The Highland Police Department is launching an all-hands-on-deck fundraising campaign for a new animal control shelter. The goal: $1 million to fund construction of a new short-term housing facility for strays and lost pets. The new animal control shelter will be built in partnership with Munster just south of the current building. The plan is to expand its footprint from 15 feet by 15 feet to 15 feet by 30 feet. Last year, the facility cared for 98 dogs – 83 from Highland and 15 from Munster. 

Highland’s next Townwide Yard Sale will be held from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. MAY 23-24. Participants can sign up for Saturday only or both days. All participating addresses must be located in Highland. Residents are responsible for setup/removal of sale items, method of payment and assume all responsibility/liability for their location taking part in the event. Click here to register. Deadline is May 9.

The Highland FOP invites the community to remember Highland’s fallen officers during a memorial at 9 a.m. Saturday, MAY 10 at the Highland Police Department, 3315 Ridge Road. The service will recognize officers Donald R. Sheppard, who was shot and killed by a prison escapee Nov. 12, 1971; and, Robert J. Markley, who was struck and killed by a drunk driver March 10, 1978. 

The Highland Fraternal Order of Police is reviving a beloved tradition of hosting a charity softball game at 4 p.m. MAY 17 at Meadows Park. Gates open at 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $10. Instead of playing against their fellow police brethren, Highland FOP President Jim Glidewell said officers will be taking on a team of Highland High School alumni ballplayers. “We are excited to revive this tradition,” he said. “Money we raise supports Highland kids through youth sports and our annual Cops for Kids.” 

Republic Services will schedule extra crews Tuesday, MAY 20 to collect trash and rubbish generated by spring cleaning. NOT INCLUDED: Construction debris, concrete, electronics, televisions, household hazardous waste and leaves. Televisions, computers and electronics may be recycled at the Public Works Department, 8001 Kennedy Ave. QUESTIONS? Please call Highland Public Works at (219) 972-5083.

Join us in recognizing Highland veterans and fallen heroes from 10 a.m.-noon Monday, MAY 26 at Main Square Park. Hosted by the Council of Community Events, the event will feature military speakers as well as the Hometown Heroes banners lining the streets of downtown. 

Come play in the dirt with us from 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, MAY 31 at Highland's Community Garden. We’ll be putting in tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, cucumbers, lettuce, kale, beans and herbs. Volunteers have also been busy planting vegetables to give away to community members during the planting day. The garden is located just east of the Main Fire Station on Highway Avenue.