Torch, gavel passed at first NIRPC meeting of the year

PORTAGE | The gavel and the torch were passed at 2013’s first meeting of the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission on Thursday.

MITCH BARLOGA: Swanson secured legacy for non-motorized culture

Northwest Indiana boasts a number of outstanding leaders who have brought a passion toward bettering our economic climate and quality of life. At the end of this month, Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission Executive Director John Swanson, my boss, will retire from his position t…

Key NWI rail project back in fast lane

Railroad and state officials have reached an agreement on a key project that was holding up progress on a Chicago-to-Detroit high-speed Amtrak rail route.

MARK KIESLING: McDermott may leave mayor's office for NIRPC top job

Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott Jr. might resign that job, as well as his position as Lake County's Democratic Party chairman.

NIRPC leader prepares for leaving office

Outgoing NIRPC Executive Director John Swanson said his decision to walk away from something he loves is difficult but comes at the right time for him and NIRPC.

NIRPC head to step down at end of year

The Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Council soon will be looking for a new executive director, with agency head John Swanson set to announce Thursday he will be stepping down at the end of the year.

Report recommends portion of U.S. 12 be managed by NPS

PORTER | As U.S. 12 cuts through Porter County, the diversity along the way can't go unnoticed. The six-mile stretch of U.S. 12 from ArcelorMittal's east gate to Derby Street just west of Broadway in Beverly Shores would, some say, make a perfect scenic drive.

EDITORIAL: Get high-speed rail project moving

It has been nearly two years since federal funding was granted for the a high-speed rail project in Northwest Indiana, yet no construction has begun yet. It's time to get this project moving.

Rail tsunami could swamp NWI in coming decades

Developments in far off lands could have a big impact on everyone's drive to work in Northwest Indiana, with the number of freight trains lumbering through the region expected to double by 2035.