Hammond man was kid at heart

James “Jim” Bell had a special way with all children, daughter Barbara Bell said.

Postal worker, municipal employee rescue elderly woman

CROWN POINT | A postal worker and a Crown Point Public Works employee came to the rescue of an elderly woman who had fallen and injured herself Wednesday morning.

Colonial nursing residents prepare care packages for overseas troops

CROWN POINT | Colonial Nursing Home residents Monday celebrated National Nursing Home Week by putting together care packages for US soldiers who are stationed overseas.

Rally commemorates 1937 Memorial Day Massacre

CHICAGO | Steelworkers and others will gather Saturday to mark one of the tragic events that started the modern labor movement.

Munster woman made everyone laugh

With her magnificent sense of humor, Diane Ellison-Haak had the ability to make people laugh.

Crown Point man put family first

Melvin Nicholas was passionate about his wife, daughter, grandchildren and poodles Beethoven and Harley.

Citizens, First Merchants Corp. to merge

MUNSTER | Citizens Financial Services and Muncie-based First Merchants Corp. announced Monday the two banks have agreed to merge, with First Merchants buying the Munster-based Citizens.

Valentino's co-owner could make anyone smile

Stacy Jaroscak, co-owner of Valentino's Cafe & Ice Cream Parlor in the Old Lake County Courthouse, was warm, welcoming and had a winning smile and quick wit.

Woman celebrates Mother's Day with long-lost mom

Andrea Niecikowski-Hunter and her birth mother Diane Espar missed decades of Mother’s Day celebrations.

SMALL-BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Dance the night away

According to its owner, Madison Street Dance Hall has the best dance floor in Chicago and Northwest Indiana.

Retired firefighter put family first

Retired Hammond firefighter Harry Andree was a great dad who put his family first.

Former Beverly Shores man loved his family

Raymond Verduzco had patience, integrity and a great smile, his wife Connie Verduzco said.

Purdue student from Munster on winning corn product innovation team

MUNSTER | Munster High School graduate and Purdue University junior Alexander Parobek was part of a four-member team winning $20,000 for their innovative project at a recent competition sponsored by Indiana’s Soybean Alliance and Corn Marketing Council.

M'ville woman put family first

Carol Novorita was a great wife, mother and grandmother who was always there for her family.

Former Hobart woman was free spirit

Eva “Marie” Gallagher was a free spirit who was a "funny, adventurous risk taker and philosopher,” her mother Gladys Williams said.

Door to Hall of Fame opens for 5

CROWN POINT | The Crown Point High School Alumni Association recently honored one teacher and four alumni.

Crown Point woman chosen for Price is Right showcase

CROWN POINT | Saturday was the second time Theresa Saager and her daughters attended the “Price is Right” traveling stage show at the Star Plaza Theatre.

Retired cop was positive, fun loving

Retired Gary police Officer Richard F. Haber was fun loving, patient and had a wonderful temperament.

Last call for Crossroads Chamber Expo vendors

MERRILLVILLE | Friday is the deadline for vendors to secure a space at the May 29 Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce Expo.

Talented Hammond woman enjoyed life

Jane Hurt was a talented pianist, artist and gardener who enjoyed life to its fullest.

New Ultra opens in Merrillville

MERRILLVILLE | A new Ultra Foods store featuring a unique modern décor with expanded meat, produce and hot food sections opened Tuesday at 6001 Broadway in Merrillville.

Sheriff's Pipes and Drums unit holds fundraiser on Saturday

CROWN POINT | National Police Memorial Week, which begins May 12, will hold special meaning for the Pipes and Drums of the Lake County Sheriff's Department this year.

Sheriff's Pipes and Drums hold annual fundraiser

CROWN POINT | National Police Memorial Week, which begins May 12, will hold special meaning for the Pipes and Drums of the Lake County Sheriff this year.

Lowell woman was a true champion

Shirley Mackey was several times a regional champion roller speed skater who attended nationals many years, her daughter Teresa Whelpley said.

Chambers can't muster help to keep Cobe Cup rolling

CROWN POINT | A popular century-old local tradition may be coming to an end.

Tri Kappa plans annual 5K Run/Walk on Saturday

ST. JOHN | Tri Kappa sorority’s Zeta Psi chapter will host its second annual Tri Kappa Dash 5K Run/Walk through Ventura Estates and Heron Lake subdivisions Saturday.

Church leader was a man of action

Editor's note: This article has been corrected from a version that was printed April 25.

Three local projects earn attention from engineering magazine

Three local projects are among the Midwest Top Project Starts of 2012 named in the April issue of Engineering News-Record Midwest magazine.

Munster man cared most for family

Jack L. DeBoer took great care of his wife, his family, his home.

Hobart man played minor league baseball

World War II veteran George A. Christakis, who played second base in the Boston Red Sox minor league system, lit up a room with his presence, his smile and positive attitude.

Gary launches phone app to quicken response time

GARY | Gary is going high-tech by using a phone application to help quicken its response time to residents’ requests for service and by implementing Microsoft Office 365 to improve employee efficiency and save money.

Veteran believed in value of hard work

Decorated World War II veteran Wallace A. Brezik taught his family the value of hard work.

Tax deadline brings rush of last-minute filers

CROWN POINT | Taxpayers, whether through procrastination or not wanting to send in money owed until the last possible day, kept tax preparers and post offices bustling with activity Monday.

Father-son team develops board game

Valparaiso High School student Austin Shingler and three of his friends spent many hours of their spring break playing Time Soldiers, a newly developed board game.

Lake Hills Fire Department, duo honored by Operation Lifesaver

SCHERERVILLE | The Lake Hills Fire Department and two of its firefighters received state recognition at the annual Operation Lifesaver Awards Banquet held recently in Indianapolis.

Munster woman loved family, town

Patricia Ann “Pat” Reppa encouraged her children’s talents and supported their efforts, her daughter Laura Monteen said.

Local banker helps open Nasdaq market

HIGHLAND | Highland resident Alicia Pantoja was among a group of First Midwest Bancorp employees selected to celebrate the bank’s 30th anniversary by participating in the Nasdaq stock market opening ceremony Monday in New York.

Lakeshore Public Media names new CEO

MERRILLVILLE | James Muhammad, a Peabody Award-winning director of radio services for West Virginia Public Broadcasting, is the new president and CEO of Lakeshore Public Media.

Lowell man accused of child molesting held without bond

LOWELL | A 38-year-old Lowell man was charged Monday with molesting an 8-year-old female relative Friday.

DeMotte man was devoted to faith

Lowell Glenn Whitesell was devoted to his faith, family and country.

Tri Kappa Zeta Psi chapter holds run/walk April 27

ST. JOHN | Tri Kappa’s Zeta Psi chapter will host its second annual Tri Kappa Dash 5K Run/Walk through Ventura Estates and Heron Lake subdivisions April 27.

Tri Kappa hosts Annual 5K Run/Walk

ST. JOHN | Tri Kappa’s Zeta Psi Chapter will host its second annual Tri Kappa Dash 5K Run/Walk through Ventura Estates and Heron Lake subdivisions Saturday April 27.

Bullying Awareness launches Lowell police series at library

LOWELL | The Lowell Police Department Community Policing schedule covers a wide range of topics from bullying, to self-defense for women.

3 arrested at brawl in Hammond night club

HAMMOND | Three people were arrested early Saturday during a brawl at a Hammond night club.

Lake Ridge firefighter suspended after walking from fire scene in full gear

CALUMET TOWNSHIP | A Lake Ridge firefighter, who walked more than four miles Tuesday night in full gear from a fire scene back to the station, has been suspended pending the outcome of an internal investigation.