Portage offices closed through Dec. 4 due to COVID-19
Due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases, all Portage city offices will be closed to the public beginning Monday through Dec. 4.
Portage will continue to provide services to residents, however there will be a few adjustments: Utility payments can be made at the drop box in front of City Hall, 6070 Central Ave., by mail, online or by phone by contacting the clerk-treasurers office at (219) 762-7784; for licensing and permit information, call the building department at (219) 762-4204 and all other questions can be directed to the city hall switchboard at (219) 762-5425.
All public meetings will be held virtually until Dec. 1, unless that date is extended by the governor. The governor’s order states all indoor and outdoor gatherings must be limited to no more than 25 persons. Masks and social distancing of at least 6 feet is required at all times.
Lights of Life virtual tree lighting
Community Hospital in Munster will host their annual Lights of Life trees that serve as a reminder of the journey of hope that that goes along with a cancer diagnosis. However, due to the pandemic, changes have been made to the lighting ceremony. For the health and safety of participants, donors and their honorees will be invited after December 2 to view a virtual tree lighting. Each light on the trees represents a donation made to the Community Cancer Research Foundation, Inc. The Foundation supports cancer research initiatives to improve patient access to the latest advances in prevention, detection and treatment of cancer. Those interested in participating may “purchase” a light to honor a special person in their life. Each light represents a $5 donation. For a $15 donation, a pink breast cancer awareness pin, a crystal cancer awareness pin, or a lapel cancer awareness pin can be sent to honorees along with a gift card in addition to reserving a light. Names must be received before Nov. 25 to be guaranteed a listing in the Lights of Life program book. Cards and pins will be sent out until Dec. 31. All donations to the program are tax deductible and are used to sponsor local research trials for area patients. More information is at 219-836-6875. Donations also are accepted at myccrf.com.
Celebrates the holidays with canvas painting
A Holiday Canvas class will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 4 in the gymnasium of the Hammond Civic Center, 5825 Sohl Ave. Registration is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Civic Center. The fee is $35, which includes all supplies for the canvas painting and step-by-step instruction. Space is limited to 30 people, and masks are required. More information is at 219-853-6378, www.gohammond.com or with Selina at baezs@gohammond.com.
Compost sites open for winter hours.
The Porter County compost sites are open now open for winter hours. The Valparaiso site is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday through Dec. 31 at 2150 W. Lincolnway. The Boone Grove site is open from Noon to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 5 at 546 S. 400 W, Valparaiso. The Portage site is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Dec. 5 at 6451 US-12. More information is at info@portercountyrecycling.org or visit www.portercountyrecycling.org.
Valparaiso adds bonus paving and updates on leaves
Due to favorable weather and cost efficiencies, the City of Valparaiso has been able to add several beneficial paving projects to the 2020 schedule before winter weather sets in. Following are projects motorists can expect to see in the coming weeks: Wood Street by Parkview Elementary School; Center Street – Ridgeland Avenue to south of Hope Street; Ransom Road – spot improvement just south of Froberg Road; CR 400N – City Limits to Froberg Road; CR 375N – City Limits to Froberg Road; intersection improvement Linden Lane and Appletree Lane; Silhavy Road spot improvement just north of Vale Park Road; Hastings Terrace – Victoria Drive to Cul-de-sac; Calumet Avenue intersection spot improvement; and installation of speed humps for traffic calming in various locations citywide. In addition, leaf collection efforts continue throughout the city. Updates on progress, including an interactive zone map to assist residents in planning ahead for leaf collection, are available. To access the map and sign up for real-time updates via email and text, visit the Public Works page on Valparaiso’s website at valpo.us.
