Native Plant Rules Take Shape + Highland Police Eye 12-Hour Shifts + Trojans Get a Rematch

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Did you know? That single Highland store launched a massive Northwest Indiana grocery empire that now includes over 20 locations across the Region

Asters, goldenrod and a whole lot of passion filled the discussion at the Oct. 12 Town Council meeting, where about a dozen residents spoke in support of native plant gardens. Many were connected with Highland Neighbors for Sustainability.

The group has been involved in native planting projects around Highland for years, including wetland restoration at the Highland Rookery and a designed to help absorb stormwater and support local habitat.

Speakers at the meeting pointed to many of the same benefits, saying native plants provide food and habitat for pollinators and birds, help manage stormwater and can require less maintenance than traditional grass lawns.

Council members said they support the use of native plants, but their concern is safety, especially keeping clear sight lines for drivers backing out of driveways and for children crossing streets.

Officials said no fines have been issued and no gardens will be removed this fall while the town works toward a solution.

A councilor shared an early draft of possible parkway garden rules. The proposal would include a simple application, a planting and maintenance plan, a height limit and a lower buffer area along the street and sidewalk.

Nothing is final yet, but the discussion shows Highland is trying to balance native landscaping with visibility and safety in residential parkways.

Highland Police could see some changes in the months ahead as the department works to address staffing.

Three new officers are currently in week 12 of the 16-week police academy and are expected to graduate Nov. 13. After graduation, they’ll complete another 16 weeks of field training alongside experienced officers before patrolling independently.

At the same time, Highland officers are considering a move from 8-hour to 12-hour patrol shifts. A feasibility study with the Police Commission found the change could be made without adding officers or increasing overtime, while maintaining at least five officers on the road.

Officers are also weighing how often shifts would rotate, with options including every eight weeks or once a year. If the department moves forward, a one-year pilot could begin Jan. 1, 2027, with reviews planned during the year.

The change is partly being considered as a recruiting tool, since many nearby departments already use 12-hour shifts and Highland is currently four officers short. Detectives and other specialty positions would remain on 8-hour schedules.

The proposal is expected to return for further discussion, so this one is still developing. Meanwhile, HPD handled over 1,000 calls for service and over 70 crashes in September.
Source: Highland Town Council discussions

Highland closed the regular season Friday night with a 42-0 loss to Hobart, but the Trojans won’t have to wait long for another shot at the Brickies.

Hobart led 7-0 after the first quarter, 14-0 at halftime and 35-0 after three, then added one more touchdown late in the fourth.

Highland did move the ball on the ground at times and reached the red zone, but the Trojans couldn’t finish a scoring drive. Windy conditions also played a role in the game, according to the broadcast crew.

Now the focus shifts straight to the postseason. Highland opens Class 4A Sectional 17 at Hobart on Friday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m.

The rest of the first-round bracket features:

Semifinals are Oct. 30, with the sectional championship set for Nov. 6.

One week, same opponent, much bigger stakes.

Source: Heartland Sports Network