IN TUNE: Put away these dates for our summer concerts

This year we got lucky and with Easter still in our hearts and minds, we will have the opportunity to share this spiritual and uplifting piece of music with you.

Portage Township employee celebrates 31 years of service

PORTAGE | Eva Cloyd, bookkeeper for the Portage Township Trustee’s Office, celebrated her 31st anniversary with fellow staff members.

IN TUNE: Like the music in heaven

This year we got lucky and with Easter still in our hearts and minds, we will have the opportunity to share this spiritual and uplifting piece of music with you.

Russian steelmakers to focus on reducing costs

An observation point in the center of Magnitogorsk, Russia, provides a breathtaking view of the Ural River, with gray and orange smoke rising above the rows of pipes on the opposite bank.

Marian Catholic players

Marian Catholic players KI-Jana Crawford, Terrone Parham and Johs Cohn react after losing 68-49 to Edwardsville during the IHSA Class3A super-sectional Tuesday in Normal.

Marian Catholic guard Tyler Ulis

Marian Catholic guard Tyler Ulis attempts a shot during the IHSA Class 4A Supersectional on Tuesday against Edwardsville at Redbird Arena in Normal.

IN TUNE: Just plumb crazy, or the most romantic man who ever lived?

Yep. Hector Louis Berlioz was either plumb crazy or they just do not make men like that anymore — regarding romancing a woman, that is.

Annual wildgame feast planned

VALPARAISO | History was in the making when Steve Davis participated in an Elks wild game dinner in Columbia City, Ind., in 1989.

IN TUNE: My (and now your) favorite violin concerto

This Friday evening at the Auditorium at Bethel Church in Crown Point the Symphony will be performing my favorite violin concerto - the Korngold Violin Concerto. I am convinced that, after the concert, it will also be YOUR favorite violin concerto!

Ferrari

Visitors to the Chicago Auto Show will trill at an up-close look of such exotic brands as Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari (shown here), Lamborghini, Lotus, Maserati, McLaren and Rolls-Royce. The Italian-built Bugatti also is expected to make an appearance.

A Day in the life of a Calumet band member

GARY | After loading up the truck and buses, the marching band left at 12:10 p.m. on a recent Saturday from Calumet New Tech High School, heading to the Sears store in Valparaiso. Accompanying the band were members of Calumet’s color guard (dance team).

IN TUNE: My conversation with Santa and his crew

HOLIDAY GREETINGS EVERYONE!

Indiana colleges look to revise campus smoking policies

Many of Indiana’s largest universities are preparing stricter smoking rules, putting teeth behind smoke-free policies that -- to now -- have been at least partly hot air.

2013 Nissan Sentra.

Dependability, quality and driveability are hallmark with the 2013 Nissan Sentra.

Point, Click, Give!

PORTER COUNTY | Thursday has been named a holiday in Porter County: It’s Porter County GIVE Day. This special 24-hour giving holiday will raise funds to reduce homelessness in Porter County. On this single day, gifts to 17 local nonprofit organizations will receive matching funds through a p…

Parties working together on Indiana campuses

MUNCIE | Democrats and Republicans may be at each other’s throats elsewhere, but some Indiana college students have declared a truce and are working together this election season.

From happy to homeless… and back

For Missie Summers, life looked good. She had a degree in psychology, two healthy boys and was engaged to be married. The small family lived together in Valparaiso and Missie was working on a master’s degree, while caring for her sons, 1, and 14. Overnight her world changed. “My fiancé left …

No Bull-y

Mental Health America of Porter County is joining the community in supporting National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month. Bullying is aggressive behavior. A young person is targeted by one or more youths with repeated negative actions such as name-calling, making faces, obscene gesturing, …

‘I never thought I’d be a homeowner’

VALPARAISO | For single mother Julie Spears, the dream of home ownership seemed impossible. She and daughter Annie, 12, had moved from rental to rental, unable to afford a home of their own.

Helping children succeed through challenge

Providing for three children can be challenging for any parent, but for Laurie Bruck, the challenge is extraordinary. Not only is Bruck a single mother, but she’s also unable to walk, making it difficult to earn enough money to support herself and her three children.

Artist installs historical mural in Lynwood

LYNWOOD | The “Father of the Lincoln Highway” now overlooks the eastern terminus to the Illinois portion of the transcontinental highway.

Living independently, but not alone

At the age of 50, Bob Cloyd was unable to speak, dress himself, or take care of his own needs. For his entire life, Cloyd’s mother had been there, helping him with each daily task. And then in 2011 she died, leaving a huge hole in Cloyd’s life.

Extend your garden enjoyment: strategies for growing edibles later into the season

Don’t let fall or potentially frosty temperatures stop you from enjoying garden-fresh produce. Extend the nutritional value and homegrown flavor into your fall and early winter meals with the help of short season crops and season-extending strategies.

Ram shifts to new gearbox; better mileage

Design of the 2013 Ram 1500 includes a new grille, fresh fascia and projector headlamps.

Warriors score early, often to remain unbeaten

CRETE | Four fumbles, minus-9 yards of total offense and zero points were the highlights of Crete-Monee's second-half performance Friday.

AT HOME: I Had a Dream – And I Got Over It

Attention those who can’t let go. The problem is not your stuff. It’s your stories.

IN TUNE: An open letter from John Lennon to the people of Northwest Indiana

Ladies and Gentlemen of Northwest Indiana:

Amish Cook: A new school year begins

School opened Sept. 4 and the house seemed pretty empty after the six youngest left for school.

Ramp helps Valparaiso woman adjust after surgery

VALPARAISO | After the installation of a ramp at her Valparaiso home, Judy Hood is appreciative and thankful for the help she has received as she adjusts to life as an amputee.

Amish Cook: Family celebrates birthday, beginning of new school year

Laundry is hanging on the lines quickly drying with the sun and breeze blowing.

Franciscan Alliance hospitals living their mission of offering best patient care

The four hospitals that serve Franciscan Alliance’s Northern Indiana Region do more than talk about care; they live that mission daily, by constantly striving to improve services that reflect their sensitivity to your needs and to those of your loved ones.

Innovation at Community Healthcare System

Healthcare innovations have helped us make significant progress against the most serious diseases we face. New devices, medicines and procedures have led to significant improvements in not just the longevity, but the quality of our lives.

Newton County logo

The Newton County Ind. logo.

Cal Bellamy

Chenn Zhou

The Amish Cook: Verena, 14, gives Mom a break from column

THE AMISH COOK

Concepts shape car industry’s future

CHARLOTTE, N.C. | Winners of the 11th Annual North American Concept Vehicle of the Year Awards were announced last week.

THE AMISH COOK: Daughter Loretta shares her story with readers

Daughters Susan and Verena worked six long days last week de-tasseling corn. By Saturday night they were tired girls.

Longtime musician, business owner to close up nearly 20-year-old shop

Jerry Clemons, seated in the middle with the black hat and sunglasses, holds court at Dynamite Music with some famous friends and employees. Pictured, from left, are Aaron Hazlett, Luke Skyrocker, Cat Clemons, Brad Rose, Lannie Turner, Billy Ozello, Kenny Kinsey and Zeke Rongers.

AMISH COOK: Favorite summer recipes

The Eichers are taking a needed break during this Fourth of July week. Thanks to all the readers for your kind words and prayers for the family during the tough year of 2012.

AMISH COOK: Family ready for a much-needed vacation

We managed to get the painting done upstairs. We moved in furniture for two of the bedrooms on Saturday. The floor was laid in daughter Susan and Verena’s bedroom and Elizabeth’s room is finished. Susan and Verena’s bedroom still needs more shelves in the closet. Their room also needs closet…

THE AMISH COOK: Family keeps busy with garden, home

This past week we did a lot of painting as we continue to get things in order after the house fire last month. All four bedrooms upstairs are painted and one needs another coat. Things are beginning to look a lot better.

KIWANIS STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: Emily Evans wears a lot of hats

PORTAGE | For Emily Evans, a junior at Portage High School, a typical day may include anything from reading or spending time with friends to raising money for a worthy cause.

KIWANIS STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: Kizer involved in Portage High activities

PORTAGE | Luke Kizer, son to Mark and Lisa Kizer, is a sophomore at Portage High School. He currently has a GPA of 3.8. Luke lettered in basketball his freshman and sophomore years. He also lettered in soccer this year.

Redesigned Altima mirrors premium insider

Nissan takes its popular Altima sedan to a new level of style and refinement for 2013.

THE AMISH COOK: A recipe to enjoy during strawberry season

We just arrived home from Jacob and Emma's house. We were over there so my husband Joe could help Jacob unload hay in their barn. Meanwhile, daughters Elizabeth and Susan just returned from a wedding supper. Tomorrow evening the youth are invited to another wedding supper. Weddings are still…

Sullivan tops at Portage High School

PORTAGE | Joshua Sullivan is this year's valedictorian at Portage High School. His high school activities include National Honor Society as a junior and senior, the Cross Country team as a freshman and sophomore, and track as a freshman.

Dancing for Riley patients

CROWN POINT | More than 130 Crown Point and Kankakee Valley high school students danced for a cause recently in the CPHS field house.

A beautiful garden starts now: Memorial Day means gardening for many

Get out the shovel and trowels — it's Memorial Day weekend and that means gardening for many. Spend a bit more time getting your garden off to a good start and reap the benefits all season long. Proper planting and post planting care means less maintenance, fewer pests and more produce and b…

THE AMISH COOK: Berry season on its way

Our work has still been centered around the recent house fire that we experienced. My husband Joe doesn’t have to work the next two days so we are moving the furniture from our bedrooms upstairs to the downstairs and basement. We will set the beds up in the basement for the girls to sleep in…