Trooper wins award for rescue
Indiana State Police Trooper Dawson Patrick, who is assigned to the Lowell Post, was recently awarded the ISP Bronze Star for his courageous actions during a serious crash Sept. 18 in Starke County, a release said.
While off duty, Patrick responded to the scene of a vehicle crash and found a woman trapped inside a Volkswagen Passat as fire began spreading through the vehicle, the release said. Despite heavy smoke, intense heat and growing flames, Patrick remained inside the vehicle for more than two minutes as he worked with medical personnel to free the driver. He used multiple fire extinguishers in the effort and ultimately pulled the driver from the burning car, the release said.
City administrator named for Valparaiso
Steve Poulos has been named City Administrator for the City of Valparaiso by Mayor Jon Costas, according to a release.
Poulos, who started his new position May 1, has worked more than 30 years for the city as a public works and utilities professional, most recently serving as Executive Director for Valparaiso City Services, a department that combines both public works and utilities, a release said. As part of the City Services strategic plan, Matt Zurbriggen has been named Utilities Director.
Poulos assumes the City Administrator role from Bill Oeding, who serves as the President and CEO of Paradise Community Homes.
Trio named to Little Cal board
One new appointment and two reappointments were recently announced by Gov. Mike Braun to the Little Calumet River Basin Development Commission, a release said.
Jenny Orsburn, from Porter County and representing the state, will serve through April 30, 2030. Lake County’s Robert Ochi and Anthony Broadnax have been reappointed and will both serve through April 30, 2030, the release said.
VU adds new social work certificate
Valparaiso University recently started a public safety social work certificate program.
The certificate program will exist as both an add-on option for current Master of Social Work students and as a way for current MSW graduates to gain additional knowledge and training in a field lacking in learning opportunities, a release said.
Caroline Ban, creator of the certificate program and associate professor of social work, will be joined by Sam Burgett, an adjunct instructor in sociology and criminology, the release said.
The goal of embedded social workers in public safety spaces is to provide expertise and resources to handle situations where traditional responses, such as arrests, may not be the most effective approach for either responders or the person experiencing a crisis.
Porter County eyes open board seats
The Porter County Council hopes to fill two board seats in May, according to a release.
Positions include:
Ambulance Service Committee Board Position — 1-year term length; no political affiliation necessary
Porter Economic Development Commission Board Position — 1-year term length; no political affiliation necessary
Individuals interested in being considered for a board position should visit the Porter County Council office, 155 Indiana Ave., Suite 207, Valparaiso, to obtain an application. Applications can also be generated at the Porter County website at www.portercountyin.gov under the County Council tab. Applications will be accepted until positions are filled, the release said.
Franciscan hosts free suicide prevention course
Franciscan Health Michigan City is presenting a free suicide prevention course in June, a release said.
The entry-level question, persuade and refer, or QPR Suicide Prevention Course, is based on a curriculum developed by the QPR Institute.
Franciscan Health Michigan City is presenting the QPR Suicide Prevention Course from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 16 at the Franciscan Health Michigan City Legacy Campus, 301 W. Homer St.
The course is free, but registration is required by May 25. To register and for more information, please contact Franciscan Health Community Health Improvement Coordinator Nila Williams at Nila.Williams@franciscanalliance.org.
Influential Women nominees announced
The Northwest Indiana Influential Women Association has announced the nominees for the 2026 Influential Women Awards, marking its 15th year.
Nearly 500 women were nominated by their peers and other members of the public to recognize their significant impact on their companies, industries and communities, according to a release. A complete list of nominees is available at https://www.nwiiwa.org/nominees-1.
Winners will be chosen from the list of finalists and announced during the awards banquet set for Sept. 24 at Avalon Manor in Merrillville.
Two awards, one for an Influential Woman of the Year and one for an Up-and-Coming Influential Woman of the Year, are presented in each of 13 industries.
Nonprofit funding applications open
Franciscan Health’s Social Impact Partnership Program is opening applications for funding to support healthcare-related programs for nonprofit health and human service organizations in at-risk communities, a release said.
SIPP funding applications will be accepted from through May 29. Partner agencies will be announced in mid-July. Organizations may apply for up to $10,000 in monetary support. Organizations may complete an application online at
https://franciscanhealthcare.formstack.com/forms/sipp_application_2026_2027.
For additional information or application support, contact Franciscan Health Community Health Improvement Director Danielle Crowder at Danielle.Crowder@franciscanalliance.org.
PNW raises $1.6M in annual event
Purdue University Northwest raised more than $1.6 million as part of 3,118 gifts April 29 during the university’s 13th annual Day of Giving.
Many gifts committed for 2026 PNW Day of Giving were made in conjunction with PNW’s 10th Anniversary Scholarship Gala, to be held on May 29. The gala is dedicated to expanding scholarship support for PNW students, a release said.
PNW ranked second among 66 participating units in the Purdue system for total gifts received, the institution’s highest ranking ever in this category. PNW Athletics raised the most gifts and total dollars among participating PNW units, which also earned bonus funds for PNW student-athletes. PNW Athletics raised 1,557 gifts totaling nearly $509,000, the release said.
Behavioral healthcare partner announced
Franciscan Health is partnering with US HealthVest to provide management services for behavioral health programs across its Lake County hospitals.
Under the agreement, US HealthVest will manage adult and adolescent inpatient psychiatric units, the detoxification program and outpatient psychiatric services at Franciscan Health Dyer, according to a release. In addition, US HealthVest will provide psychiatric consultation and navigation services in the emergency departments at Franciscan Health Crown Point, Dyer and Munster.
Adolescent programs at the St. Francis Center at Franciscan Health Dyer will remain under Franciscan Health’s management. All physicians within the Franciscan Physician Network will continue to be employed by Franciscan Alliance, the release said. US HealthVest is a leading behavioral hospital company with a strong regional presence across Illinois and Indiana, the release said.
