News release by Indiana Department of Health: The Indiana Department of Health is recognizing members of VOICE Indiana, who were honored as 2023 Group Youth Advocates of the Year by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids for their advocacy efforts in the fight for a tobacco-free future. The teens were celebrated on May 18 at the 2023 Youth Advocates of the Year Awards Gala in Washington, D.C. “We are thrilled that VOICE Indiana members were chosen as Group Youth Advocates of the Year,” said Miranda Spitznagle, director of the Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Division at the Indiana Department of Health. “VOICE

The Porter County Health Department was in action on Friday, utilizing their new mobile health clinic for the first time during the evening’s Homeless Outreach Service Team (HOST) event at Living Hope Community Church. The primary goal of this outreach initiative is to reach homeless individuals, provide essential services and raise awareness about healthcare and harm reduction. Their nursing staff administered and delivered units of Narcan, hygiene products and provided health screenings.

The Portage Police Department is congratulating Corporal Dan Martinez, who has been selected as the Portage Police Department’s Officer of the Year. Martinez is a nine-year veteran who is currently assigned to the Patrol Division with his K-9 partner Diablo. Police say in late 2021 through early 2022 the City of Portage experienced a spike in crime along the US Highway 20 corridor, specifically at several of the various hotels in that area. Through the efforts of all of the officers of the Portage Police Department crime in the area has been reduced by 60%, according to police. “Of particular

In LaPorte County, an Indiana Department of Transportation contractor will close State Road 4 between C.R. S 500 E and Taylor Rd on or after Friday, June 2. State Road 4 will be closed through mid-July for a culvert replacement over Leroy arm of the Williams Travis Ditch. INDOT says motorists should seek an alternate route. The official detour will follow State Road 104 and State Road 23.

The NewDay Foundation of LaPorte is congratulating the 2023 winners of the Connie Yagelski-Marhanka Scholarship. Two $1000 scholarships are awarded to students graduating from LaPorte County high schools that plan to continue their musical education and participation in college. Kyra Krachinski – Michigan City High School Kyra Krachinski, a senior at Michigan City High School, was selected for the Indiana All-State Honor Band – the first musician in the history of MCHS to be chosen for this prestigious honor, selected from among hundreds of students across the state who auditioned. The flute is her instrument of choice – and the

The City of Michigan City made the following statement regarding the Splash Pad not operating this weekend. "Mayor Duane Parry and our Michigan City Park Department are very disappointed to learn that The Splash Pad in Washington Park will not be opening this weekend as promised. "Due to circumstances beyond our control, IDEM (Indiana Department of Environmental Management), has delayed our opening, and expects to give final approval within the next 30 days. "As an entirely new water filtration system has been installed, we must meet all requirements set by IDEM. "We all look forward to a safe and fun

LaPorte County Career and Technical Education Students Honored   The LaPorte County Career and Technical Education program at the A.K. Smith Career Center in Michigan City held its 2023 Awards Program on Friday, May 5h at the Holdcraft Performing Arts Center. During the program, seniors of the Technical Honor Society received a tassel to be worn at their high school graduations, and new students were inducted. Several students were also honored with scholarships and awards.   The purpose of the Technical Honor Society is to honor students who have shown dedication, professionalism, and the skills necessary to be selected as

Yesterday afternoon at approximately 2:21 PM, deputies were summoned to CR 50 North in the area of CR 1000 East, rural Wills Township, reference a single vehicle crash. The crash scene was located in the 10400 east block of CR 50 North. The initial on-scene investigation completed by Deputy Micah Dokmanovic and assisting deputies determined the following had occurred. A black 2012 Toyota passenger vehicle was traveling westbound on CR 50 North. For an unknown reason, the vehicle drove left of center and traveled across the eastbound lane. The vehicle left the south side of the roadway and continued traveling

The City of Valparaiso on Wednesday cut the ribbon on the city's solar project, which has added 772 solar panels to five city facilities, providing sustainable energy and saving taxpayers an estimated $5.2 million over the life of the panels. The city says there are 100 panels atop historic City Hall. Those cannot be seen from the ground, by design. On their Facebook page the City of Valparaiso said, “Valparaiso City Services continues to monitor renewable energy opportunities, successfully expanding services to more residents and businesses while keeping electrical cost per gallon of use at stable levels, due to energy

A fire in a Michigan City mobile home park that injured two people is being investigated as arson according to police. On Tuesday at around 8:27 am, the LaPorte County Regional Dispatch Center received a 911 call indicating a residence was on fire in the 100 block of Dunewood Drive. This residence is located within the Dunewood Mobile Home Park situated at 170 SR 212 in Michigan City. In addition to being on fire, it was reported that two people and a dog were trapped inside. Multiple units responded to the scene including Michigan City Fire Department, Michigan City Police

Press release by Health Care Foundation of La Porte: Healthcare Foundation of La Porte (HFL) announces the opening of its grant portal for 2023 Cycle 2 grants. To advance its mission and vision, HFL invites grant proposals for health and wellness projects and programs starting May 26, 2023, to July 14, 2023. HFL’s mission is to empower La Porte County residents to live healthy and well to achieve the vision of La Porte County becoming one of the 10 healthiest communities in Indiana by 2030. HFL welcomes grant proposals that impact HFL’s strategic priorities of Healthy Children, Healthy Living, and

Press release by ITR Concession Company: ELKHART, INDIANA - ITR Concession Company LLC (ITRCC) has completed spring construction and finished bridge deck repairs on the two (2) bridges on I-90 eastbound, just before Westpoint Toll Plaza (Illinois/Indiana Stateline). ITRCC will be moving into summer construction on June 1, 2023, with work continuing on the structure over the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad (MM1.56). The summer phase will include the left lanes of both eastbound and westbound directions. During the summer phase, construction will also continue on five (5) bridges on 1-90 at Exit 10 (Gary/Chicago International Airport), with local detours between

News release by Franciscan Health: MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. -- Region residents can lace up their walking shoes for a healthy dose of information and exercise as Franciscan Health’s free 10-week Walk With A Doc program steps off in Michigan City June 7. The free 5K walks will begin at City Hall, 100 E. Michigan Blvd. with a brief health talk by a physician or clinical staff member followed by stretching and continue through Washington Park at 6 p.m. each Wednesday June 7 through Aug. 9. Registration takes place on-site only beginning at 5:30 p.m. each Wednesday. Participants do not need

The La Porte Community School Corporation has been included as one of three awardees in the State of Indiana by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Project AWARE Grant. The Project AWARE Grant will be distributed over the course of four years and will impact over 6,100 students in the La Porte community. Project AWARE funds provided by the Indiana Department of Education through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will focus on needs related to overall wellness, provide students and families access to mental health services, and reduce the stigma around mental health

On Tuesday, a Lake County Sheriff’s Department Drug Task Force investigation into a suspected drug and prostitution ring led to the execution of search warrants at three Gary houses and the arrests of five men and seven women.  The one-year-old child of one of the women arrested was taken into custody by the Indiana Department of Child Services. Two of the men arrested were believed to have a leadership role in the drug/prostitution organization: Arthur Boyd, 55,  faces charges including dealing in a narcotic drug with enhancement, dealing in a narcotic drug and resisting law enforcement in a vehicle. Tandika

Portage Police say numerous people reported break-ins to their vehicles on Friday night to early Saturday morning. According to police the break-ins occurred in the area of McCasland/ Houston / Newport. Police say to check your security cameras as they are hoping to get a better picture of this suspect from the thefts. A photo of the back of a vehicle and suspect was provided by the Portage Police Department. Police say if you can identify the subject or if you have video of him, to contact Detective Dandurand at 219-764-5705.

Press release by Michigan City Chamber of Commerce: Michigan City, IN –Earlier this month, Michigan City Chamber of Commerce, (chamber) Membership Director, Danny Hogan, successfully completed the 2023 Indiana Economic Development Course from the Indiana Communities Institute at Ball State University. This intense week-long course provides the foundation for economic development practitioners, allied professionals, community leaders, and volunteers. The course supports efforts to build stronger, more sustainable communities and prepare professionals for the ever-changing field of economic development. “I am grateful for the opportunity to take this course!” stated Hogan. “With the NIPSCO double track project set for completion along

News release by Franciscan Health: Improvements reduce wait times for appointments, results MICHIGAN CITY, Indiana – Patients seeking mammograms at the Franciscan Health Breast Care Center Michigan City now have increased access and decreased wait times thanks to upgraded and expanded equipment options. Craig Menninga, director of imaging for Franciscan Health Michigan City, said the Breast Care Center replaced two mammography units with new, state-of-the-art models and added a third. The Center also added a second ultrasound machine. Patients needing diagnostic mammograms for further study of a suspicious area following an exam or screening mammogram often require a follow-up ultrasound.

The Office Of Mayor Duane Parry announced that City Hall of Michigan City and all non-emergency services such as the Transit and Refuse Departments and City offices will be closed Memorial Day, May 29. Transit will resume bus services on Tuesday along with trash and compost pickup. All refuse service will be delayed by one day for the remainder of the week.

In St. Joseph County, an Indiana Department of Transportation contractor will conduct bridge work resulting in lane closures in both directions on U.S. 31 over U.S. 20 beginning on or after Tuesday, May 30. U.S. 31 will be reduced to one lane with alternating lane closures between State Road 2 and Nimtz Parkway for a bridge deck overlay project. One lane will remain open in each direction through the duration of the project, which will be ongoing through late August. Motorists should be prepared for changing traffic patterns in the area. INDOT is encouraging  drivers to allow extra time when