HAMMOND

Researchers to talk about dunes at forum

Some 100 researchers are expected at Purdue University Calumet in Hammond on Wednesday to attend the Indiana Dunes Research Forum.

The forum is intended to share ongoing research projects, identify priority research objectives and an agenda for the Indiana dunes region and Chicago Wilderness. The forum also will highlight growing opportunities for research at the dunes and in more than 1 million acres of other National Park Service areas in the Great Lakes region.

Attendees also will be introduced to new facilities that Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore has developed to accommodate researchers.

The forum is sponsored by Purdue Calumet's Department of Biological Sciences, the National Lakeshore, The Field Museum, Chicago Wilderness, DePaul University and USGS Lake Michigan Ecological Research Station.

The forum begins at 8:30 a.m. with sessions continuing until 4:15 p.m. at the Calumet Conference Center at Purdue Calumet.

For more information, call Purdue Calumet Director of Biological Sciences Michael Henson at (219) 989-2404 or 800/HI-PURDUE, ext. 2404.

HIGHLAND

Commission sets rezoning hearing

The Highland Plan Commission has set a May 16 public hearing for a request by Dr. Timothy Colby for a dental clinic he wants to build at 2704 45th St.

The 6,813-square-foot building would house his clinic and have three other suites.

The board unanimously scheduled the hearing after assurances from the doctor's engineer that water drainage plans will be completed in time for a study session in two weeks.

A petition from developer Thomas Schuyler to revise plans for a three-unit townhome was rescheduled for next month. The building will be constructed at 9004 Indianapolis Blvd.

SCHERERVILLE

Albert's plans event for champion team

The East Chicago Central basketball team will hold a meet and greet from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Albert's Jewelers, off Main Street and U.S. 41 in Schererville.

East Chicago Central won the state Class 4A basketball championship March 24, defeating North Central 87-83. Guests at Albert's will be able to meet the players, have their picture taken with them and see the trophy.

Sandwiches, refreshments and desserts will be available.

MUNSTER

Young People's auditions scheduled for May 11, 12

Auditions are scheduled next month for the annual NiSource Young People's competition presented by the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra.

The competition is open to students who will finish kindergarten through 11th grade by June 30. To qualify, children must play any instrument or sing (duets and trios are accepted); memorize any piece of their choice (90-second maximum); live in Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Jasper or Newton counties; and provide their own accompanist for auditions.

Winners must provide their own symphony-approved accompanist at the concert, and contestants must not have been a winner in the 2004-05 or 2005-06 seasons.

Auditions are from 3 to 8 p.m. May 11 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 12 at the Center for Visuals and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster. The audition fee is $10 per entry.

WINFIELD

Office manager takes on more responsibility

The office manager for Winfield has taken on additional responsibilities.

Town Council President Ken Thieneman said office manager Heidi Kendall, who started her job in January, also will be the town's deputy clerk-treasurer, reporting to Winfield Clerk-Treasurer Rick Anderson.

Kendall also was named the town's liaison to the street department.

The position was previously held by Councilman Jeff Wozniewski. Wozniewski has said he resigned his post because the town doesn't have the resources to complete essential tasks.

Thieneman said street department Superintendent John Lincoln will report to Kendall.

The Winfield Town Council office is at full staff, with Barbara Kortokrax as the new zoning administrator/building coordinator and Christine Willis, of Crown Point, as clerical staff.