Garys Germann News Today

Valparaiso Lodge 76 of the Fraternal Order of Police, whose members sought the removal of Councilman Robert Cotton from his role as council president, did not get its way.

Candidate filings for public office in Porter County trickled in last week ahead of the expected last-minute rush before the Feb. 4 deadline.

The only contested races so far are Republican, for county commissioner in District 2 (Center), County Council District 1 and county assessor.

"This is a sad day for our country when someone can put themselves in harm’s way, declare self defense, and be acquitted," said Roy Dominguez, a defense attorney and former