I am excited to share the details of the February 23rd Inaugural Black History Celebration Dinner. I put together the short slideshow below with details. I hope to see you there. -Rick Bellahttps://rickbellaward5.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/BHDinnerDigitalMktg-copy.mp4#t=1

Each year in January we are presented with the Planning and Building Departments Year in Review report. It is a comprehensive report from Planning and Building Director Shelia Shine and her staff about the development that happened the previous year.The report indicates the number of Board of Zoning Appeals cases and what action was taken... Continue Reading →

Let’s be honest, when classified documents were hauled out of Mar-a Lago, FL at past President Trump’s private residence many democrats giggled and displayed shock at the findings. And then Trump, well, being Trump said that he’d just declassify the documents even though he was no longer president. It’s been a good laugh for sure... Continue Reading →

The Town of Merrillville is offering four full-time positions in our Public Works department. The job titles are Labor Class 1 and are entry-level positions assisting in the maintenance of Town-owned utilities, local roads and streets, town facilities, and vehicles. Assignments are received in the form of oral or written work order instructions. $22.07 per... Continue Reading →

Pictured above - Rick Bella (right) with Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb at an event at the Dean and Barbara White Community Center. I was honored last night by the Merrillville Town Council as they selected me to serve again as Town Council President. This will be the fourth year in a row serving our town... Continue Reading →

I have officially filed for re-election to serve my neighbors in Ward 5 of Merrillville. Yesterday was the first day of filing at the Lake County Election Board. I have been honored to represent all of you and to help keep Merrillville a wonderful place to live. I embrace our cultural diversity and love the... Continue Reading →

Beginning in the new year, the redistricted Town Council Ward boundaries took effect. I am sad to lose the northern portion of Precinct 3 including Independence Hill 3rd Edition, Heritage North, Chapel Hill Farms, and Waterford neighborhoods, as well as Precinct 2 (Independence Hill north of Route 30) after serving these residents for the past... Continue Reading →

When I ran for office three years ago, I pointed out that I didn’t like seeing large empty buildings in our town. Specifically, the closed Strack and Van Til Supermarkets, both on Taft Street, had been closed for several years and that is just not a good look for our town.Also, the closed Burlington Coat... Continue Reading →

As the holiday approaches we all tend to get a little crazed with all the extra things we all need to do, be it addressing holiday cards, finishing up last-minute gift purchases, baking and cooking those holiday favorites, and finishing up work-related items so we can get time off for the holidays.If you are reading... Continue Reading →

Every 10 years following the census Indiana counties, school districts, cities, and towns that have single-member electoral districts are required to either redistrict or recertify that their existing districts are compact, contiguous, and as nearly equal in population as possible. It can be a daunting task since it is one that is not done very... Continue Reading →