Latest
The newest stories from every Region N3 desk, newest first.
Crime
Man accused in Toll Road chase at 118 mph now in federal custody; state cocaine case set for April trial
Tyrone Hilley pleaded not guilty Oct. 23 in LaPorte Circuit Court to dealing cocaine and resisting police. Police say they found about 15 pounds of cocaine in his trunk after a chase that ended in Roseland.
Crime
Alleged NWI gambling ring leader stays jailed as federal judge weighs release
James "Jimmy the Greek" Gerodemos, 63, of Schererville, remains in custody after a two-hour hearing in Hammond federal court. A ruling on his release is expected soon.
Crime
Off-duty Hammond officer charged with OWI, reckless homicide in crash that killed Gary man, 73
Prosecutors filed two felony charges Oct. 22. A court affidavit says Officer Alonso J. Lopez told police he had about four beers before driving to work, and a witness put his speed at 60 to 70 mph.
Crime
Hammond man sentenced to 78 years for molesting young child; prosecutor says he is not in custody
Jorge Alberto Patino, 33, was sentenced Thursday in Lake County on three child-molesting counts after a jury convicted him on 14 felonies in September. The prosecutor's office says he is not in custody.
Community
Trail Creek Fall Festival set for Saturday at Nelson Park, with proceeds for new playground
The town's Fall Festival runs Saturday, Oct. 17, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., with vendors, music, kid and pet costume contests, and a Park Board silent auction for a new Nelson Park playground.
Politics
Data centers and power bills put Soliday's Valparaiso House seat in the spotlight
Democrat Ryan Kominakis blames the 10-term Republican, who chairs the House utilities committee, for higher NIPSCO bills and a 2019 data center tax break. Soliday says the state is "going through a hysteria" and his critics skip the hard questions about keeping the grid reliable.
Politics
Valparaiso council passes contractor-fraud ordinance 4-3; Costas says he'll veto it
The measure would let the City Council investigate contractors on big building permits. The mayor questioned whether it's needed and said he'll veto it, and backers would need a 5-2 vote to override him. The same night, the city's $71.6 million 2027 budget got its first reading.
Politics
Hammond's $170 million 2027 budget clears two readings as casino money shrinks
Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. says the plan is close to this year's $167 million budget. Gaming taxes keep falling, and state property tax cuts are on the way. The final vote is set for Oct. 26.
Community
Michigan City sets Halloween slate; citywide trick-or-treat 5–7 p.m. Oct. 31
WIMS and City Hall outline Boo at the Zoo, downtown Franklin Street treats, trunk-or-treats, and official Halloween-night hours.
Crime
Portage High School briefly secured after armed parking-lot fight near US 6
Portage police say a man battered a woman, brandished a knife and fled with her after a bystander drew a gun. No shots were fired. A later stolen-vehicle chase near Ameriplex was unrelated.
Politics
LaPorte County Council sends 0.20% EMS income tax to Oct. 26 vote
After a lightly attended hearing Wednesday, council members agreed unanimously to vote on the new ambulance tax at their regular meeting Oct. 26. A county adviser put the cost at about $140 a year for the average wage earner.
Community
Valparaiso's MAAC campus opens for first MAACtoberfest this weekend
$5 tickets fund first-responder training Oct. 17–18, with German music, live demos, and a Sunday helicopter landing at the Montdale Park Drive campus.
Politics
Lake County Council backs Steelworkers’ NIPSCO staffing petition 6-0
The council joined Michigan City, Portage, Chesterton, Porter County and Valparaiso in supporting USW Local 12775’s push for more local crews after the Aug. 11 derecho. Councilman Charlie Brown was absent.
Community
Michigan City backs Farmed & Forged Fall Fest with SNAP match, vendor fee help
The city will match SNAP dollars and cover vendor fees at the Oct. 17 pop-up market on Washington Street, organizers and City Hall said.
BizTech
Ozinga opens East Chicago slag cement mill, with about 50 union jobs at full run
The Mokena-based concrete company cut the ribbon Oct. 13 on a plant it says will grind 1 million tons a year of cement from steel-mill slag, shipping by rail, barge and truck.
Crime
Wall of Shame — Porter County bookings (Oct. 13–14)
Six Porter County jail bookings from Tuesday morning to Wednesday morning allege theft, fraud, domestic battery in the presence of a child, intimidation, operating a vehicle while intoxicated, criminal mischief, or battery on a public safety official.
Crime
Second man in Valparaiso fatal shooting released on $5,000 bond
Camilo Chavez, 22, of Lake Station, posted cash bond and was ordered into pretrial monitoring. Antione Pierson Jr., 22, of Portage, remains held on a murder charge; his initial hearing is set for Thursday.
Politics
Lake County Council weighs NIPSCO staffing resolution, final 2027 budget vote
A resolution backing the Steelworkers' NIPSCO staffing petition was on the Lake County Council's Tuesday morning agenda, making Lake the latest Region government asked to take a side. The 2027 budget's second reading followed at 11:30 a.m.
Politics
Valparaiso backs Steelworkers’ NIPSCO staffing petition
City Council passed Resolution No. 10 on Monday night, joining Michigan City, Portage and Porter County in asking state leaders to assess NIPSCO crew levels after the Aug. 11 derecho.
Community
Valparaiso, Hobart set trick-or-treat for 5–8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31
Both cities will hold citywide trick-or-treating on Halloween night itself, a Saturday this year, according to city announcements reported by WIMS and GreatNews.Life.