PHIL WIELAND: Schools closed because of a threat - of bad weather

The Farmer's Almanac is predicting "squally" weather for mid-April, so Valpo schools should be notifying students soon that classes are cancelled between April 12 and April 15.

Gary officials to enforce parking regulation

GARY | Gary motorists were warned Monday to not park in areas where signs indicate parking is prohibited if there is more than 2 inches of snow.

Significant ice storm expected to hit region Sunday

A winter storm is expected to sock the region Sunday with more than a quarter of an inch of ice.

First snow of season could come with storm Thursday

Forecasters are warning of the potential for a major winter storm that could leave as much as half a foot of snow on the ground Thursday, create hazardous driving conditions and impact air travel in Chicago.

Snow is coming, but warm is the word

While frigid temperatures and more than 6 inches of snow may be in the current weather forecast, an unseasonably warm winter so far has been affecting sectors of the region, from streets that have seen little snow, to farms, parks and the Lake Michigan shoreline.

Portage Fire Department asks help in clearing hydrants

PORTAGE | The Portage Fire Department is asking help from residents and businesses to dig out fire hydrants after last week's blizzard.

City to plow Gary streets this weekend

GARY | Gary officials are asking residents to move their cars off city streets so workers can plow through the weekend.

PHIL WIELAND: A wintertime ode to the day it snowed

Outside a winter storm is blowing

Snowstorm done but cleanup lingers

VALPARAISO | The job of removing the snow doesn't end when the snow stops falling, Public Works Director Matt Evans said.

Blizzard shutters many NWI businesses

Many local businesses took the day off Wednesday due to blustery winds, heavy snow and poor road conditions.

Illinois National Guard responds to stranded motorists

SPRINGFIELD | Gov. Pat Quinn on Wednesday mobilized additional resources to help the more than 500 troops called up Tuesday to aid stranded motorists.

Heavy snow threat delays Lansing trash pickup

LANSING | Village residents whose trash is scheduled to be picked up today or later in the week will see at least a one-day delay because of the winter storm.

Attention Times newspaper subscribers

If the blizzard delays or prevents delivery in some areas, you still can read your Times at your normal time by going online. Click here to find out how.

No calm before storm at local stores

WiseWay and Pay Low store managers were so busy Monday taking care of customers who were preparing for a major snowstorm they had no time to return a call to their vice president.

Winter storm cancels Illinois legislative session this week

SPRINGFIELD | The Illinois House of Representatives and Senate have canceled sessions and committees this week because of the winter storm that is expected to hit the state.

Utility companies prepare for snow, ice, bitter cold

With a severe snowstorm expected to blow through the Midwest, local utility companies are mobilizing personnel, equipment and other resources to respond quickly to any power outages.

INDOT, Toll Road prepare for blizzard

LaPORTE | Indiana Department of Transportation crews spent the weekend changing oil and checking hoses on their arsenal of yellow snowplows in anticipation of the approaching blizzard that is expected to blanket the Midwest.

Advice to travelers: Don't panic

Local government agencies and hospitals are taking precautions for the impending blizzard. Educate yourself on what they advise for staying safe in the next couple of days.

Show will go on at Valparaiso's 49er Drive-In, despite damage to movie screen

VALPARAISO | The owners of the local 49er Drive-In said storm damage to the large steel screen will be repaired in time for the annual spring opening.

Women, kids trapped overnight in car

Hammond resident Tammy Logan was tired but safely back home Monday morning after being stranded in her car for more than 15 hours overnight along U.S. 30 with her sister and her sister's two young children.