SCHERERVILLE, Ind. (AP) _ The northwest Indiana town of Schererville is preparing to celebrate its founding 150 years ago.

The (Munster) Times reports (http://bit.ly/1NLP55F) that a committee of town officials has formed to help plan educational and celebratory activities to be held in 2016, a year that which coincides with Indiana's bicentennial.

Town Councilman Tom Schmitt says planning is still in the early stages. But he added that a contractor will be hired to do “heavy promotions.”

Heidi Zima, a founding member of the Schererville Historical Society, says the event is an opportunity to focus on the history of the town, which was established by Nicholas Scherer in 1866. 

Some activities will be planned to coincide with the town's summer festival, “Celebrate Schererville.”