OB/GYN joins Franciscan in Michigan City
Obstetrician/gynecologist Dr. Susan Murrey is now part of the Franciscan Physician Network and is accepting new patients in Michigan City, a release said.
Murrey earned her medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago and completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago.
She is accepting new patients for in-person visits on the third floor of Franciscan Physician Network’s Franciscan Medical Pavilion, located at 3500 Franciscan Way in Michigan City. Call 219-861-8785.
CLH names monthly award winners
CLH, CPAs & Consultants recently announced the first three recipients of its 2026 R.I.K.I. Spotlight Award, according to a release.
The R.I.K.I. Spotlight program highlights team members who demonstrate excellence in Relationships, Integrity, Knowledge, and Innovation. The first quarter 2026 R.I.K.I. Spotlight Award recipients are: January: Emily Abuatieh, Communications Manager, who is recognized for her outstanding ability to foster relationships and share her expertise, the release said.
February’s honoree was Seth Bedwell, Senior Accountant, who was recognized for his commitment to innovation, while March honoree associate Jessica Mitchell was recognized for her exceptional client service.
GCSC starts community gardens initiative
The Gary Community School Corp. recently launched its School & Community Gardens Initiative, bringing hands-on learning spaces to every school across the district, a release said.
The initiative creates meaningful opportunities for students, families, and community members to come together to learn, grow, and thrive, the release said.
The gardens will serve as living classrooms where families can “grow” together, building skills, strengthening relationships, and fostering a deeper connection to health, sustainability and community. Through partnerships with Master Gardeners and local community organizations, participants will have access to guided lessons on planting, maintaining, and harvesting crops; hands-on gardening experiences; seasonal workshops and demonstrations and opportunities to contribute to beautifying school spaces, the release said.
Visit www.garyschools.org for more information.
Golf outing donation recipients wanted
Applications are now being accepted for recipients of the charitable donations to be raised from the 2026 Hard Hat Golf Outing hosted by the Northwest Indiana Business RoundTable, Northwest Indiana Building & Construction Trades Council and Construction Advancement Foundation, a release said.
Organizations interested in being considered or those who would like to recommend a recipient can complete the official form on NWIBRT’s website at NWIBRT.org. Deadline for submission is May 30.
The annual fall event draws hundreds of golfers from many of Northwest Indiana’s most prominent businesses. Last year, representatives from more than 70 companies participated in the outing, The 2026 Hard Hat Golf Outing will be held Sept. 17 and 18 at the White Hawk Country Club in Crown Point. Tickets and partnership opportunities are available on the website. Those with questions about tickets or sponsorships can call 219-226-0300 or email info@nwibrt.org. Early registration is encouraged, a release said.
Franciscan presents faith-based diabetes initiative
Franciscan Health is presenting the latest installment in its free, faith-based diabetes initiative in partnership with local churches and community organizations, a release said.
Fan Out Diabetes is a faith-based diabetes initiative that pairs minority LaPorte County congregations with Franciscan’s Community Health Improvement program and community organizations. The release explained that the partnership brings two-day diabetes education, prevention and detection mini workshops – free of charge – to the church after Sunday services.
Sessions will take place at 12:30 p.m. April 26 and May 31 at Salvation Army of Michigan City, 1201 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Participants are asked to attend both sessions.
The Fan Out Diabetes workshops are sponsored by Franciscan Health, the Michigan City Chapter of the Indiana Black Expo, CareSource, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Covering Kids & Families of Indiana and Dunebrook. For more information, contact Franciscan Health Michigan City Community Health Improvement Coordinator Nila Williams at Nila.Williams@franciscanalliance.org.
Braun makes board appointments
Gov. Mike Braun recently announced appointments to various state boards and commissions that included representatives from Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties, a release said.
Appointments included:
Underground Plant Protection Advisory Committee: John Todd (NIPSCO), from Lake County; term expires Oct. 31, 2029.
Emergency Response Commission: LeAnn Angerman, from Lake County.
Medicaid Waiver Work Group: Vince McGowen (Traditions), from Lake County
Soil Conservation Board: Gene Schmidt; reappointment term expires March 31, 2030.
Petroleum Storage Tank Financial Assurance Board: Jason Lenz, of Creek Run Environmental in Porter County; term expires March 31, 2028; Keith Slater, of Family Express and Porter County; term expires March 31, 2028.
Indiana Board of Veterinary Medicine: Dr. Jerry Rodenbarger, of Vale Park Animal Hospital in Valparaiso; term expires March 31, 2030.
Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission: Tony Ferraro, of Lake County.
Crown Point Rotary speaker announced
The Rotary Club of Crown Point will host Community Help Network as its featured speaker at the weekly lunch at 12:10 p.m. April 15 at Youche Country Club in Crown Point.
The event is open to the public.
Community Help Network is a local nonprofit dedicated to eliminating food insecurity and supporting families in South Lake County, according to a release.
Prenatal Well to host 3rd Women’s Wellness Fair
Prenatal Well will host its third annual Women’s Wellness Fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 25 at the Dean and Barbara White Community Center, 6600 Broadway in Merrillville. The event is free and open to the public.
Founded three years ago by Dr. Maya Dominique, Prenatal Well is committed to reducing maternal and infant morbidity and mortality through a holistic, patient-centered approach, a release said. Attendees can take advantage of free health screenings, interactive vendors, children’s entertainment, medical equipment demonstrations, giveaways, raffles, free haircuts, guest speakers and more, all in a family-friendly environment.
Organizers are currently seeking additional sponsors. To learn more, visit https://prenatalwell.org/events/ or email Odominique@prenatalwell.org.
Duneland School Board honored
The Duneland School Board was recently recognized by the Indiana School Boards Association with an Exemplary Governance Award of Commendable for the 2025 award year, according to a release.
Further, the release said, three school board members earned individual governance awards from the Indiana School Board Association for Program Year 2025. Vice President Alayna Lightfoot Pol earned the Exemplary governance award; and members Beth Mehling and Kirk Redman earned the Advanced governance award.
The honorees will be formally recognized during ISBA’s Spring Regional Meetings this month.
