Lyme disease in the state hits NWI hardest

The prime season for tick bites is underway, and people in the region have the highest odds in the state of becoming a meal and contracting the illness Lyme disease.

Want to Learn About Rain Gardens?

CROWN POINT | A rain garden is a landscaped area planted with native plants and flowers that soak up rainwater. At the Lake County Fairgrounds in the 4-H Building this April 27, Purdue Cooperative Extension Service, Soil and Water Conservation District, and the Surveyor’s Office are sponsori…

First steps to flood recovery

If you are one of the victims affected by the recent floods, Purdue Extension has the following advice as you make decisions for your family’s belongings.

Purdue Extension's Growing Stronger starts April 18

MICHIGAN CITY | Purdue Extension’s Growing Stronger is coming to the Michigan City Senior Center. This 8-week fitness program is fun and FREE. Join us for fellowship, healthy snacks, and the opportunity to practice the exercises with Allison Goshorn, Purdue Extension Educator and certified p…

High tunnels focus of Dec. 1 Purdue Extension open house

WANATAH | Produce growers interested in continuing crop production into the winter months can attend Purdue Extension's High Tunnel Open House on Dec. 1 in Wanatah.

Webinars: Making the most of feed and forages for goats and sheep

LAPORTE | Purdue Extension will present two webinars that will discuss managing forage shortages and feeding practices for goat and sheep farmers following the drought. The production of commercial versus show goats will also be discussed. The webinars will run 6 to 8 p.m. CST (7-9 p.m. EST)…

Lake County 4-H Educators Receive National Recognition

CROWN POINT | Purdue Extension educators Julie Jones and Jennifer Govan are the recipients of the 2012 Excellence in Urban 4-H Programming Award presented by Debbie Nistler, President of the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents (NAE4-HA). Jones and Govan have been instrumental in cre…

Officials working to solve Jeorse Park Beach E. coli mystery

Lexi plays in the water at Jeorse Park Beach in East Chicago last week.

Officials working to solve Jeorse Park Beach E. coli mystery

John Wojcik, pretreatment assistant for the East Chicago Wastewater Division, takes a water sample at Jeorse Park Beach in East Chicago.

Officials working to solve Jeorse Park Beach E. coli mystery

A water quality advisory is posted at Jeorse Park Beach in East Chicago.

Officials working to solve Jeorse Park Beach E. coli mystery

Water samples are taken last week at Jeorse Park Beach in East Chicago.

Officials working to solve Jeorse Park Beach E. coli mystery

Ruth DeJong, left, and Corinne Fleming, both of Lansing, wade in the water at Jeorse Park Beach in East Chicago last week. Fleming said she swims at the beach about once a week and never has gotten sick. She also never puts her head under water.

Officials working to solve Jeorse Park Beach E. coli mystery

The Jeorse Park Beach in East Chicago is empty last week. Halfway through this year's 97-day beach season, Jeorse Park Beach I was closed to swimmers 31 times, more than any other local beach. The adjacent Jeorse Park Beach II was closed 20 times, making it the second most closed beach.

080212CHAPEL

Bishop Dale Melczek presides Wednesday over a special dedication for the recently renovated chapel at St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago.

080212CHAPEL

Fathers Luke Nowak, from left, Edward Spyrka, Joseph Ivans and Frank Czaicki of the Discalced Carmelite Fathers in Munster sing Wednesday during a special dedication for the recently renovated chapel at St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago.

080212CHAPEL

Bishop Dale Melczek presides Wednesday over a special dedication for the recently renovated chapel at St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago.

080212CHAPEL

Bishop Dale Melczek presides over a special dedication Wednesday for the recently renovated chapel at St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago.

080212CHAPEL

Sister Michele Dvorak of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ prays Wednesday during a special dedication for the recently renovated chapel at St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago.

080212CHAPEL

Elizabeth Yee, vice president of Clinical Ancillary Services for Community Healthcare System, prays Wednesday during a special dedication for the recently renovated chapel at St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago.

080212CHAPEL

Fathers of the Discalced Carmelite Fathers in Munster pray Wednesday during a special dedication for the recently renovated chapel at St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago.