Horace Mann alum starts scholarship for West Side students
Horace Mann High School graduate and entrepreneur Eric Smoot has added a scholarship program to his tradition of donating backpacks and school supplies to local students, according to a release.
Smoot, a former three-time state track champion and high school All-American, recently provided 150 backpacks filled with supplies to each of the Gary Community School Corp.’s five elementary schools, an expansion from his annual donations to Beveridge Elementary School solely, the release said.
In addition to the backpack drive, Smoot and his former Horace Mann track teammates have launched a new scholarship in honor of their late coach, Roosevelt “Chief” Pulliam. The first $2,000 scholarship was awarded to KeRon Maxey, a 2025 graduate of West Side Leadership Academy at a recent school board meeting.
Porter County adds ‘SaveHeart’ stations
The Porter County Health Department, in partnership with Valparaiso Parks, Valparaiso Fire Department and the Zac Mago Foundation, has begun placing publicly accessible automated external defibrillators in the county.
The initiative marks a step toward Porter County’s goal of becoming a “HEARTSafe community” by enhancing AED accessibility, a release stated. The first of five new AED machines was installed Aug. 15 at Central Park Plaza, adjacent to the public restroom area near the Northwest Health Amphitheater.
Other locations for the units are:
Valparaiso: Central Park Plaza, Fairgrounds Park, near the concession stand (Old Fairgrounds) and the Expo Center.
Chesterton: Thomas Centennial Park.
Portage: Founders Square.
Franciscan Dyer to host free baby expo
Franciscan Health Dyer is hosting a free baby expo for expectant families and new parents, a release said.
The Twinkle Twinkle Little Star Baby Expo is scheduled to take place from 10 a.m. to noon. Sept. 13 at Franciscan Health Dyer, 24 Joliet St. in the first floor conference rooms. Attendees should enter through the main entrance.
Information and education on car seat safety, prenatal care, safe sleep and breastfeeding will be offered along with information from health vendors, clinical staff, healthcare providers and community resources. The event is free, but registration is required. Registration is available online or by calling 1-800-931-3322.
Senior accountant named at CLH
CLH, CPAs & Consultants has announced that Wyatt Stacy has been promoted to Senior Accountant in the Michigan City firm.
Wyatt started his career with CLH in 2022 as a staff accountant following his graduation from Valparaiso University, the release said.
Quartet named to national lawyer listing
Four members of the Allen Law Group have been named in the upcoming edition of The Best Lawyers in America, according to a release.
Kenneth J. Allen, Bryan Bradley, Otto Shragal and Jeff Lund from the Allen Law Group were selected. Additionally, Bradley was named “Lawyer of the Year” by The Best Lawyers publication, the release said.
Lawyers are nominated for consideration and voted on only by lawyers working in the same practice area and region.
Promotional products showcase on Sept. 9
National vendors specializing in promotional products, wearables and specialty items are expected Sept. 9 when a showcase of industry innovation and business solutions comes to Portage.
The showcase will feature 70 vendors representing diverse categories, including technology accessories, sustainable promotional items, custom apparel, awards and recognition products, trade show giveaways and executive gifts, according to a release.
The event is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Construction Advancement Foundation, 6050 Southport Road, Portage. Tickets are free but limited. Register at
https://events.humanitix.com/promo-pop-up-expo
