Porter County Board of Commissioners

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.

Rising costs continue to cause challenges for the Porter County Highway Department, but they aren't as bad as officials had feared.

The proposed 146-home Heirloom subdivision has gotten zoning approval from the Porter County Commissioners, despite one commissioner's attempt to delay a decision. The commissioners voted two-to-one Tuesday to rezone an 80-acre property near county roads 325 East and 500 North for medium density single-family residential development.

Plans for a new subdivision in Porter County continue to move ahead, despite opposition from several local residents. The proposed Heirloom subdivision could bring 146 homes to an 80-acre property near county roads 325 East and 500 North.

The Porter County Animal Shelter has gotten a major financial boost.

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.

A new report explores the issue of suicide awareness and prevention in Porter County. The county commissioners recently hired the Pyrce Healthcare Group to conduct a community assessment.

Increasing costs could put the brakes on Porter County's paving plans.

Porter County is looking to tighten access restrictions at the courthouse. The county commissioners Tuesday approved a proposal from Videotec to install a key card system at the courthouse and the freight elevator at 157 Franklin.

Porter County is set to get almost $886,000 in grant money to help fight COVID-19, but creating the necessary funds to allow the county to spend it was met with some opposition. The Porter County Health Department is asking county officials to set up three funds: one for grants pertaining to immunization and vaccines for children, another for grants related to testing, and a third for grants to provide schools with extra nursing help for things like vaccination and health screenings.