Patrick Lyp

The city of Valparaiso is gearing up for a long legal battle with its human resources director. Kathy Lynn Gralik alleges that she was paid much less than male department heads, among other claims.

Valparaiso residents with substance use disorder could soon get more help finding treatment.

The completion of a Valparaiso medical building that's sat unfinished for years remains held up by legal challenges. City Attorney Patrick Lyp says work on the building at 1425 Glendale began in 2018 but largely ground to a halt by 2021, when the developer didn't pay its subcontractors. Another challenge is that the site's former owner, Porter Hospital, didn't want it to be used for medical purposes.

Plans for a community recovery care coordinator are moving forward in Valparaiso. The position would connect those with substance use disorder with treatment opportunities. The new coordinator would be employed by PACT, but would be funded by the city with its share of opioid settlement money.

Efforts to make sure an underground fuel leak hasn't spread to neighboring properties are drawing opposition from Valparaiso residents.

Sports broadcaster Jason Benetti will speak in Valparaiso, as part of the city's recognition of Disability Awareness Month. The city says Benetti, who has cerebral palsy, will share a message on "not judging a book by its cover."

The city of Valparaiso has banned the retail sale of dogs and cats, but the ban's impact may be limited.

A proposed ordinance would prohibit the retail sale of dogs and cats in Valparaiso, but it could be overruled by legislation in the General Assembly.

A Valparaiso City Council member's efforts to redirect federal COVID money to infrastructure upgrades have fallen short.

Porter County communities are looking to crack down on puppy mills.