Latest news with #ChestertonHighSchool
Chicago Tribune
31-05-2025
- Chicago Tribune
Chesterton High School student converts trash into data for better environmental policy
Devin Throw insisted on taking home with him all the trash collected from a recent Earth Day cleanup along Waverly Road in Porter. Then, Throw, 17, who is a rising senior at Chesterton High School, spent days cataloging the 1,778 pieces of trash that altogether weighed 128.7 pounds. There was a lot of potential data generated with that trash. And Throw, one of the student members of Porter's Environmental Sustainability Commission, believed that it was worth his time to analyze it. So, Throw stood before the Porter Town Council on Tuesday to deliver the report and conclusions of the study presented on behalf of the Environmental Sustainability Commission. 'This data is incredibly important for our small town because it gives a rare, detailed snapshot of community behavior, environmental impact and public health indicators, all through the lens of garbage,' Throw said. The April 26 cleanup was conducted by a volunteer crew on a 0.44-mile stretch of Waverly Road between U.S. 20 and 12. It is a road traveled by those heading to Porter Beach and the Dune Park Station for the South Shore Line. A closer examination revealed that 33.8 pounds of the trash — 26% — consisted of items that could have been recycled. That included discarded losing lottery tickets, likely purchased from the gas station at the corner of U.S. 20 and Waverly Road. Then there were the hazardous items. Some in the council chambers recoiled when Throw told about the three bottles of urine. A nitrous oxide dispenser, lighter with fluid and vape cartridge with liquid were also recovered. Empty liquor bottles and beer cans were other items that could be associated with the potential impairment of participants. Throw noted that car parts, found scattered along the ditches and roadside, also could be potentially connected to impairment issues. 'Litter evidence helps to identify hot zones for public intoxication and impaired driving,' Throw said. Fire risks are also raised by paper trash on the roadside that could be easily ignited by a discarded burning cigarette, Throw said. Throw outlined many potential strategies for the town. Public education efforts that would encourage recycling and give incentives for neighborhoods to conduct cleanups would help, Throw said. The town could strengthen its littering and dumping ordinance, particularly specific language concerning hazardous waste, chemicals and building materials that leak toxins into the ground. Throw also suggested that motion-sensor trail cameras be installed to monitor troubled areas. Police could also step up patrols of illegal dumping hot spots. The town could use the data from the report to help apply for environmental, safety and mental health program grants. 'I can't do that (apply for a grant), but I am willing to get my hands in some garbage,' Throw said. The town could also place garbage bins at natural entry/exit points for pedestrian traffic along with signs that discourage littering. A part-time employee or volunteer could monitor the trouble spots, Throw said. As a practical suggestion, the town could promote a 'one bag a month' pledge from those willing to collect that much roadside trash within that time period. Throw said if even 100 people participated, that would be 1,200 bags per year. 'The 0.44-mile stretch of land is more than just a mess — it's a mirror reflecting environmental neglect, substance use and gaps in infrastructure,' Throw said. 'With this data, we can make the town of Porter more sustainable and successful, saving the environment, money and stress that could arise in the future.' Council President Laura Madigan, D-1st, said that the town's department heads should look to see what possible ways some of the report's recommendations could be implemented. Michael Barry, the town's development director/building superintendent, noted that some of Throw's findings were 'shocking' and that his report is 'impressive.' Those who have spent more time around Throw aren't surprised. Tara Duffie, chair of the Environmental Sustainability Commission, has served with Throw and recalls how he stated at the commission's first meeting: 'I want to change the world.' Duffie said that Throw, as his first assignment, took on cataloging every crack in sidewalks around Porter. 'He just adds so much value to the team,' Duffie said. Duffie noted that Throw also is on the school's track team and works at Dog Days Ice Cream Parlor in Chesterton. 'He's a super smart kid, but he also cares a lot,' Duffie said. Daniel Paff enjoyed having Throw in his AP Environmental Science class this year at Chesterton High School. 'He's definitely in a class of his own when it comes to engagement in environmental issues,' Paff said. 'He's definitely civically engaged as well.' Paff recalls how Throw brought to his attention an article about how pineapple waste products can be turned into soaps and detergents. 'I love it as a teacher when a student finds things they are passionate about and shares,' Paff said.
Chicago Tribune
22-05-2025
- Health
- Chicago Tribune
For Phoenix Bridegroom, Chesterton park benches are a community thank you after cancer
The four Friendship Benches being installed at Dogwood Park represent a meaningful marker in the life of their benefactor, Phoenix Bridegroom. Phoenix, 19, decided to raise funds and have the benches built for her Gold Award project with the Girl Scouts. They are scheduled to be installed soon, weather permitting. She will graduate June 5 from Chesterton High School and plans to start in August at Ball State University as a communications major, specializing in media production. But there's more to the project than four new benches in a park. Phoenix is the survivor of multiple bouts with acute lymphoblastic leukemia that first occurred when she was 5. She has been cancer-free for more than 6 years after doctors at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia successfully deployed what was then a new treatment option. 'I want to give back to the community because they did so much for me growing up,' Phoenix said. The Friendship Benches each have a simple question, aimed at generating conversations for children between the ages of 6 and 12. Phoenix remembers feeling like an outsider when she was younger because the leukemia flare-ups caused her to feel isolated at times. 'I was uncomfortable with socializing,' Phoenix said. 'I felt different from the kids, and I didn't know how to feel like that at that time.' Phoenix had to repeat kindergarten because she missed a school year after her initial leukemia diagnosis. 'The first time I didn't really have a recollection of what was happening,' Phoenix said. When Phoenix recovered the first time, she joined the Girl Scouts in kindergarten, and they have given her a sense of community ever since. It gave her a needed 'breather' from dealing with her illness at times and the opportunity to make friends. 'I could show more of my quirky side. I could learn more ways to get into my community better,' Phoenix said. Becky McGowan, the leader of Girl Scout Troop 30321, said that it's been a pleasure to have Phoenix in the troop all these years. Phoenix is petite in stature. But McGowan said people soon learn that she's assertive. 'This girl has spunk and attitude,' McGowan said. There are banners hanging on the front porch railing of the Bridegroom home, recognizing that Phoenix is graduating and Ball State bound. John Bridegroom, looking at the banners, acknowledges that he didn't know whether he would get to enjoy a moment like this. 'We've been blessed,' Bridegroom said. 'I can't imagine anything harder and for 10 years in our life, it was a real struggle. To be here and where we are is wonderful.' 'Having been in that world for a while, we saw lots of families that didn't have that kind of good fortune,' Bridegroom said. Phoenix went through a difficult time at age 9 in 2015, when the leukemia recurred. She was more aware of what was happening to her. She had a bone marrow transplant. The donor was Brett Kasper, a man she didn't know who was then playing quarterback at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. At the age of 10, Phoenix met Kasper and People magazine wrote a story about their meeting and their bond. Then, when Phoenix was 12, she went to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia where they were treating children suffering from leukemia with what was then cutting-edge cell therapy. Bridegroom said the local community has been incredibly supportive throughout. There were several fundraisers, like a spaghetti dinner put on by Peggy Sue's Diner. 'Chesterton as a community really stunned us,' Bridegroom said. 'The (Duneland) school system went above and beyond the call of duty.' Bridegroom said the Duneland School Corporation even sent tutors to Phoenix when she was hospitalized to ensure she kept up with her studies. One personal touch in elementary school was when a giant teddy bear was placed in Phoenix's seat whenever she was hospitalized. 'The giant teddy bear was in her seat so the kids wouldn't forget about her,' Bridegroom said. Bridegroom said that it was her daughter's idea to do the Friendship Benches. Phoenix raised $1,100 from donors for materials and got the Chesterton High School's building and trades students to construct the benches. Chesterton Parks Superintendent Tyler McLead said he's grateful to Phoenix for the time and effort she put into the project. 'Her Friendship Benches are more than just places to sit — they represent community, connection and kindness. Her project reflects a thoughtful understanding of how public spaces can foster inclusion and emotional well-being,' McLead said. Bridegroom said he's so grateful that Phoenix these past few years has been able to live a 'regular, healthy life.' 'She gets to go on and do the things that she's doing now,' Bridegroom said. 'She's not wasting that, which is wonderful.'
Chicago Tribune
16-05-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Proposed housing on former golf course called too dense
Owners of the Brassie Golf Club who want to turn the course into a housing subdivision were told by three members of Chesterton's Advisory Plan Commission that their proposal for 600 units on 200 acres is too high in density. PMM Chesterton, which does business as Diamond Peak Homes, was making their official concept review proposal before the seven-member Advisory Plan Commission Thursday night. There were about 25 people in attendance, but only the plan commission members could speak. While it was the first official appearance, PMM Chesterton has been publicizing their intentions for what they called 'The Brassie Plan' for months. PMM Chesterton met with town economic development officials and also made one prior unofficial appearance before the Advisory Plan Commission. They also held two community forum meetings at Chesterton High School. The next steps before the Advisory Plan Commission — if PMM Chesterton proceeds — would be a preliminary hearing, a public hearing and then a vote by the commission. The Town Council would have the final vote. As a result of interaction with town officials and the community, Michael Herbers, the managing partner for PMM Chesterton, said they did adjust the housing units downward to 600 from 632. The development would have a variety of home styles with 83 single-family homes on 75-foot-wide lots and 127 single-family homes on 50-foot-wide lots. There would be 196 paired villas — or duplexes — and 194 townhomes. When asked, Herbers estimated that the low-end pricing for the townhomes in the development would cost between $250,000 to $300,000. Herbers said that it is important to have housing available for the area's workforce, like teachers and police officers. Plan Commission member James Kowalski was the most blunt in his assessment, saying they were trying to put '10 pounds of potatoes in a five-pound bag.' He said a lot of people weren't happy with the plan and some labeled the developer's meetings with the community at Chesterton High School a 'dog and pony show.' He also was critical of what he saw as a lack of concrete information and added 'I don't see anything here that I see as really sincere.' Kowalski noted that in some places, the housing was so dense there was only 10 feet between the houses. He said that would mean that a person would open their window and end up watching a neighbor take a shower, which he described with the profanity for bull waste. 'This just ain't gonna fly with me, I'll tell you right now,' Kowalski said. Plan Commission member Thomas Kopko noted that he was opposed in November 2022, when Lennar Homes proposed building almost 400 houses on the property. 'This would be 50% more which would be 50% worse,' Kopko said. Kopko said he wouldn't be for such density 'in this lifetime or the next.' 'Come back with 300 (houses) and you might get my interest,' Kopko said. David Uran of Game Plan Solutions, who is assisting PMM Chesterton, said that having only 300 single-family homes would drive pricing of the homes 'way up.' He said with the market today, there is a need for housing for first-time home buyers and seniors. Councilwoman Sharon Darnell, D-4th, who is also a plan commission member, said she was concerned how the density of housing for the Brassie Club property would affect drainage because it is 'the wettest section of town.' The water table is only 4 to 8 feet from the surface in some areas. Darnell said there is no way the houses could have basements. Darnell said she lives in the area and knows there were houses built with basements and now the owners have to deal with flooding. 'I am not going to go through that again,' Darnell said. She noted that the developer is at some disadvantage because prior builders 'were not good stewards.' Building 600 homes would also overload the roads in that area, Darnell said. Herbers said that a traffic impact study would be performed for that area. However, Darnell noted that the town must now deal with the funding implications of Senate Bill 1 and the new property tax revenue generated by the housing wouldn't be enough to cover the costs of providing town services. Herbers and Uran said they would consider the input they received from the commission members, along with the town's Engineering Department. Uran emphasized that they want to build a quality development for the community. After the presentation of the Brassie Plan, Councilwoman Jennifer Fisher, R-5th, told the Post-Tribune she was disappointed by the conduct of some of the commission members which she thought was 'unprofessional.' 'It is really inappropriate for an advisory plan commission (member) to be yelling and cussing when talking to people,' Fisher said. She said she also was disappointed that the developer was talked down to and interrupted when they tried to answer. Fisher said that some town council members had asked the developer to have a diversity of housing, yet one advisory plan commission member wanted only single-family housing. At a February council meeting, Fisher raised concerns about the town's reputation with developers and how the advisory plan commission members had treated them. She said with the town's new economic development team, there was a need to improve the town's approach.
Chicago Tribune
06-05-2025
- Health
- Chicago Tribune
Duneland School Corporation first in Northwest Indiana for AED certification
The Duneland School Corporation has become the first district in Northwest Indiana to have all of its school buildings with employees who are certified to administer an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) for a cardiac emergency. Assistant Superintendent Robert McDermott told the Duneland School Board Monday that Project ADAM granted the certification after training was completed with the five elementary and two intermediate schools. Chesterton High School received its Project ADAM certification last fall. The program is named after Adam Lemel, who collapsed and died while playing basketball in 1999 in Whitefish Bay, a Milwaukee suburb. Adam's life might have been saved if those helping him had an AED available. Duneland knows the value of an AED as there have been 10 cases in the past three years where the equipment was used in a cardiac emergency, McDermott said. 'In many cases, the difference between life and death comes down to having the right equipment in place and people who are ready and trained to use it,' McDermott said. McDermott said he was so impressed with the program that he asked Chesterton High School nurse Brittany Smith if she would supervise the Project ADAM certification for the other seven school buildings. To become certified, each school must have a detailed cardiac emergency response plan, personnel must be trained, and the AEDs have to be properly maintained and placed in an accessible location. A drill is also observed before the certification is granted. The Duneland board presented Smith with an award, recognizing her effort in obtaining the Project ADAM certification for all of the district's schools. 'Her commitment, passion and leadership have made our schools safer places for students, staff and visitors alike and will save lives,' McDermott said. The Duneland School Board also awarded a contract to Gough, Inc. for $415,000 to do site preparation at the Bailly, Brummitt, Liberty and Jackson Elementary schools before new playground equipment is installed. Superintendent Chip Pettit said that the playground equipment is anticipated to cost $500,000 at each site for a total of $2 million. Pettit said the equipment will be purchased through a cooperative to ensure that the district gets the lowest and best price. The Duneland School Corporation has budgeted $2.5 million out of a general obligation bond to pay for the project. That $14.3 million bond will also finance the construction of a soccer stadium complex and replacing carpet at Chesterton High School. Duneland Schools will also purchase two I.C. Collins buses for $365,326. The two 54-passenger buses are equipped with lifts for special needs students. The buses will also be equipped with cameras and 10 specially integrated seats. Lynn Kwilasz, Duneland's assistant superintendent/chief financial officer, said that the purchase of the two buses is within the school corporation's budget of $397,400. She also said new buses that were ordered in 2023 and last year finally arrived at the end of March. The board also honored George Fox, a special education teacher of science and math at Chesterton High School, as the Secondary Teacher of the Year and Russ Hardsock, a third-grade teacher at Yost Elementary School, as the Elementary School Teacher of the Year. Chesterton Police Officer Shauna Jesse, who is a school resource officer at Chesterton High School, was chosen as the School District's Employee of the Year. Jesse couldn't attend the school board meeting. Each of the award winners received a check for $500 and are eligible for statewide recognition.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Community news: Jazz enzemble, native plant sale, kindergarten roundup, health fair
Chesterton High School will host its 52nd Annual All That Jazz, an annual jazz festival at 7 p.m. Saturday in the CHS Auditorium, 2125 S. 11th Street in Chesterton. Enjoy an evening of music performed by Chesterton High School's Jazz Ensemble, with special guests Bonzo Squad. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at The Friends of Indiana Dunes 29th Annual Native Plant Sale takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Friends' office, at 1000 West Oak Hill Road in Porter. The sale is just north of Indiana Dunes National Park's Chellberg Farm. There is ample parking in the adjacent lot or immediately to the north at Indiana Dunes National Park's headquarters complex. Admission is free, and more than 80 native plant species will be for sale. The Porter County Council is seeking citizen applicants for position(s) on the Library Board of Trustees, a four-year appointment. Individuals interested in being considered can obtain an application at the Porter County Council office, 155 Indiana Ave., Suite 207, Valparaiso, or online at under the Citizen Board Appointments tab. Depending on the vacancy, certain requirements, such as residency, and/or certain political party affiliation, must be met to qualify for a particular appointment. Applications must be received via post, email at council@ or in person no later than 4:30 p.m. June 16. The Council will make the appointments at the June 24 Council meeting at 5:30 p.m. The city of Valparaiso has proclaimed the first full week of May as International Compost Awareness Week. Valpo Parks has partnered with Porter County Recycling & Waste Reduction for a pilot program to promote composting. Through the program, residents may bring their compostable food and garden waste to the Farmers Market (beginning June 3 for the 2025 season) at Central Park Plaza, 63 Lafayette St. on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. The materials are collected and composted at a Valpo Parks site. Last year the program collected more than 8,000 pounds of organic waste, diverting it from the landfill. Several branches of the Lake County Public Library need teen Summer Reading volunteers to help throughout the programs. Teens will earn volunteer hours toward their silver card. Those interested will need their parents' permission and must attend an orientation session to participate. Register for the Dyer-Schererville orientation on May 14 at or on May 17 at The following branches will host one-on-one orientations. Call or visit your branch to register: Griffith-Calumet Twp., 219-838-2825; Hobart, 219-942-2243; Lake Station-New Chicago, 219-962-2409; or Merrillville, 219-769-3541. Register for the Munster orientation on May 13 at on May 21 at or May 29 at Register for the St. John orientation on May 19 at or on May 28 at Cedar Lake and Highland branches will not need teen volunteers this year; teens from those branches are welcome to sign up at other branches. Ivy Tech Community College's Lake County campus will celebrate Commencement ceremonies at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Dean and Barbara White Community Center, 6600 Broadway, Merrillville. Ivy Tech Lake County's Class of 2025 includes approximately 1,200 graduates earning more than 1,600 degrees and certificates during the 2024-2025 academic year. The event will be live-streamed on the campus Facebook page, which can be accessed at or @IvyTechLakeCounty. Gary Community School Corporation will host their Annual Kindergarten Round-Up from 1 to 3 p.m. May 14 at the Bethune Early Childhood Development Center, 2367 E. 21st Ave., Gary. Registration for kindergarten is now open to all children who will turn 5 years old on or before Aug. 1, 2025. In addition, those who will be age 3 or 4 will have the opportunity to register for Bethune Early Childhood Development for the 2025-2026 school year. Highlights will include: meeting principals, teachers and staff from elementary schools across the city; information sessions about programs and resources; on-site registration for kindergarten; and family-friendly activities and refreshments. The F.A.C.E. (Family and Community Engagement) team will be onsite to help with registration for all grades Pre-K through 12th for the 2025-2026 school year as well. Be sure to bring the following documents: parent/guardian ID; birth certificate; proof of residency (Gary residency not required); and updated immunization record. For more information about the Kindergarten round-up, contact the Bethune Early Childhood Development Center at 219-886-6542. To enroll your child in any of the Gary Schools, visit Gary Mizpah Health Ministries will host a health fair from noon to 4 p.m. May 18 at the Hudson and Campbell Sports and Fitness Center, 455 Massachusetts, Gary. The event will include free blood pressure checks, home health information, blood sugar checks and refreshments. Be sure to bring your insurance information for on-site diagnostic testing, interpretation and free faxing. For more information, call 219-301-9722. In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, New Beginnings Clubhouse will host 'Stomp Out the Stigma,' a 5K Color Run Fundraiser, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 24 at the Lake County Fairgrounds, Shelter No. 4 Pavilion East, 889 S. Court St., Crown Point. The 5K is open to all ages. Register at Proceeds from the event will benefit New Beginnings Clubhouse in Merrillville. New Beginnings offers people living with mental illness opportunities for community, employment, housing, education and access to medical psychiatric services. More information can be found at or call 219-794-1004.
