La Porte council: redevelopment contracts extended, civic auditorium director named, fire department personnel updated
January 05, 2026 | La Porte City, LaPorte County, Indiana
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The La Porte Common Council received routine standing reports and administrative updates on Jan. 5.
Council President Franke said the Redevelopment Commission extended the PennFusion land contract for one year and approved a 2026 general-services contract for Connor Blue (grant writing and consultation) not to exceed $5,000. Franke also noted a promissory-note repayment of approximately $13,492 toward a roughly $64,000 note tied to the Smoothie King closing.
Councilwoman Ficus reported that Rhonda Ashcraft was welcomed as the new Civic Auditorium director and that Winterfest is scheduled for Jan. 23' 25 with carriage rides planned. Councilwoman West said the Board of Public Works accepted Assistant Fire Chief Kelly Burke's resignation and that Captain Zach Keaney will fill the role and be sworn in at the next Board of Public Works and Safety meeting.
No additional policy votes tied to these reports were recorded; items were presented for informational purposes and routine administrative action.
Council President Franke said the Redevelopment Commission extended the PennFusion land contract for one year and approved a 2026 general-services contract for Connor Blue (grant writing and consultation) not to exceed $5,000. Franke also noted a promissory-note repayment of approximately $13,492 toward a roughly $64,000 note tied to the Smoothie King closing.
Councilwoman Ficus reported that Rhonda Ashcraft was welcomed as the new Civic Auditorium director and that Winterfest is scheduled for Jan. 23' 25 with carriage rides planned. Councilwoman West said the Board of Public Works accepted Assistant Fire Chief Kelly Burke's resignation and that Captain Zach Keaney will fill the role and be sworn in at the next Board of Public Works and Safety meeting.
No additional policy votes tied to these reports were recorded; items were presented for informational purposes and routine administrative action.
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