I wanted to continue to keep you updated on the ICE facility rumors about a processing center coming to our town. I write rumor because as of today, it's just that. A rumor. I have written a letter to ICE/DHS and will post what their response is if I hear back. The FBI and even... Continue Reading →
Regarding Reports of a Potential ICE Facility
The Town of Merrillville is aware of community concerns regarding a newly constructed, currently unoccupied 275,000 sq ft warehouse within our town limits that has been mentioned in a Washington Post story and further verified by the town.As of the writing of this statement, the Town has received no official (or unofficial) notice or communication from... Continue Reading →
Different Times, New Challenges, Same Commitment
When I first served on the Town Council from 1991 to 2003, things felt far simpler than they do today. Our biggest debates were whether to buy Chevy or Ford police cars, what color the Street Department trucks should be, and how to stretch a modest budget to keep town services running. One major milestone... Continue Reading →
A Happy New Year Message to Merrillville Residents
As we welcome the New Year, I want to take a moment to reflect on what was truly a strong and positive year for the Town of Merrillville.2025 was a very good year for our community. We experienced continued commercial and residential growth, maintained balanced budgets across all town departments, and achieved lower crime rates for... Continue Reading →
Media Reports Reference Merrillville in ICE Processing Center Map
The Town of Merrillville is aware of a Washington Post article, as well as a subsequent front-page story in today’s (December 31) NWI Times, reporting that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is evaluating locations nationwide for potential processing centers.Merrillville was referenced in the Washington Post article as a possible processing site on a map accompanying... Continue Reading →
Honored to Serve As Merrillville Town Council President for 2026
Tonight, I was deeply honored to be elected by my fellow Merrillville Town Council members to serve as Town Council President for 2026. This marks my seventh consecutive year serving as chair of the board—a responsibility I never take lightly.I was grateful to be nominated, but I must admit I was genuinely surprised and humbled when no other... Continue Reading →
Why New Development Doesn’t Automatically Increase Merrillville’s General Fund Dollars
A common question we hear is: "With all this new development happening in Merrillville, shouldn't the town be collecting a lot more property tax money?" The answer is a surprisingly no, and it's due to the way Indiana's tax system works. 1. Indiana Caps What Merrillville Is Allowed to Collect Indiana does not let towns simply collect more... Continue Reading →
New Merrillville PD Contract Approved
The Town Council reaffirmed its commitment to public safety on Tuesday by approving one of Indiana’s most pro-police collective bargaining agreements from this year.Following the unanimous action, town leaders and Merrillville FOP Lodge 168 representatives gathered to sign copies of the document.“Public safety is at the heart of everything we do in Merrillville,” Town Council... Continue Reading →
Merrillville Joins Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots Drive – Let’s Make the Holidays Brighter
At this time of year, our community always shows what makes Merrillville special — neighbors looking out for one another and coming together to lift spirits when it matters most. As Town Council President, I’ve seen firsthand how generous and compassionate our residents can be, especially when it comes to helping families in need.The holidays... Continue Reading →
Snow Removal 101: How it Works in Merrillville
First off, a big thank you to all our Merrillville residents for your patience and understanding during this major snow event! And a big thank you to our street department workers how spent many hours yesterday starting at 2:30 a.m. to open our roads throughout town. Here’s a quick look at how our snow removal... Continue Reading →