Portage Township Schools to host Community Buyback
In partnership with Secured Tech Solutions, Portage Township Schools (PTS) will be hosting the Community Buyback program to sell retired school devices to area residents. The program allows PTS to raise money while keeping devices within the community. The sale will begin at 7 a.m. Thursday for PTS staff, and at 9 a.m. Monday for families and community members. The sale will close at the end of the day on Dec. 13. More information is with the Secured Tech Solutions Community Buyback staff at cbb@securedtechsolutions.com or 317-482-1613.
Curbside loose leaf pickup extended
Due to the recent colder temperatures and inclement weather, the City of Valparaiso has extended its curbside leaf pickup to Friday. This additional time allows for residents to do one final rake of leaves to the curb and for leaf pickup crews to make one more lap around the City. After this final pass, leaves will need to be bagged in biodegradable bags for collection. Lawn bags will be picked up by brush trucks during the remainder of the month of December. The City has four leaf collection zones and crews will rotate zones continuously. Progress updates will be available to residents so they will know when to expect leaf collection in their neighborhoods. Updates will be posted on the Valparaiso City Services — Public Works website. To sign up for text and/or email progress alerts, visit https://www.ci.valparaiso.in.us/list.aspx.
New toll rates to start for Cline Avenue Bridge
Beginning Jan. 1, new toll rates will be in effect for the Cline Avenue Bridge. E-ZPass/I-PASS drivers of two-axle passenger vehicles, mopeds and motorcycles will be debited $2.90 for each crossing from their valid prepaid account, a change of 15 cents per trip. Vehicles with three to four axles (including cars with trailers), will pay $7.90. The new rate for vehicles with five or more axles paying with E-ZPass or I-PASS is $12.10. An administrative fee of $5 will be added to Pay-by-Mail transactions, which covers the cost of information lookup, bill printing and mailing. The private bridge was built and continues to operate without any local, state or federal funding. More information is with Laura Weber at lweber@unitedbridgepartners.com.
Give the gift of summer camp this holiday season
Opportunity Enterprises (OE) is offering gift certificates to Camp Lakeside for the school-aged children in their lives this holiday season. A division of OE, Camp Lakeside is an inclusive camp that provides children with a chance to not only have fun, but strengthen self-esteem and grow a sense of empathy and respect toward others. Each week campers will participate in activities that include art, STEM, archery, nature, life-skills development and waterfront activities. No minimum purchase is required; all gift certificates can be customized. The fee for one week of day camp is $150. Visit https://camplakeside.org/register/ for more information.
Sen. Young names nominees for U.S. service academies
Indiana Sen. Todd Young has announced his nominations for U.S. service academy appointments. Out of 150 applications from high school students, 77 were offered interviews, and 51 went on to receive a nomination from Sen. Young. Two area students are among those named: Brock Redman of Chesterton High School was nominated for the United States Air Force Academy; and Elliot Swan of Crown Point High School was nominated for the United States Naval Academy. A nomination does not guarantee admission to a service academy, but is required in order to be considered. Nominees are chosen based on personal merit. Criteria considered include evidence of character, leadership, academic excellence, physical aptitude and extracurricular activities.
