State narrows in on substance that closed beaches

PORTER | State officials said Tuesday they think they know the source of the substance found floating in Lake Michigan on Monday that closed beaches in Porter.

Cloudy night no hindrance for dunes stargazing enthusiasts

CHESTERTON | When admiring the heavens, you can’t let a few clouds get in your way.

Camp for military kids revived after loss of federal funding

CHESTERTON | A summer camp for children of military families that was nearly canceled this year because it lost federal funding has been revived thanks to a fundraising campaign by camp operators.

National lakeshore reminds Lake Michigan users of swimmer, boater safety

PORTER | With the warming weather, many people begin to return to the shores and waters of Lake Michigan to enjoy a variety of recreational opportunities.

Miller Bakery Cafe reopens

GARY | Chicago restaurant management veteran Jack Strode and family have reopened the Miller Bakery Café in Gary. Strode has managed iconic Chicago restaurants including Smith and Wollensky, Rosebud Prime and the Cheesecake Factory. He is also the third generation of his family to grow up al…

Enviro leader touts ecotourism, partnerships

CHESTERTON | More needs to be done to help build partnerships between businesses and environmental organizations to maximize tourism dollars generated by our local natural resources, according to one local leader.

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD: Become a resident tourist, tour guide

Every year my nieces make the trek from Seattle, Wash., to visit me in Porter County.

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore superintendent to retire

CHESTERTON | Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Superintendent Constantine "Costa" Dillon will leave his post in August, he announced in an e-mail late Tuesday.

Prescribed burn planned near Douglas Center in Gary today

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore fire crews are planning a controlled burn on 10-acres of land near the Paul H. Douglas Center in Gary today.

Linden log cabin finds a new home

PORTAGE | The Linden log cabin has found a new home.

National Lakeshore releases results of March deer cull

Federal marksmen culled 84 white-tailed deer from the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore during a 10-day cull on the east side of the park in March, officials said Friday.

Indiana Dunes, Science, and YOU!

CHESTERTON | On Friday and Saturday, May 3 and 4, youth, students, teachers, individuals – everyone – can meet with researchers conducting scientific investigations at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore! “Indiana Dunes, Science, and YOU!” is designed to be fun for young adults up through senio…

Controlled burn planned near West Beach today

GARY | Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is planning a prescribed burn today on 100 acres of land near West Beach.

New trail and learning center open at National Lakeshore

Gallistel Language Academy student Kimberly Perfecto, 6, helps with a sand structure on Saturday with other students at The Paul H. Douglas Center's new Nature Play Zone.

New trail and learning center open at National Lakeshore

Lake Station Cub Scout Joshua Swartz, 10, helps set up a shelter with other Scouts on Saturday during the grand opening of The Paul H. Douglas Center's new Nature Play Zone at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in Gary.

Dunes hosts Green Gary and Junior Ranger Day

GARY | Join the celebration of Earth Day and National Park Week at the annual Green Gary and Junior Ranger Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore’s Douglas Center, 100 N. Lake St. in the Miller neighborhood.

Controlled burn planned in Miller Woods today

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore plans to burn a 32-acre site and a 66-acre site today in Miller Woods in Gary.

Earth Day sheds light on climate change close to home

Ryan Richardson knows all too well how global climate change can affect local lives.

Dunes National Park Association names new officers

The Dunes National Park Association named new officers recently who will work on committees that will handle the strategic planning, finances, marketing and membership of the organization.

Porter uniting regional trail system

The town of Porter, often referred to as "the missing link" of the regional trail system, is positioned to open three connector paths that will link Porter County towns and cities to neighboring counties and neighboring states. These newly minted trails will make Porter more accessible to su…