Backyard vintners do it for fun, profit, lifestyle

Growing gapes can be a rewarding pursuit. They're appealing to the eye, pleasing to the palate, a profitable sideline, and a reason for parties and neighborhood togetherness. Small wonder so many vineyards are cropping up in people's yards.

Richard Wright

Richard Wright

Controversy, uncertainty persist in trash-to-ethanol plan

This is the east side of the proposed site of the trash-to-ethanol plant on Parrish Avenue in Schneider. The site is located in the Kankakee River floodplain.

Graphic - Comparing the trash bids

In 2007, the Lake County Solid Waste Management District put the call out for bids to consolidate the county’s waste collection.

Mike Pannos' summer home

Lawyer Mike Pannos, of Merrillville, sought to advance the Schneider trash-to-ethanol plant in mid-2007 at his summer home in Culver, Ind. He hosted project lead Earl Powers and Lake County Commissioner Gerry Scheub.

Gerry Scheub's vacation home