New broom sweeps clean in Lake recorder's office

CROWN POINT | Lake County Recorder Mike Brown said he wants to reduce foot traffic into his office by having all services available online by next year.

GUEST EDITORIAL: The wider issue is fairness, consistency

The Indiana Supreme Court has turned to one of Indiana’s most respected jurists — and a former colleague — to mediate a dispute.

House backs study on structure of county government

INDIANAPOLIS | The Indiana House wants to take another look at county government reforms recommended by the 2007 Kernan-Shepard Report on streamlining local government.

Short Subject Success: Retirement brings new career for local playwright

Anthony "Joe" Seed still remembers the five years he worked as a journalist, including his span as a reporter at The Hammond Times in 1976, and some of the stories published that grabbed the interest of readers.

CPHS Certamen earn first place

CROWN POINT | The Crown Point Latin Club Certamen teams competed at the Indiana Certamen Invitational at Homestead High School in Fort Wayne on Feb. 23. Four schools from around the state brought 20 teams to compete in this event.

GUEST COMMENTARY: A crisis of the president’s own choosing

After a decade of borrowing, spending and bailouts, the federal government has accumulated $16 trillion of debt. We face this problem because Washington spends too much, plain and simple.

Gary rises in best-performing cities index

The city of Gary was one the biggest gainers in the Milken Institute’s annual index of Best-Performing Cities of 2012.

Michigan City-area man badly burned in house fire

MICHIGAN CITY | A Michigan City-area man was badly burned in a fire Tuesday after spilling camping fuel inside his home.

Health briefs

Health center open house set

BRIAN HOWEY: Pumping out that Hoosier political porn

Pssst. Wanna see some political porn? Look here.

Where Are They Now?: Steve Vaught

FLOSSMOOR | Steve Vaught is enjoying every minute of every game and practice.

Nickles distribution center going, but WiseWay growing

VALPARAISO | One food-related business is closing in Valparaiso, but another reportedly is ready to proceed with a long-planned expansion.

Vosges Bacon Chocolate Bar

Katrina Markoff's exclusive line of Vosges chocolates includes solid bars of both milk chocolate and dark chocolate blended with hints of Applewood Smoked Bacon.

OFFBEAT: Vosges Chocolatier Katrina Markoff a delicious Indiana claim-to-fame

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Katrina Markoff Wedding Day

Chocolatier Katrina Markoff is one of Indiana's business name claim-to-fames. She returned to her Hoosier roots in September 2005 to marry New York businessman Jason Sher with an elegant wedding held in a secluded private wooded area.

DeMotte man who survived Jasper County crash found guilty of DWI in Fort Wayne

A 22-year-old DeMotte man who survived a May 22 drunken driving crash that killed two fellow passengers was convicted last month of driving while intoxicated in Fort Wayne.

ANDREA NEAL: Redevelopment commissions can make debt soar

Carmel's Center for the Performing Arts opened its doors last weekend with a glamorous debut. Featuring Indiana limestone and Italian stone beneath a Palladio dome, the center will last 500 years or longer, its website says "creating a legacy that will be passed along to our children and gra…