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Articles by Will Racke
Three magistrate judges selected to fill Lake Superior Court vacancy
Jonathan Miano, The Times Will Racke , 219-933-4089 Three magistrate judges have been nominated to fill a judicial vacancy at the Lake County Superior Court, the Indiana Supreme Court announced Wednesday. The Lake County Judicial Nominating Commission selected Magistrate Michael N. Pagano of the Lake Superior Court and Magistrates Stephen E. Scheele and Lisa A. Berdine, both of the Lake Circuit Court. The superior court vacancy opened when Judge William E. Davis retired in April.
Indiana County Suffers Service-Crippling Ransomware Attack
Lake County, Ind., was hit by a cyberattack that forced email service and several internal applications to offline last week. Systems administrators first noticed problems on some county computers Thursday afternoon. by Will Racke, The Times / August 26, 2019 (TNS) — Lake County has been hit with a cyberattack that forced the shutdown of email service and several internal applications throughout county government, officials said Friday.
'Best Of' show to feature Region's Karma Cigar Bar as top lounge in Indiana
In the space of less than three years, Merrillville’s Karma Cigar Bar has surpassed its competitors to become the top destination for cigar smokers in The Region and, now, the entire state. That’s the assessment of the national TV series “Official Best Of,” which has chosen Karma as the best cigar bar in Indiana for 2019.
Weather service warns of 'life-threatening' waves, rip currents at Indiana beaches
The National Weather Service issued an advisory early Friday warning of dangerous swimming conditions at Lake Michigan beaches in Lake and Porter counties. The beach hazards advisory, in effect until late Friday night, warns beachgoers to stay out of the water because of “life-threatening” rip currents and waves of 3 to 6 feet. The advisory comes on the same morning a body washed ashore at West Beach in Portage, where investigators remained Friday afternoon.
Cyber attack forces emergency shutdown of Lake County government servers
CROWN POINT — Lake County has been hit with a cyber attack that forced the shutdown of email service and several internal applications throughout county government, officials said Friday. The breach came in the form of ransomware, a type of malicious software that denies access to computer systems until a ransom is paid to the attacker.
Coroner at scene as body recovered at West Beach
PORTAGE — A body was recovered Friday morning at a Lake Michigan beach on the western edge of Portage, authorities said. The body washed ashore about a quarter-mile west of the bathhouse at West Beach, according to Portage police spokesman Capt. James Maynard. Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Law Enforcement Division, is leading the recovery investigation. Porter County Coroner Cindy Dykes, her team and the DNR currently are working at the scene. You have run out of free stories.
Hammond Dems file ballot complaint against Republican challenger to McDermott Jr.
CROWN POINT — Hammond Democrats have filed a ballot challenge against the Republican challenger to Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr., asserting that an error in his candidate declaration paperwork makes him ineligible for the general election ballot. Dave Woerpel, a Hammond city councilman and chair of the city’s Democratic Party organization, confirmed he filed the complaint with the county elections board on Wednesday afternoon.
Lake Council seeks documents confirming Recorder Brown's job attendance
CROWN POINT — The Lake County Council has begun pulling records related to county Recorder Michael B. Brown’s attendance at his office, part of a special inquiry into whether the reclusive official can and should be punished for alleged absenteeism. The probe began in July with the formation of a bipartisan special committee consisting of council members Charlie Brown; D-Gary, Dan Dernulc, R-Highland; and Christian Jorgensen, R-St. John.
County, town judges named as finalists for Lake Superior Court vacancy
CROWN POINT — Three sitting judges have been chosen as possible replacements for a retiring Lake County Superior Court judge, the Indiana Supreme Court announced this week. Following public interviews Wednesday, the Lake County Judicial Nominating Commission selected Judge Gina L. Jones of the Town Court of Merrillville and magistrates Lisa A. Berdine and Michael N. Pagano, both of the Lake Circuit Court, as candidates to fill the Superior Court vacancy.
Commissioners sign off on $4.4M bond issue
CROWN POINT — The Lake County Board of Commissioners approved Wednesday a bond ordinance that will raise more than $4 million to pay out settlements to people who have sued the county for alleged wrongdoing in recent years. The ordinance authorizes the county to sell bonds, payable over a 10-year period, to fund at least 28 settlements reached in 2018 and 2019.
Lake County Council OKs bond ordinance to pay tab for lawsuit settlements
CROWN POINT — The Lake County Council passed a bond ordinance Tuesday that, if approved by the Board of Commissioners, will raise more than $4 million to pay out settlements to people who have sued the county for alleged wrongdoing in recent years. The ordinance authorizes the county to sell bonds, payable over a 10-year period, to fund at least 28 settlements reached in 2018 and 2019.
Lake council reveals who will be hit hardest by 2020 tax caps
CROWN POINT — A state-mandated review by the Lake County Council on Tuesday offered a glimpse into which municipal taxing units will feel the most budgetary pain when property tax caps are fully implemented next year. Each summer, the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance sends municipal and county governments an estimate of their property tax levy for the following year.
Lake County cop adopts K-9 partner of 10 years
1 of 2 Lake County Sheriff's Department Cpl. Amber Wolf holds Sasja, her K-9 partner of 10 years, on Thursday at a task force office in Crown Point. Lake County Sheriff's Department Cpl. Amber Wolf holds Sasja, her K-9 partner of 10 years, on Thursday at a task force office in Crown Point. TownNews.com Content Exchange CROWN POINT — Sasja the police K-9 is trading a life of chasing bad guys for being chased by toddlers as the family dog of her longtime handler, Lake County Sheriff's Department Cpl.
'The best retirement life there is': Lake County cop adopts K-9 partner of 10 years
CROWN POINT — Sasja the police K-9 is trading a life of chasing bad guys for being chased by toddlers as the family dog of her longtime handler, Lake County Sheriff's Department Cpl. Amber Wolf. After more than a decade as a police and military working dog, the 13-year-old German-Dutch shepherd mix will now live out a life of full-time leisure at Wolf’s home in Crown Point. Sasja’s adoption was made official Wednesday at a county commissioners’ meeting.
County homeland security director axed following on-duty car accident, county official says
CROWN POINT — The Lake County Board of Commissioners has approved the firing of the leader of the county’s homeland security agency following allegations she violated internal policies on official vehicle use and time off benefits. In a public meeting Wednesday, Commissioners Mike Repay, D-Hammond, and Kyle Allen, D-Gary, voted to adopt a recommendation that Jodi Richmond, the director of the Lake County Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (LCHSEMA), be fired for cause.
St. John Republican rift widens over PAC led by ex-GOP chairwoman
A rift between two factions of the St. John Republican Party continues to widen, as anti-establishment members have formed a new political action committee outside the control of the Lake County GOP organization and the town’s appointed party chairman. The splinter group, The St. John Republican Committee, was created earlier this month to raise money for five Republican candidates in the upcoming general election.
Lake deputy recorder works to fix accounting flub as Brown faces council probe
CROWN POINT — Accounting missteps in the Lake County recorder’s office have caused nearly $60,000 in fees to accumulate in its deposit account instead of being sent to the county treasury, according to state auditors. The mistake was revealed Monday in an annual audit of Lake County finances by the Indiana State Board of Accounts. State auditors said the recorder’s office failed to conduct monthly reconcilements of its fee books with its bank deposits, as required by law.
Valpo police seek help in locating missing man with dementia
VALPARAISO — Valparaiso police are seeking the public’s help in finding a missing person with dementia who was last seen Sunday afternoon. Jere Kunkle was discovered missing from his residence at 5:30 p.m., according to the Valparaiso Police Department. His vehicle, a dark gray Chevrolet Impala with a Valparaiso University specialty license plate number CR1694, was also missing. Continue reading your article with a digital subscription. Already a subscriber? Log in or Activate your account.
Valpo nonprofits, businesses come to aid of victims of bug infestation
VALPARAISO — An ad hoc group of nonprofits and local businesses coordinated through United Way of Porter County has come together to house and feed five families who were forced out of their apartment building by a severe bug infestation.
Driver shears utility pole in half, knocks out power to Hobart residents
HOBART — Some Hobart residents lost electricity Sunday evening when a man drove off the road and slammed into a utility pole, shearing it in half and bringing power lines crashing to the ground. The wreck occurred as the man was driving his Mustang GT on the 2200 block of High Street, according to the Hobart Fire Department. The driver hit the pole before coming to a stop on the side of the road, the department said. He was not injured in the crash.
Lake judicial commission to interview 15 applicants for Superior Court vacancy
The Lake County Judicial Nominating Commission has identified 15 candidates it will interview next month to fill a Superior Court vacancy. The candidates are vying for the seat vacated by Judge John Pera, who retired on July 1. Interviews to select Pera’s replacement are set for Aug. 14 at the Lake County Government Center in Crown Point. Applicants will be questioned by commission members in 20-minute intervals beginning at 8:30 a.m., according to the Indiana Supreme Court.
Justice Department to restart executions at Indiana federal prison for first time since 2003
The U.S. Department of Justice said Thursday that it will carry out executions of federal death row inmates for the first time since 2003. Five inmates who have been sentenced to death are scheduled to be executed starting in December. The executions will take place at the federal prison in Terre Haute, which houses the death row for male inmates and is the designated site for nearly all federal executions.
Lake County councilman, plan director spar over firearms regulation
CROWN POINT —The debate over gun laws continues to sow discord within Lake County government, where the head of the planning office is now questioning if a councilman has been misleading the public about the Plan Commission’s role in regulating recreational shooting by private landowners.
Lake 911 dispatcher given award for life-saving actions
CROWN POINT — A veteran Lake County 911 dispatcher was given a special award Thursday for her actions to save the life of a woman who had stopped breathing. Dispatcher Jacqulynn Wheeler received a Life Saving Commendation from Lake 911 management in recognition of her handling of an emergency call on May 15, when a Munster resident called to report his wife had collapsed and was unresponsive.
Lake Council to investigate Recorder Michael Brown for alleged absenteeism
CROWN POINT — The Lake County Council has agreed to investigate chronic absences by county Recorder Michael B. Brown, following reports the embattled official rarely shows up to work at the government center. In a late addition to the council’s public meeting agenda Tuesday, Councilman Charlie Brown, D-Gary, proposed the formation of a three-person committee to look into the extent of the recorder’s alleged absenteeism.
Lake County lawmakers prepare $5 million bond to pay for legal settlements
CROWN POINT — Lake County lawmakers are preparing a multimillion-dollar bond issue to pay for dozens of legal settlements reached with plaintiffs who sued the county for alleged wrongdoing or misconduct. At an informal session of the County Council on Thursday, attorneys for the Board of Commissioners introduced an ordinance that would authorize the sale of up to $5 million worth of bonds over a 10-year period.
New legal team to represent Lake Assessor in Southlake Mall tax dispute
CROWN POINT — Attorneys for the Lake County Board of Commissioners have stepped in to represent the county assessor’s office in a property tax dispute with the operators of Southlake Mall, after the Indiana Attorney General’s office left the case earlier this week. State attorneys had been representing the assessor’s office until Tuesday, when they filed a motion with the Indiana Tax Court to withdraw from the case. Tax court Judge Martha Wentworth granted the motion Wednesday, court records show.
Two Griffith Dems plan to withdraw from ballot, party's town chairman says
GRIFFITH — Two Democratic candidates for municipal office in Griffith say they intend to withdraw from the race, a move that would leave just one Democrat on the ballot for six town offices up for grabs this year. Clerk-Treasurer candidate Michael Ball and Ward 3 challenger Tonya Beall agreed to quit the race earlier this week, according to Ball, who is also the chairman of the Griffith Democratic Party.
First-generation immigrant builds top Region cigar destination
Dhiren Shah spent the past 20 years working toward and then creating a business without peer in Northwest Indiana. From humble origins running a storefront tobacco shop with his father, Shah, a first-generation immigrant from India, has risen to become the owner-operator of Karma Cigar Bar in Merrillville. When it opened in 2016, Karma was the only dedicated cigar lounge in Lake County that offered a retail shop, bar and kitchen service.
Hammond to reopen state line crossing closed without warning, McDermott Jr. says
The city of Hammond plans to reopen a frequently traveled state line crossing it closed earlier this year, after a survey of residents indicated strong support for keeping the road open, Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. announced Monday. 136th Street, known locally as Boy Scout Road, has been closed just east of the Indiana-Illinois border since May 24. It will be completely reopened to traffic on Wednesday, according to the mayor’s office.
Hammond Republicans nominate general election challenger to McDermott
Hammond Republicans have nominated a candidate to challenge Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. in the November general election. At a caucus Wednesday, the Republican precinct organization unanimously voted for 37-year-old Edward Lipkovitch to represent the party against the four-term mayor. A Hammond native, Lipkovitch is a Navy veteran and engineer with limited political experience. He previously ran as a write-in candidate for Hammond’s 6th District council seat.
Dispatchers worked to exhaustion as Lake 911 struggles with staffing, employees claim
Staffing shortages continue to plague Lake County's consolidated 911 dispatch center, sending overtime costs soaring and forcing dispatchers to work punishing schedules on little rest, some employees of the service claim. Lake County 911, also known as E-911, has struggled with these issues since it was formed in 2015 in a state-mandated merger of 18 municipal dispatch centers.
Holcomb appoints magistrate judge to Lake Superior Court bench
Gov. Eric Holcomb on Thursday appointed Stephen E. Scheele as judge in the Lake County Superior Court. Currently a magistrate judge in Lake Circuit Court, Scheele will succeed Judge William E. Davis, who retired from the bench in April. Scheele was one of three candidates the Lake County Judicial Nominating Commission recommended to Holcomb last month. The others were Michael N. Pagano, a magistrate in Lake Superior Court, and Lisa A. Berdine, a magistrate in Lake Circuit Court.
Dispatchers worked to exhaustion as Lake 911 struggles with staffing, employees claim
Staffing shortages continue to plague Lake County’s consolidated 911 dispatch center, sending overtime costs soaring and forcing dispatchers to work punishing schedules on little rest, some employees of the service claim. Lake County 911, also known as E-911, has struggled with these issues since it was formed in 2015 in a state-mandated merger of 18 municipal dispatch centers.
Whiting police, firefighters carry out water rescue at Lakefront Park
WHITING — First responders pulled a man out of the frigid waters of Lake Michigan after he fell off the pier at Lakefront Park on Sunday evening. Whiting police and firefighters were dispatched to the park at about 5:30 p.m. in response to an emergency call about someone who had entered the water and was unable to swim to shore. Whiting Fire Department Chief Gus Danielides said the man had been hanging out with a friend at the park all afternoon.
Lake elections board closes file on St. John primary dispute
CROWN POINT — The Lake County Board of Elections closed the book on a primary election dispute Tuesday, declining to refer a St. John bar to the prosecutor’s office for allegedly offering a reward for voting. At issue was a promotion offered by the bar Sips & Stones, which promised a 20% discount to any customer displaying an “I Voted” sticker from early voting ahead of the May 7 primary.
Hammond's Markovich drops bid to overturn close loss in Democratic primary
Hammond City Councilman Bob Markovich is dropping his bid to overturn the results of a razor-thin loss in the May 7 Democratic primary, his attorney said Monday. Markovich, D-at large, sued the Lake County Board of Elections and his primary opponents last month, leading to a recount Friday at the county government center.
A day on the Kankakee: big-river bass fishing in The Region's back yard
KANKAKEE COUNTY, Ill. — Ask a random American fly fisherman to envision the ideal angling experience, and he might describe something out of Norman Maclean’s 1976 novel “A River Runs Through It” — a lone angler in search of the perfect wild trout in the rivers of Western Montana. Another might recall making precise, 80-foot casts to a bonefish in the turquoise flats off the Florida Keys.
Lake council punts on resolution to ease restrictions on private gun ranges
CROWN POINT — The Lake County council tabled a resolution to clarify private gun range rules on Tuesday, as members of the public sparred over restrictions on recreational shooting in unincorporated areas of the county. Introduced by Councilman Christian Jorgensen, R-St. John, the resolution asks the county plan commission to draw a distinction between private and commercial shooting ranges when it revises the zoning ordinance later this year.
Lake Dems choose longtime precinct committeman Al Menchaca to serve out Franklin's county council term
GARY — At a special caucus Monday night, Lake County Democrats elected longtime precinct committeeman Al Menchaca to serve the remainder of late Councilwoman Elsie Franklin’s term on the county council. Menchaca beat out Calumet Township Board President Darren Washington on a second ballot, 28-20. “Thank you to everyone who believed in me,” Menchaca told the gathering of Democratic precinct committee members. “I will represent all corners of the district.
Lake sheriff looks to replicate success of Porter County school alert system
As mass shootings continue with disturbing regularity in contemporary America, police and education leaders in the Region are going to great lengths to coordinate their response in the event of a school attack. In Porter County, the sheriff’s office has developed an early warning system for active shooters and other threats against schools.
Jorgensen aims to ease gun range restrictions for private landowners
CROWN POINT — Lake County Councilman Christian Jorgensen wants county planners to clarify the definition of a commercial shooting range when they revise the zoning ordinance later this year, ensuring certain residents can shoot on their land without applying for an exception to the ordinance.
Detours, road closures coming as Lake highway department readies south county projects
The Lake County Highway Department intends to begin two major road improvement projects later this month that will require detours and closures in south Lake County. Contracts for work at 109th and Calumet avenues in Hanover Township and County Bridge 6 in Winfield Township were approved by county commissioners on Tuesday.
Martinez hires security consultant to develop threat response system in Lake schools
Lake County Sheriff Oscar Martinez has hired a security consultant to help police develop an active shooter response system for county schools, modeled in part on measures taken by Porter County in recent years. At their public meeting Wednesday, Lake commissioners approved an $80,000 contract with Vincent Balbo to provide school safety and security services to the county. Balbo, a former DEA agent, is currently the security director for East Chicago schools.
Divided Gary council OKs ordinance to sell public safety building
GARY — The Gary Common Council approved an ordinance to sell and lease back the city’s public safety building during its public meeting Tuesday night, despite opposition from some council members wary of taking on a long-term debt obligation. In a 6-3 vote, the council passed Ordinance 2019-33 on a third and final reading. The measure had already passed by the same tally in earlier readings last year, but was deferred as the city sought more favorable terms on the deal.
Gary council set for final vote on $40 million sale-leaseback deal
Gary lawmakers are set for a third and final vote on an ordinance authorizing the sale and leaseback of the city’s public safety building at their meeting Tuesday night. Sponsored by Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson and city Controller Angelia Hayes, the ordinance would re-approve the Gary Building Corp., a nonprofit created for the sole purpose of owning and leasing facilities to city government.
Highland police nab suspects in string of auto burglaries
Two men from north suburban Chicago were arrested over the weekend in connection with a string of auto burglaries in Highland and St. John, police said Monday. Paris D. Holmes, 23, and Anthony A. Scales, 19, both of Waukegan, Illinois, were arrested Saturday afternoon after a resident reported two men searching inside his car on the 3300 block of Condit Street in Highland, according to Highland Assistant Chief Patrick Vassar.
Portage man remains hospitalized after weekend motorcycle wreck, Hobart police say
A Portage man remains hospitalized after his motorcycle collided with a car in Hobart over the weekend, police said Monday. The wreck occurred at approximately 6:00 p.m. Saturday on County Line Road, just south of 37th Street, Hobart police spokesman Capt. James Gonzales said. According to police, the car made a right turn from 37th Street onto County Line Road and then stopped to make a left turn into a parking lot.
Porter County police seek information about daytime assault
The Porter County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public’s help in the investigation of an assault that occurred Sunday in Portage Township. According to police, a woman was walking along County Road 600 N, just west of State Route 149, when a pewter or silver Toyota traveling eastbound stopped behind her. Continue reading your article with a digital subscription. Already a subscriber? Log in or Activate your account. Loading&hellp; {{html}} Thanks for being a subscriber.
McDermott ally, Dem Party insider selected for Hammond city attorney
A local trial lawyer and close ally of Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. has been selected to head the city’s law department. Kevin Smith, a partner at Munster law firm Smith Sersic, will become corporate counsel effective June 3, according to McDermott’s office. He replaces former city attorney Kristina Kantar, who was sworn in Thursday as Lake County Superior Court judge in Gary. Smith is well-connected in local Democratic Party circles and is a close confidant of McDermott’s.
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