Calumet Township

GRIFFITH-State Senator Rick Niemeyer, who represents Indiana's 6th District, has put his support behind Griffith's efforts to leave Calumet Township.  The Senator from Lowell authored Senate Bill 365, which he says would allow Griffith out of Calumet Township, even if they are not accepted by an abutting township.

On this edition of the podcast the you’ll the latest on the beach access closures in Ogden Dunes, a judge denied a request from Ethel Shelton, a former executive secretary for former Calumet Township Trustee Mary Elgin, to appeal her two felony convictions because of cost and Chris Nolte has a conversation with Valparaiso University freshman Steven  Mileusnich. All of that, and more, on this edition of “Lakeshore Update”…     

GRIFFITH - The town of Griffith is still on a quest to break away from Calumet Township.  Griffith tried unsuccessfully so-far to join St. John Township and North Township.  The town filed a bill on Thursday, January 9th, with the Indiana Legislature that would allow it to perform its own township services.

Rick Ryfa, President of the Griffith Town Council, explains where the process is currently.

Today:    On this "Reporters' Roundtable" Thursday we bring in "Post-Tribune" Gary city reporter Greg Tejeda, and from the "Times" -- for their inaugural conversations on the program -- Lake County government reporter Will Racke and education reporter Carley Lanich, as they all talk about the stories in print and posted online.  They include news from Gary Common Council, a long-time political figure working for Calumet Township, the visit of an East Chicago native who's a federal court judge, and the School City of Hammond's next superintendent.

Today:   North Township Trustee Frank J. Mrvan Jr joins us to talk about the issues, facts and discussion surrounding the town of Griffith's request to join North Township, following the community vote for secession from Calumet Township.  The Board of Trustees had to review a lot of information and chose not to make a decision last week... but may decide as soon as tonight.  A decision must be made by December 31st.  St. John Township officials already chose not to accept Griffith into its township government.

Today:    Steve Coxhead of the Indiana Passenger Rail Alliance joins us to give an update on how passenger rail service is doing across the Region and the state -- a preview of the organization's short-term strategic plan -- and some concerns about the business model that Amtrak's new president is endorsing.  And Griffith Town Council president Rick Ryfa talks about Tuesday's special election in his community that will determine whether residents want to remain in Calumet Township -- or choose a different township.