Porter Co. sees surge in suicide rate

VALPARAISO, Ind. (AP) - Northwestern Indiana's Porter County has seen a recent surge in suicides that has put it far ahead of its typically experiences.

Coroner Bob Schulte said Thursday the county had five suicides in the previous five days, bringing the total this year to nine.

Last year, there were 35. If the trend continues, Schulte says there would be more than that this year.

Last year's upswing was nearly double the 18 suicides the county has averaged a year since the mid-1990s.

Former Coroner Vicki Deppe says she doesn't believe the economy is driving the suicides. She says most involved relationship issues.

Schulte says anyone who feels suicidal should seek help.