Federal inspectors gave Lake County Jail good marks, sheriff says

CROWN POINT | Federal inspectors gave Sheriff John Buncich credit for new improvements in health care for Lake County Jail inmates.

1.5% income tax on Lake council's April agenda

CROWN POINT | The Lake County Council is preparing to take its first vote this month on adopting as much as a 1.5 percent personal income tax on residents and workers to bail local government out of either cutting services or increasing debt.

Lowell E-911 merger may be near

CROWN POINT | Lake County Council members may give the Town of Lowell a go-ahead Tuesday to merge its police department's emergency radio communications with the sheriff's.

Lake County Jail is on good behavior, federal inspectors say

CROWN POINT | The Lake County Jail continues to improve medical and mental health services to inmates and work on remaining deficiencies.

Lake County Council rings in new year with spending, income tax talk

CROWN POINT | The Lake County Council started the new year by spending money it may not have and setting the stage for a possible new tax.

Lake County officials blame financial troubles on municipal overspending

CROWN POINT | Lake officials insist it isn't their fault county government must borrow $15 million so it can spend beyond its means next year.

Lake County Council prepares to apply for $15.5 million loan

CROWN POINT | Lake County Council members said they are prepared to take a final vote Tuesday on borrowing $15.5 million next year to meet anticipated spending on the county jail, its roads and drainage waterways, and other services.

Lake officials say no to new taxes, yes to borrowing and cuts

CROWN POINT | A committee of Lake County Council members is recommending budget cuts and borrowing, but no local income tax.

Federal inspectors expected at Lake County jail next month

CROWN POINT | Lake County Sheriff John Buncich will be receiving federal jail inspectors next month for their fall review of inmate health care and safety concerns.

Lake council prepared to boost jail corrections staff

CROWN POINT | The Lake County Council is preparing to hire 18 more jail corrections officers in January to satisfy U.S. Department of Justice demands for tighter inmate safety.

Lake council talks tough to cities and towns

CROWN POINT | Lake County Council members are leaning on town and city officials to help with a looming $20 million deficit.

Munster man sentenced to 4 years in counterfeit credit card scheme

A 22-year-old Munster man was sentenced Friday to serve four years in prison for his role in an online identity theft operation that sold counterfeit credit cards encoded with stolen account information.

Lake County to pay $7.2 million to jail inmates in settlement

HAMMOND | Lake County has agreed to pay $7.2 million to settle a class-action lawsuit filed by inmates who complained about jail conditions, court records show.

MARK KIESLING: Warden resigns, sheriff says the matter is closed

Lake County Jail Warden Jeff Kumorek resigned late Wednesday following allegations of improper behavior.

Council wrangles over whether or not to accept COPS grant

PORTAGE | No one disagrees that it would be nice to add three officers to the Portage Police Department roster.

Extension approved for Portage police grant

PORTAGE | The U.S. Department of Justice has approved an extension for the city to make a decision on accepting a $542,520 COPS grant.

Portage council delays decision on federal COPS grant

PORTAGE | At what was scheduled to be the City Council's last meeting of the year Tuesday, council members took no action on accepting a $542,520 federal COPS grant.

Inmate care improving, Lake County Jail doctor says

CROWN POINT | Dr. Johann Farley is in charge of one of Lake County's most exclusive medical practices: the inmates of Lake County Jail.

Lake Co. Jail medical director answers criticism from feds

CROWN POINT | The president of a Hobart-based health care company is defending its job performance in the Lake County Jail following a critical report by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Lake County Jail 'deficiencies' ripped

The Lake County Jail continues to lack adequate inmate services and leadership within its medical programs, according to a federal report released this week.