Valpo council urged to support anti-bullying efforts

VALPARAISO | In the battle against bullies, a growing number of people are getting involved, ranging from the U.S. Army to a Valparaiso middle school student.

Valpo introduces limits for funeral protests

VALPARAISO | The city may become one of next local communities to approve an ordinance banning protests within 300 feet of a funeral.

Town won't fine those who violate funeral protest law

HEBRON | Anyone violating the town's ordinance against protests at funerals won't face Hebron's justice. They will have to deal with the state's.

Slain soldier remembered

Maureen Rubino, right, aunt of of Army Staff Sgt. David Nowaczyk, hugs Dee Weddington, center, Sgt. Nowaczyk's grandmother, during a balloon release for the slain soldier at Memory Lane Cemetery in Schererville. Nowaczyk, of Dyer, was killed a year ago in Afghanistan when his vehicle was dam…

Slain soldier remembered

The family of Army Staff Sgt. David Nowaczyk releases balloons in his memory at Memory Lane Cemetery in Schererville.

Slain soldier remembered

The family of Army Staff Sgt. David Nowaczyk releases balloons, including one reading "Love you Dave," in his memory at Memory Lane Cemetery in Schererville.

Slain soldier remembered

Rachel Nowaczyk, widow of Army Staff Sgt. David Nowaczyk, and their daughter Kiley Nowaczyk, 2, center, along with Sgt. Nowaczyk's grandmother Dee Weddington, left, watch their balloons fly away during a balloon release in memory of the slain soldier at Memory Lane Cemetery in Schererville. …

Slain soldier remembered

Rachel Nowaczyk, widow of Army Staff Sgt. David Nowaczyk, and their daughter Kiley Nowaczyk, 2, share a kiss at Sgt. Nowaczyk's grave before a balloon release in his memory at Memory Lane Cemetery in Schererville. Nowaczyk, of Dyer, was killed April 15, 2012, in Afghanistan when his vehicle …

Slain soldier remembered

The family of Army Staff Sgt. David Nowaczyk releases balloons in his memory at Memory Lane Cemetery in Schererville. Nowaczyk, of Dyer, was killed a year ago April 15 in Afghanistan when his vehicle was damaged by an enemy improvised explosive device.

Central Park Plaza to host Shakespeare, Lazer Ball among varied 2013 events

VALPARAISO | From church services and Shakespeare to Lazer Ball, the upcoming season at Central Park Plaza promises to be busy and varied.

Burnham gives warm welcome to returning soldier

A small crowd waits Friday to welcome Pvt. Dion Sellers back home to Burnham.

Burnham gives warm welcome to returning soldier

A parade welcomes Pvt. Dion Sellers back to his hometown of Burnham on Friday.

Burnham gives warm welcome to returning soldier

Veteran Gerald Curry, left, welcomes Dion Sellers back to his hometown of Burnham on Friday. Sellers' mother, Tawana Sellers, right, waves her flag.

PHIL WIELAND: Just because speech is free, we don't have to hear it

I've complained in the past about Porter County's emergency warning sirens because they supposedly warn us of about 50 different potential disasters, and it can be tough figuring out why they are going off.

BRIAN HOWEY: Clowning around with Chocola, Mourdock

Chris Chocola is not a clown.

Ranger hailed on return

U.S. Army Ranger Spc. Jeremy Houser, of Crown Point, speaks to residents who welcomed him home Sunday afternoon. Houser just returned from a tour of duty in Afghanistan.

Ranger hailed on return

Residents give Houser a round of applause in front of his home.

Folds foundation helps area Gold Star families attend ball

VALPARAISO | The Folds of Honor Foundation continues to answer the call to help the families of soldiers killed or severely wounded.

Service honors brave who preserved land of free

LEROY | About 100 people attending Saturday's service honoring veterans at Stoney Run County Park were urged to contact their congressmen to end the budget deadlock that could affect funding for veterans' services.

EDITORIAL: Run the nation like Massachusetts

With all the red tape and red ink in Washington, D.C., the nation needs a fiscal conservative in the Oval Office. Between Democrat Barack Obama and Republican Mitt Romney, it's obvious which candidate best fits that description.