County government jobs desireable, tough to get

County government jobs in Northwest Indiana look attractive, if you can get one.

Hebron fire chief hopes for new station by Christmas

HEBRON | Santa couldn't deliver a new fire station for Hebron last Christmas, but, with a big boost from the Porter County commissioners, he might be able to squeeze one in his sack for next Christmas.

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.

Porter County Democrats sworn in

Democrat Laura Shurr Blaney, center, is sworn in as Porter County commissioner by Judge Bill Alexa as her family gathers near on Saturday.

County racing against curtain call at Opera House

VALPARAISO | The Porter County Board of Commissioners declared an emergency last week that allowed them to bypass the bidding process and hire a contractor for up to $225,000 to address water infiltration problems threatening the 119-year-old Memorial Opera House.

Negative advertising means I won't vote in that race

Laura Blaney professes to be a good politician by stating she told fellow Democrats that she did not want to do any negative ads during this election cycle. Supposedly because she is well respected by her party, they will not do any negative advertising. This remains to be seen!

Blaney is for strong, effective local government

I first met Laura Shurr Blaney during the south county landfill debate years ago. As a journalist at the time, I recognized Laura’s attention to detail, thoughtful questioning, and thoroughness in studying the complex issues.

Full time on the public dime?

Lake County Surveyor George Van Til was so annoyed at his Republican challenger recently, he unleashed the worst insult he could think of.

Blaney will lead with her heart, not just her wisdom

How refreshing to read in a recent editorial that you preached individual qualifications rather than party lines. I trust that will carry over to other races.

County candidates square off in forum

VALPARAISO | Candidates for contested Porter County Council and commissioner seats pretty much agreed with each other Tuesday night during a forum sponsored by the Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce.

Commissioner candidate fundraising down by nearly half from two years ago

VALPARAISO | The two candidates for South District county commissioner raised about half the money this year as was generated by the candidates in the last contested general election race for the board in 2010.

Blaney, Heinold face off for commissioner seat

VALPARAISO | The race for south district county commissioner pits Democratic County Councilwoman Laura Blaney against Republican Mike Heinold, a political newcomer and son of former state Sen. Vic Heinold.

Porter County may seek donations to help build new animal shelter

VALPARAISO | Members of the Porter County Animal Shelter advisory board will troubleshoot ways this week of funding the construction of a new $2.9 million facility.

Laura Shurr Blaney

Two vie for Democratic Porter County commissioner nomination

The Democratic primary race for south district county commissioner pits County Councilwoman Laura Blaney against political newcomer Jerry Puckett.

Laura Blaney

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.

Council OKs Expo Center, opera house hiring

VALPARAISO | The success of the Memorial Opera House and the Expo Center earned Brian Schafer the tentative endorsement of the Porter County Council to hire some help Monday.

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.