Dawn Miller

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.

Uproar over an event that would've included a drag show has prompted Porter County to review its rental policies. Rogue Syndicate was planning to hold another "Halfway to Halloween Market and Drag Show" at the Porter County Expo Center — an event it's hosted since 2019.

Funding to upgrade the Memorial Opera House is apparently back in Porter County's plans for American Rescue Plan money.

Plans to renovate and expand the Memorial Opera House are drawing opposition from a Porter County commissioner. The $6.5 million project would replace crumbling bricks and windows at the Opera House and the former sheriff's residence, and build a connector between the two. A proposal to use federal American Rescue Plan funds to pay for it drew backlash from residents. Now, some county officials want to use foundation money, generated by the interest earned on the proceeds of the hospital sale.

Architects continue working on renovation plans for the Memorial Opera House, but funding remains uncertain. Porter County Commissioner Laura Blaney says she's met virtually with the architect and hopes to have renderings to present soon.