St. John is open for business

ST. JOHN | Rapid population growth during the last decade has nearly doubled the size of St. John, making it the fastest-growing community in Northwest Indiana. That’s also opened up opportunities for expanding commercial and retail businesses.

Hobart bridal business rezoning will restore home

HOBART | A former bridal shop will now become a family's home following recent approval by city officials.

Hobart Plan Commission cheers plans for new microbrewery, brew pub

HOBART | The Plan Commission cheered plans for a new microbrewery/brew pub by amending city codes to allow breweries, wineries and distilleries in industrial zones.

Portage utility board approves restaurant plans, service contracts

PORTAGE | The Utility Services Board on Wednesday approved plans and connection fees for two new restaurants.

CAGENCOLLECTION - Cagen Collection

Valparaiso - Jody McDonald owns Cagen Collection and displays her jewelry and accesseries at Robert Northington Interiors in Valparaiso, Thursday, July 21, 2011.

CAGENCOLLECTION - Cagen Collection

Valparaiso - Jody McDonald owns Cagen Collection and displays her jewelry and accesseries at Robert Northington Interiors in Valparaiso, Thursday, July 21, 2011.

CAGENCOLLECTION - Cagen Collection

Valparaiso - Jody McDonald owns Cagen Collection and makes jewelry like this necklace on display at her shared space at Robert Northington Interiors in Valparaiso, Thursday, July 21, 2011.

CAGENCOLLECTION - Cagen Collection

Valparaiso - Jody McDonald owns Cagen Collection and displays her jewelry and accesseries at Robert Northington Interiors in Valparaiso, Thursday, July 21, 2011.

CAGENCOLLECTION - Cagen Collection

Valparaiso - Jody McDonald owns Cagen Collection and displays her jewelry and accesseries at Robert Northington Interiors in Valparaiso, Thursday, July 21, 2011.

Lights on for Griswold Tour

John McDonald is bathed in green light as he decorates his home for Crown Point's second annual home decorating contest for the holidays.

Lights on for Griswold Tour

John and Deborah McDonald work on decorating their yard as defending champions in the Griswold Tour of Lights competition for holiday home decorators in Crown Point.

Lights on for Griswold Tour

John McDonald puts up another string of green lights on a tree in his yard before this year's Griswold Tour of Lights competition in Crown Point. He and his wife, Deborah, won the inaugural holiday home decorating competition.