A longtime state legislator is calling it a career. Rep. Tom Dermody, R-LaPorte, is retiring to devote more time to his family and his business. Continue reading
Rep. Dermody Retires from Indiana General Assembly
Special Exception Sunday Sales Bill Headed to Governor’s Desk
Indiana could make an exception to its ban on Sunday alcohol sales this year to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the greatest spectacle in racing. State Rep. Tom Dermody, R-LaPorte, sponsored a bill to allow commemorative alcohol bottles to be sold the Sunday of the Indianapolis 500 at the brickyard to celebrate the 100th running of the race. Continue reading
Dermody Named Vice Chair of Public Policy Interim Study Committee
A local lawmaker will spend his legislative break looking into whether smoking should be banned in bars, casinos and private clubs, among other topics. Rep. Tom Dermody, R-LaPorte, will serve as vice chairman of the Interim Study Committee on Public Policy. That panel has also been charged with studying state regulations of e-cigarettes and possible increases in cigarette taxes. Continue reading
Bridge to Be Named for Medal of Honor Recipient
The new bridge on U.S. 35 just south of U.S. 30 will soon be named in honor of Starke County’s most decorated veteran. State Senator Jim Arnold sponsored a resolution to name the structure after PFC Frank Ono, who distinguished himself as a member of the U.S. Army’s Nisei 442nd Regimental Combat Team during World War II. During a July 4, 1944 battle near Castellina, Italy, Ono advanced ahead of his unit and single-handedly defended his position against an enemy counter-attack. He then braved intense hostile fire to aide two wounded comrades and voluntarily covered his unit’s withdrawal when retreat became necessary. Ono was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his heroic actions. During the 1990s, a review of service records for Asian Americans who received the Distinguished Service Cross led to Ono’s award being upgraded to the Medal of Honor. President Bill Clinton presented the award to his surviving family members during a White House ceremony on June 21, 2000. Continue reading
Governor Signs LaPorte County Property Tax Law
LaPorte County property owners have a new layer of protections and payment options thanks to a bill authored by Rep. Tom Dermody and signed into law by Gov. Mike Pence. The measure offers flexible repayment options and plans along with incentives to make early or on-time payments. It authorizes the Department of Local Government Finance to delay the payment of tax bills imposed for the March 1, 2012 or Jan. 15, 2013 assessment dates. The bill also creates a 2 percent discount for those who pay their property taxes on time. If payments are delinquent, the bill creates an additional 12 month period before a property is put up for auction. Continue reading
