DOUG ROSS: Business in great shape; workforce needs work

Indiana excels in pro-business policies, but the state's workforce policies need work.

DOUG ROSS: Droning on about unmanned aircraft

Remember the George Gershwin tune, "Someone to Watch Over Me"? Start working on a techno version.

DOUG ROSS: Will voters buck at paying more bucks?

Who was the happiest person in Lake County Friday morning? I couldn't reach her by phone to verify this, but I'm pretty sure it was Christine Cid.

DOUG ROSS: With taxes, actions still have consequences

This has been a big week for the convergence of taxes and politics — are those two ever separated? — in Northwest Indiana.

DOUG ROSS: Creating more jobs is Job 1 for economy

A key report on Northwest Indiana's economy Monday showed productivity is up, but not because more workers have been hired. In Northwest Indiana, at least, this seems to be the jobless recovery everyone has been worried about.

Ivy Tech plants tree for 50th anniversary

Rick Soria, vice chancellor at Ivy Tech Community College's Michigan City campus, speaks at a tree planting ceremony while Mayor Ron Meer and Ivy Tech graduate Hazel Thomas of Michigan City listen. Thomas was one of the first nursing students to enroll when Ivy Tech began offering classes in…

Ivy Tech plants tree for 50th anniversary

Rick Soria, vice chancellor of Ivy Tech Community College's Michigan City campus; Michigan City Mayor Ron Meer; Ivy Tech Northwest Chancellor Thomas Cooey; and Mark Lopez, chief of staff for U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, stand by a newly planted "tree of knowledge" Friday in celebration of Ivy T…

DOUG ROSS: Good luck weaving around those spending gaps

In recent weeks, I've been weaving around on U.S. 30, U.S. 421 and other highways. My driving would look suspicious to anyone who couldn't see I've been dodging potholes.

DOUG ROSS: Colleges need more state support

Ivy Tech Community College has merged the large northwest and north central regions in a cost-cutting move. The university has a nearly $60 million funding gap, according to Ivy Tech President Thomas Snyder.

Porter uniting regional trail system

The Dunes Kankakee Trail runs north-south along Ind. 49 from Indiana Dunes State Park to the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District's bridge at the Dune Park station on U.S. 12.

Porter uniting regional trail system

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore's Chellberg Farm in Porter will be better connected toNorthwest Indiana's regional trail network once the 2.9-mile Porter Brickyard Trail is completed. The new trail will connect the Prairie Duneland Trail in Chesterton to the Calumet Trail along Indiana Dune…

Porter uniting regional trail system

The Calumet Trail runs parallel to the South Shore Railroad tracks. This section in Porter will be more easily accessed when the Dunes Kankakee Trail is completed.

DOUG ROSS: College life offers an education in parenting

It's often said that parents should be more involved in their children's education. I agree. But at the college level?

Portage enjoys both commerce, recreation

The remnants of Hurricane Sandy create strong winds and high waves in October at the Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk Park. The park is a popular spot for photographers.

DOUG ROSS: Just bombastic, or will he use bombs?

When my father was 16 years old, he dropped out of school and lied about his age so he could fight in the Korean War. I can imagine what he might say about what's happening in North Korea now, but I wouldn't repeat it in a family newspaper.

DOUG ROSS: A Democrat who sounds almost Republican

It makes sense that Lake County Democratic Party Chairman Thomas McDermott Jr., of all people, would be a strident liberal, eagerly embracing the party line on every issue. After all, Lake County is one of the most heavily Democratic counties in Indiana.

Kouts plans to enhance its small-town charm

The suspension bridge at Drazier Park in Kouts connects the park to the ballfields on the other side of the creek.

Kouts plans to enhance its small-town charm

The playground at Drazier Park in Kouts awaits warmer weather and children enjoying the small town's park.

Kouts plans to enhance its small-town charm

Thomas S. Drazier Memorial Park in Kouts is named for a Kouts soldier who died in the Vietnam War. The town is considering whether to add another park.

Kouts plans to enhance its small-town charm

The Kouts water tower stands tall over the downtown. Kouts officials are planning a new town well at a separate site.

Kouts plans to enhance its small-town charm

The Kouts Economic Development Commission's facade improvement program is intended to revive older buildings downtown while preserving their historical flair.

DOUG ROSS: College pays off, but you pay a lot for it

Two events this week spotlighted the importance of higher education in Northwest Indiana.

DOUG ROSS: NWI residents take a stab at federal budget

There's something eerie about writing about the federal budget for the Ides of March, considering all the political backstabbing going on right now. But there are good things happening in regard to the federal budget, too.

DOUG ROSS: No sale on tax cut before research

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence insists a 10 percent income tax cut would create Hoosier jobs, which would make this tax cut pay for itself. His proposal hasn't had a warm welcome in the Indiana General Assembly, however.

Guess who's coming to dinner?

Have you wondered which Republican senators President Barack Obama invited to tonight's high-profile but private dinner at the White House? One of them is a Hoosier.

Job growth, Fitness Fridays, teamwork make LaPorte great

LaPorte's downtown architecture is a study in contrasts, including the original sandstone courthouse and the modern county government building just north of it. A highway ramp further adds contrast to the downtown. LaPorte's downtown joined the Indiana Main Street program last week.

DOUG ROSS: Let's do a controlled experiment on Medicaid

Indiana, like other states, is trying to figure out how to comply with the federal law compelling states to expand Medicaid eligibility so more uninsured Americans get health care coverage. There's a catch, though, because states pay a portion of the cost of Medicaid.

Hebron continues to make improvements

New streetlights, designed to show an 1880s streetscape, were part of Hebron's Main Street infrastructure improvements.

Hebron continues to make improvements

The Scout Cabin at Alyea Park in Hebron is surrounded by other park amenities -- new playground equipment, picnic shelter, gazebo, skateboard area and basketball courts.

Hebron continues to make improvements

The Depot Railroad is one of Hebron's two historical museums. The other is the Stagecoach Inn.

Hebron continues to make improvements

New streetlights, designed to show an 1880s streetscape, were part of Hebron's Main Street infrastructure improvements.

Hebron continues to make improvements

Hebron High School opened in fall 2005.

Hebron continues to make improvements

Hebron's Clock Tower Plaza adds to the 1880s look on downtown Main Street.

DOUG ROSS: Speedway bailout taxes imagination, too

Indiana legislators seem to be racing toward handing over state tax money to the Terre Haute company that owns the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This has irony written all over it.

DOUG ROSS: Pre-K builds bridge between Obama, Pence

President Barack Obama spoke of building bridges during his State of the Union address Tuesday, which ought to be popular in Northwest Indiana.

DOUG ROSS: Pay attention to many pay disparities

When USW District 7 Director Jim Robinson railed about pay disparities last month, he was talking about the private sector. If he thinks that system is broken, he should see what's happening in the public sector.

DOUG ROSS: Let's hope Cabinet member's ideas aren't shelved

When U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced Tuesday that he is stepping down, the political world focused on his status as the lone Republican still in President Barack Obama's first-term Cabinet. I focused on what this means for Northwest Indiana and the south suburbs.

DOUG ROSS: Uncertainty hurts economy, that's for certain

If Congress and President Barack Obama were serious about wanting to stimulate the economy, the best thing they could do is end the uncertainty over taxes and spending. If you don't believe me, just listen to some local business leaders.

DOUG ROSS: Trust Local campaign could use good bait

Whiting Mayor Joe Stahua is championing the Trust Local campaign for home rule that seems to be picking up steam among Indiana municipalities. It offers an opportunity for local government reform, but are the locals willing to pay that price?

DOUG ROSS: Porter County Council, commissioners need to talk

This being the start of a new year, Porter County officials have a chance to start off on the right foot, right a few past wrongs, and set a good example for other counties.

DOUG ROSS: Talk turns to action on 'A Christmas Story'

There have been many Christmas stories told over the years. This one is about "A Christmas Story" coming home to Hammond.

DOUG ROSS: Lugar's departure bring back memories of Bayh

I'm impressed by Dick Lugar's classy exit from the U.S. Senate. It brings back memories of Evan Bayh's departure just two years ago.

DOUG ROSS: Amid talk of military's cost, remember peace is fragile

On Friday, the nation will remember the Dec. 7, 1941, Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The anniversary comes at a time when the nation is pondering the future role of the U.S. military.

DOUG ROSS: Red Grover, red Grover, why don't you come over?

The fiscal cliff is not just a Republican invention. It's real. And avoiding it is going to require moving to the middle of the road.

DOUG ROSS: Indiana Chamber draws bead on teacher unions

In keeping with this week's Thanksgiving theme, I'm offering a cornucopia of topics for comment.

DOUG ROSS: Sifting through fallout from last week's election

The fallout from the Nov. 6 election is still being sifted through. Today, I'm highlighting three observations.

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Offering perspective on today's issues

DOUG ROSS: Poll shows social conservatism doesn't resonate in Indiana

For all the talk about Indiana being a conservative state, the latest Howey/DePauw Battleground Poll results add some nuance. Hoosiers are fiscally conservative, yes, but socially conservative, not so much.

William Foy

William Foy is pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Valparaiso.

DOUG ROSS: Foreign policy affects more than pocketbook

If you believe George Santayana's maxim that "those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it," you might want to pay more attention to this year's elections. There could be serious consequences.