborliness to prevent crime

VALPARAISO | From her living room window, Gladys Kravitz kept constant watch over the goings-on in her neighborhood. While many consider the character from TV's "Bewitched" to be the prototype busybody, Sheriff Dave Lain said some crime could be prevented if the county's residents adopted a …

EDITORIAL: Discuss jail before options are locked in

Porter County officials are looking at how to ease crowding at the Porter County Jail. Sheriff Dave Lain has been talking about this for several years now. This can't wait.

Man sues Porter County sheriff, jail medical staff over treatment for spider bite

HAMMOND | A federal civil complaint was filed Wednesday by a former inmate at the Porter County Jail who says he did not receive proper medical care for a spider bite.

Porter County turns to feds for help in jail overcrowding

VALPARAISO | Porter County is turning to the federal government for help in tackling overcrowding at its jail.

Board terminates Porter County sheriff's officer following crashes

VALPARAISO | A Porter County sheriff's officer involved in five vehicle-related incidents was relieved of his duties Thursday afternoon.

Donation will help project at keep seniors safe

VALPARAISO | With a $1,000 donation, the Porter County Sheriff's Department will be able to provide more monitoring bracelets for families fearful senior relatives may wander from home.