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Chicago Tribune
a day ago
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Records: Highland tornado siren inspections likely lapsed after fire chief's death
The Highland Fire Department resumed testing their tornado sirens in April after a tornado tore through town in March, but whether it had been prior to that storm is doubtful. Swiderski also said in the email that he explained to town representatives that the 'siren itself is the responsibility of the communities,' while E-911's responsibility 'ends at the box that activates them.' Regarding Highland, Swiderski said he knew that the late Fire Chief Bill Timmer 'was very engaged with so much within' Highland and that many communities either have Police units or EMA/Vest units out on that day to listen and report that the sirens are going off as they should. Timmer died in August of 2023. 'This may just have been one of the things that for lack of a better term fell through the cracks,' Swiderski said in the email. 'We need much more information, and it will be better to release a full report at the appropriate time,' Reed said in his email. The Post-Tribune on Tuesday asked Deputy Chief Mike Pipta, new Highland Fire Chief Glenn Schlesser, and Herak whether they agreed with Swiderski's assessment and if the report Reed suggested is complete. None of the three responded by deadline. The town did bring in Crown Point-based Duane's Electric on March 24 to assess the sirens and found that the sirens at the Water plant and Lincoln Street weren't working; they were able to fix the water plant siren March 26 and ordered the parts for the Lincoln Street siren, according to an invoice from Duane's. The repairs cost the town $1,735, the invoice said. Additionally, the town provided the Post-Tribune with siren testing reports from April 5, May 3, and June 7; except for April 5 with the Lincoln Street siren waiting for parts, no further issues were reported. Four tornadoes ripped through Lake County the evening of March 19: two EF-0 tornadoes and one EF-1 tornado in Gary and one EF-0 tornado that hit in roughly the center of Highland. Some residents reported to the Highland Police Department that they may have heard sirens in the distance, while others didn't hear them at all, according to a HPD social media post March 21. Because of that, Highland officials conducted a siren test at noon March 22, where they discovered two of the sirens were 'faulty,' a second social media post dated March 22 said. Additionally, they discovered an issue with communication to the Lake County E-911 Center, according to the post. 'The 911 Center is working on that issue and our vendor will be out Monday morning to fix the issue on our end,' the Highland Police Department post said. The Post-Tribune on April 30 filed via email an Access to Public Records Act request with the town asking for all fire inspection reports of town equipment between August 14, 2023 and April 30; and all written or electronic correspondence among Highland Fire Department members and Town Administrators about said reports during that same time. The dates capture the period immediately after Timmer died to the present.
Chicago Tribune
a day ago
- Chicago Tribune
Black residents in lawsuit against Winfield, Lake County speak out
Three Northwest Indiana residents who filed a lawsuit against the Lake County Sheriff's and Winfield Police departments spoke out about their experiences in a recent news conference. Airius Reed, Jasmine Hobbs and Larry Hobbs spoke with their attorney, Hakeem Muhammad, who recently sent video of the news conference to the Post-Tribune. The three filed their lawsuit against the departments in Hammond's U.S. District Court on Dec. 26, alleging that officers violated multiple state and federal laws because of their race. 'I was fearful, not only for myself but for my family as well,' Reed said about the incident. 'Never in a million years did I think that something like this would happen.' The incident happened at about 10:30 p.m. July 14, 2024, according to lawsuit documents. The lawsuit accuses officers of unlawful search and seizure, excessive force, false arrest, false imprisonment, failure to intervene, violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act, negligent infliction of emotional distress, and state laws against assault, battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Reed, Jasmine Hobbs and Larry Hobbs request a trial by jury, according to lawsuit documents. The three are asking for compensatory damages against the defendants for physical injuries and bodily harm, pain and suffering, emotional distress and psychological trauma, past and future medical expenses, loss of liberty, loss of dignity, interference with familial relationships, and other economic losses and out-of-pocket expenses. They are also asking for punitive damages against the defendants and awards for attorneys' fees, cost of suit and litigation expenses. None of the three was charged with crimes. The Lake County Sheriff's and Winfield Police departments did not comment on the lawsuit Wednesday. According to court documents, Winfield police officers Chad Stroup, Paul Shane and Skyler Hofer on July 21 submitted affirmative defenses in response to the plaintiffs' amended complaints. The officers claimed their actions were reasonable and not on notice of constitutional deprivations, plaintiffs failed to mitigate injuries and damages, plaintiffs failed to state a claim that would grant relief, Fourth Amendment claims are barred by the existence of probable cause, raised the defense of consent, any allegations of First Amended complaints not specifically admitted are denied, and they reserve the right to plead additional defenses. The defendants also deny that the plaintiffs are entitled to relief and demand a trial by jury. The Winfield Police Department received reports of shots fired in Jasmine Hobbs' neighborhood at about 9:45 p.m. on July 14, 2024, and approached Reed while he was outside the home, shining a flashlight at him. The officers never said they were with the departments, according to lawsuit documents, and later acknowledged that Reed was too tall to be the suspect. Reed believed he was about to be robbed, ran into the home and told Jasmine Hobbs of the incident, and she called 911 to report an attempted robbery. Jasmine Hobbs told dispatchers that children and his disabled father, Larry Hobbs, were in the home. Winfield police requested assistance from the Lake County Sheriff's Department, according to the lawsuit, reporting they had made contact with the shooter before he fled into the home. Sheriff's department officers took positions around the perimeter of the residence, and Jasmine Hobbs was demanded to leave the home with officers pointing guns at her. Jasmine Hobbs was later handcuffed and moved into a patrol car while children remained in the home and hid while police allegedly searched without consent. During the news conference, Jasmine Hobbs said the incident has tarnished the home for her family, who had not yet lived there for one year. 'My children don't feel safe,' Jasmine Hobbs said. 'They feel as though this is a place where we reside, but they don't feel at home anymore because of this event and what the officers did to us that night. Overall, this has left the three of us traumatized, but more importantly, it has left my children traumatized.' Jasmine Hobbs said her daughters don't understand what happened, and she doesn't know what to tell them because the incident still doesn't make sense to her. 'We looked to the police to protect and serve,' she said. 'That night, we felt as though we were the victims of these events. So, we're looking for justice, and we're looking for these officers to know the pain they caused that day for everyone involved.' An officer allegedly grabbed Larry Hobbs by the arm, pulled him from the doorway, threw him face-down on the ground and handcuffed him. Larry Hobbs informed police that he couldn't stand without assistance because he has a disability. No officer reports documented Larry Hobbs' disability, according to the lawsuit. In the news conference, Larry Hobbs said he and his daughter have both never been in handcuffs before, and he's disappointed by how his family was treated. 'This one incident was not supposed to happen,' Larry Hobbs said. 'To have an incident like this happen is totally unexpected, and we didn't deserve to go through this. My daughter moved into this neighborhood because she thought she was going to have some peace and quiet.'
Chicago Tribune
5 days ago
- Chicago Tribune
Ten years later, family still searches for Diamond Bynum and King Walker
When Lashann Walker thinks about the last 10 years, the only way she can describe it is heartbreaking. For 10 years, Walker and her other family members have searched for Diamond Bynum and King Walker — her daughter and nephew who went missing in Gary. 'I try to put it into words, and it's hard,' Walker said. 'It's a pain that lies in my heart every second and every day. I wake up every morning with them on my mind, and I go to sleep with them on my mind.' On July 25, 2015, then 21-year-old Diamond Bynum and then 2-year-old nephew King Walker went missing after they left their Gary home, according to Post-Tribune archives. The two likely went for a walk on that Saturday morning. Bynum has Prader-Willi syndrome, which leads to slow mental development, so family members had to help care for her. At the time, she was also unfamiliar with the area. 'A lot can change in 10 years,' Walker said. 'At the time, King could hardly talk. He was just a baby, saying some words, but not full sentences. … They were both just kids.' Since the disappearance, Walker said she and other family members have searched for them, and there are still no leads on what happened. 'Someone out there knows what happened,' Walker said. 'If you know anything, please come forward.' A Gary Police Department officer was unable to speak about Bynum and King Walker's case this week. Gary spokesperson Erika Blackwell sent a statement on behalf of the department, saying they recognize the disappearance with 'deep respect and unwavering commitment.' The department has worked with multiple law agencies, including the Indiana State Police and Northwest Indiana Major Crimes Task Force. 'The case remains open and active,' the statement said. 'Our investigators continue to pursue every lead, re-examine evidence, and work closely with local, state, and federal partners in the ongoing search for answers. We recognize the profound and lasting impact this tragedy has had on Diamond and King's family. Their strength and resilience continue to inspire our commitment to uncovering the truth.' Those with information can contact the Gary Police Department or submit an anonymous tip at 219-207-8477, according to the statement. Walker expressed frustration with the Gary Police Department on this case and asked them to cooperate more with her family. As of Wednesday, she had not heard anything from police about Bynum and King Walker's case. 'I know they have a lot of cases and a lot they're dealing with, but I feel like Diamond and King have been swept under the rug,' Walker said. 'It feels like they don't matter anymore, and I don't know what else to do to make them matter.' In January, Bynum and King Walker were two people recognized at a Team NWI-Independent Search and Rescue's awareness event. At the time, 82 people in Gary were missing, according to the Indiana Missing Person Bulletin. In a January statement, Cannon said the information was outdated, and it's critical for residents to have the most accurate information. 'We take every missing person case seriously and dedicate all necessary resources to locate the individuals and bring them back safely to their families,' the statement said. 'It is our goal to work with the families of missing persons to protect their privacy and ensure the integrity of each case.' Multiple families of missing people have done search parties to look for their loved ones. Walker said search parties have continued to look for her daughter and grandson, even if she's unable to go along. 'They have people searching, but I have to work, so I'm never able to search,' Walker said. 'I wish I could work on the case fully and have time to investigate, but I have to pay my bills.' Although Walker might not be able to physically search for her daughter and nephew, she won't give up until they're found. 'All I can do is try to keep their name out there,' Walker said. 'And that's what I'm doing.'
Chicago Tribune
23-07-2025
- Chicago Tribune
Nephew of East Chicago councilman in stable condition after he was shot by police
An East Chicago man shot by police Tuesday evening is in stable condition, according to his uncle, who says witnesses to the shooting claim his nephew didn't start the issue. East Chicago Councilman Terence Hill, D-3, told the Post-Tribune Wednesday his nephew — 40-year-old Curtis Hill — is 'moving his arms and legs' despite an East Chicago officer shooting him in the back and side. The nephew was originally taken to St. Catherine Hospital 'in serious condition' but was airlifted to the University of Chicago Hospital, where he's awaiting surgery, Hill said. A release the East Chicago Police posted on their social media page said officers at around 5:54 p.m. July 22 responded to a Spotshotter alert in the 5000 block of Melville and Kennedy Avenues. They arrived to find a man with a graze wound to his leg in the alley there, according to the release. While aiding the victim, officers spotted another man — who Hill said was his nephew — still in the area. Officers pursued that man and ended up shooting him, the release said. East Chicago then contacted the Lake County Sheriff's Department to investigate; both departments said no other information will be released at this time, but East Chicago did say they 'recovered a weapon from the suspect at the scene,' according to the release. Hill denied that was the case. 'Not to my knowledge (did his nephew have a gun),' he said. Hill told the Post-Tribune that witnesses to the shooting told him his nephew spoke to the man, who became agitated with him but left the scene. He returned, however, with his face painted black and a hammer with which he started attacking Hill's nephew, Hill said. 'All those witnesses told me they shot him in the back,' Hill said. 'Police came after they detected a shot on Spotshotter; they came and grabbed the camera footage from (a local business) too because they're trying to save their (expletive). 'I'm real hot, very pissed off. I'm friends with (East Chicago Police Chief Jose Rivera), but I'm trying to protect my family. I've already contacted a few lawyers.'
Chicago Tribune
23-07-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Convention authority to pay for Gary Air Show with commissioner's help
After a slow start in fundraising, the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority will fully foot the bill for the Gary Air Show – with a little help from a Lake County Commissioner. Lake County Commissioner Kyle Allen Jr., D-1, is chipping in $25,000 toward the show, SSCVA Events and Facilities Chief Kristin Taylor told the CVA Board at its July 18 meeting. The board approved an interlocal agreement with commissioners with a 9-0 vote. 'We've now raised $200,000 more than last year and $150,000 more than in 2023,' Taylor said. 'We keep having bad weather, but you keep raising more money each year,' Board President Andy Qunell said. Allen had the money to give via a lawsuit settlement with Monsanto, he told the Post-Tribune Tuesday. He and Commissioners Mike Repay, D-2, and Jerry Tippy, R-3, divided the settlement three ways to spend in the community as they see fit. 'I've spent mine on various charitable causes, anywhere from $500 to bigger donations like the air show,' Allen said. The Gary Air Show came back to Northwest Indiana in 2023 — with the SSCVA as its sponsor — after a seven-year hiatus for various reasons, including the COVID-19 pandemic and financial challenges, the Post-Tribune previously reported. Launched in 2000 by former Gary Mayor Scott King, the city of Gary took over the airshow operations from SSCVA in 2015 after SSCVA started sponsoring it in 2006 because of the city's financial woes. Back then, officials estimated the two-day show cost about $350,000 and drew thousands to the lakefront. The city offset some of that cost in 2015 when it started charging $30, $20 and $10 for parking, the Post-Tribune reported. Last year, the air show cost $580,000, including a $50,000 monetary contribution and an in-kind security donation from the city of Gary, the Post-Tribune previously reported, while it cost $630,000 in 2023. The city will provide in-kind security again this year, Taylor said. In other business, the CVA is 'working really hard' to reconcile a -$266,198.48 balance in its legal fund, Chief Financial Officer Nicole Wolverton and President and CEO Phil Taillon told the Post-Tribune. Between scaling back event sponsorships and other costs, and Taylor's fundraising efforts, Wolverton expects they'll be able to transfer funds to cover the shortfall before the end of the fiscal year, she said. According to the organization's June Appropriations Report, the CVA has spent $406,198.48 in legal fees this year after allocating $150,000 for legal funds in 2025. 'I'm not concerned that we won't be able to cover it,' Taillon said of the deficit, adding that he plans to go before the Lake County Council before it's time for the CVA to work on its 2026 budget to explain where they are in the lawsuit with former CVA President and CEO Speros Batistatos. Batistatos sued the SSCVA in August 2022, one month after being fired, alleging the agency violated the law and mishandled contract renegotiations because of his age and misspent federal Payroll Protection Plan funds in violation of the CARES Act. The county council on Nov. 12, with Lake County Councilman Randy Niemeyer, R-Cedar Lake, voting against it, approved the SSCVA's proposed 2025 budget of $6,614,000, a $15,000 increase from the agency's 2024 numbers, according to Post-Tribune archives.
