Derek Dieter

“Recently, the state party issued a letter in response to a complaint by former party members," said St. Joseph County Republican Party Chair Jackie Horvath. "The letter described the allegations as ‘frivolous,’ yet still imposed a reprimand. That contradiction is unfair, hypocritical and undermines the credibility of the decision itself.”

Outgoing St. Joseph County Commissioner Derek Dieter says he hopes commissioners ultimately will preserve the 120-acre Portage Manor land from redevelopment.

Derek Dieter will lose his county commissioner seat at the end of the year because of the Republican Party effectively redistricted him out of his seat.

Commissioner Derek Dieter announced he is leading a task force to identify other potential sites for South Bend's proposed homeless shelter, though the county is not involved with funding the center.

The items for auction range from old jail cells to furniture and commercial kitchen equipment.

The new fleet management program aims to lower maintenance and fuel costs by leasing newer vehicles and more closely monitoring their use and condition

The settlement marks a failure in the lawsuit's ultimate goal: stopping county commissioners Carl Baxmeyer and Derek Dieter from quickly closing Portage Manor

Interim county health officer, praised by county commissioner for 'straightening out' department, says it was already in impressive shape

Critics say the incident points to the danger of rushing Portage Manor closure and relocation of its residents

Most of the county-owned home's residents have mental difficulties and lack money to live elsewhere