Skillman honors 75 families with Hoosier Homestead awards

INDIANAPOLIS | Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman on Wednesday recognized 75 families with the Hoosier Homestead Award during a ceremony in the Indiana Farm Bureau Building Auditorium at the Indiana State Fair.

Don't limit children's ability to work on family farm

In response to a proposed regulation by the Department of Labor that would restrict the work youth can do on farms and ranches, I submitted the following comment at www.KeepFamiliesFarming.com:

"Christmas Long Ago " returns to Buckley Homestead

LOWELL | The children at last year's Christmas Long Ago at Buckley Homestead were pleased with the gifts St. Nicholas delivered on Christmas morning.

Surging land prices have local analysts, farmers worried bubble could burst

Hoosier homeowners still are feeling the sting of the recession as property values are sticking in the doldrums after hitting peaks in recent years.

Autumn still can mean harvest time

Lake County's industry, coexisting along Lake Michigan's shore with the lake's natural eco-systems and recreational opportunities, holds a certain, perhaps undefinable magnetism. Maybe not for our visitors, but for some of us who live here, it's what makes the Calumet Region the region.

Way ahead of last year's harvest pace, farmers keeping elevators busy

Farmers across Central Illinois aren't about to slow down harvesting crops, despite being well ahead of their pace from last year.

OFFBEAT: Notorious Limburger Cheese a funny, hidden and rare find during Wisconsin dairy visit

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

OFFBEAT: Visit to Wisconsin provides new appreciation for cheesemaking

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

OFFBEAT: There's something very 'cheesy' about Wisconsin and that's good

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Huseman family marks 100 years on Homestead Farm

CEDAR LAKE | Keeping a farm in the family is less common today as generations move into fields other than those filled with corn or soybeans, so the 100th anniversary of the Homestead Farm is something to be celebrated.

Rooster Reunion

A ROOSTER REUNION - - An original concrete rooster lawn ornament from 1967 (in background) is shown reunited with a new concrete hen and chicks set just purchased by Times Columnist Philip Potempa as a focal point for one of the rock gardens at the family farm. (Times Photo)

FROM the FARM: Join me for fun, prizes at library summer cooking party

As mentioned in last week's column -- which featured a recipe from the students at Valparaiso High School -- I'm always eager to get readers of every age interested in cooking and learning about how farming has changed over the years.

Daughter Susan, 14, steps in for busy mom

Editor's note: This column was written by Lovina's second oldest child, Susan Eicher, 14, prior to the sudden death of Lovina's 8-month old niece, Marilyn, last week. The funeral was held at Lovina's house. Lovina's column returns next week.

Charges unlikely in horse neglect case

HEBRON | Porter County officials likely will not seek criminal neglect charges against the former owner of an emaciated 2-year-old saddlebred horse taken Saturday from a rural field about three miles east of Hebron.

Charges unlikely in horse neglect case

Photo provided by Porter County Animal Control Eli, a 2-year-old saddlebred horse, was confiscated Saturday by Porter County Animal Control from a farm at 829 S. County Road 400 West near Hebron after officials received a call from a concerned neighbor. No criminal charges are expected to be filed.

Charges unlikely in horse neglect case

Photo provided by Porter County Animal Control Eli, a 2-year-old saddlebred horse, was confiscated Saturday by Porter County Animal Control from a farm at 829 S. County Road 400 West near Hebron after officials received a call from a concerned neighbor. No criminal charges are expected to be filed.

Farmers market returns to S'ville

SCHERERVILLE | Vendors selling items such as flowers and barbecued ribs will participate in Schererville's international farmers market, which returns Thursdays in town, starting this week.

Time (for Dad) to ease into summer

With the arrival of Memorial Day Weekend, it's officially summer and this week's weather already is providing a seasonal temperature preview.

OFFBEAT: Eight O'Clock Coffee part of personal brewing history

After writing a column this week about Peet's Coffee, I was surprised at the reader interest and feedback about the line and its connection to Starbucks.