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HOBART AWARDED $14,700 FOR ROBINSON LAKE PROJECT

The city of Hobart received a $14,700 award from the “Amazon Hobart, Indiana Fund” to construct a rain garden at Robinson Lake, moving the environmental improvement project from the planning to the implementation stage. The rain garden will capture and treat stormwater runoff before it enters Robinson Lake. By filtering runoff through native plants and engineered soils, the project is intended to reduce pollutants, improve water quality and demonstrate sustainable stormwater management practices within the community. The project also will provide opportunities for public education and environmental outreach focused on the connection between stormwater runoff and the health of Hobart’s lakes, streams and other local waterways. Funding will be distributed in two phases. An initial payment will support project startup and construction activities. The remaining funding will be released after the rain garden is completed and the city provides documentation demonstrating the project’s community impact. Public participation, project updates and long-term stewardship of the site are expected to remain important components of the initiative as implementation moves forward. The Robinson Lake Rain Garden Project builds upon Hobart’s continued efforts to protect local water resources through green infrastructure, stormwater education and partnerships that leverage outside funding for community improvements.

RECYCLING AND WASTE REDUCTION DISTRICT HOSTS SHREDDING

The Recycling and Waste Reduction District of Porter County will host their next Household Hazardous Waste Collection Plus Paper Shredding Event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 8 at Neighbors’ Educational Opportunities, 5201 US-6, Portage. Enter at Wilshire Drive. Secure Shred Document Disposal will be at this event. Porter County residents are encouraged to drop off old documents, including invoices, tax forms, bank papers, pages containing sensitive information and plastic credit cards to be securely shredded. Residents also can safely dispose of products containing corrosive, toxic, ignitable or reactive substances. Common household hazardous waste items include antifreeze, motor oil, batteries (household and automotive), fluorescent bulbs, deck stains, pool chemicals, pesticides and household smoke detectors. At the collection, participants can drop off medical sharps, including diabetic needles, blood lancets, insulin pens, EpiPens, syringes, expired over-the-counter medicines and non-narcotic prescriptions. Items that are not accepted include latex paint, electronics, grill propane cylinders and large containers over 55 gallons in size. Visit PorterCountyRecycling.org for a complete list of accepted items. For additional information, call 219-465-3694 or email [email protected].

PURDUE EXTENSION OFFERS SERVSAFE CLASSES, EXAMS

Purdue Extension-Lake County will offer ServSafe Food Manager classes and exams in August and September. ServSafe educates food service workers about food safety. ServSafe Food Protection Manager is the highest ServSafe certification. All programs will be held at the Purdue Extension-Lake County office, 2291 N. Main St., Crown Point. Use the following links to register: Aug. 20 – https://cvent.me/aRP2n3; Sept. 24 – https://cvent.me/oYxB0y. Those in need of more information, accommodations or a translator to attend are asked to contact Linda Curley at 219-755-3240 or [email protected] at least two weeks before the event.

DUNELAND CHAMBER HOSTS EUROPEAN MARKET

Join the Duneland Chamber of Commerce as they host Chesterton’s European Market from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday through October at Broadway and Third Street, next to Thomas Centennial Park in the heart of historic downtown Chesterton. The Market brings together vendors, live entertainment, and a welcoming community atmosphere. Artists, chefs, merchants, and farmers travel from Indiana, Michigan and Illinois to offer a curated selection of exceptional products and services. An array of offerings, including artisan breads and pastries; boutique creamery cheeses; gourmet foods; locally crafted art; fresh meats, spices, and oils; clothing and accessories; handcrafted jewelry; and farm-fresh produce and flowers are available for purchase. More information is available from the Duneland Chamber of Commerce at 219-926-5513 or [email protected].