071512sandsculpture

David Ulsich and his daughter, Emily, 17, of Sunman, IN work on a hippopotamus sand sculpture Saturday morning at Indiana Dunes State Park beach during the 15th annual sand sculpture contest sponsored by the Friends of Indiana Dunes group with the theme "Critters Big and Small."

IDEM chief: LaPorte Co. violates Clean Air Act for ozone

Waves pummel a pier at Washington Park beach in Michigan City in October. IDEM Commissioner Tom Easterly on Thursday said LaPorte County no longer meets the Clean Air Act standard for ozone due to high levels at the Michigan City air monitor.

Visitor spending means big business in NWI

Valparaiso resident Jeff Gatz walks his dog Zoe along the Indiana Dunes State Park beach under brilliant white clouds last September. The Indiana Dunes area is a top tourist draw.

Michigan City ready for business, recreation

Waves driven by high winds pummel the historic lighthouse at Washington Park beach in Michigan City in this Oct. 29 file photo.

Officials brace for high wind, waves

Waves driven by high winds pummel the lighthouse pier Monday at Washington Park beach in Michigan City.

Officials brace for high wind, waves

A front loader removes sand from Washington Park beach in Michigan City during high winds on Monday.

Officials brace for high wind, waves

Sand is blown around a parking lot at Washington Park beach Monday in Michigan City.

Officials brace for high wind, waves

A man turns away from a stream of wind-blown sand at Washington Park beach in Michigan City on Monday.

Windy day at beach

Valparaiso resident Jeff Gatz walks his dog Zoe on Tuesday along the Indiana Dunes State Park beach under brilliant white clouds.

Windy day at beach

Joann Irons, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., walks along the beach despite high winds at the Indiana Dunes State Park in Chesterton.

Windy day at beach

Thousands of beetles along with litter are blown together into piles due to high winds along the beach at the Indiana Dunes State Park.

Windy day at beach

Sergio Mendoza, the coastal resource planner with the Lake Michigan Coastal Program, tries to shield his face from blowing sand Tuesday during high winds at the Indiana Dunes State Park beach.

15th annual Sand Sculpture contest brings creations to Indiana Dunes State Park

The Nord family, of Valparaiso, finish their sea turtle sand sculpture Saturday morning at Indiana Dunes State Park during the 15th annual sand sculpture contest. Paul Nord works on the turtle sculpture with his wife, Sherri, and their daughter, Meledi, 11.

15th annual Sand Sculpture contest brings creations to Indiana Dunes State Park

Rusty Allen, of Hobart, works on a giant alligator sand sculpture with his sons Conner, left, 6, and Kyle, 7, Saturday morning at Indiana Dunes State Park during the 15th annual sand sculpture contest.

15th annual Sand Sculpture contest brings creations to Indiana Dunes State Park

Zack Rose and his mother, Deb, work on a seahorse sand sculpture Saturday morning at Indiana Dunes State Park during the 15th annual sand sculpture contest, sponsored by the Friends of Indiana Dunes group. The theme was Critters Big and Small.

15th annual Sand Sculpture contest brings creations to Indiana Dunes State Park

David Ulrich and his daughter, Emily, 17, of Sunman, Ind., work on their Hubert the hippopotamus sand sculpture Saturday morning at Indiana Dunes State Park during the 15th annual sand sculpture contest sponsored by the Friends of Indiana Dunes group.

A day at the beach

Grant and Leah Breitwieser, of Highland, take advantage of the Presidents Day holiday from school and warm sunshine Monday to play at the Indiana Dunes State Park.