FROM the FARM: Raccoon up to mischief in farm chicken coop

Phil Potempa's weekly farm column recipe.

Hobart Board of Works hears update on abandoned house

HOBART | Building official Mike Hannigan had only good things to report about cleanup of an abandoned house at 1230 Fleming St. that was overrun by raccoons.

Hobart Board of Works approves bartering of equipment; gives deadline to resident

HOBART | Two city salt spreaders that were not sold at an auction will be traded in exchange for services not cash, the Board of Works agreed.

Rare albino raccoon trapped in Valparaiso

VALPARAISO | Two raccoons were trapped Thursday on the city’s west side – but one lacked the familiar mask-like markings most of the often-pesky rodents wear.

Rare albino raccoon trapped in Valparaiso

An albino raccoon, left, was trapped along with a normal raccoon on Thursday, on the west side of Valparaiso. The animals, which were considered a nuisance, were released in another location.

Rare albino raccoon trapped in Valparaiso

An albino raccoon was trapped Thursday by Bob Ford, who is licensed by the state to remove nuisance wildlife. The animal was trapped in Valparaiso and will be relocated.

PHIL AT THE PHAIR: Bird rescue or robin the cradle?

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP | The heat had Monday's visitors to the Porter County Fair dropping like overheated humans.

FROM THE FARM: Animals can try patience of gardeners awaiting yields

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Animal welfare should be a concern for all

It was very upsetting reading Ellen Margraff's recent letter to the editor concerning the young raccoon that was caught in a trap on her neighbor's porch.

Traps should not be used, especially in residential area

The house next door to us is up for sale, so no one is living there. On a recent Sunday night, we heard terrible screaming like a child in pain, so I called 911. No help.

Search yields $3.6 million in pot, dead raccoons

PULASKI COUNTY | Police on Sunday uncovered more than $3.6 million worth of marijuana and more than 30 untanned raccoon hides and carcasses while searching a home in rural Pulaski County.