LOCAL 219

NEW EPISODE OF SPOTLIGHT 219 — Sponsored by Horseshoe Casino Hammond

This week, we're celebrating an incredible moment for Region athletics as Lake Central and Hanover Central brought home IHSAA Softball State Championships and the coveted blue rings.

Joining us for this special championship edition are Lake Central's Yvette Tovar and Hanover Central's Sam Antkiewicz, who share their stories from an unforgettable state title run, the work that went into reaching the top, and what these championships mean to their schools and communities.

We're also joined by Times Sports Writer Mason Williams, who helps co-host the conversation and provides insight into one of the most successful softball seasons Northwest Indiana has ever seen.

Plus, we catch up with Bay Kurtz to discuss an exciting upcoming 4v4 soccer tournament, how the event is bringing the soccer community together, and what participants can expect.

From state championship celebrations to community sports initiatives, this episode highlights the athletes, coaches, and leaders helping make the 219 a special place to compete and grow.

Lake Central's Yvette Tovar joins Spotlight 219 Sponsored by Horseshoe Casino Hammond to reflect on the journey of transforming the softball program's culture and building a championship mindset.

Watch this clip as Tovar shares how a culture shift helped lay the foundation for Lake Central's historic state championship season.

Watch the full episode tonight at 5pm! Also featuring Hanover Central Head Coach Sam Antkiewicz and Street Soccer Organizer Bay Kurtz

Spotlight 219 is proudly sponsored by Horseshoe Casino Hammond and is back with another great lineup!

This episode features:
- Tiffany Wenrich, discussing the incredible visit of the largest operational steam locomotive that rolled through Hobart last weekend
-Jenn Roncin from the Miller Community Theater, sharing insights on their latest production: Urinetown.

Don’t miss these stories highlighting local history and the arts in our community!

Introducing The Times’ Top 3 Most Viral Stories of the Week on Spotlight 219 Sponsored by Horseshoe Casino Hammond!

What’s everyone talking about right now? We’re breaking down the biggest, most buzzworthy stories making waves across the Region.

Nothing says summer kickoff like great drinks, delicious bites, and good company at the Lighthouse Patio Preview Party 🍸🌊

One of the best patios in the 219 just got a little better.

This week on Spotlight 219, sponsored by Horseshoe Casino Hammond, we’re talking community, local impact, and people making a difference across the Region.

We’re joined by Crossroads Chamber President Deann Patena to preview this weekend’s highly anticipated Corn Roast🌽 — one of Northwest Indiana’s favorite summer traditions!

Plus, Grindhouse Cafe owner Gabe Mauch joins us to discuss an incredible philanthropic effort supporting local steelworkers and families impacted by ongoing contract negotiations. Learn how the community is coming together through a special food drive initiative.

Don’t miss this important conversation highlighting local events, local business, and neighbors helping neighbors.

The Corn Roast starts this weekend! Listen to Crossroads Chamber President Deann Patena gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the people, volunteers, businesses, and community partners who help bring the Corn Roast to life.

Full episode airs tomorrow at 5pm on the Times and LOCAL 219's pages!

Crown Points Farmers Market 🍓 at Bulldog Park is packed with more than 70 artisans, farmers and more!

May 23 - Sept 26th from 8AM - 1PM on most Saturdays at Bulldog Park.

*Market Notices*
•Market moves to Colonel Wheeler Middle School parking lot on May 30th (due to the Corn Roast).
•No market July 4th.
•No market July 18th (The Taste).
•Market will close at noon on June 6th, June 20th, August 22nd, and September 12.

New Episode Alert! Spotlight 219 Sponsored by Horseshoe Casino Hammond

On this episode, I sat down with Ryan Trisler and Jim Basala from the Deep River Grinders to talk all things vintage base ball!

We discussed how the program got started, what keeps this incredible tradition alive, and some of the unique 1858 rules that make the game completely different from modern baseball — including no gloves, one-bounce outs, underhand pitching, and the emphasis on sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct.

If you’ve ever been curious about vintage baseball or wanted to learn more about one of Northwest Indiana’s coolest traditions, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Even though the Deep River Grinders were started in 1991, they play a style of baseball from the original rules of 1858.

Hear Jim Basala talk about how the group was formed and what's the most important thing to him.

Full episode drops tomorrow at 5pm!