Hine Family at 2013 San Pierre Alumni Spring Banquet

The Hine Family, including (left to right) Bill and Ganna Hine of Lowell, Jeanette Wobith of North Judson, Linda and Ray Hine of Franklin, Ind. and Pat and Larry Hine of Crown Point, reunited Saturday at the 2013 San Pierre Alumni Dinner.

INTRO: Mitch Markovitz ends up exactly where he always wanted to be

For a South Side kid like Mitch Markovitz, trains were everything. Clattering in the distance and whistling through the night when you were falling asleep and marking off day parts when you were awake.

REMC faces new challenges with declining population

VALPARAISO │ Kankakee Valley Rural Electric Membership Corp. CEO Dennis Weiss said electric cooperatives are entering a new era as more people migrate from rural areas back to the cities.

Report ranks Lake County among unhealthiest in Indiana

An annual health report issued this week ranks Lake County near the bottom of the state for health outcomes, with Porter County closer to the top.

Trainspotting: How Mitch Markovitz ended up exactly where he always wanted to be

For a South Side kid like Mitch Markovitz, trains were everything. Clattering in the distance and whistling through the night when you were falling asleep and marking off day parts when you were awake.

Essay contest keeps the dream alive

An opportunity for high school juniors and seniors to receive a $500 scholarship and a trip to Washington D.C., with a possibility of meeting President Barack Obama, is available through an essay competition presented by the NWI “Keeping the Dream Alive” 2013 and Beyond Project, First Kingdo…

Literacy group honors Time Out for Reading winners

MERRILLVILLE | Pictures may tell a thousand words, but words are the reason for the pictures when the Northwest Indiana Literacy Coalition celebrates its Time Out for Reading program.

Man facing multiple charges after chase in Jasper, Starke counties

A Rensselaer man wanted on a warrant was found hiding behind a barn after leading police on a vehicle and foot chase Friday near the Jasper/Starke county line.

Interviews begin Monday for students nominated for youth leadership program

Northwest Indiana’s future leaders already are showing their potential in today’s high schools.

Man arrested in wrong-way, high-speed chase through region

A police chase from Starke County through LaPorte and Porter counties on U.S. 30 that reached speeds of 80 mph, at times going west in the eastbound lanes, ended with officers taking a suspect into custody in Hobart, police said.

FROM the FARM: Robertsdale reader likes easy 'table cucumber recipe'

Thank you to the many readers who participated in a parade of friendly canines for last Saturday's charity pet event in Robertsdale near Whiting and Hammond.

Nominate a small business owner for NWISBDC awards

CROWN POINT | Nominate a favorite small business owner for top honors in this year’s Entrepreneurial Excellence Awards competition hosted by the Northwest Indiana Small Business Development Center.

Train rides offered with Civil War Encampment

NORTH JUDSON | Railroading had a huge impact on the Civil War. Go back in time at the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum this Saturday as a Civil War encampment provides an opportunity to experience the life of early soldiering.

Society of Innovators calls for nominations

Ivy Tech Community College Northwest's Society of Innovators is seeking nominations through 5 p.m. Friday

Knox, some areas still lack power

MUNSTER | Most of Lake and Porter counties appear to have escaped the worst of Friday's storms, but there were still scattered electric outages across the region.

Officials: Mentally ill children who don't get help can end up in criminal justice system

A developmentally disabled Crown Point teen was handcuffed by police and taken to the juvenile detention center after ramming a broom handle into his parents' bedroom door.

Society of Innovators calls for nominations

Ivy Tech Community College Northwest's Society of Innovators seeks to celebrate the "thinkers, dreamers and doers" throughout Northwest Indiana’s seven-county region.

2 Democrats, 2 Republicans running for LaPorte-area Senate seat

INDIANAPOLIS | State Sen. Jim Arnold, D-LaPorte, faces a Democratic primary opponent and two Republicans are running May 8 for the chance to represent the 8th Indiana Senate District in LaPorte, Starke and St. Joseph counties.

Ind. Senate names two with region ties top interns

INDIANAPOLIS | An Indiana University student from Ogden Dunes and an aide to state Sen. Ed Charbonneau, R-Valparaiso, were selected by the Indiana Senate last week as outstanding interns of the 2012 legislative session.