Former Griffith man was public servant

The only thing Ray Durbin loved more than serving the public was being with his family.

Former Griffith top cop withdraws retirement

GRIFFITH | Former Police Chief Ron Kottka has withdrawn his retirement after apparently being denied a hearing before the public with the town's Safety Board, his attorney said Tuesday afternoon.

Griffith police dog scores first bust

GRIFFITH | Before he officially goes on active duty, the town's first police dog already has made his first big bust.

Highland cuts price on trash collection fees

HIGHLAND | The Town Council has approved a price break on trash collection fees.

Highland moves forward with new police station

HIGHLAND | The Town Council on Tuesday chose an architect to design a new police station two weeks after hiring a firm to help decide what it should include.

Crown Point woman loved poetry and farms

Whether enjoying life on the farm or reciting her favorite poems, Adeline Backe was true poetry in motion.

Highland ready to roll out new garbage containers

HIGHLAND | It will be out with the old and in with the new when Highland residents receive new garbage cans next week.

Former Griffith police chief demands hearing

GRIFFITH | Saying that former Police Chief Ronald Kottka wants a chance to face his accusers, his attorney is demanding a hearing with the Griffith Safety Board.

Slager applauded by Griffith council, residents

GRIFFITH | The Griffith Town Council and its audience applauded state Rep. Hal Slager on Tuesday for his efforts in helping ease the financial burden of Calumet Township.

Highland plans new police station, Town Hall

HIGHLAND | A year from now, the town could be watching the construction of a new police station, Town Hall — or both, the Town Council said Monday.

Griffith board recommends settlement in sexual discrimination claim

GRIFFITH | The Safety Board is recommending a settlement with a Griffith police officer who alleged sexual discrimination in relation to a promotion.

Ex-State Farm agent believed in giving back

While the clients of Irving Lang's State Farm agency benefited from his insurance skills, others benefited from his decency and visionary skills.

Griffith awaits Pence's signature on township bill

GRIFFITH | The town is waiting for the final step in its quest for financial relief from Calumet Township — the signature of Gov. Mike Pence.

Opening of Griffith market postponed until next week

GRIFFITH | Today's debut of the Griffith Central Market has been rescheduled for next week.

Man a father figure to all

Roger Rettig was a man who treated kids around his neighborhood like they were his own.

New market coming to Griffith park

GRIFFITH | A park already known for its many fine arts and craft fairs is adding food to its long schedule of events.

Griffith council has misgivings about consolidated 911 system

GRIFFITH | The Town Council is concerned about the central 911 system that would replace the individual systems of each town in Lake County.

Vandals tag several blocks in Griffith with graffiti

GRIFFITH | Graffiti was found over several residential blocks early Tuesday morning, town officials said.

Crown Point man was a hero to youngsters

Dimas Correa was a man whose love of children was easily perceived by any kid lucky enough to cross his path.

Highland weighs candidates for infrastructure work

HIGHLAND | The Town Council is trying to decide what infrastructure project to tackle through a Community Development Block Grant allocation.

Suspended officer retires from Griffith police force

GRIFFITH – A police officer recently suspended for stealing state grant money has decided to retire, the Safety Board said Thursday.

Food market seeks more vendors

GRIFFITH | The upcoming Griffith Central Market is hoping for a big debut when it opens next month.

Former NWI man made world better

Wherever Michael Jerome Perry went, he made the world better for everyone.

Griffith officer accused of stealing state grant money

GRIFFITH | Police officer and former Town Councilman Michael Gulley recently was suspended without pay after being accused of stealing state police grant money, Griffith officials said.

Woman was a champion of young people

Marie Parrish was a guiding force not just for her children, but for all young people she ever encountered.

United Way names video contest winners

GRIFFITH | The Lake Area United Way on Thursday named the winners of its Everyday Community Heroes video contest.

Woman was a champion for youth

Marie Parrish was not just a guiding force for her children, but for all young people she ever encountered.

E.C. mayor optimistic about city's future

EAST CHICAGO | Before a large audience Wednesday at the Field Educational Center, Mayor Anthony Copeland gave a State of the City address that promises many projects in 2013.

Griffith council happy township bill language reinstated

GRIFFITH | The Town Council on Tuesday said relief from the financial drain of Calumet Township might be just two votes away.

Highland expands territory Fiire Department can tap for additional help

HIGHLAND | The Town Council on Monday approved an agreement that expands the number of communities the Fire Department can contact for assistance with additional firefighters and equipment.

Hammond man was full of compassion

The amount of compassion within David Escamilla could be measured by the length of his locks.

Former Griffith man loved fun, family, friends

Robert Nagel loved nothing better in life than having fun — as long as he was sharing it with his family and friends.

Griffith schools renew contract with YMCA

GRIFFITH | Saying the first two years were very productive, the Griffith Public Schools board has signed on for another two years with the YMCA.

Residents encourage effort to leave Calumet Township

GRIFFITH | It was standing room only Tuesday night as residents encouraged the Town Council to continue its effort to secede from Calumet Township.

Griffith council seeks comment on Cal Twp. split legislation

GRIFFITH | Griffith residents asking what happened in the Indiana Senate to the Calumet Township secession bill are invited to attend the Town Council's meeting Tuesday evening.

E.C. police vet joins Highland force; ranks increase to 36

HIGHLAND | The Highland Town Council has sworn in a new police officer, bringing the force up to 36.

Bricklayer's ministry? Deacon to E.C.

James Haugh was not just a deacon at St. Stanislaus Church, he was an unofficial "deacon" to the city of his birth.

Highland buys third house at site of proposed police station

HIGHLAND | The Highland Town Council voted to buy a house at 3305 Ridge Road for $133,000.

Highland police officer cited for 25-year perfect attendance

HIGHLAND | It's becoming more unusual for someone to work 25 years for the same company, and even more rare to work a quarter-century without missing a day of work.

E.C. woman's ministry was aiding sick

MICHELLE MONET WILLIAMS / DEC. 16, 1954 - DEC. 31, 2012

Highland renews garbage contract

HIGHLAND | Highland has signed an agreement extending its garbage collection contract with Republic Services Inc.

Redevelopment, revitalization fuel Highland hopes

HIGHLAND | Redevelopment and revitalization are common threads woven through Highland's immediate past, present and future.

Shop owner worked on four-wheeled canvas

Richard Riley learned early in life that hard work will get you where you want to go.

Griffith names new top cop

GRIFFITH | The Town Council named Griffith Detective Greg Mance as its new police chief Tuesday.

Griffith school officials say students safer with new measures

GRIFFITH | The town's public schools are safer since the tragic Connecticut school shootings in December, the School Board said Thursday.

Home purchase may pave way for new Highland police station

HIGHLAND | The Town Council is about to buy the last house standing on the site of a future police station.

Highland woman was always graceful

Whether she was serving her country during World War II or serving her parish in later years, Mary Elizabeth Doherty truly defined "The Greatest Generation."

Griffith boosts water, sewer rates to keep up with costs

GRIFFITH | After a pair of public hearings, the Griffith Town Council has approved water and sewer rate hikes to keep up with increasing operating costs.