PHIL WIELAND: If we believe the Mayans, Santa won't be flyin'

Just in case the world didn't end today, as some believe the Mayans predicted, I offer this rhyme as a substitute disaster.

Softball World Series opening skills challenges

Grace Frazier, 11, of Crown Point leaps on home plate after running the bases during a skills competition on Monday for the NSA World Series "B" Softball tournament at Fairgrounds Park in Valparaiso. Frazier's teammates Haley Penman, center, and Emily Zanolla also competed in the three-perso…

Softball World Series opening skills challenges

Indiana Revenge player Jada Goins, from Knox, throws into a target near home plate during a skills challenge on Monday to open the NSA World Series "B" Softball tournament at Fairgrounds Park in Valparaiso.

071812CHANGERS

Jordan Adams, 15, of Lawrenceburg, Ky., helps tack up Styrofoam insulation before World Changers workers put up siding Tuesday on a home in the 2300 block of Fillmore Street while working with Ronnie Hale, of Stillwell, Okla., and Barry Robinson, right, of Lawrenceburg, Ky. In its 22nd summe…

071812CHANGERS

Youths from World Changers work Tuesday morning to clean up and create a nature trail around a pond at the Arc Northwest Indiana in Gary.

071812CHANGERS

In its 22nd summer, World Changers assists cities across North America to alleviate substandard housing. High school students pay about $250 to participate in the work. These students carry lumber to be used in buildng a new ramp and deck at the Arc Northwest Indiana facility in Gary.

EDITORIAL: Save landmarks before they're history

The House of Tomorrow, a home built for the 1933 Century of Progress World's Fair hosted by Chicago, is considered an endangered place by Indiana Landmarks. The Beverly Shores home is one of many region landmarks that need to be preserved before it's too late.

Valpo steps up to plate to serve as host city for national girls softball tourney

South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority CEO Speros Batistatos, right, speaks with Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas on Monday during a news conference to announce Valparaiso's host duties for the 2012 National Softball Association Girls Fast Pitch Class B World Series. Valparaiso will serve …

Valpo steps up to plate to serve as host city for national girls softball tourney

Valparaiso Parks Director Jon Seibert, right, shakes hands with Valapraiso Mayor Jon Costas on Monday during a news conference to announce the National Softball Association will stage the opening ceremonies for its Girls Fast Pitch Class B World Series in Valparaiso. About 10,000 softball pl…

Crown Point High School robotics teams look to win at VEX World Championship

Seniors Jack Holland and David Caldwell finish packing robot parts as the Crown Point High School robotics teams get ready for a trip to Anaheim, Calif., this weekend to compete in the VEX Robotics World Championship. A total of nine members on three teams will attend the event, which will i…

Crown Point High School robotics teams look to win at VEX World Championship

The Crown Point High School robotics team packed tools and robot parts before leaving Wednesday for the VEX Robotics World Championship in California. The event continues through Saturday.

Local Pearl Harbor survivors recall infamous day

The 31,500-ton USS Maryland, left, was damaged in the attack on Pearl Harbor. The USS Oklahoma, tied to the Maryland's starboard side, was struck by six torpedoes and went down in six minutes. Ray Crane, of Crown Point. was assigned to the Maryland when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. He…

Comrades in arms

Sam Quandt, 6, of Dyer, fires a cannon Saturday with help from re-enactor Don Coffman, of Marengo, Ill., Saturday during a World War II battle re-enactment in Hobart.

Comrades in arms

World War II Historical Re-enactment Society members dressed as German soldiers rush a bunker during a re-enactment of a battle at the eastern front Saturday at Blastcamp Paintball Park.

Staycation travels the world

Ron Demarco, 7, and 10-year-old Juliete Gomez, both of Portage, make paper-mache maracas Monday during the Portage Parks Department Around the World in Five Days Summer Camp.

Staycation travels the world

Portage Parks Department Summer Camp Director Kim Kelley shows campers how to make paper-mache maracas Monday during the Around the World in Five Days Summer Camp. The campers were learning about Mexican traditions.

Koufos sisters awaiting World Cup Soccer Championship

Olivia, Sammi and Emily Koufos all played soccer for Munster last season. Nineteen-year-old twins Olivia, left, and Emily, right, just graduated from high school and are headed to Indiana University, while Sammi, 15, is currently on the Mustangs' team. They are all eagerly awaiting Sunday's …

Koufos sisters awaiting World Cup Soccer Championship

Olivia, left, Sammi and Emily Koufos are all soccer players who have been glued to this summer's Women's World Cup. They are all eagerly awaiting Sunday's championship game between the U.S. and Japan.