Ind. county to turn out lights

MERRILLVILLE, Ind. – A northwestern Indiana town will be shutting off up to half the streetlights on its major streets as it works to slash its electricity costs.

Merrillville officials say the action is needed as they face $400,000 in late electric bills.
The Town Council voted Tuesday to shut off every other street light on main streets, except at major intersections and spots where it would otherwise be unsafe. Decorative street lighting also will be disconnected in the suburban Lake County town.

Councilman Richard Hardaway said the town has more than 1,600 streetlights, which it is paying more than $15,500 a month. He hopes that monthly cost can be cut to $10,000.