ANDREA NEAL: Journalists still make a difference

A recent survey ranked newspaper reporter as the worst career of 2013, just below meter reader and lumberjack, but you wouldn’t guess it from the stories told by journalists who gathered in Bloomington to see six of their own inducted into the Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame.

Patents and trademarks: My plants broke the law

To be offered patent protection, a seed variety must not have been sold in the U.S. for longer than a year, or elsewhere for longer than four years. The variety must also reproduce reliably and be distinct.

EDITORIAL: It's a new day for Gary school system

New Gary school Superintendent Cheryl Pruitt is building partnerships with local universities and businesses. This can only benefit the district and its students.

The Daily Fix

Offering perspective on today's issues

Feasting at Four Flags Area Apple Festival

The Four Flags Area Apple Festival is here to celebrate the harvest with its selection of food, games and entertainment.

Apple peeling at the Lake County Fair

Mary Kezler, of Lansing, peels her way to second place Monday at the apple peeling contest at the Lake County Fair.

Apple peeling at the Lake County Fair

Apple peeling contestants wait for the go sign at the apple peeling contest Monday at the Lake County Fair.

Apple peeling at the Lake County Fair

Casmira Bilinski, of Calumet City, peels her way to first place Monday at the apple peeling contest at the Lake County Fair in Crown Point.

Apple peeling at the Lake County Fair

Casmira Bilinski, of Calumet City, peels her way to first place Monday at the apple peeling contest at the Lake County Fair.

Apple peeling at the Lake County Fair

Casmira Bilinski, of Calumet City, peels her way to first place Monday at the apple peeling contest at the Lake County Fair.

Tri-Creek to spend millions on technology

LOWELL | The Tri-Creek School Board voted Thursday to spend millions of dollars on updated technology.

Apple trees blossom early, spurring some concerns among region orchards

Apple trees at Radke Orchards, near Michigan City, are blossoming a month early because of record-breaking warm weather in March, owner Ruth Radke said.

VIDEO: County Line Orchard Has An Early Bloom

Warm weather came earlier than expected in the area letting orchards begin their pollination process a few weeks in advance. County Line Orchard Operations Manager Joe Jamicich said the warm and cold spells will not extensively harm the crop of apples.

Apple trees blossom early, spurring some concerns among region orchards

Bees crawl into and out of a hive Monday at County Line Orchard in Hobart. The bees pollinate the apple trees, which are blooming and sprouting early this year.

Apple trees blossom early, spurring some concerns among region orchards

County Line Orchard worker Juan Alvarez carries the roots of a gala apple tree Monday after removing them to make way for a honeycrisp apple tree at the Hobart orchard.

Apple trees blossom early, spurring some concerns among region orchards

A golden delicious apple tree blooms Monday at the County Line Orchard in Hobart.

Apple trees blossom early, spurring some concerns among region orchards

Apple trees bloom Monday at County Line Orchard in Hobart. Joe Jamicich, the orchard's manager, said the unseasonably warm weather and subsequent colder weather will not harm the apple crop extensively.

Apple trees blossom early, spurring some concerns among region orchards

County Line Orchard worker Francisco Gutierrez pulls out old gala apple tree roots Monday to make way for honeycrisp apple trees at the orchard in Hobart.

Apple trees blossom early, spurring some concerns among region orchards

County Line Orchard manager Joe Jamicich looks at the blooms on an apple tree at the Hobart orchard.

Apple trees blossom early, spurring some concerns among region orchards

County Line Orchard manager Joe Jamicich talks Monday about how apple trees are blossoming and sprouting early because of the unseasonably warm weather. The early blossoming concerns some apple orchard owners in Northwest Indiana, who worry about what a possible hard freeze would do to the c…