Valpo's Joe Otis

Valparaiso coach Joe Otis reacts to the end of the game in 2011 when his Vikings boys basketball team won the Michigan City Sectional. This week the legendary boys basketball coach decided to take over Valpo's girls basketball program.

South Central track Taylor Johnson

South Central's Taylor Johnson, left, was a regional qualifier last season in the 100 hurdles and long jump. She was Porter County Conference champion in both events, and is the school record holder in the 100 hurdles.

Local teams prep for state Science Olympiad

Valparaiso students set up their Mission Possible entry Wednesday as they prepare for Science Olympiad state tournament competition Wednesday at Thomas Jefferson Middle School. From left are Allison Skadberg, 13, Nick Bluhm, 15, and Tim Henderson, 15. Middle and high school students will com…

Local teams prep for state Science Olympiad

Valparaiso Science Olympiad coach Richard Bender holds a student entry for the rotor egg drop competition Wedensday at Thomas Jefferson Middle School.

Local teams prep for state Science Olympiad

Megan Rahn, 14, left, and Claire Bartusch, 14, move musical chimes at Thomas Jefferson Middle School. They made two instruments for the Science Oympiad competition, and will participate in the state tournament Saturday at Indiana University in Bloomington.

Local teams prep for state Science Olympiad

Megan Rahn, 14, plays a musical instrument made from plastic pipe and tube Wednesday as she practices for the Science Olympiad state tournament competition at Thomas Jefferson Middle School.

Michael Schlotman, Munster

Two years ago Munster point guard Michael Schlotman was much thinner and shorter. Even without the coming growth spurt Schlotman led the Mustangs to an undefeated season and No. 1 ranking in the state, just like this year. Above, Schlotman drains a 3-pointer against Valparaiso at the regional.

VALIDOL - TJ Idol

Thomas Jefferson Middle School eighth graders dance in their T.J. Idol contest pitting homerooms against one another, Wednesday in Valparaiso.

VALIDOL - TJ Idol

Thomas Jefferson Middle School eighth graders dance in their T.J. Idol contest pitting homerooms against one another, Wednesday in Valparaiso.

VALIDOL - TJ Idol

Thomas Jefferson Middle School eighth graders participate in their T.J. Idol contest pitting homerooms against one another, Wednesday in Valparaiso.

Portage basketball

Portage's Jordan Collazo looks to pass during a game against Valparaiso last season. The Duneland Conference could be poised for its strongest season this year, with a bevy of Division I talent.

Thomas Pumpkin Spice Bagel Thins

Thomas, the brand famous for English muffins, has a limited edition seasonal line of flavorful finds for fall like pumpkin spice and also cranberry blends. They are calorie conscious and low in fat. The new Thomas' Pumpkin Spice Bagel Thins, made with whole grain, are especially good, with j…

Crown Point's Courtney Kvachkoff

Crown Point's Courtney Kvachkoff averaged 14.2 points, 2.6 assists and 5.7 rebounds to lead the Bulldogs to the sectional championship game.

Hammond man retrieves seized property from FBI, government officials

Thomas Piatek loads a box of his ammunition into a pickup truck Friday at the Hammond Police Department.

Hammond man retrieves seized property from FBI, government officials

Thomas Piatek's belongings are loaded into a truck Friday at the Hammond Police Department.

Hammond man retrieves seized property from FBI, government officials

Thomas Piatek loads his returned ammo into a pickup truck Friday at the Hammond Police Department. Piatek was one of several alleged members of a Michigan militia, an organization that was accused in March 2010 of plotting against the government. Charges against Piatek and six other defendan…

Hammond man retrieves seized property from FBI, government officials

Ammunition belonging to Thomas Piatek is loaded into a pickup truck Friday at the Hammond Police Department.

Hammond man retrieves seized property from FBI, government officials

Thomas Piatek, of Hammond, talks Friday about being imprisoned for two years.

Students participate at the Free Football Skills Day with Pierre Thomas

Campers participate in a "Free Football Skills Day with Pierre Thomas" Thursday afternoon at T.F. South High School. Thomas, a TFS graduate, and New Orleans Saints running back, holds the annual camp.