Doug Ross – Page 3 –

From left, Portage Mayor Austin Bonta, Police Chief Michael Candiano and City Attorney Dan Bartnicki explain how Portage police officers use Flock camera images and guardrails put in place to deter misuse of the system. (Doug Ross/Post-Tribune)

Portage officials discuss Flock camera locations, policies

September 15, 2026 at 1:50 p.m.

The Flock presentation came at Mayor Austin Bonta’s normal monthly “Mayor’s Monday” discussion. Bonta, Candiano and City Attorney Dan Bartnicki stressed the need for transparency, presenting facts on how the...

Presidential historian Jon Meacham autographs his latest book, “American Struggle,” for Lionel Cohen of Gary following Meacham’s speech Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, at Purdue University Northwest’s Westville campus as part of the PNW Sinai Forum lecture series. (Doug Ross/for the Post-Tribune)

Viewing opponents as enemies is harmful to democracy: presidential historian

September 14, 2026 at 2:46 p.m.

Democracy is in crisis in the U.S., presidential historian Jon Meacham said, but history has shown that Americans can rise to the occasion.

RDA spreading news about $10 million seed money for projects

September 13, 2026 at 3:59 p.m.

AJ Bytnar is making the rounds to tell communities along the South Shore Line about money available for transit-oriented development.

Consultant Targhi Arshami of The Arsh Group offers advice to a small group discussing ideas for Portage’s new comprehensive plan. The small groups offered ideas during a public input session at Woodland Park Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. The new plan, to be considered by the Plan Commission and City Council, will be the first comprehensive plan since 2009. (Doug Ross/for the Post-Tribune)

Transit, roundabouts likely for Portage’s wish list after public input

September 13, 2026 at 2:36 p.m.

The comprehensive plan being drafted for Portage is likely to include roundabouts and public transit after a public input session.

An updated map of the Marquette Greenway shows the trail, which stretches from Calumet Park, Illinois, to New Buffalo, Michigan, is coming closer to fruition. (Mitch Barloga/provided)

Marquette Greenway about 65% complete but toughest sections remain

September 12, 2026 at 3:36 p.m.

The Marquette Greenway is getting closer to completion, but the sections that remain are the hardest ones.

Chesterton firefighter Marc Mihalik rests in full gear after finishing the 5K Popcorn Panic race during the 47th annual Popcorn Festival along Lincolnway in Valparaiso, Indiana, Saturday, September, 12, 2026. Milhalik, with nearly 20 years on the force, ran to honor the memory of those killed during the September 11, 2001, attacks. (Andy Lavalley/for the Post-Tribune)

47th annual Popcorn Festival draws firefighter, fairies and floats

September 12, 2026 at 5:29 p.m.

The 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks inspired Chesterton firefighter Marc Mihalik to walk in full gear for the 5K Popcorn Panic.

Myers Elementary School students hold up pinwheels during Portage's commemorative program for the 25th anniversary of 9/11 on Friday, September 11, 2026. (Kyle Telechan/for the Post-Tribune)

Portage remembers 9/11: ‘Something larger than our disagreements was under attack’

September 11, 2026 at 2:26 p.m.

Mayor Austin Bonta and Assistant Police Chief Ted Uzelac urged attendees to remember what Sept. 12, 2001, was like as well.

Daughters of the American Revolution William Henry Harrison chapter member Mary Sparks rakes leaves from graves as members of the organization and other volunteers gather to clean up damage from recent storms at Chesterton Cemetery on Thursday, September 10, 2026. (Kyle Telechan/for the Post-Tribune)

Volunteers aid post-storm Chesterton Cemetery cleanup

September 10, 2026 at 1:53 p.m.

Chesterton Cemetery Manager Chery Bachman can’t even begin to put a dollar value on the volunteer efforts to remove tree debris from the Aug. 11 derecho. “It’s priceless,” she said.

Portage doesn’t want land saved for future park

September 9, 2026 at 10:24 a.m.

Developer Mel Gore set aside two acres for a park in his Cardinal Crossing subdivision 20 years ago, but the city doesn’t want it. Gore, who owns the land, plans...

Larry Brechner (Lauren Brechner/provided)

‘Everybody knew him’: Northwest Indiana arts icon Larry Brechner dies

September 8, 2026 at 5:06 p.m.

Longtime Northwest Indiana arts icon Larry Brechner, 71, died Thursday morning at his home, which he affectionately called Brechwood.

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