Philip Potempa

Philip Potempa is a freelance for the Post-Tribune.

A small wooden cart selling fresh flowers, goat milk soap and other wares is a seasonal fixture for Spring, Summer and Fall at the main street intersection with Highway U.S. 421 in the tiny rural town of San Pierre, Indiana. (Phil Potempa/Post-Tribune)

From the Farm: An interesting recipe is the worth of the human body in elements

July 31, 2026 at 3:26 p.m.

At last Sunday’s mass, our priest Rev. Terry Bennis, had an interesting and enlightening homily with an especially clever hook at the start, as his attention getter to hold the...

Both humans and salty puppets comprise the cast of the hit musical “Avenue Q” now playing through Aug. 9, 2026 at Dunes Summer Theatre in Michigan City. (Dunes Arts Foundation/provided)

Of Notoriety: Puppet applause for Dunes, Maestro Kirk and Willie vocal on issues

July 29, 2026 at 4:25 p.m.

Entertainment news from around the region.

Kankakee Valley Historical Society President John Hudson stands outside the Collier Lodge in Kouts, Indiana, Monday, Feb. 21, 2022. (Andy Lavalley for the Post-Tribune)

From the Farm: President Teddy Roosevelt hunted and fished our Grand Kankakee Marsh

July 24, 2026 at 5:12 p.m.

One of my favorite local nods to presidential history is our Kankakee River and adjoining marshland.

Mr. Pierogi, front-center, is flanked by his costumed cuisine counterparts, Miss Paczki, left, Halupki Guy, right, and the Buscia Brigade before the start of the annual Polka Parade at the Pierogi Fest, happening this weekend along 119th Street in downtown Whiting. (Tony Panek/provided)

Of Notoriety: Pierogi on parade, and puppets and ’50s nostalgia on stage

July 23, 2026 at 3:48 p.m.

Whiting’s Pierogi Fest, billed as one of the country’s “wackiest festivals,” returns to region spotlight this weekend in its 32nd edition. All of the favorite attractions and characters transform 119th...

David Simmons, left to right back row, as “Muscles,” Jeff Rausa as “Knuckles,” Mark Virkler as “Vito Valentino,” Michaelyn Oby as “Josie” and Jack Keilman as “Little Jake” and front row, Piper Burney, left, as “Peppa” and Abby Naden as “Tabby,” are the cast of “Vito’s Vault” dinner theater show in Chicago. (Vito’s Vault/provided)

Of Notoriety: Speakeasy in Hammond, Freddy’s Steakhouse and ‘Jeopardy’ contestant

July 22, 2026 at 4:13 p.m.

For one night only, Pat Pohrte is moving his speakeasy and its gangsters and flappers to Beatniks on Conkey in Hammond.

Artist Mitch Markowitz sits near his work during a display and discussion of his art at the Pines Village Retirement Community in Valparaiso. Markowitz, 75, died Tuesday. (Kyle Telechan/for the Post Tribune)

Artist Mitch Markovitz, who shaped region’s artistic identity, dies at 75

July 18, 2026 at 7:13 p.m.

Mitch Markovitz, a former South Shore train conductor who became a prolific artist, died at age 75 on Tuesday at his home in Knox.

Art Ginsburg, center, in chef’s attire, is shown in a 2011 publicity photo with his kitchen team, including his kitchen TV segment hosting successor Howard Rosenthal to his left, with wife Barbara Rosenthal as director of the Mr. Food Test Kitchen and Kelly Rusin, far right, as food stylist. (Photo courtesy of www.MrFood.com)

From the Farm: Late Mr. Food’s ‘Ooh! It’s so good’ legacy lives on

July 17, 2026 at 5:27 p.m.

Reader Mrs. Charles Lowery of Homewood wrote me asking about a popular television food segment I hadn’t thought about in some time.

Chester and Peggy Potempa, parents of columnist Phil Potempa, help Evelyn LaHaie display the four plaques designating the Jackson 5 with “Living Legend Honors” bestowed by the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority, from the living room of her Hobart home in May 2021. Nominated for the honor by LaHaie, the Jackson 5 were inducted as “Living Legends” in 2011. (Philip Potempa/provided)

Of Notoriety: Gary talent booking icon to Jackson family: ‘I’m not dead!’

July 15, 2026 at 11:49 a.m.

One of the famed names readers often write me about is our local notable Evelyn LaHaie of Hobart.

Chester and Peggy Potempa, parents of columnist Philip Potempa, share champagne and dinner in the ballroom at The Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster with Red Skelton tribute artist Brian Hoffman in July 2023, celebrating Chester’s 94th birthday. (Philip Potempa/provided)

From the Farm: Happy first heavenly birthday, Dad, with family party memories

July 10, 2026 at 5:24 p.m.

Dad would have celebrated his 97th birthday Sunday, and per usual, he’d be surrounded by family and friends.

Artist Mark Vander Vinne’s oil painting "Out There Somewhere" is among the 20 featured works in “A Brush with Nature” in the Atrium Gallery at South Shore Arts at The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road in Munster, now through Aug. 30. (South Shore Arts/provided)

Of Notoriety: Nature on canvas, Disney young villains and patriotic concert

July 9, 2026 at 3:14 p.m.

Entertainment news from around the region.

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