Work release program begins cleanup work in Merrillville

MERRILLVILLE | The Lake County Sheriff's Work Release program is helping Merrillville clean up its streets.

Work release program begins cleanup work in Merrillville

Lake County Sheriff John Buncich talks to Merrillville Town Council President Carol Miano on Wednesday as the sheriff launches his community cleanup program.

Work release program begins cleanup work in Merrillville

Inmates from the Lake County Sheriff's Work Release pick up trash Wednesday along Harrison Street near 61st Avenue as they kick off the sheriff's cleanup program. The efforts will continue until early fall in several communities in Lake County. "With all the cutbacks, the normal cleanup is b…

Work release program begins cleanup work in Merrillville

Inmates from the Lake County Sheriff's Work Release program pick up trash Wednesday on Harrison Street just south of 61st Avenue. The team of about seven men are serving time for misdemeanor offenses.

Ex-Chicago Heights man turns 105

Cosmo Marlini joins hands with his stepdaughter, Genevieve Johnson, left, and his niece, Paulette Dyrda, both of Chicago Heights, as they join about 100 residents of Village Woods Christian Retirement Community at his 105th birthday celebration.

Ex-Chicago Heights man turns 105

Cosmos Marlini entters the banquet hall at the Village Woods Christian Retirement Community as residents sing "Happy Birthday" to him. Marlini, who was born the same year the Cubs last won a World Series, celebrated his 105th birthday Wednesday.

Man sues Lake County Jail, sheriff for alleged ill treatment

HAMMOND | A semi-quadriplegic man serving time for robbery at Indiana State Prison in Michigan City is pressing ahead with a lawsuit against Lake County officials over his treatment during his incarceration at the Lake County Jail.

Sheriff says foul play unlikely in Schneider woman's death

CROWN POINT | Foul play is not suspected in the death of a Schneider woman at this time, according to a news release issued Thursday by the office of Lake County Sheriff John Buncich.

OFFBEAT: Chance to see sold-out Crown Point dinner theater 'Frozen Stiff'

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Federal judge approves $7.2 million settlement in inmate lawsuit

HAMMOND | A federal judge signed off Friday on a $7.2 million settlement Lake County has agreed to pay to inmates who complained about jail conditions.

Police: Handcuffed prisoner found hiding in closet

GARY | A Gary man was found hiding a closet with handcuffs still on Tuesday after he fled police custody, officials said.

Lake County K-9 Unit selling shirts

CROWN POINT | The Lake County Sheriff’s K-9 unit is selling t-shirts and hoodies as a fundraiser.

Pet Oktoberfest is Saturday at Lake County Fairgrounds

CROWN POINT | The Animal Adoption and Control Center will host its second annual Pet Oktoberfest between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday at the Lake County Fairgrounds. There will be pet vendors along with animal rescue groups, the Sheriff's Department K-9 Unit and Posse, Lake County Sheriff John…

Veteran Lake County sheriff's officer retiring

CROWN POINT | One of the longest-serving members on the Lake County police force is leaving.

Lake County Sheriff K9 Officer saves two in fire and recounts evening

GARY | With total disregard for her own safety, Lake County Sheriff K9 Officer Amber Thomas smashed into a Gary, Indiana home and saved the lives of two, including one 80 year-old disabled senior citizen.

Supreme Court suspends Portage attorney for misconduct

INDIANAPOLIS | The Indiana Supreme Court ruled Monday that Portage attorney Janice Gambill engaged in professional misconduct and suspended her from practicing law for at least six months.

MARK KIESLING: Sheriff's overtime dispute seems to be resolved

Lake County Sheriff John Buncich said Friday afternoon he has found money to pay overtime that has been denied some employees since July 16.

County police rescue abandoned horses

CROWN POINT | Four abandoned horses are believed to have been roaming free for several days before county police were alerted, police said Friday.

Lake County officer suspended after being target of Portage investigation

PORTAGE | A Lake County sheriff's deputy was suspended after police filed charges against him Tuesday and several weapons were removed from his Porter County home, officials said.

Father, daughter rescued from water near Hammond Marina

HAMMOND | A Mokena, Ill., man and his teenage daughter were rescued Sunday afternoon from Lake Michigan when they went for a swim from a boat that drifted away from them in strong winds, officials said.