The Town of Winfield will host its annual birthday party from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Aug. 16, immediately after the Farmers, Friends, and Family Market closes for the day.

Celebrating its 15th year as a town, there will be a hot dog wagon, door prizes, free birthday cake, and much more. The town is also seeking local merchants to set up booths at no charge.

Market adds new vendors

The Farmer, Friends, and Family Market is in full swing. This Saturday, it will feature fresh sweet corn grown in DeMotte and Hobart, and fresh green beans. Get those fresh berries quick, since blueberries will be offered only two more weeks.

The newest vendor is Sapper Market from Hobart. Wood products, homemade candles and different fragrances, handmade custom jewelry and breads and dipping oils are among the products available from vendors.

The market is open from 8:30 a.m. to noon every Saturday. So stop by, browse the booths and shop for great items.

Town honors military

The Town of Winfield would like to invite any Winfield or Lakes of the Four Seasons resident who has family, friends, or a loved one in the military to help the town honor them. All you have to do is bring a photograph of the member of the U.S. armed forces to the Government Complex Center at 10645 Randolph St. and they will post it on the "Freedom Board."

Let's keep showing our support for those brave men and women who are helping keep our country free.

Free mulch available

There is free mulch available to any resident of Winfield or Lakes of the Four Seasons courtesy of the Town of Winfield Chipping Program.

The mulch is located at the southeast corner of the Government Complex Center. The chipping program is available to Winfield residents every Wednesday.

For more information, call (219) 662-2665.

Building activity up

Building permits issued for the month of June increased from the previous month with 12 permits issued. Developments that received building permits are as follows: Doubletree West - 3, Doubletree Lake Estates - 2, Stonegate - 1, Stonegate Commons - 3, Wyndance - 1, Stonegate -1, Prairie Crossings -1, and Country Meadows -1.

Last year for the month of June, only 4 permits were issued.

As for pre-existing homes, sales were down from last year. The total number sold this past June in Winfield and LOFS was 8, compared to 14 last year.

The total estimated construction cost for single family and attached single family residences in June was are $2,750.380. Total building permit fees were $36,666.90.

Accessory structures and miscellaneous construction was valued at $85,800, and permit fees were $2,070.80. These permits are for pools, decks, sheds, signage and electrical work.

Do you have a special occasion to brag about or news in your neighborhood? Let me know and I will share it with the community. Call (219) 895-6528, or e-mail JimmyGems@aol.com. Opinions expressed are solely those of the writer.