Valpo Y nets donation and Hobart Chamber event Feb. 18

Avila selected for Extension program

Gina Avila, Purdue Extension Community Development Educator in Porter County, has been selected to participate in the 2026 North Central Extension Leadership Development program, a multi-state leadership initiative, according to a release.

The year-long program combines virtual cohort learning with immersive, in-person leadership experiences focused on self-awareness, collaboration, adaptive leadership and systems-thinking, the release said.

Avila serves as a Community Development Educator in Porter County and plays a leadership role across local, statewide and national initiatives. Her work focuses on strengthening collaboration, advancing digital equity and supporting Extension’s modernization efforts.

The 2026 NELD program is hosted by Kansas State University’s Staley School of Leadership.

Valparaiso Family Y presented with $8k gift

The Valparaiso Family YMCA recently accepted an $8,000 donation from Lake Cable, according to a release.

Lake Cable’s donation directly supports the Valparaiso Family YMCA’s ongoing efforts to provide access to youth programs, family engagement initiatives and financial assistance for those who need it most, the release said.

The Valparaiso Family YMCA serves nearly 19,000 individuals each year through programs and services that support physical wellness, childcare, youth development, senior engagement and community outreach. Donations from corporate partners like Lake Cable help ensure that the YMCA remains accessible to everyone, regardless of income, the release said.

Foundation welcomes new vice president

Kevin Nuppnau has been named Vice President of the Porter County Community Foundation, a release said.

Nuppnau’s primary responsibilities will be developing, expanding and deepening relationships and promoting the value of philanthropy in building endowed resources. In addition, he will lead the Foundation’s nonprofit education and professional development efforts to strengthen the capacity of the foundation’s nonprofit partners and collaborators, the release said. He officially joined the Foundation on Feb. 2, most recently serving as the Parks Director for the City of Valparaiso and the Executive Director of the Valpo Parks Foundation.

Gary Councilwoman appointed to national group

Gary Councilwoman Lori Latham, D-1st, has been appointed to the National League of Cities 2026 Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Federal Advocacy Committee.

Latham, a release said, was elected to a one-year term and will provide strategic direction and guidance for NLC’s federal advocacy agenda and policy priorities on sustainability, climate change, community resilience, water infrastructure, solid waste management and more. NLC President Kevin Kramer announced the appointment.

For more information on NLC’s Federal Advocacy Committees, visit: nlc.org/advocacy/federal-advocacy-committees/.

Bank exec steps aside after 53 years

Centier Bank has announced that Mike Schrage, longtime CEO, has turned the bank’s reins over to his son-in-law after 53 years in leadership, a release said.

Chris Campbell, Schrage’s son-in-law and current bank President, has assumed Schrage’s responsibilities, marking the formal transition to the fifth generation of Schrage family leadership. Campbell, whose career includes 20 years in leadership roles at Centier, joins other members of the family, including Stephanie Schrage, Board Member and daughter of the elder Schrage, and Anthony Contrucci, Board Member and President of First Bancshares Inc, and husband of Schrage’s daughter, Melissa.

Schrage’s future focus within Centier Bank will center around branch expansion across the state

as well as Centier’s hospitality-centered banking, the release said.

Munster named in Legacy initiative

Legacy Foundation, the community foundation for Lake County, recently announced Munster as the second community selected to participate in the Community Heart & Soul initiative, according to a release.

The town will be embarking on a plan to engage residents in identifying what they love the most about their community, what future they want for it, and how to achieve it, the release said. Munster will receive training, technical assistance, and up to $90,000 in funding from Legacy Foundation to support implementation of the process, as well as early projects that emerge from resident-led action planning.

Cedar Lake, the first community named, launched its Heart & Soul programming in January 2025.

Hobart Chamber hosts networking event Feb. 18

Gloria’s Glass Garden is sponsoring the Hobart Chamber of Commerce’s Chamber Mingle networking event from 8:30-10 a.m. Feb. 18 at the Chamber office, 1001 Lillian St..

The free casual morning event is designed to bring together local business professionals, entrepreneurs and community leaders for a relaxed and engaging networking experience, a release said. For more information, email Susan Thompson at executivedirector@hobartchamber.com.

Mrvan announces DOT safety grants

U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan , D-Highland, recently announced federal grant awards for Burns Harbor, Gary, Hobart, Michigan City and Munster under the Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant program, a release said.

Specifically, Burns Harbor will receive $120,000, Gary will receive $421,600, Hobart will receive $300,000, Michigan City will receive $200,000, and Munster will receive $240,000 to invest in safety action plans and studies aimed at improving transportation and reducing roadway fatalities within their communities. According to the DOT, the SS4A Grant program aims to improve roadway safety by supporting communities in developing plans to implement infrastructure projects designed to reduce transportation-related fatalities and serious injuries, the release said.