Local residents report disturbing student loan debt trends

The fiscal noose created by Cindy Dutka's student loan debt has choked off the 54-year-old's ability to pay rent or get credit to buy a car, a house or anything else in this economy.

Photo explorer will teach latest techniques at clinic

MUNSTER | It’s a new year and time to make a fresh start, so the Calumet Region Photography Club will be helping photographers across the Midwest take their photography to the next level.

Valparaiso shared kitchen keeps cooks cooking

VALPARAISO | For Gina Zieniewicz, her two sisters and her cousin, there are never too many cooks in Nana Clare’s Kitchen

Grad school: An escape from bad job market?

The stories are sadly familiar – the psychology major answering telephones, the history major sweeping department store aisles and the communications major tending bar.

Incumbents retain spots on Munster School Board

MUNSTER | Incumbents Judith Florczak, John Friend and Paula Nellans have retained their seats on the Munster School Board.

SMALL-BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Cookielicious, Dyer

When Sara Villicana threw a “she’s ready to pop” baby-themed baby shower, she called Cathy Jacobsen and ordered the latest trend in dessert culture: cake pops.

Lake Central, Munster marching bands head to state finals

It’s tough to be a bug.

6 vie for Munster School Board seats

MUNSTER | Three incumbents face three newcomers in the race for three at-large seats on the Munster School Board.

Entrepreneurs say conditions are attractive in Hoosier state

How’s this for business-friendly? Tom Ustanik’s fuel costs are 40 cents per gallon cheaper, energy costs are 12 percent lower and his taxes per square foot are half of what they are in Illinois. His auto insurance for his fleet would be 18 percent cheaper if he had a policy in Indiana.

MADE IN NORTHWEST INDIANA: Local engine builder hopes to break land speed record

LAKE STATION | The current land speed record for a flathead gas roadster at the Utah sand flats is 153 mph, and Jeannette Hamilton is a full-throttle optimist.

Chinese delegations boost economic ties in NWI

For more than 20 years, economic growth rates in China have continued to thrive and a multitude of American firms are entering the booming economy to take advantage of the world's largest population.

Local programmer places in top 20 in impossible-sounding paper-shredding contest

VALPARAISO | When his peers were learning how to name colors and count 10 or more objects, Shea Street asked his dad to buy a personal computer.

MADE IN NORTHWEST INDIANA: Not taking anything for granite

ST. JOHN | Julie Rizzo's rocks rock – just ask Heidi Ghasi, who works with students ages 18 to 22 in the West Lake Special Education Cooperative Transition to Adulthood Program, or TAP.

Woloshansky improves quality of lives in Northwest Indiana, ensuring a better workforce for tomorrow

Linda Woloshansky's destiny of helping others was sealed when she first stepped into the homes and lives of those on public assistance.

Local woman uses painting business to mentor young women

CROWN POINT | At 22, Norma Williams was a single parent and unhappy in corporate America while working in poorly fitting administrative jobs, until one day when she opened up a Martha Stewart magazine and heard the sounds of harps and angels.

St. Mary's College student from Valparaiso launches new soda

VALPARAISO | If you're hankering for something new to drink or even a blast from the past, you may want to quench your thirst with Twist O' Luck, a new lip–smacking fizzy bright green soda created by a Valparaiso High School graduate.

Workshop helps photographers capture their natural surroundings

Mike Moats is the Lady Gaga of macro nature photography.

T.J. Boyle survives recession with diligent outreach, frugality

HIGHLAND | For Tom Boyle and his mother, Jean, hitting the pavement is the best way to strike a deal in the real estate business.

Hobart business lights way to energy, cost savings

HOBART | Point Imaging is the lighting the way with illumination that reduces not only the company's carbon footprint but also offers multiple benefits.

Two local companies receive accolades from Hispanic Business Magazine

GARY | Even as a slumbering economic recovery continues to batter the business environment, two local Hispanic–owned businesses have been able to join the ranks of this year's Hispanic Business Magazine's top 500 listing.

Companies praised by Hispanic Business journal

Even as a slumbering economic recovery continues to batter the business environment, two local Hispanic-owned businesses have been able to join the ranks of this year's Hispanic Business Magazine's top 500 listing.

Local man offers alternative to big–box PC computer repair

HAMMOND | Jeff Manzella insists he is a non–geek and an alternative solution for home PC users cringing at the price to get their computer fixed.

Lake Central launches architect search

ST. JOHN | After the victory in Tuesday's election, it was hard to escape the celebratory vibe at Lake Central School Corp. on Wednesday.

Lake Central school referendum passes

ST. JOHN | Lake Central School Corp. breathed a sigh of relief Tuesday as St. John Township residents passed a referendum calling for the rebuilding of Lake Central High and Protsman Elementary schools.

Lake Central on information blitz over upcoming referendum

ST. JOHN | Lake Central School Corp. Superintendent Larry Veracco has given more than 200 presentations and hundreds of volunteers have fanned out across Dyer, Schererville and St. John the past several months to educate and garner support for the district's proposed $160 million construction plan.

Lake Central seeks $160M OK

ST. JOHN | St. John Township voters will go to the polls Nov. 8 to decide whether to support a $160 million construction project which includes rebuilding Lake Central High School and a new Protsman Elementary School facility in Dyer.

Munster, Lake Central bands headed for state finals

The moment this past Sunday was so sweet that 20 seniors in the Munster High School marching band felt the immediate need for a group hug -- but managed to contain themselves for a few minutes longer.

Construction projects under way at Lake Central School Corp.

ST. JOHN | Lake Central School Corp. summer construction projects are on schedule.

Direct sales companies draw local workers

The Avon Lady turned 125 years old this year and has been holding her own in the tough economy, as job cuts, smaller bonuses and scaled-back hours have pushed more people than ever to become direct-sellers.

Opposition to Lake Central project waning?

ST. JOHN | The Lake Central School Corp. seems to have resident support for its proposal to replace the high school and an elementary school.

Lake Central board believes latest building plan the best offered

ST. JOHN | The Lake Central School Corp. board believes the latest proposed construction project approved for a November referendum evolved into the best recommendation so far.

Lake Central sends $160M plan to voters

ST. JOHN | The Lake Central School Board on Monday unanimously approved a voter referendum for a $160 million replacement project for the existing high school and Protsman Elementary in Dyer.

Ann Lichnerowicz, Owner, Edible Arrangements

Flowers? Thoughtful. Chocolate? Sweet. Add healthy to the list and Ann Lichnerowicz says you've got the perfect combination.

Ivy Tech commends automotive classes

ST. JOHN | Four of Lake Central High School's vocational automotive classes were approved this month for dual credit by Ivy Tech Community College - Northwest.

Full-day kindergarten requests decline slightly

ST. JOHN | Full-day kindergarten requests for Lake Central School Corp. totaled 379 students this year, which is down slightly from last year.

Local MBA students gain firsthand glimpse of Chile's emerging economy

GARY | Business students who donned hairnets, plastic smocks and shoe covers to tour Dole's salad processing facility in Chile couldn't help but giggle at the sight of one another, but Dole workers weren't laughing at the stringent food safety practice.

Munster's assistant superintendent announces retirement

MUNSTER | Randy Harkabus, assistant to the superintendent, will retire June 30 from the School Town of Munster after 21 years.

Munster schools eye $2 million roof repair job

MUNSTER | School Town of Munster officials anticipate nearly $2 million in roof repairs and improvements to the existing pool area at Wilbur Wright Middle School.

Just like winning the lottery

MUNSTER | The School Town of Munster feels like a million dollars. Literally.

Tough economy spurs Lake Central bidding

ST. JOHN | The tough economy has brought more competition and is generating a robust bidding process for Lake Central School Corp. construction projects.

Lake Central booster host fundraiser tonight

ST. JOHN | Lake Central High School's Athletic Booster Club will have its second annual fundraiser from 6 to 10 tonight at the Patrician Banquet Center, 410 E. U.S . 30, Schererville.

Lake Central School Corp. holds kindergarten information session

ST. JOHN | Lake Central School Corp. hosts an informational meeting from 6:30 p.m. to 8 tonight in the Freshmen Center LGI Room for parents of kindergarten students new to the district.

Lake Central program allows students to recover credits

ST. JOHN | Lake Central school officials have created a high school credit recovery program that is expected to help struggling students as well as improve the district's graduation rate.

Camera clubs improve technique and provide fellowship

Wondering what to do with the new gazillion megapixel camera you got for the holidays now that you filled the memory card with pictures of Grandpa with a bow on his head, Aunt Harriet snoozing in a party hat and your Great Dane licking the cat?

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.

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.

Possible education changes unsettling, board advised

ST. JOHN | Potential initiatives discussed during an Indiana Department of Education web presentation and Gov. Mitch Daniels' State of the State address have made members of the school community uneasy, Superintendent Larry Veracco said recently.

Lake Central School Board retains officers

ST. JOHN | The Lake Central School Corp. board is keeping the same officers from last year.

Lake Central gets $1M tech grant

ST. JOHN | Lake Central School Corp. was awarded nearly $1 million, an unprecedented amount, for the district's technology advancement from the Indiana State Board of Education's Common School Fund.