Hobarts' Paige Talian

Hobarts' Paige Talian brings in the first run for the Brickies on Friday, part of a 6-2 semifinal win over Valparaiso in the Class 4A Crown Point sectional.

Valparaiso's Abbey Thomas

Valparaiso's Abbey Thomas swings at a pitch in the first inning against Hobart in Friday's semifinals of the Class 4A Crown Point sectional.

Hobarts' Madeline Adams

Hobarts' Madeline Adams swings at a pitch in the first inning of the Brickies' 6-2 semifinal win over Valparaiso in the Class 4A Crown Point sectional.

Valparaiso's Megan Krantz

Valparaiso's Megan Krantz pitches for the Vikings against Hobart on Friday in the semifinals of the Class 4A Crown Point sectional.

Crown Point's Mandey Shrader

Crown Point's Mandey Shrader hangs onto third base after a hit by the Bulldogs' Courtney Holm in the third inning of Friday's 3-1 loss to Portage.

Portage pitcher Kiley Jones

Portage pitcher Kiley Jones tossed a five-hitter in the Indians' 3-1 win over host Crown Point in Class 4A sectional play Friday.

Portage outfielder Jena Alaniz

Portage outfielder Jena Alaniz tries to make a play on a drive to the fence by Crown Points' Siena Gyure in the fourth inning Friday.

Portage's Rachel Ortiz-Zabloudil, Crown Point's Mandey Shrader

Portage's Rachel Ortiz-Zabloudil slides into second base as Crown Point's Mandey Shrader recovers the ball in the fourth inning Friday.

Portage pitcher Kylie Jones jubilation

Portage pitcher Kylie Jones celebrates the Indians' 3-1 win over host Crown Point in Class 4A sectional semifinal play Friday. Portage faces Hobart at 11 a.m. today for the title.

Some municipalities hike pool fees to cover operational costs, ADA compliance

Owen Vernon, left, and Jay Durr work to make a trench to run a water line that will be used to power new lifts in the Hobart Community Pool. They are installing a lift in the small pool in the background, and one in the large pool, intending it to be in operation when the pool opens June 8.

Shoppers flock to St. Matthias garage sale

Bargain shoppers sift through items Thursday at the St. Matthias Church spring garage sale.

Shoppers flock to St. Matthias garage sale

Jon "Johny B" Batusic, of Crown Point looks at record albums Thursday during the St. Matthias Church 30th annual spring garage sale.

Shoppers flock to St. Matthias garage sale

Alexander Jones, 15 months, of Lowell, plays with a toy stroller while his mother, Angie, shops Thursday during the St. Matthias Church 30th annual spring garage sale. Children's clothing was located in a separate room, as the church expanded the event this year, using classroom space in add…

Latin Extravaganza promotes businesses

Visitors to the second annual Latin Extravaganza in Portage's Woodland Park watch a demonstration by some members of Southlake Martial Arts.

2nd annual latin Extravaganza

Dancers from the Goria Dei Dance Troupe perform a ballet folklorico, a traditional Mexican dance Thursday during the 2nd annual Latin Extravaganza in Portages' Woodland Park. The extravaganza, sponsored by the Porter County Hispanic Assembly, also featured various vendors, a silent auction, …

Latin Extravaganza promotes businesses

Visitors to the second annual Latin Extravaganza browse various vendor booths Thursday night in Portage. The extravaganza, sponsored by the Porter County Hispanic Assembly, also featured a silent auction, food, music and some Miss Indiana Latina contestants.

Latin Extravaganza promotes businesses

Members of the Goria Dei Dance Troupe perform a ballet folklorico Thursday at the second annual Latin Extravaganza at Woodland Park in Portage. The gala helps raise scholarship funds for college bound traditional and nontraditional students, and is a venue for Hispanic business owners to pro…

Latin Extravaganza promotes businesses

Myra Rodriqguez-Alvarez, state director for the Miss Indiana Latina pageant, speaks with some Miss Latina contestants Thursday at the second annual Latin Extravaganza at Woodland Park in Portage.

Ken Hirata, National Hot Rod Assoc. Hall of Fame inductee

Memorabilia fills the walls and counter space in Hirata's Lowell Body Shop. Hirata was inducted into the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame this year.

Ken Hirata, National Hot Rod Association Hall of Fame inductee

Ken Hirata was inducted into the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame on March 14. Currently, he is part of his son David's racing team and David' nitromethane-injected dragster. He also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Hot Rod Association in 2003.

Ken Hirata, National Hot Rod Association Hall of Fame inductee

Ken Hirata's International Drag Racing Hall of Fame trophy sits on the counter in Hirata's Speed Shop in Lowell,along with other awards. He's still on team Hirata, but with his son David driving the nitromethane-injected dragster.

Ken Hirata, National Hot Rod Assoc. Hall of Fame inductee

Ken Hirata, right, was inducted into the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame this year. Now, he's on the team with his son David, left, and his nitromethane injected dragster. Ken Hirata and wife Chiyo, center, travel with David.

Ken Hirata, National Hot Rod Assoc. Hall of Fame indcutee

Ken Hirata, right, was inducted into the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame this year. Now, he's on the team with his son David, left, and his nitromethane injected dragster. Ken Hirata and wife Chiyo, center, travel with David.

Kids Day game

School-aged children vie for free stuff Wednesday at U.S. Steel Yard during a morning game catered to elementary and middle school students as the RailCats played the Wichita Wingnuts.

Tarp pull

RailCats players, groundskeepers and other front office staff help pull a tarp across the field Wednesday as rain fell during the eighth inning of a game against Wichita.

Tarp pull

RailCats players, groundskeepers and other front office staff help pull a tarp over the field Wednesday as rain fell during the eighth inning of a game against Wichita.

Kids Day game

School-aged children shout for free stuff as RailCats staff throw t-shirts and balls between innings at U.S. Steel Yard during a game against Wichita.

Rusty the RailCat

RailCats mascot Rusty entertains school-aged children Wednesday during a morning game at U.S. Steel Yard.

Whitings' Jessica Butler

Whitings' Jessica Butler at bat in the fourth inning of the Oliers' 3-2 win over Bishop Nolls' Warriors Tuesday in the Lake Station sectional game.

Bishop Noll's Katelyn Richardson

Bishop Noll's Katelyn Richardson catches a high fly ball hit by Whiting's Jessica Butler close to the wall.

Whitings' Mollie Lovasko

Whiting's Mollie Lovasko pitches Tuesday as the Oilers squeeze past Bishop Noll's Warriors, 3-2.

Bishop Noll's Andrea Fremouw

Bishop Noll's Andrea Fremouw delivers during the Lake Station sectional game with rival Whiting.

Whitings' Oilters celebrate

The Whiting Oilers celebrate their 3-2 win over Bishop Noll Tuesday at the Lake Station Sectional.

Bishop Nolls' Tori Keilman and Elena Sobilo

Bishop Noll's Tori Keilman, left, and Elena Sobilo struggle to stop a grounder hit by Whiting's Abigail Bondi in the eighth inning of Tuesday's Lake Station Sectional.

Bishop Noll's Elena Sobilo

Bishop Noll's Elena Sobilo can't field an infield grounder by Whiting's Abigail Bondi in the eighth inning Tuesday.

Whitings' Abigail Bondi

Whiting's Abigail Bondi hit an RBI infield single to beat Bishop Noll in the eighth inning Tuesday.

Whitings's Mollie Lovasko and Michaela Brown jubilation

Whiting pitcher Mollie Lovasko, right, hugs outfielder Michaela Brown, who scored the winning run against Bishop Noll at the Lake Station Sectional.

SHARP TURNS – Mazda6 goes for beauty and power

MUNSTER Times Auto Columnist, Matt Sharp.

Crown Point's Miranda Elish

Crown Point's Miranda Elish winds up as she pitches against Chesterton in Monday's sectional opener.

Chesterton's Megan Matheny

Chesterton's Megan Matheny reaches to hit, but strikes out in the first inning against Crown Point in the sectional opener.

Chesterton's Shelby Carter

Chesterton's Shelby Carter fouls off a pitch in the first inning of Monday's sectional game against Crown Point.

Crown Point's Mandey Shrader

Crown Point's Mandey Shrader scoops up a ground ball hit by Chesterton's Shelby Carter and throws from third base to first for an out in the first inning of Monday's sectional game.

Portage's Kaitlin Doud

Portage's Kaitlin Doud catches a ground ball to second and throws to first base for an out in the sixth inning of the Indians' sectional opener against LaPorte.

Portage's Dalton Minor

Portage's Dalton Minor hits in the sixth inning of the Indians' win over LaPorte in Monday's sectional opener.

Portage's Alexis Johnson

Portage's Alexis Johnson waits to scoop up a bouncing grounder and makes the throw to first base for an out in the fifth inning of Monday's sectional game against LaPorte.

LaPorte's Alexis Frame

LaPorte's Alexis Frame swings during the fourth inning against Portage in the sectional opener.

Police: Truck driver shot by M'ville officer

Police respond Monday to the Planned Parenthood office in Merrillville after an officer-involved shooting. Police said a semi driver attacked the officer after the cop wrote the driver citations for being illegally parked in the agency’s lot.

Porter County Veterans Treatment Court lauded for successes

Christopher Deutsch, director of communications for the National Association of Drug Court Professionals prepares to pass a gavel to Porter County Judge Julia Jent on Monday during the the Porter County Veterans Treatment Court Graduation ceremony at the North Porter County Government Comple…

Porter County Veterans Treatment Court lauded for successes

Officials gather Monday for the The Porter County Veterans Treatment Court Graduation ceremony at the North Porter County Government Complex. From left is Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller, County Commissioner Nancy Adams, Chief Justice of the Indiana Court of Appeals Margaret Robb, and …

Porter County Veterans Treatment Court lauded for successes

Veterans, officials and others gather Monday at the North Porter County Government Complex for the Porter County Veterans Treatment Court Graduation ceremony. Adam Allen, a mentor volunteer program organizer is at lower right. Six local veterans completed the drug court program, and were hon…