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.

EDITORIAL: Local government efficiency merits praise

The financial straits facing local government are paying off, in some cases, by driving innovation and bringing about greater efficiency. Porter County is one of those places.

Organziation offers bus service to new Porter hospital

VALPARAISO | Porter hospital's move from downtown Valparaiso could create transportation problems for employees and patients that Porter County Aging and Community Services has offered to help solve.

Porter County treasurer to announce re-election bid

Porter County Treasurer Mike Bucko doesn't want there to be any confusion: He will seek re-election this year.

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD: Join our efforts to improve Porter County

To say we hit the ground running in Porter County government this year would be an understatement. Dealing with one of the worst winters in recent history we were fortunate to have eight new snowplows on the road covering 800 miles of road, making four passes on each for a total of some 3,20…

Porter County paid millions to consultants in 2010

VALPARAISO | Porter County government paid out nearly $2.8 million last year for various consulting services of more than $1,000.

Incoming county officials share wish lists

VALPARAISO | Fueled by hope for the type of change promised by last month's election results, incoming county officials came together Thursday to share their wish lists in hopes of catching the attention of those holding the purse strings.

Porter County paying out millions in tax refunds

VALPARAISO | Porter County government has refunded $3.8 million so far this year to taxpayers whose property assessments were too high.

Consolidations leave county in the red with 911

VALPARAISO | Now that all the hoopla has winded down surrounding the consolidation of local 911 dispatching services, the county is left holding the bag on a program that is operating in the red.

EDITORIAL: We endorse Lain for Porter County sheriff

Incumbent David Lain, a Democrat, faces Republican Ralph Levi in the Porter County sheriff's race.

EDITORIAL: Our choices for Porter County Council

Porter County voters face choices in only two races -- Districts 1 and 4. But there is a lot at stake in these races.

EDITORIAL: We endorse Adams for commissioner

Voters face a choice between incumbent Bob Harper, a Democrat, and Republican Nancy Adams in the Porter County commissioner's race. But the choice is really about more than the candidates. It's about the county's future.

Who is your choice for Porter County commissioner?

Adams would bring life, vision to commisioner's office

Nancy Adams is the only choice for the next Porter County commissioner. She will bring years of business skills as well as a charitable heart to an office that desperately needs vision and leadership.

This week's tax sales not final

VALPARAISO | All is not lost for delinquent taxpayers whose property will be up for bid Wednesday during Porter County's first tax sale in four years.

EDITORIAL: Do something interesting with profit

Porter County officials are sitting on a huge pot of gold with no intention of spending it. That's not necessarily bad. But why not put the interest to good use instead of letting it sit, too?

Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute study on vote centers

EDITORIAL: Let all counties use vote centers

Two Indiana lawmakers from Tippecanoe County are planning to ask the Legislature to allow the use of vote centers again. It's a bandwagon that all legislators should jump on.

Why should taxpayers care about officials who lost jobs?

What makes Porter County Assessor John Scott think the taxpayers of Porter County have the responsibility to continue paying all of the township assessors who lost their jobs because of a change in State law? Especially at the high rate of $35,991 per year.