Governor Eric J. Holcomb announced on Friday that Indiana farmers are eligible for assistance under a secretarial natural disaster designation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.This was in response to a letter Gov. Holcomb sent to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue in July, requesting assistance due to the excessive rain and flooding farmers experienced during planting season.Seventy-four counties were designated as primary natural disaster areas. USDA deferred its decision on the remaining 18 counties. However, since they border one or more of the primary disaster areas, they are considered contiguous disaster counties – allowing farm operators in those areas

Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry a grant from the Indiana Sportsmen’s Benevolence Fund to be used to serve Indiana residents. These funds will help Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry pay processing fees for deer donations within Indiana. Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry says that according to the latest Feeding America Map the Meal Gap report, a third of Indiana residents who are food insecure can’t qualify for assistance. Founded in 2011, Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry asks area hunters and farmers to take their deer or livestock to a participating meat processor where the donation is processed, packaged and frozen (at no cost to

Two new regional leaders are being elected to serve on the Board of Directors of the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra (LCSO) Board of Directors.  Susan Aaron , Chairman of Vision Financial Services, and Dr. Thomas Keon , Chancellor of Purdue University Northwest will join the board at its September 9th meeting. Aaron and Keon will both serve on the LCSO's Engagement Committee.

Fifteen organizations will receive grants from NIPSCO to help fund their safety education and training projects throughout northern Indiana. This year NIPSCO has granted a total of $50,000.  Since this grant program was initiated two years ago, a total of 28 projects have been funded with $100,000 in grant donations.  This year’s recipients include:-Angola Parks and Recreation, Trail Safety Education-Crown Point Fire Rescue, Safety Education-East Allen County Schools, Training-Franciscan Health, Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detectors-Hammond Indiana Police, First Responder Training-Idaville Volunteer Fire Dept., Firefighter Training-Indiana Operation Lifesaver, First Responder Training-LaGrange County Sheriff's Office, Safety Education-Pines Fire Department, CPR Community Safety-Poe Volunteer Fire Department,

Gov. Eric Holcomb announced yesterday, a three-prong strategy to reduce vaping among Hoosier youth, said State Sen. Ed Charbonneau (R-Valparaiso).Holcomb was joined by Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) Commissioner Dr. Kristina Box, students, local leaders, health professionals, stakeholders and others at Fishers High School for the announcement.During the event, state leaders unveiled the 2018 Indiana Youth Tobacco Survey (IYTS) results, which showed e-cigarettes are the most commonly used tobacco product among Indiana youth and vaping has increased 300% since 2012.Recent reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also link vaping to more than 200 respiratory illnesses nationwide,

A public innovation educational seminar from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 19, at its headquarters located at 6100 Southport Road, Portage, Ind. The goal of the event is to introduce innovation concepts to organizations looking to improve. It will focus on how to get initiatives started and how to avoid common pitfalls and mistakes that impede project success. Area manufacturers, process improvement and quality leaders, and entrepreneurs are encouraged to attend. The content is suitable for those starting out, but provides advanced content as well for seasoned innovation professionals. The event is limited to 25 participants and

Gen. John F. Kelly, USMC (RET.), opens the Purdue University Northwest (PNW) Sinai Forum 2019 season at 4 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 8 in the Stardust Event Center at Blue Chip Casino, Hotel and Spa in Michigan City, Ind.  A limited number of single program tickets for Gen. Kelly’s presentation remain available at pnw.edu/sinai-forum.A 4-Star Marine Corps General, former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security and former White House Chief of Staff, Gen. Kelly will provide insight into the evolving geopolitical landscape around the world. From the United Nations to the Pentagon, from the South China Sea to Washington, D.C., General Kelly

Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson is reminding eligible voters that September is National Voter Registration Month. Hoosiers who need to register should do so at www.IndianaVoters.com or on a smart phone using the Indiana Voters app.The National Association of Secretaries of State established September as National Voter Registration Month in 2002 to encourage voter participation and increase awareness of state requirements and deadlines for voting.Eligible citizens who are 18 years of age or older may sign up at their county voter registration office, online at www.IndianaVoters.com, or through the Indiana Voters app (available for Android and Apple users).The deadline to register or

County Road 150 North will be closed between CR 250 East and CR 350 East starting at 6:00 am on Wednesday September 4th for culvert replacement. The road will be closed to all through traffic until approximately September 24th at 5:00 pm.

To accommodate passengers attending Chicago Bears regular season home football games, the South Shore plans to stop select trains at Metra’s 18th St. Station, which connects passengers directly to the Soldier Field entrance via a pedestrian walkway.In addition to regular service to nearby Museum Campus/11th St., the following trains will also serve 18th St. Station for the Bears vs. Packers game on Thursday, Sept. 5, at 7:20pm:Train #220 arrives at 18th St. at 5:27p, and Train #20 at 6:06p.Following the game, Train #123 will depart 18th St. at 11:06p, and Train #101 will depart at 12:51a. Both terminate at Carroll

The Barker Mansion In Michigan City will be open for the First Fridays Art Walk on September 6 from 5-8 pm. Guests will be able to explore the first floor and gardens of the mansion for free. Refreshments will be served, and a short film on the history of the Barker Family will be available. Works by local artist Ron Fraser will be on display in the mansion drawing-room. Ron Fraser is a former architectural draftsman and storyboard illustrator who enjoys painting Lake Michigan and local scenes in acrylic or watercolor. Fraser will be bringing several pieces which depict Michigan

The Michigan City Department of Water will begin the semi-annual fire hydrant flushing to insure that the hydrants are in proper working order for the fall and winter months. According to the department, this should take about 8 weeks. The Department has stated that if anyone experiences any discoloration in their water, they should let the water run for a short time and the water will clear. 

The Michigan City Yacht Club invites the community to a fun evening listening to live music, meeting the racing sailors and looking at visiting boats on Trail Creek. The event is Sunday September 1st at the Michigan City Yacht Club - in the Pavilion. The public is invited- because it will be more fun if you’re there. No admission charge. Food will be on site and a cash bar served up by Fish Camp. “The Unit” will provide music and dancing, starting around 8:00 p.m. The Tri-State yacht race is a long standing boat race from Chicago to St. Joseph,

Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry a grant from the Indiana Sportsmen’s Benevolence Fund to be used to serve Indiana residents. These funds will help Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry pay processing fees for deer donations within Indiana. Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry says that according to the latest Feeding America Map the Meal Gap report, a third of Indiana residents who are food insecure can’t qualify for assistance. Founded in 2011, Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry asks area hunters and farmers to take their deer or livestock to a participating meat processor where the donation is processed, packaged and frozen (at no cost to

Fifteen organizations will receive grants from NIPSCO to help fund their safety education and training projects throughout northern Indiana. This year NIPSCO has granted a total of $50,000.  Since this grant program was initiated two years ago, a total of 28 projects have been funded with $100,000 in grant donations.  This year’s recipients include:-Angola Parks and Recreation, Trail Safety Education-Crown Point Fire Rescue, Safety Education-East Allen County Schools, Training-Franciscan Health, Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detectors-Hammond Indiana Police, First Responder Training-Idaville Volunteer Fire Dept., Firefighter Training-Indiana Operation Lifesaver, First Responder Training-LaGrange County Sheriff's Office, Safety Education-Pines Fire Department, CPR Community Safety-Poe Volunteer Fire Department,

Gov. Eric Holcomb announced yesterday, a three-prong strategy to reduce vaping among Hoosier youth, said State Sen. Ed Charbonneau (R-Valparaiso).Holcomb was joined by Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) Commissioner Dr. Kristina Box, students, local leaders, health professionals, stakeholders and others at Fishers High School for the announcement.During the event, state leaders unveiled the 2018 Indiana Youth Tobacco Survey (IYTS) results, which showed e-cigarettes are the most commonly used tobacco product among Indiana youth and vaping has increased 300% since 2012.Recent reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also link vaping to more than 200 respiratory illnesses nationwide,

The Duneland Chamber of Commerce is hosting Taste of Duneland on Saturday, August 31, from 10 am to 10 pm. This summer taste celebration will be held in Thomas Centennial Park in historic downtown Chesterton, Indiana.The event features food vendors Live entertainment will be performed all day in the gazebo by Dan Moore, Darrell Ritchea, and Johnny V & the Wildflowers (Tom Petty Tribute Band). Wine and beer will be available for purchase from Running Vines Winery and ''Hot Stuff'' Homemade Mexican Food. This is a family friendly event with bounce houses and face painting for the kids.For more information

Gen. John F. Kelly, USMC (RET.), opens the Purdue University Northwest (PNW) Sinai Forum 2019 season at 4 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 8 in the Stardust Event Center at Blue Chip Casino, Hotel and Spa in Michigan City, Ind.  A limited number of single program tickets for Gen. Kelly’s presentation remain available at pnw.edu/sinai-forum.A 4-Star Marine Corps General, former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security and former White House Chief of Staff, Gen. Kelly will provide insight into the evolving geopolitical landscape around the world. From the United Nations to the Pentagon, from the South China Sea to Washington, D.C., General Kelly