Volunteer firefighters mark academy graduation
In partnership with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security District 1 Firefighter Training Council, the MAAC Foundation recently graduated 41 new firefighters from its latest Fire Academy. The ceremony took place at Wheeler High School.
The recruits completed an 11-week training program that included instruction in fire suppression, hazmat operations and technical rescue, along with other firefighting skills.
Graduates include: Nikola Alavanja, Lake Ridge; Garette Austin, Ogden Dunes; Dominic Bonk, Dyer; Hagen Brown, Washington; Edward Brown, Lake of Four Seasons; Cameron Campbell, Lake of Four Seasons; Jayden Clifford, Lake Station; Nayahlei Cordero, Munster; Mason Crawford, Dyer; Aidan Dawson, Lincoln; Sophia Ford, Porter Fire; David Fowler, Task Force Tips; Donovan Garner, Bass Lake; Owen Gilbert, Washington; Vanessa Gonzales, Lake Ridge; Omar Gracia, South Haven; and Stefan Harris, Porter Fire.
Others include: John Hawkins, Cass Clinton; Savion Herbert, South Haven; Hannah Hlebasko, Crown Point; Gavin Holder, Highland; Emily Keilman, Lake Hills; Collin Kinley, Highland; Alejandro Lomeli, Lake Hills; Nolan Lord, Cass Clinton; Ryan Lukas, Lake of Four Seasons; Theodoro Mann, Union; Marshawn Manuel, Lake Dale; and Codey Marlow, Liberty; Giovanni Max, Munster; Michael McCroan, Lowell; Ethan Miles, Munster; Joshua Murray, Porter Fire; Amer Mustafa, Lake Station; Dorion Pitts, Michianna Shores; Trace Risner, Bass Lake; Jared Rolinski, Washington; Ryan Rose, Griffith; Andrew Sharp, Lake Hills; Austin Shelton, Lake Station; and Ethan Swart, North Judson.
A rendering of Purdue University Northwest’s developing Roberts Impact Lab property in downtown Hammond is shown. PNW leaders anticipate the lab will begin hosting research and innovation opportunities in 2026. (Rendering provided by Purdue University Northwest)
Mrvan announces grant award in Gary
U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan, D-Highland, recently announced a federal grant award under the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s National Coastal Resilience Fund in Gary, according to a release.
According to the Foundation, the Wetlands Initiative will receive $794,000 to support planning, design and implementation of nature-based solutions along the Little Calumet River in Gary. Specifically, this award supports the completion of final design and permitting steps for riparian and wetland restoration on the nearly 800-acre Chase Street Complex, the release said. The project is being collaboratively facilitated by the Little Calumet River Conservation Collaborative, spearheaded by the Wetlands Initiative in partnership with Audubon Great Lakes, Calumet Collaborative, the City of Gary, Lake County Parks and Recreation, the Little Calumet River Basin Development Commission, The Nature Conservancy in Indiana, NiSource and NIPSCO, the release said.
PNW plans innovation, research initiatives
Purdue University Northwest leaders look forward to opportunities for innovation and workforce development enterprises to begin in 2026 at the university’s new Roberts Impact Lab, a release said.
The lab, located at 5454 Hohman Ave. in downtown Hammond, is undergoing phased renovations to prepare state-of-the-art workspaces that will advance quantum technology and transformational applied research initiatives. The Lab’s mission centers on establishing a regional hub for business growth, where testing, prototyping and training are integrated with the successful “concept to commercialization” sequence, the release said.
The continued development of PNW’s Roberts Impact Lab will be boosted by $10 million in operating funds approved earlier this month by the Purdue University Board of Trustees. Work is scheduled to begin in fall 2026 and be completed in 2027.
Munster nursing home honored
Hartsfield Village has been recognized as a 2026 Best Nursing Home for long-term care and short-term rehabilitation by U.S. News & World Report for the fourth consecutive year, according to a release.
Hartsfield Village, 10000 Columbia Ave., Munster, is a continuing care retirement community. A service of Powers Health, Hartsfield Village offers independent living, assisted living, rehabilitation and nursing care on a 38-acre campus.
U.S. News & World Report evaluates nearly 15,000 U.S. nursing homes and recognizes fewer than 19% as “Best Nursing Homes” in “Short-Term Rehabilitation,” “Long-Term Care” or both, the release said. For more information, call 219-934-0590 or visit HartsfieldVillage.com.
Dr. Leonid Kats, an internal medicine and weight management physician, is now part of the Franciscan Physician Network and is accepting new patients in Munster. (Photo provided by Franciscan Health)
Franciscan adds physician in Munster
Dr. Leonid Kats, an internal medicine and weight management physician, is now part of the Franciscan Physician Network and is accepting new patients in Munster, a release said.
Kats earned his medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies. He completed his residency in internal medicine at Rutgers University Jersey City Medical Center in Jersey City, New Jersey, and completed his residency in obesity medicine at Columbia-Cornell in New York.
He is accepting new patients at the Franciscan Physician Network Hammond Clinic, 7905 Calumet Ave. in Munster. Virtual visits are also available. Call 219-836-5800.
Purdue Extension adds new educator
Purdue Extension recently announced that Mindy Duckett has joined the Purdue Extension-Porter County team as the new Regional Health & Human Sciences Educator, according to a release.
In this role, Duckett will work closely with residents, organizations and area leaders to deliver research-based programs and resources that address community needs and create opportunities for growth.
Duckett brings more than a decade of experience in nutrition and physical activity, along with a strong background in policy, systems and environment work, the release said. She was previously at the Purdue Extension Nutrition Education Program.
For more information about Purdue Extension in Porter County, visit https://extension.purdue.edu/county/porter/ or call 219-465-3555.
