The Porter County Board of Commissioners appointed by a 2-to-1 vote Michelle Cherry, a Republican from Portage, to serve as the newest member of the Porter County Board of Health.
Commissioner Barb Regnitz, R-Center, initially nominated Democrat Amanda Alaniz, of Hobart, the superintendent of Portage Township Schools, for the position, but her nomination died for lack of a second. “I think she’ll be able to bring a fresh perspective on public health,” Regnitz said. In her application, Alaniz wrote, “serving as superintendent of Portage Township Schools, the largest district in the county with the highest rate of students experiencing poverty, I have witnessed the critical connection between poverty, health, and access to resources.”
Alaniz holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a literacy endorsement, a master’s degree in educational leadership, and an educational doctorate.
Board of Commissioners Vice President Ed Morales, R-South, then nominated Cherry, a registered nurse with 27 years of experience in medical/surgical, pediatrics, neonatal intensive care, and nursing leadership. Cherry holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Indiana University Northwest, a master’s degree in nursing from Loyola University New Orleans, and a doctorate of nursing practice in nursing administration from Indiana University Indianapolis, as well as nurse executive advanced certification. She’s the assistant director of risk management and patient safety for IU Health.
Board of Commissioners President Jim Biggs, R-North, seconded Morales’s nomination. “I think that if you go through the three applications there’s one that really stands out because of education and experience,” he said. Cherry’s appointment was approved with the majority votes of Biggs and Morales, while Regnitz voted against her appointment.
It was the first of two thwartings Tuesday morning for Regnitz. In what was dubbed “A correction to the Commissioner Appointed to the Redevelopment Commission,” Regnitz was removed from that position, which she held throughout 2024, and was reappointed at the last Board of Commissioners meeting Jan. 7, and replaced with Biggs.
Morales made a motion for Biggs to be put in the role and Biggs seconded it. The two passed the change, while Regnitz voted against it. “Historically, the president of the Board of Commissioners has always been on it,” Biggs said.
When asked if that was the case why Regnitz had been appointed to the position last year Biggs replied, “I guess just being a nice guy. Barb was interested.”
Biggs said the Redevelopment Commission is going to have a “big year” with the possible arrival of data centers in Wheeler and other projects. “We’re going to have to meet more frequently,” he said. “It’s no reflection on the job that Barb did last year.”
In other business, telecommunicator Ryan Wojda was honored with a Life Long Certificate for the 15 minutes of CPR coaching he provided by phone on Oct. 29 to the loved one of a 91-year-old man that “prolonged this patient’s life, which allowed his family crucial time with their loved one,” said Porter County E911 Director Debby Gunn.
“I can’t imagine,” Biggs said. “Good job. It’s not until events like that you realize the importance of what they do.”
The board also gave permission to facilities director Joe Wiszowaty to explore what it would cost to bring the main floor 1871 portion of the old Porter County Jail into shape for commercial leasing. The county has already done so with the adjoining Old Sheriff’s Residence which received renovations to the first floor and is now rented out as a gift shop.
“I think in a lot of ways historical buildings function better when they’re occupied,” said Kevin Pazour, director of the Porter County Museum which used to occupy both spaces, and advocated for the plan.
Finally, the board unanimously approved a motion to set stricter parameters on county employees’ accrual of comp time. Auditor Karen Martin brought to the board’s attention the fact that comp time worth approximately $215,000 has accrued for county employees. The employee handbook dictates that comp time be used within two months, but that hasn’t been happening.
When asked if the county could pay out the accrued time rather than allowing time off, County Attorney Scott McClure said it was an option. “Have we endeavored on that very often?” he asked. “No.”
Shelley Jones is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
