Several of Indiana's state parks, state-forest and state-recreation properties are looking for volunteers to serve as campground hosts in exchange for free camping during their service. Hosts work a minimum of 20 hours per week. The volunteer period length varies at properties based on the number of applicants and on the amount and type of work required. Properties are looking for dedicated campers who enjoy working outdoors, as well as with people and DNR staff. A complete list of site availability and detailed information about hosting duties is at stateparks.IN.gov/2404.htm or you can contact the property where you would like

The second annual Diaper Drive by Franciscan Health employees and partners collected 20,000 diapers, distributing them to local organizations and helping more than 1,000 families in Northwest Indiana. The donations were distributed prior to the Christmas holiday to Franciscan Health Crown Point and Hammond Prenatal Assistance Programs, Duneland Healthy Families, Mental Health America of Northwest Indiana, Nurse Family Partnership and the Women’s Care Center. Becky Tilton, community health improvement coordinator, said Franciscan’s prenatal assistance program made it a priority to do a drive like this. Diaper insecurity is an often overlooked factor that can lead to child abuse and neglect,

Michigan City Area Schools - two hour delay La Porte Community Schools - two hour delay New Prairie Schools -two hour delay Westville Schools - two hour delay South Central - two hour delay Oregon Davis - two hour delay South Bend - two hour delay Tri-Township Schools - two hour delay - Wanatah-Lacrosse New Prairie - two hour delay Union Township Schools - two hour delay Marquette Catholic - 1.5 hour delay New Buffalo Schools - Closed

Regarding the travel status of the county, Porter County Government and Sheriff’s Office yesterday, stated “The initial alert level issued, has been LOWERED to Travel Advisory. A Travel Advisory means that routine travel or activities may be restricted in areas because of a hazardous situation, and individuals should use caution or avoid those areas. Please exercise caution when driving, or avoid driving if possible.”

Turkey hunters can apply for a reserved turkey hunt online by visiting hunting.IN.gov from Feb. 4 to March 22. Click on the "Reserved Hunt Info" link. The online method is the only way to apply. No late entries will be accepted. Applicants must possess a valid hunting license for the species they wish to hunt. The application process is now consolidated into the online services website along with Licenses, Check-In Game, and HIP registration. A DNR online account is not required to apply. Hunts without registration fees will follow the same process as those with a fee. For hunts with

The Board of Directors of Shirley Heinze Land Trust announces the election of five new board members to three-year terms. Dale Nichols serves as Deputy General Counsel for The Northern Trust Company. He is a member of the Chicago Bar Association, American Bankers Association Trust Counsel Committee, and Section leader of the Chicago Bar Association Chorus. He is a resident of Chicago and Beverly Shores. Wendy Vachet is Regional Environmental Manager of Michael Baker International, Inc. in Chicago. She is a member of the American Planning Association, American Institute of Certified Planners, and a Board Member of the Miller Beach

U.S. Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.) a member of the tax-writing Senate Finance Committee is cosponsoring legislation to permanently repeal the federal estate tax, more commonly known as the death tax. The bill, led by Senator John Thune (R-S.D.), would end the punitive tax that negatively affects Hoosier farmers and small business owners. “Death should not be a taxable event,” said Senator Young. “Hoosiers should not be forced to sell a family farm or transfer ownership of a small business because of the loss of a family member. Let’s repeal the death tax once and for all.” The historic Tax Cuts

Expect snow until around 3am with new accumulations of around 3 inches throughout the area. Temperatures are supposed to raise to 24 with a wind chill of -5 today.

EXTENDED: SSL service suspension- Continues Through Friday, February 1, 2019 Service on the South Shore Line will continue to be suspended through Friday, Feb. 1, 2019. Metra requires additional time to address the damage to the Metra Electric District from a CN freight train derailment and the adverse impacts from the extremely cold weather. The following information is taken from a press release issued by Metra on Thursday afternoon, Jan. 31, 2019, for its Metra Electric service: CHICAGO (Jan. 31, 2019) – Metra is canceling service on its Metra Electric Line Friday due to damage to the line’s overhead power

Fire Chief Randy Novak is advising caution with space heaters and other forms of alternative heating, as well as a review of smoke alarms. Space heaters should always be kept away from loose or flammable objects such as clothing, curtains, bedding and furniture. There should be at least a three-foot perimeter around space heaters at all times. Avoid using candles or appliances, such as a stove or oven, to heat the home. Fireplaces should be regularly cleaned and inspected by a certified professional, such as a chimney sweep. Gas fireplaces should have properly working ventilation with a functioning carbon monoxide

Due to frigid temperatures across the state, the Michigan Agency for Energy is alerting utility customers that major gas and electric providers will not shut off services to customers this week. DTE Energy Co., Consumers Energy Co., and SEMCO said they have temporarily suspended shutoffs due to inclement weather. Utilities are required to file with the Michigan Public Service Commission their policies on extreme weather shutoffs. For DTE, temperature forecasts must be below 15 degrees and/or wind chills below zero for two or more consecutive days. For Consumers, it's actual temperatures below 15 degrees and/or wind chills below zero degrees.

La Porte County remains under a Travel Watch until Thursday evening. The Sheriff’s Office Stated if at all possible, citizens should stay home and avoid venturing out into the dangerous conditions.

The following Social Security offices will be closed or have delayed openings on Thursday, January 31 due to inclement weather. Consider visiting online at www.ssa.gov . Local Closures: South Bend (Closed) Gary (Closed) Elkhart (Closed) Hammond (Closed) Michigan City (Closed) Valparaiso (Closed) Merrillville (Closed)

Michiana Humane Society said with 25 dogs and 55 cats at the shelter, they could not allow the extreme weather to keep staff away.The Humane Society Stated “We thought you might like to see some of the animals relaxing, oblivious to the fact that David, Greg, Miranda, Brad and Joseph fought the awful weather on Monday and Wednesday to get into the shelter. Everyone got their potty breaks, clean bedding and two meals, as well as some enrichment time because they're not having any visitors. The kittens and cats are all cozy warm, and some of the dogs got one-on-one

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is warning drivers of potentially hazardous road conditions lasting through Thursday evening due to high winds and the challenges that historically low wind chills will present to plow crews in clearing roadways. Wind chills reaching -40 and below are expected to severely limit, if not negate, the effectiveness of salt and de-icers spread by INDOT crews to combat slick spots. The extreme temperatures are also expected to cause challenges in keeping some INDOT vehicles and plows operational. As a result, INDOT crews will be limited in how effective they can be at fighting back

As we prepare for the subzero extreme arctic temperatures in the following days Mayor Meer has made a decision to close City Government on Thursday, January 31st. Therefore, all City offices will be closed to include, schools, the Michigan City Library, the Senior Center. LaPorte County Emergency Management Director Larry Butcher has issued a Travel Watch declaration. This declaration urges residents of LaPorte County to remain at home with the only essential travel for example to and from work or an emergency travel reason. Washington Park main parking lot has been closed to prevent the public from walking the pier or the

“With the extreme cold snap almost here people are wondering whether they should run a trickle of water to keep pipes from freezing. And some worry about the cost of doing it. Running a trickle of water is far less costly than paying a plumber to repair frozen pipes or to thaw them out.The crew repaired a water main break Monday and is in the process of repairing another one Tuesday but those are caused by the forces in the ground from frost heave or penetration to greater depths. This movement in the ground sometimes puts too much force on

LaPorte County Emergency Management Director Larry Butcher has issued a Travel Watch declaration. This declaration urges residents of LaPorte County to remain at home with the only essential travel for example to and from work or an emergency travel reason. Washington Park main parking lot has been closed to prevent the public from walking the pier or the shelf ice. This is not a State of Emergency Declaration. Emergency Management is urging everyone to remain indoors where they are warm and safe.

The shelter is asking residents to please, focus on your pets and be aware of the dangers. They stated, “Frostbite can happen in a matter of minutes with the extreme temperatures headed our way. If anyone needs assistance with their pets like food, short term shelter etc, please call 219-326-1637. Animal Control Officers will be impounding animals left outside as County Ordinance prohibits this”.