Patrick Lyp

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

A measure that would let the city of Valparaiso issue more liquor licenses remains on hold. The city council Monday withdrew a proposed ordinance to establish a riverfront district, after the project that wanted the liquor license withdrew its request.

The city of Valparaiso is looking at making a riverfront district to bring more liquor licenses to the U.S. 30 area.

As Valparaiso gets to work on its new city council districts, some are calling on the city to make it easier for residents to submit their own proposed maps. Those who want to draw a map for the council's consideration can pick up an information packet at the Clerk-Treasurer's Office, and turn in their finished map by noon on October 19.

Valparaiso residents will see a jump in their trash pickup rate. The city council voted six-to-one Monday to raise the monthly rate from $12 to $19.50, starting with bills due in November. It's the first increase to that rate in 10 years.

Downtown Valparaiso's parking projects continue to move forward.

Starting September 1, the single-ride ChicaGO Dash ticket will go from eight to nine dollars, a 10-ride ticket from $70 to $80 and a monthly pass from $230 to $250 dollars. The fare for the South Shore Connect bus will double to two dollars.

Members of the public are no longer allowed to wander Valparaiso City Hall unaccompanied. City Attorney Patrick Lyp says a few months ago, various groups calling themselves auditors began showing up to government buildings to take videos.

Downtown Valparaiso's Linc development is getting its own TIF district. The $37 million project will include three four-story apartment buildings with ground floor retail space facing Lincolnway.

The Valparaiso City Council has approved a plan for the city's American Rescue Plan funds. But the fact that more than 60-percent of the $7.7 million would go toward acquiring land for future park facilities drew opposition from residents.