Hammond auto recycler recognized by state
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management presented Northlake Auto Recyclers Inc., 105 Industrial Road, Hammond, with its ninth Indiana Clean Yard-Gold Level award in recognition of the company’s efforts to protect the environment, according to a release.
IDEM Senior Environmental Engineer Hani Sharaya with IDEM’s Compliance & Technical Assistance Program with IDEM Pollution Prevention and Compliance Assistance Manager Julie Rhodes, recently presented a commemorative certificate to Northlake Auto Recyclers Inc. owner Marty Hollingshead.
Northlake was also the only facility to earn 100% on its Indiana Clean Yard inspection, the release said. Salvage yards receive and store wrecked vehicles containing antifreeze, gasoline, oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, batteries, mercury switches and tires. If not managed properly, wrecked vehicles stockpiled in salvage yards can pose an environmental threat, the release said.
For more information about IDEM’s Indiana Clean Yard program visit idem.IN.gov/partnerships/indiana-clean-yards or the IDEM auto salvage program web page at idem.IN.gov/waste/waste-industries/auto-salvage-recycling.
Valparaiso Y receives grant
The Valparaiso Family YMCA has been awarded a Community Fund grant from the Porter County Community Foundation in support of its Equal Access Aquatics project, according to a release.
The grant amount, which was not released, supports the purchase of a new ADA-compliant mobile pool lift chair at the Y’s Aquatics Center. Each year, the Y serves more than 16,000 members and provides aquatic physical therapy to more than 300 people, a release said.
The addition of the new mobile lift chairs will replace an outdated unit and expand access to the hot tub area, improving safety for caregivers and staff while ensuring that every member, regardless of physical ability, can benefit from the healing and recreational opportunities of aquatic programs.
Repay elected to state counties board leadership
Lake County Commissioner Mike Repay, D-Hammond, was elected First Vice President of the Association of Indiana Counties Board of Directors, according to a release. He began his term Nov. 1.
Board elections were held during the AIC’s Annual Conference in September. Repay was elected to his fourth term as commissioner in 2024 and is president of the Board of Commissioners. Previously, he served two years on the Lake County Council.
The AIC Board of Directors sets policies and legislative goals for the Association.
Rotary chapter plans networking event
Rotary Means Business Northwest Indiana is bringing Rotary clubs from Merrillville, Schererville, Hammond and Valparaiso together for a networking event from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Dec. 11 at All-Star Services, 591 W. US 30, Valparaiso.
The event, open to the public, is designed to connect and empower business owners, entrepreneurs, professionals and community leaders from across the area, while also introducing the mission and advocacy work of Rotary Clubs throughout Northwest Indiana, a release said.
For information, email jskibbie@jrsmarcom.com.
Lilly Community scholarship finalists named
The Legacy Foundation has announced this year’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship finalists, according to its website.
The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship offers full tuition, required fees, and up to $900 per year for books and equipment at any eligible Indiana college or university, the website said.
Finalists include: Annabel Diaz, Hammond Central; Angela Duh, River Forest; Alina Plascencia, Bishop Noll Institute; Andrea Roscoe, Gary Lighthouse Charter; Camden Mikulich, Lowell; Diego Torres, Whiting;
Emily Cicillian, Hobart; Emma Lembcke, Crown Point; Isabella Borrero, Illiana Christian; Isaiah Holden, Thea Bowmen Leadership Academy; Isabella Polkowski, Hanover Central; Jeremiah Fuentes, Griffith;
Johanie Quioz, East Chicago Central; Lynette Montes, Hammond Academy of Science & Technology; Rubi Rubalcaba, Highland; and Sılaya Baskaran, Munster.
While the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship process is nearing its final stages, Legacy’s Universal Scholarship is now open and currently accepting applications through Jan. 15. Visit the website at https://legacyfdn.org/scholarships/apply-for-scholarships/ for more information.
Northwest Health announces $11M expansion
Northwest Health – Porter plans to invest more than $11 million in a multi-year project to increase community access to behavioral health
care with new inpatient and intensive outpatient programs, a release said.
The new behavioral health programs will be located at Northwest Health – Portage, 3630 Willowcreek Road, and are expected to open in 2028. Services will include 20 inpatient beds for adults 18 and over, with the opportunity to expand in the future, the release said. The new service will include an intensive outpatient program providing crisis stabilization, therapy, medication management and care coordination.
