Lake sheriff dismissal of hearing-disabled man questioned

CROWN POINT | The Lake County sheriff is defending his decision last month to dismiss a physically disabled employee and hire an ex-convict.

Ligon may challenge Buncich for sheriff

CROWN POINT | Col. Richard Ligon, former city of Gary Public Safety director, has formed an exploratory committee to consider running for Lake County sheriff in 2014.

Local megachurch navigates precarious path

MUNSTER | While the Family Christian Center was spending millions of dollars annually on leadership compensation, travel, meals and jet fuel, it was falling behind on its mortgage payments and racking up a list of past-due bills, a Times investigation found.

Lake officials purr over animal shelter's revenue

CROWN POINT | Lake County Sheriff John Buncich said this week the Animal Control Shelter's revenues have increased substantially since he took it over in 2011.

Lake County leaders give governor high marks for Bonaventura selection

CROWN POINT | Leaders of Lake County's law enforcement and legal communities cheered Lake Juvenile Court Judge Mary Beth Bonaventura's appointment to oversee the investigation of child abuse and neglect.

Lake County officials settle job discrimination suit for undisclosed amount

HAMMOND | Lake County officials have agreed to settle a job discrimination lawsuit filed by a former executive director of the sheriff's work release program, federal court records show.

Cop's complaint about demotion signals early start to Lake County sheriff campaign

CROWN POINT | A veteran Lake County officer thinks he is making Sheriff John Buncich nervous about his political future.

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.

Lake officials get out the credit card

CROWN POINT | Lake County commissioners resisted as long as they could Wednesday before voting to borrow $15 million to balance county government's 2013 budget.

Scheub's victory is one for the ages

CROWN POINT | Lake County Commissioner Gerry Scheub may be in the autumn of his years, but he was in season with voters.

MARK KIESLING: Another sheriff's officer back in the saddle

Tuesday afternoon was Day One back on the job after more than 500 paid days off for Lake County Sheriff's Police Lt. Mike Reilly.

Rogelio 'Roy' Dominguez shares journey of his family to the Calumet Region

His family's lesson of courage and values are at the core of former Lake County Sheriff Roy Dominguez's success.

Lake officials unlikely to change jail doctors

CROWN POINT | A Merrillville physician appears ready to get another year to bring the Lake County Jail back to health.

Family Christian Center threatened with foreclosure

MUNSTER | The Family Christian Center, the state's largest mega-church and one of the 20 largest in the U.S., is facing foreclosure, with Pastor Steve Munsey telling congregants Wednesday night the church owes $750,000 in back payments on its sprawling worship center.

MARK KIESLING: One year later, anti-abuse council is on its feet

More than a year after a new substance abuse program was initiated in Lake County, its chairman is pleased with the results.

Lake work-release program gets a raise

CROWN POINT | Lake County Sheriff John Buncich said his department's work-release program has increased the amount of money it gives back to the public.

Roy Dominguez joins board for Everybody Counts group

MERRILLVILLE | Former Lake County Sheriff Roy Dominguez has joined the volunteer board of directors for Everybody Counts, a local nonprofit agency which advocates for the rights of people with disabilities.

Primary voters friended the 'new' Mike Brown as Lake recorder

CROWN POINT | Lake County politicians were scratching their heads Wednesday over voters rejecting the well-known former sheriff Roy Dominguez's bid to return to public office, but embracing a 28-year-old virtual unknown who Dominguez is widely believed to have thrown on the ballot as a prank.

EDITORIAL: A recap of our spring endorsements

Over the past few weeks, we've given a series of endorsements in major contested races facing voters in Lake and Porter counties. We recap them today so you can take this handy synopsis of our recommendations with you when you vote Tuesday.