EDITORIAL: Pocketful of cash, long list of needs

Just before Thanksgiving, Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels announced Hoosier income taxpayers would receive $111 each next year on their tax returns. That's because of the state's $2.15 billion surplus.

Grief counseling available at Union Township school in wake of parent's death

UNION TOWNSHIP | Grief counselors were made available Wednesday at Union Center Elementary School after the death of a parent of two students.

Frataccia named Portage Twp. Schools superintendent

PORTAGE | E. Ric Frataccia, Portage Township Schools' associate superintendent, will steer the district as the interim superintendent.

School, community bring Christmas to those in need

UNION TOWNSHIP | On one toy run, Union Township Middle School Dean of Students Mike Rosta found himself selecting items in the aisles of Walmart with District Superintendent John Hunter at 11 p.m.

Wheeler schools chief not ruling out charges against vandals

UNION TOWNSHIP | Criminal charges could still come down against all or some of the 19 students involved in Monday's vandalism at Wheeler High School.

Police identify 19 students in Wheeler High School vandalism

UNION TOWNSHIP | The extensive vandalism that canceled classes Monday at Wheeler High School has been chalked up to a prank by senior students. Porter County police said Thursday they identified 19 Wheeler High students, 10 boys and nine girls, who were involved.

Hoosiers send more than 41,000 holiday cards to troops

INDIANAPOLIS | More than 41,000 holiday cards, including more than 500 from Northwest Indiana, are on their way to Hoosier soldiers.

Union Township schools extend drug testing

UNION TOWNSHIP | Random drug testing of students involved in non-credit activities in grades 6 to 12 gained its first step toward approval.

Union Twp. to explore drug testing

UNION TOWNSHIP | Union Township School Corp. may soon join three other county school districts by implementing random drug testing of certain students.

Wheeler High in text of wills over phones

UNION TOWNSHIP | Wheeler High School is aiming for a little hands-off learning this year.

Compare teacher salaries with Wanatah employees' pay

The annual financial report from Union Township caught my eye. The teachers' salary schedule listed for 2010, step 0 to 19, step 0 bachelor's at $32,951 and master's at $34,942. Step 19, bachelor's $57,170 and master's, $65,569.

Union Twp. schools win second stimulus loan

UNION TOWNSHIP | A variety of upgrades will be made to Union Township schools, thanks to a $2 million federal stimulus loan.

Union Twp. to boost schools tech connection

UNION TOWNSHIP | Union Township schools will get a six-fold boost to their Internet bandwidth and John Simatovich Elementary School will gain a wired connection to the district computer system with a new service plan approved Wednesday.

Teachers rock, mow during summer

When school let out for summer, Highland High School English teacher Michael Signorelli got together with his indie rock band More in Sorrow and headed for gigs across the Midwest.

Wheeler principal takes 18-day tour to China

Wheeler High School Principal Don Gandy was among 15 northern Indiana educators and students taking part in an 18-day tour to China sponsored by Valparaiso University's Confucius Institute.

Union Twp. School Board reorganizes, OKs pay rates

UNION TOWNSHIP | The Union Township School Corp. board elected Mike Jessen president and Julie Giorgi vice president at its recent annual reorganization meeting.