Pence orders cuts in Calumet Township spending

INDIANAPOLIS | Griffith leaders were ecstatic Friday after Republican Gov. Mike Pence signed into law mandatory reductions in Calumet Township spending and a path for Griffith to exit the township if its excessive spending continues.

Tally incorrect

The total vote for the referendum for the School Town of Munster was incorrect in a story in Wednesday's editions. The final tally was 3,689 “yes” and 1,991 “no.”

Munster school referendum passes by nearly 2-1

MUNSTER | Jubilation filled a room at Charleyhorse Restaurant on Calumet Avenue as the school referendum votes from the town’s 25 precincts were displayed on a big screen.

Munster referendum

Tom Bolanowski, right, votes on the school referendum while Clerks Gerrie Hays, left, and Nicholas Loughlin, center, work at a polling location at Centennial Park in Munster.

Union Township referendum voters

Precinct inspector Michelle Emery places absentee ballots in a ballot box for the third precinct Tuesday at the Shorewood Clubhouse as Union Township voters took to the polls Tuesday in a special election to decide on a referendum that would increase property taxes to help fund schools.

EDITORIAL: Vote yes on school tax referendums

There are separate extenuating circumstances, but the core problem faced by the Munster, Union Township and Boone Township school districts is a failure of the state government to adequately fund the operation of local schools.

Duneland schools collecting less than expected from referendum

CHESTERTON | The Duneland School Corp. expects to collect less money than originally planned from last year's successful tax increase referendum, but the superintendent said there will be no shortfall.

Decision on school referendum called 'most important in town's history'

MUNSTER | School Town of Munster Superintendent Richard Sopko is blunt about the significance of Tuesday's referendum.

$1 more a month for great schools is a bargain

As a homeowner and taxpayer in Munster, I would like to point out the real impact of the Munster schools' proposed general fund referendum on our tax bills. As you probably know, the proposed tax rate on this referendum question is 19.9 cents per $100 assessed value on your home.

Decision on school referendum called 'most important in town's history'

Yard signs on Fran Lin Parkway in Munster reflect the views for Tuesday's schools referendum.

Decision on school referendum called 'most important in town's history'

Yard signs on Fran Lin Parkway in Munster reflect the views for an upcoming schools referendum.

Vote yes in referendum on Hebron school funding

If you live in Hebron, you've likely heard talk of the upcoming referendum. I urge you to vote yes for the referendum on Tuesday.

Black lawmakers seek veto on Calumet Twp. spending limits

INDIANAPOLIS | Northwest Indiana's black state lawmakers want Gov. Mike Pence to veto legislation that would force Calumet Township to reduce its administrative spending and potentially enable Griffith to leave the township.

Plan capping Calumet Twp. spending headed to governor

INDIANAPOLIS | It took six years of explaining, arguing and working around legislative roadblocks, but Griffith is now just a few pen strokes away from having a path to exit Calumet Township.

Lan-Oak parks officials discuss failed referendum

LANSING | Lan-Oak Park District held its first meeting Monday since voters rejected a referendum that would have permitted a property tax increase for the district.

Lansing voters narrowly reject Park District referendum

LANSING | The one-quarter of village voters who turned out in Tuesday’s municipal elections narrowly rejected a referendum that would have permitted a property tax increase for the Lan-Oak Park District.

Lan-Oak Park District’s tax rate hike referendum going down to the wire

LANSING | Regardless of the final outcome, Lan-Oak Park District Executive Director John Wilson said he was pleased with the way local voters reacted to a referendum asking for a tax rate increase.

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD: On Tuesday, we'll see Lansing's priorities

On Tuesday, at least in Illinois, there could be new faces in many local government agencies, and definitely any referendum issues will have a conclusion.

Lansing hosts public hearing on aggregation referendum

LANSING | Village officials who want local residents to give them permission in Tuesday’s municipal elections to negotiate a group rate for utility bills brought in a consultant to address the concerns of residents who had questions about electricity aggregation.

Senate OKs limits on Calumet Twp. spending, gives Griffith chance to leave

INDIANAPOLIS | The Indiana Senate has approved legislation, long sought by Griffith residents, limiting Calumet Township spending and giving Griffith a chance to leave the township if spending continues at current levels.