Braun makes state board appointments
Gov. Mike Braun recently announced new appointments to various state boards and commissions, a release said.
Appointments included Keener Township Fire Chief Tom Fentress, of Jasper County, to the Indiana Emergency Medical Services Commission.
His term expires Sept. 30, 2030.
Others included Katherine Haded, of Porter County, to the Speech Language Pathology and Audiology Board. Her term expires Dec. 31,
2030.
Lake County resident Beverly Hmurovic and Porter County resident Julie Mortier were appointed to the CHOICE Board with both terms expiring June 30, 2029.
President, CEO named for Franciscan Michigan City
Dr. Stacey Leva was officially welcomed recently as president and CEO of Franciscan Health Michigan City.
Leva served as interim president and CEO of Franciscan Health Michigan City before being appointed to the role by the Franciscan Alliance Board of Trustees earlier this year, a release said. Leva has extensive expertise in value-based care, population health, strategy, healthcare operations, finance, quality improvement and care transformation, the release said. Leva also has executive oversight over Franciscan locations in LaPorte and Porter counties.
Leva succeeds Dean Mazzoni as Franciscan Health Michigan City president and CEO.
Hobart opens readiness grant applications
The Hobart Redevelopment Commission is accepting applications until noon Nov. 2 for the Educational & Workforce Readiness Grant Program, according to a release.
A total of $50,000 is available through the grant program. Applications may be completed online through the City of Hobart’s CivicServe portal at hobartin.civicserve.com. Applicants with questions about the grant or application process should contact Community Development Coordinator Kate McGill at [email protected].
The grant supports educational and career-readiness initiatives that help participants build skills, pursue training and prepare for
continued education and high-demand careers, the release said.
Porter judge receives state award
NAMI Indiana has selected Porter Superior Court Judge Michael Fish as the recipient of the 2026 Gloria Goeglein Public Policy Award.
More Top Picks Best Visual Timers For Kids
The Gloria Goeglein Public Policy Award is presented to a judge, legislator, or law enforcement official who meets the needs of people living with mental illness in an exemplary way, a release said.
Fish was chosen for this award because of his leadership in improving how Indiana’s courts respond to individuals living with serious mental
illness. He has been a leader in bringing Assisted Outpatient Treatment to Indiana, helping establish one of the state’s first AOT programs and aiding other counties in implementing the program. He has transformed the local judicial system from a reactive crisis responder into an active partner in long-term treatment, stability, and recovery, the release said.
Franciscan to host cancer screening events
Franciscan Health is hosting multiple events this fall aimed at encouraging women to schedule screenings for both breast and lung cancer, according to a release.
Franciscan is hosting multiple events to promote the Pink & Pearl campaign this fall, including Franciscan Health Crown Point hosted a Pink & Pearl event from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 4 outside the gift shop at 12750 St. Francis Drive. The event will feature breast and lung cancer education, giveaways and door prizes. For more information, contact Pamela Bolda at 219-757-5741 or Kammi Fox-Kay at 219-757-6407.
Another event will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 13 in the Medical Arts Center at 701 Superior Ave., Munster. Walk-in mammogram
appointments will be available in Suite 3200 and informational booths will be available in the St. Clare conference room on the first floor.
For more information, contact Kyla Krzeminski at 219-228-1263.
PNW names dean for Westville campus
Purdue University Northwest recently named Jonathan Swarts, a longtime PNW faculty member and university administrator, as dean and interim director of the PNW Westville campus. The appointment became effective Aug. 17, a release said.
In this new role, Swarts is responsible for academic and administrative leadership for the Westville campus and will work with faculty and staff, as well as community members, to foster a unified vision to advance high-impact growth practices and enhance student success, the release said.
Swarts began his career as a faculty member in political science at the PNW Westville campus in 2001, achieving the rank of professor in
2016. Most recently, he has served as dean of PNW’s Honors College and University College. Swarts earned his bachelor’s degree in political
science from the University of Akron and his master’s and doctoral degrees from The Ohio State University.
For more information about PNW’s Westville campus, visit pnw.edu/westville-experience.
Mrvan announces DoE grant for Calumet College
U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan, D-Highland, recently announced a federal grant award for Calumet College of St. Joseph through the U.S. Department of Education’s Strengthening Institutions Program, a release said.
CCSJ, in Hammond, will receive $1,443,864 to improve and strengthen the institution’s academic quality, institutional management and
fiscal stability, the release said.
According to the CCSJ, approximately half of the grant funding will be designated to complete a kitchen and kinesiology space, which will
provide more robust food service for students while also creating a more functional catering kitchen to support events.
Dunes Tourism accepting grant applications
Indiana Dunes Tourism is again offering $50,000 in grants to fund community projects, marketing initiatives and unique events that attract visitors to Porter County. The grant program aligns with the organization’s mission to attract new and repeat visitors to Porter County by enhancing their stay through the promotion of attractions, marketing efforts and new product development, a release said. The grant application deadline is 11:59 p.m. Nov. 6, with recipients announced in December or early January, the release said. Grants are for fiscal year 2027, covering projects and events from January 2027 to December 2027.
Porter County for-profit, non-profit and government organizations, including cities and towns, are eligible. Private-sector applications
will also be considered if the project or event attracts visitors from outside Porter County. Organizations interested in participating in the 2027 grant program should apply at IndianaDunes.com/Grant-Programs.
Free Trunk or Treat event announced
Franciscan Health Michigan City is hosting a free Trunk or Treat event for the community from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Oct. 23 at the hospital campus,
301 W. Homer St., Michigan City.
DJ Jammin’ D will provide entertainment and food trucks will be available for attendees wishing to purchase food, a release said. For more information, call Tiffany Smyers at 219-877-1186.
Women’s conference set for Oct. 28
The Professional Women’s Conference Oct. 28 will bring professionals together for a day dedicated to learning, leadership and development
at Blue Chip Casino Hotel Spa in Michigan City.
The annual event, this year called “One Day. Lasting Impact,” reflects the conference’s focus on helping women across roles and career stages
strengthen their skills and build relationships that support their professional growth. The program will feature two keynote presentations, nine breakout sessions and networking opportunities for professionals, business leaders and entrepreneurs.
Visit at www.professionalwomensconference.com for conference and ticket information.