Final beam placement marked in new cancer center

Representatives from Franciscan Health, the Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation and Tonn and Blank Construction joined community leaders and coworkers Aug. 5 for a topping off ceremony at the future Dean and Barbara White Cancer Center in Crown Point, according to a release.

The Cancer Center was made possible in part by a $30 million donation from The Dean and Barbara White Foundation, the largest gift ever received by the Franciscan Health Foundation, the release said.

Franciscan Health Crown Point staff, Franciscan Alliance leaders, board members and others added their signatures and well wishes to the final beam before it was blessed with holy water then raised and secured into place atop the Cancer Center building.

The 71,000-square-foot, three-story center is being constructed at the southeast corner of Interstate 65 and U.S. 231 on the campus of Franciscan Health Crown Point hospital, which opened in January 2024. The center is scheduled to open in 2027.

Franciscan Alliance Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees Sister M. Aline Shultz and Franciscan Health Crown Point Director of Spiritual Care Rev. Tony Janik listen as Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation Executive Director Bill Hanna speaks during the topping off ceremony Aug. 5 for The Dean and Barbara White Cancer Center. (Photo courtesy of Franciscan Health)Franciscan Alliance Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees Sister M. Aline Shultz and Franciscan Health Crown Point Director of Spiritual Care Rev. Tony Janik listen as Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation Executive Director Bill Hanna speaks during the topping off ceremony Aug. 5 for The Dean and Barbara White Cancer Center. (Photo courtesy of Franciscan Health)
Rotary announces regional networking event

Rotary Means Business Northwest Indiana is bringing Rotary Clubs from Merrillville, Schererville, Hammond and Valparaiso together for a networking event from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Aug. 14 at the Purdue Technology Center, 9800 Connecticut Drive, Crown Point.

The event is designed to connect and empower business owners, entrepreneurs, professionals and community leaders, while also introducing the mission and advocacy work of Rotary Clubs throughout Northwest Indiana, according to a release.

The release said it is open to the public and ideal for business owners, nonprofit leaders and professionals seeking purpose-driven connections. Members of numerous Region Rotary Clubs including Merrillville, Schererville, Valparaiso, Hammond and Crown Point planned the event.

PNW connects students with clean energy education

Purdue University Northwest has launched a collaboration with two Northwest Indiana high schools aimed at bringing impactful clean energy lessons into classrooms, a release said.

The Clean Energy and Smart Grids program, supported by a grant from the NiSource Charitable Foundation and Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC, will educate students and teachers at East Chicago Central High School and Hammond Central High School through on-campus learning sessions and site visits to energy facilities.

The program is made possible through a $100,000 grant from the NiSource Charitable Foundation and NIPSCO, the release said.

Four join Hobart Fire Department

The Hobart Fire Department officially welcomed four new firefighter/EMTs during a swearing-in ceremony recently at Fire Station 1, a release said.

Chief Enrique Lopez introduced Steven Paprocki, Logan Alcott, Brent Sailsbery and Jacob Zelasko as the newest members of the department.

Mayor Josh Huddlestun administered the oath of office, officially inducting the recruits into the department. For more information about the Hobart Fire Department, visitwww.cityofhobart.org/124/Fire-Department.

Braun makes appointments

Gov. Mike Braun recently announced new appointments to various state boards and commissions.

Appointments include Bill Hanna, Porter County, reappointed to the Commission for Higher Education, expires June 30, 2029; Matt Murphy, Valparaiso, expires June 30, 2029, Indiana Ireland Trade Commission; Raymond Lopez, East Chicago, expires July 31, 2028; East Chicago Waterway Management District; and Robert Ordway, Lake County, Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission, serving at the pleasure of the governor, according to a release.

OE President and CEO Neil Samahon delivers remarks during Opportunity Enterprises' 32nd Annual Gala. (Photo courtesy of Opportunity Enterprises)OE President and CEO Neil Samahon delivers remarks during Opportunity Enterprises’ 32nd Annual Gala. (Photo courtesy of Opportunity Enterprises)
OE elected to lead state rehab organization

Opportunity Enterprises’ President & CEO Neil Samahon was recently elected to a one-year term as Chair of the Board of Directors for Indiana Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, according to a release. His appointment began in April.

INARF is the principal trade association representing providers of services to people with disabilities in Indiana, the release said. As Board Chair, Samahon also serves on the INARF Executive Committee and provides leadership on both the Government Affairs and Board Development Committees.

For more information about Opportunity Enterprises, visit oppent.org. To learn more about INARF, visit inarf.org.

Originally Published: August 10, 2025 at 3:25 PM CDT