COMMUNITY NEWS
Potential scam in Valparaiso area
The Valparaiso Police responded to the report of a potential scam occurring in the 400 block of Center Street, at approximately 2 p.m. Aug. 11. The scam involves the use of multiple subjects who arrive at a residence, under the pretext to provide a service or check related equipment within the home. The subjects claimed to be with NIPSCO, however had no uniforms, no identification, and arrived in a white pick-up truck with no markings. Both males were described as Hispanic, 30-40 years of age, and short in stature. One of the males was allowed to enter the home to reportedly check an interior meter, while a second male was in the back yard. The male inside of the home unlocked the rear door prior to the second man being located. As the reporting party became suspicious, both men left the area, making no attempt to check a meter or provide a service. NIPSCO confirmed the presence of crews in the area; however, not crews that would have been performing these types of checks. NIPSCO further reported that their employees would carry identification and would be in marked vehicles. Residents are asked to be cautious and report any suspicious activity to the Valparaiso Police Department. The police request anyone who may have video of these individuals to contact the department at 219-462-2135.
Lane, ramp closures for patching on I-80/94
The Indiana Department of Transportation announces lane and ramp closures for patching work on I-80/94 and State Road 912 beginning Monday through Aug. 26. The right lane and ramp lane of I-80/94 will be closed for full depth patching between mile marker 14 and 16 at the State Road 51 interchange. The off-ramp from eastbound I-80/94 to northbound State Road 51 and the on-ramp from southbound State Road 51 to eastbound I-80/94 will both be closed. A barrier wall will be installed for worker and traffic safety during this time. Drivers should seek alternate routes. The official detour for southbound State Road 51 to eastbound I-80/94 will follow State Road 51, U.S. 6 and State Road 49. The official detour for eastbound I-80/94 to northbound State Road 51 will follow I-80/94, State Road 249 and U.S. 20. The ramp from eastbound I-80/94 to southbound State Road 912 will be reduced to one lane for patching as well. Traffic will still be able to reach northbound and southbound State Road 912 through the off ramp. Motorists can monitor road closures, road conditions and traffic alerts via Facebook: facebook.com/INDOTNorthwest; Twitter: @INDOTNorthwest; CARS 511: indot.carsprogram.org; and Mobile App: iTunes App Store and the Google Play store for Android.
Vaping, addiction seminar
In the interest of respiratory health and social distancing needs during the COVID-19 pandemic, Franciscan Health is offering a free virtual seminar on “The Effects of Vaping and Addiction” from 6 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday. Known by different names, such as e-cigs, mods, vape pens and the USB flash drive-shaped JUUL, all are forms of ecigarettes and are part of the vaping epidemic. The online seminar will include information about lung disease and the effects of vaping and tobacco use. Cindy Cunningham, respiratory therapist at Franciscan Health Lafayette, will lead the program with special guest Faisal Khan, MD, Interventional Pulmonology Clinic medical director at Franciscan Health Indianapolis. While this virtual seminar is free, registration is required by Monday at FranciscanHealth.org/Events.
Virtual Pinney Purdue Field Day
Farmers, landowners, agribusiness representatives and the general public are invited to participate in the virtual Pinney Purdue Field Day from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday. Due to COVID-19 concerns and social distancing restrictions, the field day will be held virtually. Participants will hear presentations and participate in question and answer sessions with Purdue Extension specialists covering issues experienced this growing season. Speakers will include: Lyndon Kelly, Purdue/Michigan State Extension Irrigation specialist; Darcy Talenko, Purdue Extension Disease Specialist; Christian Krupke, Purdue Extension Entomologist; and Bill Johnson, Purdue Extension Weed Specialist. Registration is free and can be submitted with the form at the following site: https://tinyurl.com/Pinney-2020. Registered participants will receive a confirmation email with a link to view the field day at its scheduled time.
Parking change at Indiana Dunes
As the summer season winds down, the auxiliary parking lot at Indiana Dunes State Park has been closed. The main and west parking lots will remain open, and campers can continue to access the beach and lake from the Beach Trail boardwalk. When the lots are full, cars will be admitted for beach access only when other cars leave. This approach reduces congestion on the beach and allows for more social distancing. The swimming area is now closed Monday through Friday due to lack of lifeguard availability. The beach remains open on weekdays for sunbathing and walking during regular park hours but no swimming is permitted. More information can be found on the Beach Parking Information Line at 219-395-1003.