INDIANA — AAA predicts at least 73 million travelers hitting the road this year for the Thanksgiving holiday, nearly 2 million of those from Indiana. As Hoosiers embark on holiday travels, INDOT urges drivers to travel safely and plan ahead, as increased traffic is expected across the state starting Tuesday afternoon. “Motorists should be aware of increased traffic and potential delays early this week,” said INDOT Commissioner Lyndsay Quist. “We encourage drivers to leave early, practice patience, and allow extra travel time throughout the holiday season. We want everyone to make it to their destination safely.” Beginning at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 26, INDOT

The Downtown La Porte Ice Rink opens this Friday and will also be open on Saturday and Sunday. Reserve your skate time in advance at www.laporteparkandrec.com. For Free Skate Friday on Nov. 28 use the promo code LEAP and for BOGO (Buy One Get One Free) Skate Sunday on November 30 use the promo code SAL. For more information, call 219-326-9600.

The Valparaiso Police Department, along with the Valparaiso Fire Department and the Porter County Sheriff’s Office are participating with the Valparaiso Parks Foundation for the Santa & Sirens toy donation event taking place Dec. 7 from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the Fairgrounds Park. Stop by to drop off gifts or donations.

The Michigan City Police Department welcomed their newest officer Jose Gonzalez, a lateral transfer with over 5 years of experience. "We understand transitioning to a new department brings both anticipation and uncertainty; yet, we know his skills, knowledge, and experience have prepared him for success," MCPD said on its Facebook page. "We are confident that Officer Gonzalez’s arrival will make a lasting, positive impact on our department and those we serve in the community. On behalf of the entire department, welcome. We are proud to have Officer Gonzalez on our team."

Press Release, La Porte Community School Corporation: La Porte Community School Corporation is proud to announce that the Indiana Department of Education has awarded the Purple Star School designation to Kingsford Heights Elementary School for 2025. This distinction is significant for a school serving a community born from America's World War II effort. The town of Kingsford Heights was established in 1942 as a housing community for workers at the nearby Kingsbury Ordnance Plant, one of the largest ammunition manufacturing facilities in the United States during World War II. At its peak, the plant employed more than 20,000 workers who

LAPORTE, Ind. (November 19, 2025) — Next week, a 14-year tradition returns to downtown LaPorte as State Street Community Church prepares to open its doors for its annual Thanksgiving Eve Community Dinner. On Wednesday, November 26, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., the church expects to serve between 250 and 350 neighbors a hot, homemade holiday meal free of charge. The event is open to the public, and no reservations are required. The dinner will be held at the church's historic location at 209 State Street (the corner of Linwood Avenue and State Street). The menu features traditional holiday staples, including turkey and

The Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest launches “Spark Series” to inspire next generation of entrepreneurs   HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. – The Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest has officially launched the Spark Series, a new video learning library designed to help students, educators and aspiring entrepreneurs learn directly from real-world innovators across Northwest Indiana.   These short, documentary-style video interviews with local entrepreneurs and innovators bring real-world business and innovation concepts to life for audiences. The Spark Series highlights authentic stories, challenges and insights designed to inspire the next generation of problem-solvers and creators. Each 12 to 14-minute

The CPKC Holiday Train passed through Chesterton early in the morning of Sunday Nov. 23, according to the Town of Chesterton Facebook page. HOLIDAY TRAIN SUPPORTS FOOD BANKS From the CPKC Holiday Train’s website: “The 2025 CPKC Holiday Train will tour Canada and the U.S. through Dec. 21, raising money, food, and awareness to support food banks across our network. Professional musicians play free concerts from the brightly decorated train’s stage. CPKC donates to the local food banks at each stop and encourages all attendees to make a monetary or heart-healthy food donation. Since its inaugural journey in 1999, the

Valparaiso Parks announced on their Facebook page Friday that new shade structures are now up at some of their most frequently visited parks. Valpo Parks noted that these shade structures are seasonal and won’t be up much longer. The canopies will be removed during the winter months and re-installed in early spring to prevent weather damage.

As temperatures drop and the holiday season approaches, many Hoosiers find themselves needing extra support. Indiana 211 is a free, confidential service that connects Hoosiers with local health and human services. Indiana 211 is here to ensure that individuals and families across the state know exactly where to turn when they need help most. With one call, text, or click, Indiana 211 connects people to trusted, up-to-date community resources available in their area. Hoosiers can access a wide range of essential services through Indiana 211, including: Food assistance programs and local pantries Warming centers and shelters during cold weather Thanksgiving

On November 3rd, 2025, Judge Jamie Oss, Judge of Superior Court 1, sentenced Javan Brown for his multiple convictions for Attempted Murder, and other related crimes.  After considering Indiana law and other factors, Judge Oss sentenced Mr. Brown to 45 years DOC for the first count of Attempted Murder, 35 years DOC for the second count of Attempted Murder, and 35 years DOC for Sentencing Enhancements for Firearm and Criminal Organization.  These separate sentences will be served consecutively. Prosecuting Attorney Sean Fagan said: “Due to the facts of the case, the convictions, and the requirements of Indiana law, the Court

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – An approximately $20 million mixed-use, mixed-income development project is progressing after the Michigan City Redevelopment Commission’s vote to approve the project’s term sheet. Project Wabash, at 7th and Wabash streets, would include five stories, 45 to 60 apartments and commercial space for three tenants, including an anchor restaurant. Plans for the apartments include units with 1 bedroom/1 bath and 2 bedrooms/2 baths at both market and workforce rates. “As an infill project, the development is poised to transform an underutilized space in our city and spark revitalization with new housing and retail options,” said Economic Development Corporation Michigan City

The Valparaiso Police Department gave the following statement on their Facebook page about holiday safety: As we head into the holiday season, many families in our community will welcome children home from school break and host additional loved ones in their homes. With more activity in the house, it’s especially important to ensure that firearms are stored safely and securely. If you have a firearm in your home, please take a moment to check that it is unloaded, locked, and stored out of the reach of children and visitors. Safe storage saves lives—and even one preventable tragedy is too many.

The National Park Service says it is planning to conduct three prescribed fires at the Indiana Dunes National Park this fall. Approximately 264 acres are planned to be burned as part of the park’s natural resources and fuels management programs. Approximately 181 acres will be burned for natural resources restoration purposes at the Hobart Prairie Grove property on the west side of Lake George near Hobart. This prescribed fire includes NPS property on the north and south sides of the Prairie Duneland Trail and is within the greater Hobart Marsh natural resources area. Fire staff plan to burn 67 acres

St. Joseph County Council Leadership Responds to Inquiry Regarding Attorney PERF Benefits   South Bend, IN Dan Schaetzle, in his official capacity as St. Joseph County Council President, is responding to recent resident concerns regarding Indiana Public Employee’s Retirement Fund (PERF) benefits provided to former County Council attorneys.   “As stewards of the public’s money and trust, we take these concerns seriously,” said Councilman Schaetzle. “Transparency in local government is not just important, it’s essential.”   Following internal questions beginning in January 2024, attorney Pete Agostino researched PERF qualifications for County Council attorneys in late 2024 and early 2025. The

MICHIGAN CITY– The Salvation Army of Michigan City invites the community to its annual Thanksgiving Meal on Thursday, November 27, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This free meal is open to all and is offered as a gathering place for anyone seeking food, fellowship, or a warm and welcoming place to spend the holiday. This year’s meal comes at a time when many families are facing increased challenges, including rising food costs, economic uncertainty, and record levels of food insecurity across La Porte County. The Salvation Army has seen a steady increase in need throughout the year. “Thanksgiving is

The City of Valparaiso Friday gave the following update on the Fall Leaf Pickup Program: We are approaching the end of our 4th week and 4th trip through the fall collection zones for the Fall Leaf Pickup Program. Valparaiso City Services (VCS) has collected nearly 4,000 cubic yards of leaves so far this season. On average we collect nearly 11,000 cubic yards of leaves per season. Due to the winter weather event last week our collection efforts were delayed almost 4 days and the winter event led to an accelerated leaf drop rate. VCS has made operational adjustments and will

The Porter County Sheriff's Office has kicked off its Christmas Gift program for children with incarcerated parents. See the flyer for details:

The La Porte County Health Department announced new office hours for their Michigan City location. The Health Department gave the following information: New Michigan City Office Hours: Beginning Dec. 1st, 2025 Tuesday and Thursday 8am-4pm La Porte Office will still be open Monday thru Friday 8 am-4pm

Please be advised there will be a One Day Delay in the recycling pickup schedule for Thursday, November 27th and Friday, November 28th. Thursday’s pickup will be Friday and Friday’s pickup will be Saturday. Please remember to have your toter curbside the night before or by 5:00 a.m. to insure you are picked-up. The office and Compost Site will be closed Thursday and Friday for the Thanksgiving Holiday and will reopen Monday, December 1st at 8:00 a.m.