Barb Regnitz

Less than a year after stepping down as executive director of the Memorial Opera House, Scot MacDonald is back as its interim director.

The Porter County Commissioners have found a tenant for the former sheriff's residence, after a year of searching. The commissioners voted two-to-one Tuesday to lease out the main level for up to $25,000 a year.

The Porter County Commissioners have outlined a process for distributing opioid settlement funds going forward. The commissioners Tuesday established a committee to oversee a grant application process.

The Porter County Board of Health has another new member.

The Memorial Opera House's new director is quickly getting to work. The hiring of Megan Stoner was announced during Monday's Porter County Commissioners meeting. She replaces Scot MacDonald, who resigned earlier this summer.

How much of a say the Porter County Board of Health should get in filling board vacancies was the topic of an ongoing debate during Monday's county commissioners meeting. State law currently requires county health boards to come up with a list of five candidates — but doesn't require the board of commissioners to choose from that list.

Plans are coming together for some Porter County government facilities.

Porter County has rejected the Malden Solar Project's application for zoning approval.

Plans to renovate the Memorial Opera House continue to move forward. Barb Regnitz told the rest of the Porter County Commissioners on Tuesday that bids are being sought for the first phase, which will involve exterior masonry repairs.

The Porter County Commissioners are looking to move ahead with some facility upgrades. The county's redevelopment commission has agreed to lend $120,000 to renovate the first floor of the former sheriff's residence, which used to house the Porter County Museum.