Councilman says Porter County TIF could force new income tax

VALPARAISO | Porter County Councilman Dan Whitten, D-at large, said he believes the proposal to establish a tax increment finance district in the area of the new hospital is unfair to taxpayers and could lead to the need for a new local income tax.

Porter County Council ousts its leaders

VALPARAISO | The Porter County Council has a new president and vice president, after members voted 4-3 on Monday to oust their current leaders and elect new officers.

Porter County adopts budget relying on reserve funds

VALPARAISO | A fractured Porter County Council approved a $38 million budget for 2013 that relies on reserve funding.

County Council member accused of making anti-gay remark

VALPARAISO | The Porter County Council has been called on to pass a resolution admonishing member Jim Polarek, R-4th, for making a comment during Tuesday's meeting that some interpreted as an anti-gay slur.

EDITORIAL: A recap of our spring endorsements

Over the past few weeks, we've given a series of endorsements in major contested races facing voters in Lake and Porter counties. We recap them today so you can take this handy synopsis of our recommendations with you when you vote Tuesday.

Jim Polarek

EDITORIAL: We endorse Evans for commissioner

Probably the hottest race in Porter County this year is is for the Republican nomination for Porter County commissioner in District 3, where incumbent John Evans faces former Commissioner Jim Biggs.

Council members question $75,000 for jobs plan

VALPARAISO | Jeremy Rivas, D-2nd, and other members of the Porter County Council support the goal of creating jobs locally.

After Tuesday, 2012 elections kick into high gear

Tuesday's municipal elections aren't even over, but already the focus has been shifting to the 2012 elections.

$2M proposed to start South Haven drainage work

VALPARAISO | The Porter County Council tentatively agreed Monday to begin nibbling away at the estimated $10 million in drainage work in South Haven at the rate of $2 million a bite.

GUEST COMMENTARY: Turn interest into action in Porter County

It has been three years since Porter County sold Porter hospital. Three years. It's time to enact a plan to put the interest proceeds of the sale to work for the citizens of Porter County.

Porter County weathers poor economy

VALPARAISO | Porter County Council President Dan Whitten is feeling pretty optimistic about the county's future, based in part on how well the area has come through the financially turbulent last few years.

County to file RDA appeal Monday

VALPARAISO | Attorney Mitch Peters said he plans to file a petition by Monday asking the Indiana Supreme Court to hear Porter County's legal battle to withdraw from the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority.

MARK KIESLING: Transparency in government should become contagious

From federal to local levels, government was designed to have a series of checks and balances, not be given a blank check on a "trust me" handshake.

Talk of economic development group causing stir

VALPARAISO | Efforts to form yet another economic development group in the county is raising red flags among members of the County Council, who question the need and whether the group will be targeting a new tax or the proceeds from the sale of the county hospital.

EDITORIAL: Make peace with the RDA

While the Porter County Council waits for a judge to rule on the county's lawsuit against the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority, the court of public opinion already has issued its ruling.

EDITORIAL: A recap of our endorsements

Do you know who you will vote for on Tuesday? We would like to help make that decision easier with this recap of our endorsement in key races. We encourage you to take this to the voting booth to help you remember the best choices.