Experts in alternative energies will present best practices and recommendations to increase the use of electric motor vehicles at a special forum set for May 22 in Valparaiso, Ind. The event is open to the public, and government officials, industry executives and car dealers have been invited to attend.

The South Shore Clean Cities EV Forum: Leading the Charge to Change will be from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Ivy Tech Community College, 3100 Ivy Tech Drive, Valparaiso. Ivy Tech and Northern Indiana Public Service Co. (NIPSCO) will co-host the event.

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In a new effort to spur the adoption of plug-in electric vehicles (EVs), NIPSCO has launched the IN-Charge Electric Vehicle Program, offering incentives to customers for installing an in-home charging station. This pilot program is designed to make it more cost effective and convenient for current and prospective electric car owners to install a home charger.

The IN-Charge Program is available to current NIPSCO electric utility customers who own or plan to purchase an electric vehicle. Participants will receive an instant credit of up to $1,650 toward the installation of a residential electric vehicle level 2 charger, and free charging between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. daily.

Heinold and Feller Tire and Lawn Equipment is thanking teachers for National Teacher Appreciation Week, May 7th-11th, 2012.

Nominate your favorite teacher for their chance to win a free oil change! To enter, "like" Heinold and Feller on Facebook and share one sentence on what makes them so special to you.