Last year, 21 initiatives from local organizations were selected by the grant review committee to each receive between $500-$5,000 in funding.

“As engaged corporate citizens, we take our responsibility to protect and nurture the environment that sustains and strengthens our communities to heart,” said Rick Calinski, director of public affairs and economic development at NIPSCO. “Through the Environmental Action Grant, we support initiatives that preserve our natural resources and empower local organizations to create lasting social and environmental impact.”

Many of the funded initiatives include a significant volunteer and community engagement component, encouraging community members to give back through environmental stewardship projects.

Some of last year’s grant recipients included:

  • The Nature Conservancy in Indiana, Festival de la Monarcha, East Chicago
  • LaPorte County Park Foundation, Habitat Restoration Project
  • Indiana Audubon Society, Chasing Melody, Lake and Jasper Counties
  • Blue Heron Ministries, Lupine Meadow Expansion at Headacres Farm, Steuben County
  • The Morning Bishop Theatre Playhouse, Summer Youth Environmental Education, Gary
  • Speaks for the Trees and More, Summer Nature Camp, Allen County

Eligible organizations must be a 501(c)3 or other non-profit as determined by the Internal Revenue Service with an environmental project focus and have a direct impact in NIPSCO’s service area. Grant funding is not intended for capital projects including weatherization, LEED-certification, trail/path building or expansion, Green Build construction or solar panel purchases.

Grants are awarded in the amount of $500 to $5,000 each to selected winners.

Applications will be accepted now through April 4. Grant awards will be announced the week of April 21 in recognition of Earth Day.

Nonprofit organizations with an environmental restoration or education project are invited to submit a grant request following instructions on NIPSCO.com. When applying online, applicants should select the “Environmental Stewardship” option in the Area of Impact field on the application.

Applications should include a project description and goals, budget, target audience, timeline and evaluation method. The NIPSCO Environmental Grant Committee evaluates requests in the following areas: strategic alignment, resource availability, visibility and recognition, project or program impact and organization priorities.

To learn more, please visit NIPSCO.com/environmental-action-grant.

 

About NIPSCO

Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO), with headquarters in Merrillville, Indiana, has proudly served the energy needs of northern Indiana for more than 100 years. As Indiana’s largest natural gas distribution company and the second-largest electric distribution company, NIPSCO serves approximately 900,000 natural gas and 500,000 electric customers across 32 counties. NIPSCO is part of NiSource’s (NYSE: NI) six regulated utility companies. NiSource is one of the largest fully regulated utility companies in the United States, serving approximately 3.8 million natural gas and electric customers through its local Columbia Gas and NIPSCO brands. More information about NIPSCO and NiSource is available at NIPSCO.com and NiSource.com.

  
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Local News Briefs

PCPL lists March activities, programs

The Pulaski County Public Library has listed its programs and activities for March. The include free trees for Earth Week, an adult refrigerator magnet craft, and kids’ “spring break bingo.”

For more information on any program, call the library at 574-946-3432 or visit the library’s website at www.pulaskicounty.lib.in.us.

NIPSCO accepting applications for 2025 environmental action grant

Local organizations seeking funding for environmental initiatives may apply

MERRILLVILLE -  Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO) is currently accepting applications for the 2025 Environmental Action Grant, an annual endowment awarded to local organizations to help fund environmental projects and programming across NIPSCO’s service area.

Now in its 10th year, the Environmental Action Grant has historically provided $577,000 in funding to a total of 143 projects with an emphasis on environmental education and restoration across northern Indiana.

PACE grants application deadline March 3

Pulaski Alliance for Community Education (PACE) is offering $60,000 in educational grants to eligible organizations this spring.

Organizations whose primary mission is public education may apply for grant funds. Participants in CAPE II/III are also encouraged to apply for a portion of funds available to sustain or continue original CAPE program activities.

PCT invites photographers to capture spirit of county in photo contest

Participate, share perspective on county

Pulaski County Tribe (PCT) has announced the launch of the "Embrace the Pace Pulaski County" photography contest, inviting photographers of all ages and skill levels to showcase life in Pulaski County through the lens of their cameras.

“With cash prizes and the opportunity to have your work displayed county-wide, this contest is an exciting way to celebrate the beauty and community of Pulaski County,” said Brandi Larkin, PCT president.

Firewood cutting for home use available at TR State Park

WINAMAC - The public is invited to cut up and remove certain downed trees at Tippecanoe River State Park for firewood.

Trees eligible for firewood have fallen as a result of natural causes or have been dropped by property staff. They are along roadsides or in public areas such as campsites and picnic areas.

  

Indiana News

Yakym concludes Indiana Innovation Tour

WARSAW (Feb. 21) - Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) concluded his Indiana Innovation Tour Friday, which included stops across the second district.

At each stop, Yakym talked with Hoosiers about a wide range of issues important to them, including regulations, taxes, jobs, the economy, a secure southern border, government efficiency and more.

Rep. Culp to serve on U.S. EPA Local Government Advisory Committee

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 13) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently appointed State Rep. Kendell Culp (R-Rensselaer) as a member of its Local Government Advisory Committee.

Culp said there are numerous advisory committees with the purpose to help the president and executive branch better understand key topics. The main job of the committee is to tackle critical problems by working with the different governing bodies to develop common sense, long-lasting solutions.

Gov. Braun collaborates on Avian Flu effort in Indiana

Also: key facts on bird flu

INDIANAPOLIS (Feb. 13) – Gov. Mike Braun issued a statement Thursday regarding Avian Flu monitoring in Indiana.

The first Indiana case of 2025 occurred at a turkey farm in Jay County along the Ohio border, and the Indiana Board of Animal Health is monitoring which counties are affected.

Reps. Culp, Jordan encourage students to page during 2025 legislative session at Statehouse

STATEHOUSE (Jan. 6) – Applications are live for the Indiana House Page Program during the 2025 legislative session at the Statehouse in Indianapolis, according to State Reps. Kendell Culp (R-Rensselaer) and Jack Jordan (R-Bremen).

Culp said Hoosier students ages 13 to 18 are invited to spend the day assisting lawmakers and staff, touring the Indiana Statehouse and listening in on the legislative session.

Indiana COVID-19 News

Feb. 17: IDH reports state flu level 'very high'

INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana Department of Health reported Feb. 11 that COVID-like illness emergency department visits numbered 462 statewide from Jan. 29-Feb. 4, up 70 from its previous weekly report. There were no state COVID-19 hospital admissions during that time period, and one (reported) COVID death.

In addition, the IDH reported Feb. 17, that the state's influenza-like illness level is " very high" for the week ending Feb. 8, with 17 flu-associated deaths during the reporting period (97 total for the current season).

  

Post News

Jasper County deputy cleared in Jan. 26 officer-involved shooting of Hobart man

FRANKFORT (Feb. 27) – A state police investigation, reviewed by the Clinton County prosecutor’s office, has concluded that the Jan. 26 officer-involved fatal shooting of a Hobart man was “legally justified.”

The incident led to the death of Matthew Huttle, 42, following a traffic stop and attempted arrest of Huttle by a Jasper County sheriff’s deputy along SR 14 near the Jasper/Pulaski county line.

‘Spirit of Alliance’ award presented to Kim Steele

FRANCESVILLE – Each year on Presidents’ Day, Alliance Bank employees convene to learn, celebrate and grow together. The highlight of the day is always the announcement of the Terry Stevens Spirit of Alliance Award.

Nominated by recipient’s peers, the winner demonstrates the core values of Alliance Bank by his/her daily actions.

New staff members join CFoPC

The Community Foundation of Pulaski County, Inc. (CFoPC) announces the hiring of two new staff members.

Stacia Conrad will serve as coalition coordinator for the Pulaski County Early Learning Network, a CFoPC program, and Heidi Wright joins the foundation as its director of programs.

PC Health Department opens office on county’s West Side

FRANCESVILLE – A ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house for the Pulaski County Health Department’s new West Side office was held Wednesday, Feb. 19, at Parkview Haven, Francesville.

The health department’s satellite office will provide essential health services such as immunizations, health screenings, environmental services, and wellness programs directly to residents who previously faced barriers in accessing care.

Winamac attorney disbarred in disciplinary action

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Supreme Court, in an attorney disciplinary action Feb. 14, disbarred Winamac attorney Nathan Pearson for committing “attorney misconduct arising from his sexual relations with three clients,” according to court documentation.

An investigation by the high court’s disciplinary commission found that Pearson engaged in inappropriate conduct with at least three clients between 2016 and 2018. An investigation into Pearson’s misconduct began in July 2023.