Councilman Rick Bella will serve his sixth consecutive year as President of the Merrillville Town Council, with Rhonda Neal continuing as Vice President. This stability in leadership has been crucial in guiding Merrillville, a community of 36,500 residents in northwest Indiana, through unprecedented growth. Bella, along with other council leaders such as Redevelopment Commission President... Continue Reading →

Unexpected capital expenses can strain any budget. Still, thanks to the assistance of U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan, the Merrillville Police Department secured nearly $1 million in federal Community Project Funding to upgrade vital police radio equipment.Police Chief Kosta Nuses said the department’s former radios were well past their service life, and repair bills were becoming... Continue Reading →

There are many traditions in Merrillville, and a dedication to urban forest management is one of them.For the 14th consecutive year, Merrillville was named a Tree City USA community. On top of that prestigious accomplishment, “The Heart of the Region” also secured the Arbor Day Foundation’s Growth Award, which recognizes the strides Merrillville has made... Continue Reading →

Merrillville Momentum is the new comprehensive plan for the next twenty years of our Town’s future. The plan addresses such important areas of interest as land use, special development areas, transportation, parks, housing, neighborhoods, infrastructure, and public facilities. Town government, community committees, and people who have participated in open houses and workshops have been at... Continue Reading →

Dear Residents, Neighbors, and Friends,As we approach the end of another remarkable year, I find myself reflecting on the strength and resilience of our incredible community. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as your Town Council President, and I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside such dedicated... Continue Reading →

Voters decided to keep Ward 4 Councilwoman Margaret A. Uzelac, Ward 6 Councilman Shawn Pettit, and me in their positions for another term in office on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, in the Lake County Municipal General Elections. Each candidate had plenty of challengers with Mrs. Uzelac fending off a Republican and one Independent, Mr. Pettit,... Continue Reading →

Imagine going to one of your favorite restaurants for dinner. As you take your seat and settle in at your table, a surprising sight unfolds before you: a parade of dishes starts arriving. The server remarks, "Here we go," and you can't help but look puzzled as you declare, "I didn't order any of this."... Continue Reading →

On the evening of October 26, 2023, our community received an informative and engaging session about the inner workings of Merrillville's Police Department and the historical evolution of policing in America dating back to the early 1800s. Police Chief Kosta Nuses provided a comprehensive overview of the department's operations, detailing the various divisions required for... Continue Reading →

I wholeheartedly believe that you deserve nothing less than the finest representation on our Town Council. I've had the privilege of serving you for the past four years and would be honored to continue to serve you. I'm dedicated to this role and to continue improving our town. It's impossible to overlook the remarkable progress... Continue Reading →