The annual Popcorn Festival in Valparaiso, Indiana, marked its 47th year with a parade and festivities on September 12, 2026. Among the participants was Marc Mihalik, a Chesterton firefighter, who walked the 5K Popcorn Panic in full gear. His participation commemorated the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks. During his walk, Mihalik fielded...
An Ordinary Day Shattered Mark Englert, a business consultant from Connecticut, lived near the World Trade Center in Manhattan on September 11, 2001. He was returning from a morning jog when he heard an explosion. He rushed to his window, seeing people on the street looking up. He learned one of the towers was on...
Chesterton Cemetery Manager Chery Bachman appreciates the invaluable contribution of volunteers in removing tree debris from the August 11 derecho. She describes the efforts as “priceless” and emphasizes the importance of community involvement. “Some have been here every day,” she noted. On September 10, 2026, volunteers, including members from the Daughters of the American Revolution’s...
The 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks brings a series of tributes, reflections, and discussions at museums and institutions throughout the D.C. area. Participants have the opportunity to engage with these events and honor the memory of those affected by the tragedy. One notable event is the ‘Steel and Stone’ exhibit at the National...
The annual Labor Day Parade in Lowell, Indiana, is a significant event for Bob Leonhardt and his family. This year’s parade, held on September 7, 2026, was a poignant reminder of his son Brian Leonhardt, who was killed in action on January 6, 20216, while serving in Afghanistan with the Army National Guard’s 713th Engineer...
The Buffalo Grove Days Parade for 2026 unfolded under grey skies, hosting nearly 80-degree temperatures, with the parade route culminating at Mike Rylko Community Park. On Saturday, September 5, around 60 parade units participated. The Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band (BGSB) was honored as the grand marshal, celebrating 25 years of music. Howard Green, the founding...
On Tuesday morning, two dispatchers conveyed a heartfelt and final radio message for the Chesterton/Porter joint police dispatch center. Kaylee Nugent reflected on the decades of service provided by dispatchers in Porter, emphasizing that they were the voice of the department. Nugent’s words acknowledged all individuals who had served as dispatchers over the years. She...
Dolly Parton will be remembered for many roles. Her influence as a music, cultural, and business icon is undeniable. However, beyond these familiar titles, Dolly Parton embodies the spirit of civic responsibility. Her philanthropic efforts and dedication to childhood literacy reflect a deeper civic philosophy, even if she never explicitly defined it as such. Philanthropy...
The state’s oldest charitable organization has teamed up with one of the newest to offer a community gathering focused on end-of-life care discussions. The Telling the Bees Fest: a Chicagoland Deathcare Education & Resource Festival is organized by Wally’s Hearth and Caledonia Senior Living & Memory Care. This event aims to create conversations about death,...
The legacy of Dolly Parton, famous for her contribution to country music and philanthropy, continues to flourish in Alabama. After her passing at age 80, residents are rallying behind her Imagination Library through a specialty license plate. This initiative aims to support the distribution of free books to children statewide. Imagination Library’s Growing Support Kaelyn...