// Lake County Surveyor, Two Others Indicted
The late Tuskegee Airman who led a full life of service in northwest Indiana now has his name attached to a permanent fixture in the region. The City of Gary and the Gary Chicago International Airport unveiled the Quentin P. Smith Tuskegee Airman Memorial Bridge. The $11.6-million airport road overpass honors the World War II veteran for his work as a long-time educator in the Gary Community School Corporation. He also served on the City Council and on the Board of Trustees for the Calumet College of Saint Joseph. Smith received a Congressional medal for his work defending the nation against segregation, noted at Friday’s bridge dedication ceremony by Nate Williams, “Smith and another black officer were arrested for defying orders to join the base officers club.” Regional Development Authority President and Chief Executive Officer Bill Hanna paid tribute to the legendary leader, too. “You get this dedicated person, like Quentin, it overshadows hatred.” The ceremony included words from Quentin P. Smith’s son, Quentin P. Smith, Jr. “I think it’s very appropriate that a bridge have his name. A bridge is to get you over obstacles. He’s done that for almost everyone…especially me.” Honors included a presentation from the JROTC Honor Guard of West Side High School where Smith served as the first principal, along with recognition by Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson. “Dr. Quentin P. Smith was an icon in the city of Gary…in this community.” Two new signs bearing Smith’s name will go up at the new bridge once complete in July.
Starting Sunday, May 14th, Indiana State Police will participate in the federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s “Ticket Aggressive Cars and Trucks Campaign.” Its goal is to reduce the number of crashes involving commercial motor vehicles and cars. The campaign runs through June 8th. Police will look specifically for unsafe lane changes, failure to yield, following too closely and aggressive driving. Indiana State Police remind motorists to stay out of the truck driver’s blind spot, make safe lane changes by signaling and leave plenty of space between you and other drivers.
The Lake County Commission has approved a County Council 1/5% county income tax proposal. The Commission passed the measure 2-1 Friday with Commissioner Gerry Scheub casting the dissenting vote. The action followed a split four-to-three vote Monday when the Lake County Council passed a 1.5% local option income tax plan that could take effect in 2015. Supporters and opponents of the tax spoke about the $90-million-dollar Lake County local option income tax proposal intended for property tax relief, with .25% for public safety. Monday night Council member Eldon Strong told residents he believes more budget cuts could eliminate the need for the tax. “A plan has been submitted which would consolidate government service locations.” The mayors of Gary and Hammond each say they support the tax. County Sheriff’s Deputy of Police, and Northwest Indiana Federation of Labor President, Dan Murchek also supports the tax. “This is about Lake County taking care of Lake County. I don’t want to pay another tax, but I do want my firehouse staffed. I do want someone to respond to my emergency calls, I want a police officer patrolling the streets and making sure my kid walks to school.” Tax opponents, including Lake County Commissioner Gerry Scheub, say the tax is unnecessary, with some people concerned the money will not be distributed properly, such as Eric Krieg, “The way that they set this up, people in your town will pay $10 and you will receive $1. This is taking money from south county to north county.” The Council vote to approve the tax plan sent it to Lake County Commissioners Friday's vote.
The popular Post-Tribune columnist hosts an hour of local issues and lighthearted conversation.
Tavis Buchan hosts our 90-minute daily afternoon drive show, with news and traffic from Amanda Gass and Tom Maloney on…
Classical Stretch – The Esmonde Technique is an effective total body workout developed by Miranda Esmonde-White. This locally produced program is now on at 5:30pm, Monday through Friday.
Northwest Indiana Public Broadcasting will be having a Board of Directors meeting on Tuesday, May 28, 2013. The meeting will be held at Hoeppner, Wagner & Evans, 1000 E. 80th Place, Suite 606S in Merrillville, IN. The meeting begins at 4:00 PM. This meeting is open to the public but may go into closed executive session.
Northwest Indiana Public Broadcasting will be having a Community Advisory Board on Thursday, May 30, 2013. The meeting will start at 8:30 AM and will be held at the Lake County Public Library in Merrillville, IN. This meeting is open to the public.