Five from region chosen for state boards, commissions

INDIANAPOLIS | A Valparaiso woman who leads an organization that develops workforce solutions for cities and companies in Northwest Indiana is among five region residents recently appointed or reappointed by Gov. Mitch Daniels to various state boards and commissions.

Middle schooler rides to state title with 4-H speech

Abby Johansen, of Valparaiso, was named State Fair Grand Champion in August for her 4-H demonstration speech at the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis.

Valpo first to get banner honoring National Guard

VALPARAISO | It's going to be a banner week beginning Saturday in downtown Valparaiso thanks to the National Guard and the Folds of Honor organization.

Griffith man continues reign as Indiana's pumpkin king

INDIANAPOLIS | The man Northwest Indiana thinks of when it thinks of pumpkins is once again best in the state.

Griffith man continues reign as Indiana's pumpkin king

John Barenie, of Griffith, holds the trophy he received as winner of the 2012 Giant Pumpkin Contest at the Indiana State Fair. Barenie's 1,293-pound pumpkin beat the second-place finisher by 208 pounds. The win is Barenie's second in a row and third since 2002.

Spaghetti ice cream tops food picks at Indiana State Fair

INDIANAPOLIS | Nothing says summer like ice cream, and visitors to the Indiana State Fair next month can try a new twist on the old favorite -- spaghetti ice cream.

Spaghetti ice cream

Spaghetti ice cream is the "Signature Food" of the 2012 Indiana State Fair. The "noodles" are long strings of Italian gelato, smothered in strawberry "tomato sauce," topped with shaved white chocolate "cheese" and accompanied by chocolate "meatballs."

Valpo attorney blasts stage collapse claim process

INDIANAPOLIS | A Valparaiso attorney representing several victims of the 2011 Indiana State Fair stage collapse is not satisfied with Attorney General Greg Zoeller's plan to distribute $6 million in supplemental state funds.

$13.2M is available to victims of State Fair stage collapse

INDIANAPOLIS | An additional $13.2 million will be paid to victims of the 2011 State Fair stage collapse.

C.P. emergency action plan adopted

CROWN POINT | An action plan meant to avoid tragic consequences in case of severe weather or other emergencies will go into effect after being approved this week by city officials.

PHIL WIELAND: Who's the fairest at the fair? Little ol' me?

With the opening of the Porter County Fair just six weeks away, I'm getting as giddy as a school girl on prom night. I just hope the excitement doesn't make me a poster child for Proactiv.

Deadline extended for Porter County Fair Queen entries

VALPARAISO | Jessica Spoljaric looks at the time she spent as Porter County Fair Queen as a life-changing experience.

Expert claims deadly wind gust at State Fair was predictable

INDIANAPOLIS | A top meteorologist believes more accurate weather forecasting and a better evacuation plan could have minimized the effects of the Aug. 13 Indiana State Fair stage collapse that killed seven people and injured 58.

Sugarland manager denies delay spurned

INDIANAPOLIS | The tour manager who was widely credited with saving the lives of country duo Sugarland before a deadly stage collapse at last summer's Indiana State Fair has become a central focus of lawyers seeking millions in damages for the families of seven people who died and dozens who…

Indiana State Fair stage collapse victim adds Sugarland, manager to suit

HOBART | Beth Urschel was injured and lost her partner in the Indiana State Fair stage collapse, and she isn't happy the country band that was performing appears to be blaming its fans.

EDITORIAL: Missed opportunities; missing Democrats

Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels' final State of the State address was full of concern for the Hoosier Holy Land but absent any mention of Northwest Indiana and the other corners of the state. Hey, don't forget us!

EDITORIAL: Don't sour tort reform in Indiana

Indiana is a state where tort reform has worked well. Lifting the $5 million liability cap following the Aug. 13 Indiana State Fair stage collapse would jeopardize that reform.

Families of people killed in Indiana State Fair stage collapse will receive $35,000 each

INDIANAPOLIS | The families of the seven people, including Wanatah's Tammy VanDam, killed in the Indiana State Fair stage collapse will be able to claim $35,000 each from a relief fund that received private donations for the victims, under a claims process approved Friday by fair officials.

State Fair works to distribute remembrance funds

INDIANAPOLIS | A nationally recognized expert in distributing post-disaster relief funds will help set the terms for payments from the Indiana State Fair Remembrance Fund.

PDF: Gov. Daniels' Executive Order establishing the State Fair Relief Fund

This executive order transfers past and future donations to the Indiana State Fair Remembrance Fund from the Central Indiana Community Foundation to the new State Fair Relief Fund.