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Gary Council Supports Local Tax

Written by Indiana 105

Wednesday, March 20, 2013 | 6:30 am

The Gary City Council is officially in favor of a local option income tax for Lake County. The council passed a resolution supporting such a tax – a tax that every county in the state has already adopted except for Lake, and because Lake hasn't adopted the tax – which was meant to ease the property tax burden on residents and businesses – the county's property tax levies have been frozen since 2007.
Senate Bill 585 proposes a one-percent local income tax for Lake County, and would let the county use the money for government operations and economic development. There's a House Ways and Means Committee hearing today.
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Tax Day Nears, VITA Can Still Help

Written by Indiana 105

Wednesday, March 20, 2013 | 6:29 am

Tax day is already less than a month away... IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance – VITA volunteers have been busy helping Region residents fill out the forms, and they still have some spots available if you qualify. George Kuebler, VITA Site Supervisor at United Way of Porter County says they provide the free assistance, by appointment, on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursday, through April 11th. Kuebler says they do federal and state returns, including out-of-state returns. There are requirements and some restrictions. For details, you can hear our interview online at On Demand here at our website. Also, for an appointment or more info, call 219-464-3583 or visit www.nwivolunteer.org .
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Powerball Climbs to $260 Million

Written by Indiana 105

Wednesday, March 20, 2013 | 6:26 am

Powerball is on the rise. An estimated $260 million is up for grabs in tonights Wednesday night's drawing. The potential prize is the largest in the game since last November's historic $587.5 million run culminated with jackpot winners in Missouri and Arizona.
Indiana leads the nation in Powerball jackpot wins with 38. A Hoosier Lottery player laid claim to the very first Powerball jackpot win in the first Powerball drawing in April 1992. Two of the game's top ten ranking jackpots -- $314.3 million and $295 million -- were also scored in Indiana.
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Former County Clerk Surrenders to Prison

Written by Indiana 105

Wednesday, March 20, 2013 | 6:25 am

One-time Lake County elected official Thomas Philpot has reportedly surrendered to a federal prison in Michigan to begin serving an 18-month sentence for paying himself more than 24-thousand dollars in bonuses from federal child support incentive funds while he was County Clerk. Philpot, who also served a decade as Lake County Coroner, was convicted last August on theft and public corruption charges.
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Hundreds Gather for Public Schools Rally

Written by Indiana 105

Wednesday, March 20, 2013 | 6:18 am

More than three-hundred people from around the state gathered at the statehouse for a rally supporting traditional public schools in Indiana. Some family members of Lake Ridge Schools in Calumet Township were among the crowd Tuesday. Lake Ridge has announced plans to close one of their elementaries in the face of a looming budget shortfall.
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House Approves Legislation to Improve Child Services

Written by Indiana 105

Tuesday, March 19, 2013 | 6:53 pm

A bill intended to improve child services in Indiana unanimously passed the House of Representatives Tuesday. Senate Bill 164 would permit prosecuting attorneys to file a Child-In-Need-Of Services petition with a juvenile court, which would start legal action that allows the state to intervene to protect a child, an ability prosecutor had until July of 2009, when the Department of Child Services became the only one able to file such a petition. The bill now returns to the Senate for concurrence or the establishment of a conference committee.
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IN General Assembly Passes Family Friendly School Bill

Written by Indiana 105

Tuesday, March 19, 2013 | 6:33 pm

INDIANAPOLIS – Today the Indiana House of Representatives approved legislation co-sponsored by Rep. Vernon Smith (D-Gary) to establish the Indiana Family Friendly School designation program.
            The bill requires the Department of Education (DOE) to consult with statewide organizations that study the correlation between family involvement and student achievement, and develop the guidelines for the program. The DOE must also make available to schools best practices for encouraging family engagement.
            “The purpose of this bill is to involve parents in their children’s education,” said Smith. “Warm and inviting schools can make a difference in the quality of performance.
            “Schools could create packets and workshops to show parents what the students are learning,” he added. “They can provide summer packages to encourage families to work together on simple schoolwork over the summer. Even welcoming parents into the building can make a difference in a child’s education. This bill is very important.”
            Senate Bill 422 passed through the House 96-0 and now will advance to the Senate for further review.
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Cold Case Murder Solved After 30 years

Written by Indiana 105

Tuesday, March 19, 2013 | 5:46 pm

(Photo Courtesy of Indiana State Police)
Authorities say a thirty year murder case can now be brought to a close. A 52 year old Scottsburg, Indiana, man was arrested this morning, in Louisiana, on a LaPorte County warrant for felony murder by the U.S. Marshals out of New Orleans. Indiana State Police report Paul Stucker is awaiting extradition back to Indiana, accused of killing 34 year old Johnny Hodge in his cell, at the Indiana State Prison, in Michigan City, on October 19^th, 1983. State Police report Stucker was an inmate at the prison at the dame time as Hodge when the murder occurred. Hodge was serving a life sentence on a double-murder charge at the time. Indiana State Police Detectives assigned to the SEllersburg and Versailles Post are reportedly responsible for closing this cold case.
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All Clear Given at IUPUI

Written by Indiana 105

Tuesday, March 19, 2013 | 4:13 pm

A full-alert on the campus of Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis has been lifted. Officals reported the "all-clear" was given just after 4pm, about three-hours after it was first issued. Police were reportedly searching for a suspicious individual, after a man with what maybe a gun, was allegedly seen near Barnhill and Vermont. The campus will now return to normal operations.
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St. John Man Charged in Sunday's Fatal Crash

Written by Indiana 105

Tuesday, March 19, 2013 | 3:43 pm

The Lake County Prosecutor's Office today accepted charges against a 39 year old St. John man, who fled the scene of a firey crash Sunday morning in Crown Point that left one man dead. The Lake County Sheriff's Office says David Hatfield is charged with operating while intoxicated resulting in death, and leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death, both of which are felonies, as well as two misdemeanor counts of operating while intoxicated. Investigators report Hatfield's vehicle struck the rear of a 59 year old Crown Point man's vehicle as it traveled west on 109^th Avenue, killing the Crown Point man, and causing both vehicle to go up in flames. Authorities report extremely excessive speed by Hatfield also contributed to the crash.
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IN Toll Road WB Calumet Exit Closed Tomorrow

Written by Indiana 105

Tuesday, March 19, 2013 | 2:52 pm

Starting tomorrow morning at 7am Central Time, contractors will begin painting the bridge over the westbound Calumet City exit on the Indiana Toll Road, causing the westbound exit ramp to be closed. Indiana Toll Road officials report traffic from the westbound exit ramp will be detoured through the make-up/break-up lot, which in-turn will restrict parking to tractor-trailers in that lot. The closure is scheduled to be lifted this Friday afternoon, but will begin again Monday, March 25^th, through Thursday, March 28^th.
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IUPUI Campus Remains on Full Alert

Written by Indiana 105

Tuesday, March 19, 2013 | 1:42 pm

1 breaking-news
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis's twitter reports the campus remains on full-alert, as police reportedly continue to search for a suspicious individual. IUPUI send out a text message just before one this afternoon, stating a man with what maybe a gun, was seen near Barnhill and Vermont. All buildings remain on lockdown at last check, and ask people to avoid campus until further notice.
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Send-off for Crusaders; Milestone for Coaches Drew

Written by Indiana 105

Tuesday, March 19, 2013 |10:38 am

There's a send off 11:45 this morning at the ARC for the Valparaiso University Mens basketball team as they set off to participate in this year's NC-double-A tournament. The Crusaders take on Michigan State in the second round, with tip off this Thursday morning, 11:15 am Region time, at Auburn Hills, Michigan. When the team takes the court, it'll mark a first for a family to have a father and two sons coach teams that have made to the Big Dance. Former VU Head Coach Homer Drew took his Crusader teams into March Madness seven times... he's now followed by his son and current VU Head Coach Bryce Drew making his first tournament appearnce. Drew's son Scott has taken Baylor to the tourney three times in the past five years.
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Road Closure to Remove MRI

Written by Indiana 105

Tuesday, March 19, 2013 |10:00 am

Traffic-Advisory
City officials in Valparaiso have announced LaPorte Avenue will be closed for several hours Wednesday (March 20, 2013) to remove an MRI machine from the former Porter Hospital building. Work is scheduled to begin at 7am and continue until 5 pm, though actual removal may take less time. The length of road affected is from Healthy Access to the parking lot east of the old hospital building.
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Merit Raises Cut for Top Purdue Staff

Written by Indiana 105

Tuesday, March 19, 2013 | 9:28 am

Purdue President Mitch Daniels has announced the university is eliminating merit pay raises for all senior administrators, deans, and administrative and professional staff with salaries above $50,000 for the next two years – in a letter posted online he says that's expected to save five-million dollars, and part of the need to offset forty-million dollars in foregone revenue from a two-year tuition freeze, the first break in a 37-year string of increases.
Daniels says it's been too easy in higher education for institutions to decide first what they would like to spend, and then raise student bills to produce the funds. He says Purdue shouldn't forget the dollars they spend come for the most part from either a student’s family or a taxpayer.
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Veteran Times Correspondent Passes Away

Written by Indiana 105

Tuesday, March 19, 2013 | 9:26 am

Longtime correspondent for the Times of Northwest Indiana, Steve Zabroski [zuh-BRAH-skee] of Hammond, has passed away after battling cancer. Zabroski's byline was seen in the newspaper for many years, covering Hammond, Whiting and East Chicago and the Region's business community, on and off, for 25 years. Zabroski was also the former sports editor of the Sun Journal in Lansing, and editor-in-chief of the Calumet Day in Whiting before coming to the Times. Zabroski was 55.
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GEICO Bringing 1,200 Jobs to Indiana

Written by Indiana 105

Tuesday, March 19, 2013 | 7:56 am

Governor Mike Pence joined GEICO Chairman Tony Nicely Monday to announce the company's plans to locate a customer service center in Indianapolis, creating up to 1,200 new jobs by 2016. The Washington, D.C.-based auto insurer will invest millions of dollars to lease, renovate and equip 109,000 square feet of space at 101 W. 103rd St. in the Indianapolis metropolitan area. The new office, which is expected to be operational by late April, will house professional insurance agents, their training and supervisory teams and additional management and support staff.
Founded in 1936 as an automobile insurance company, GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is the third largest private passenger auto insurer in the country, serving more than 11 million auto policies and covering more than 18 million vehicles (auto and motorcycle).
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O'Hare Named Most Stressful Airport

Written by Indiana 105

Tuesday, March 19, 2013 | 7:52 am

A 2012 survey of business travelers has revealed the 16 most stressful airports in America, and Chicago's O'Hare -- the third busiest airport in the world -- topped the list. Rounding out the top ten were Los Angeles International Airport, JFK International, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, New York's LaGuardia, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, George Bush Houston Intercontinental Airport, San Francisco International Airport, and Miami International Airport. Fifty-six percent of those surveyed found the distance between gates and terminals to be one of O'Hare's biggest challenges. Factors determining an airport's stress level included confusing airport signage, poor service, and bathrooms that were either overcrowded or too small in number. Other problems included poor Wi-Fi coverage and too few electrical outlets. Dallas-Fort Worth was named the most hassle-free airport because of its clear signs, good Wi-Fi, and food options. ...

Griffith Facebook Suit Settled

Written by Indiana 105

Tuesday, March 19, 2013 | 7:49 am

Documents in Hammond Federal Court show Griffith Public Schools have reached a settlement with regard to a lawsuit filed over Facebook comments. The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana sued the district contending the free speech rights of three eighth graders were violated when they were expelled over what they posted in February of 2012. The word "kill" was reportedly used in online conversation that the ACLU has said was meant in jest, and included smiley-face emoticons. The suit says school officials told the girls they had violated school policy against bullying, harassment and intimidation.
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Valpo Chamber is Chamber of the Year

Written by Indiana 105

Tuesday, March 19, 2013 | 6:37 am

valpochamber resize

Top honors - again - for the Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce. The Valpo Chamber has won the 2013 Chamber of Commerce of the Year award from the Indiana Chamber Executives Association. The Valpo Chamber, with over 700 members, is the only Northwest Indiana Chamber to have ever received "Chamber of Commerce of the Year." The Chamber also won the same award in 2005. The award is based on the U.S. Chamber’s accreditation process for local chambers and highlights accomplishments in the areas of leadership/governance, finance, advocacy and membership development.

The Valpo Chamber received the honor during the Indiana Chamber Executives Association Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon Friday, March 15, at the Hyatt in downtown Indianapolis.

The Valpo Chamber was selected as the "2013 Chamber of Commerce of the Year" by an independent panel of judges outside the state. The award is based on the U.S. Chamber's accreditation process for local chambers and highlights accomplishments in the areas of leadership, governance, finance, advocacy, and membership development.

Programs specifically mentioned with regard to Valparaiso being chosen were the Valpo Chamber Community Improvement Awards, recognizing local businesses for their commitment and investment in Valparaiso by improving their visual presence in the community and the Business Appreciation Luncheon, designed to thank top employers for their impact to improve and sustain a strong economic climate and employee base. The Chamber was also cited for its strong financial performance recognizing its success in new member development and consistent, high member reinvestment rates and its strong advocacy demonstrated on local, state, and national issues.

"This great honor is a testament to the staff and board leadership of the Valpo Chamber who, over time, have set the bar high for performance and effectiveness on behalf of the members," states Chamber President, Rex Richards. "Everything that we do is for the benefit of our member investors. If our members are successful, then we are successful. It's all about service."

"The staff has performed at such a high level and has delivered the most effective programs possible for the membership," says Board Chair, Jonathan Nalli, CEO, Porter Health Care System. "Our Chamber has succeeded in taking service to our members to a very high level and this statewide recognition brings great honor not only to the Valpo Chamber, but to our community, county, and region."

In addition to Chamber of the Year, the ICEA also awarded its "Communications Excellence Awards." The Chamber received top honors of "Excellence" for the quarterly Valparaiso Magazine, annual Membership Directory and Community Resource Guide, annual U-Guide University Student Resource Guide, and the recently updated Chamber website www.valparaisochamber.org <http://www.valparaisochamber.org> ; while receiving "Honorable Mention" in the category of Annual Reports.

"The magnitude of awards won by the Valpo Chamber was truly gratifying," adds Immediate Past Chair Jon Schmaltz, of Burke Costanza & Carberry. "To achieve this level of excellence, judged by an independent panel from outside the state, makes the Valpo Chamber the standard of excellence upon which all other chambers look to.

"The hard work and dedication of the professionals at the Chamber is apparent through the works submitted for review by the judging panel," says Shelli Williams, ICEA President. "The Valpo Chamber was up against some very well-respected competition, so to take top honors like this really says a lot."

Chamber professional designations were also given at the award luncheon. "Accredited Executive" was given to Valpo Chamber President Rex Richards while Susan Antoszewski, Marketing & Communication Specialist/Publications Editor and Kurt Gillins, Programs Director, earned the designation of "Certified Professional."

Valpo Chamber members who helped create the award winning communication pieces are: Valparaiso Magazine, Morse & Company Advertising Communications Inc., Home Mountain Printing, and Aran Kessler Photo Imaging; U-Guide, Foster Printing Service; and Website and Membership Directory, The Grossbauer Group.

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