If you’ve been scrolling through social media or catching the local broadcasts lately, you know that Porter County in news has been a bit of a whirlwind. It’s not just the standard "small-town Indiana" updates anymore. Between high-stakes criminal trials, a bizarre winter salt crisis, and some pretty intense debates over utility bills in Valparaiso, there is a lot to keep track of. Honestly, it’s easy to miss the forest for the trees when so much is happening at once.
The region is changing. Fast.
The Crime Stories Everyone Is Talking About
Let’s get into the heavy stuff first. You might have seen the name Robert Delano Bone popping up. On January 9, 2026, the 69-year-old Valparaiso man was hit with murder and arson charges. This stems from a tragic fire at a group home that took the life of a resident. It’s the kind of story that rattles a community because it involves a place that’s supposed to be a sanctuary.
Then there’s the Ryan Miller situation.
Miller, a 32-year-old Chesterton police officer, was arrested right at the start of the year for felony domestic battery and strangulation. What makes this one complicated—and frankly, a bit sad—is the revelation during his January hearing that he was being treated for mental health issues prior to the incident. It’s sparked a massive conversation in the Region about officer wellness and the pressures of the job. Erin Collins, the Chesterton Town Council President, didn’t hold back in her statements, making it clear that the town is taking these allegations seriously while the legal process plays out.
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Why Your Commute is Kinda Messy
If you feel like you’re constantly dodging orange cones, you aren't imagining it. Porter County officials just announced a major closure on Ford Road for railroad repairs between January 11 and January 14. They’re basically telling everyone to detour through Needham Road.
It’s annoying. I know.
But it's part of a much bigger infrastructure push. The county has a massive list of bridge replacements lined up for 2026. Specifically:
- Bridge 1 on Division Road over Hutton Ditch is slated for a September 2, 2026 start.
- Bridge 132 on CR 200 W over Salt Creek is looking at a November 2026 kickoff.
- Bridge 66 over Phillips Ditch is also on the books for later this year.
And we can’t talk about the roads without mentioning the "Salt Rationing" plan. Because of low supplies and some nasty winter forecasts earlier this month, the county started rationing road salt. If the side streets look a little more "natural" than usual, that’s why. They are saving the good stuff for the main arteries like U.S. 30 and Highway 6.
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The Battle Over Your Wallet
If you live in Valparaiso, you’ve likely heard of the group "It’s the Same Water." They’ve been incredibly vocal lately about the sharp rise in water and sewer bills. We’re talking hikes of more than 20% in some cases.
Stu Summers and other community leaders have been pushing local officials to find literally any other way to fund utility upgrades without crushing the average family budget. It’s a classic Northwest Indiana standoff: the city needs the money for EPA-mandated sewer separations (like the $960,000 project they kicked off last year), but residents are tapped out.
What’s Actually Coming Up in 2026
It’s not all crime and road salt. There are actually some pretty cool things on the horizon that aren't getting enough play in the daily news cycle.
- The Porter County Fair 2026: Mark your calendars for July 17th through July 29th. They’ve already confirmed the Grandstand lineup will feature top-tier concerts and the usual demolition derbies.
- Indiana Dunes Tourism Grants: On January 5th, the county announced the winners of a $50,000 grant pool. This money is going specifically to projects that draw people into the county, which should mean some interesting new festivals and "community development" projects popping up by summer.
- Earth Day 2026: The Recycling District is already hunting for vendors for the big celebration on April 18th at the Expo Center.
A Quick Note on the "Saveheart" Initiative
Public safety is getting a high-tech upgrade. The county has been installing these "Saveheart" stations—basically public-access AEDs—in high-traffic spots. You’ll find them at Central Park Plaza, the Expo Center, and Thomas Centennial Park in Chesterton. It’s one of those things you hope you never need, but it’s a huge win for the community that they’re actually there.
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How to Stay Ahead of the Curve
Honestly, keeping up with Porter County in news requires looking past the headlines. While the crime reports get the clicks, the real story of the county right now is this tension between rapid growth and the struggle to maintain a "small-town" cost of living.
Actionable Steps for Residents:
- Update your bookmarks: The county officially moved its primary web address to
portercountyin.gov. If you’re still trying to use the old.orgsite for permits or records, you’re going to run into broken links. - Check the bridge schedule: Before you plan a move or a major commute, look at the 2026 "Letting Dates" on the Highway Engineering site. The Division Road project in September is going to be a headache for anyone heading toward the east side of Valpo.
- Engage with the Eastside Master Plan: The city is still taking feedback on the development between 500 North and 400 North. If you don’t want more high-density housing or a specific type of commercial sprawl, now is the time to speak up at the Valparaiso City Services open houses.
The "Region" is complicated. It's a mix of heavy industry, beautiful dunes, and rapidly expanding suburbs. Staying informed isn't just about knowing what happened yesterday; it's about seeing where the money—and the construction crews—are heading tomorrow.