MERRILLVILLE | Lightning during summer storms struck the weather station equipment atop Pierce Middle School, prompting the district to buy another piece of equipment for the community planetarium.

Merrillville Community Planetarium Director Gregg Williams said the facility has been without its equipment for several weeks. He said the district opted to replace rather than repair the aging equipment. The School Board approved $1,700 for that purpose.

Williams said the weather station is beneficial to students and the community, allowing a rich experience in science classes and displaying up-to-the-minute weather conditions on a school Web site.