Post-Tribune

Fatal crash on Indiana 2 in Porter County

Wed, 16 May 2012 15:57:40 -0500

One person died Wednesday in a crash Wednesday on Indiana 2, Porter County Coroner Chuck Harris confirmed. Harris said he could not provide any more information on the death at this time. …

Deal reached for Cline toll bridge

Wed, 16 May 2012 16:51:46 -0500

Cline Avenue, East Chicago …

Lake County OKs $7M for jail settlement

Wed, 16 May 2012 13:16:01 -0500

CROWN POINT – The Lake County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday approved a $7 million bond issue to settle lawsuits stemming from overcrowding at the Lake County Jail. The vote was 2-1, with Commissioner Gerry Scheub, D-Crown Point, keeping his promise to vote against it if former Sheriff Roy Dominguez did not first admit responsibility for the conditions that led to the suits. “He should be held accountable for what happened in the jail,” Scheub said. “That’s why I didn’t change my vote.” In fact, no public officials will be signing the final version of the agreement, according to County …

Valpo remembers downed officers, recognizes cops’ commitment

Wed, 16 May 2012 16:16:49 -0500

VALPARAISO — A few police officers’ spouses attended Wednesday’s brief ceremony for National Police Week with toddlers or infants at their sides, recognizing the dangers their children’s fathers willingly face. Valparaiso Police Chief Michael Brickner read a sample of the names of the 173 officers killed across the country in 2011, noting it was one of the deadliest years ever for community police departments, and most of those deaths were from felony acts rather than traffic-related incidents. As the city’s 52 officers, including two set to begin June 1, stood in four neat lines in dress uniforms and squinting against …

Merrillville man charged with shooting in bad drug deal

Wed, 16 May 2012 16:20:04 -0500

A Merrillville man is facing attempted murder and other charges after he shot at an Illinois man during a drug deal gone bad, according to a probable cause affidavit. Along with the attempted murder count, a Class A felony, Arnell Robinson, of the 5400 block of Monroe Street, also faces one count of aggravated battery, a Class B felony, and two counts of battery, a Class C felony. According to the affidavit, Robinson, owner of Might Sharp Barbershop, made a deal to buy a kilogram of cocaine for $28,000 from a man later identified as Charles Garrett, of Illinois. The …

Marquette Park project gets another $6 million for parking, landscaping

Wed, 16 May 2012 16:24:54 -0500

GARY — The Board of Public Works and Safety Wednesday approved more than $6.4 million in the next phase of the Marquette Park Lakefront East project. The board also approved two partial road closures that will run from two weeks to more than a month long. Gary-based Gariup Construction was the biggest winner in the latest round Regional Development Authority funded contracts awarded on Wednesday, landing a $3.1 million contract to handle the general trades and site development for Phase 4 of the project. Great Lakes Electrical Management was awarded $1,528,054 for electrical work, and Gary-based Reith-Riley will handle the …

County councilman blasts sheriff over $2.2M request

Wed, 16 May 2012 02:13:00 -0500

CROWN POINT — Councilman Michael Repay, D-Hammond, raised the hackles of Sheriff John Buncich on Tuesday when he opposed the sheriff’s request for $2.2 million in casino tax revenue to fund fixes at the beleaguered Lake County Jail. Buncich’s request included $1.7 million in contracts and services, and five new line items for office supplies, health care and laboratory supplies, inmate clothing allowance, building and structure and equipment repair totaling more than $400,000. The jail has been under the scrutiny of the U.S. Department of Justice, which sued the county in December 2010, citing numerous health and safety issues. The …