Inmates flushing frustration for utility workers

It's a problem that's almost as old as indoor plumbing in jails, but it's becoming a frequent frustration for the Valparaiso utilities maintenance crews.

2 fulfill dream of becoming Porter County Sheriff's Department officers

VALPARAISO | Two men, who shared a long-time dream of becoming police officers, had that dream come true Monday.

Changes coming for Porter gun permit applicants

VALPARAISO | Beginning next Monday, the Porter County Sheriff's Department will no longer do fingerprinting for gun permits.

Valparaiso seeks buyer for former North Coast facilities

VALPARAISO | After a little more than a year, the former North Coast Distributing facilities have had some nibbles, but the city is still waiting for a big fish to take the bait.

Porter County police briefs

Burglary, battery charges filed against ex-boyfriend

SWAT activated in warrant arrests

PORTAGE | The Portage Police SWAT unit was activated early Thursday to serve warrants on two men accused of dealing marijuana.

Local police department participate in drug take-back Saturday

Several local police departments will participate in the Drug Enforcement Administration's National prescription Drug Take-Back Day Saturday.

Popcorn profits profitable for area nonprofits

VALPARAISO | It not only takes a village to raise a child, it also takes one to hold the city's annual Popcorn Festival.

Brides-to-be say dress shop broke its vow

VALPARAISO | Wedding days are filled with plenty of anxiety, but a number of local brides-to-be have learned their long-awaited wedding dresses apparently won't be arriving from Sisters Bridal.

Lake Eliza shooting under investigation

PORTER TOWNSHIP | A 27-year-old Lake Eliza man is recuperating after authorities said he was shot with a shotgun Friday afternoon.

SWAT teams don't just learn on the fly

When a man held hostages at a Valparaiso real estate office for nearly seven hours in late May, it was members of local SWAT teams who stormed the building, ending the standoff.

Gun range plan wins Plan Commission recommendation

VALPARAISO | About 50 people, most with concerns about construction of a gun range at the former Fetla's Trading Post, heard the city's Plan Commission recommend approval of the project Tuesday.

Valpo offers Safe Place for youths to seek help

VALPARAISO | Youths looking for a safe place to seek help soon will have dozens of locations in the city, including city buildings and buses.

Portage welcomes newest police officer

PORTAGE | Portage native Kyle Lerch was sworn in Thursday morning as the newest member of the city's police department.

Utilities for St. Mary clinic, North Coast OK'd

VALPARAISO | Two development projects received quick action from Valparaiso's Utilities Board on Tuesday.

Valpo grants abatements for North Coast project

VALPARAISO | The new North Coast Distributing facilities are on tap for a January opening after approval of tax abatements for the building and its equipment Monday by the City Council.

Valpo inks North Coast deal

VALPARAISO | An agreement was signed Monday for the city to buy the current North Coast Distributing site after the company moves to its new location on Ind. 49 early next year.

Porter County Sheriff's Mounted Division always ready to ride

VALPARAISO | For most people, the only encounter they'll have with the members of the Porter County Sheriff's Mounted Division is when waving to the horseback volunteers at parades or the county fair.

Porter County officers take on hungry diners for Special Olympics

Porter County sheriff: Crime lowest in five years

VALPARAISO | While 2010 saw an increase in the population at Porter County Jail, Sheriff David Lain said most crime last year was down significantly from 2009.