Press Release by Indiana Family Social Services Administration: INDIANAPOLIS – As part of Governor Mike Braun’s Make Indiana Healthy Again initiative, the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) is launching Smart SNAP, a bold new effort to improve the health of Hoosiers by aligning SNAP benefits with healthier food choices. Beginning January 1, 2026, SNAP benefits can no longer be used to purchase sugary drinks or candy in Indiana. This initiative is a direct response to alarming public health statistics: 66% of adult Hoosiers are overweight or obese, 44% eat fruit less than once daily, and 27% eat vegetables

Join Grace Learning Center on Thursday, December 18th, 11:00am - 1:00pm, for "First Aid Training" with the Michigan City Fire Department! * ALL classes and services at Grace Learning Center are FREE and OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY!

Rob Reiner, who segued from starring in “All in the Family” to directing movies including “This Is Spinal Tap,” “A Few Good Men” and “When Harry Met Sally…” was found dead Sunday afternoon in his Brentwood home alongside his wife Michele Singer. He was 78. The deaths are being investigated as a homicide, according to the LAPD. The couple was reported to have been stabbed to death. “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner. We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time,”

The Washington Park Zoo on their Facebook page Friday thanked the Otto and Margaret Zack Charitable Trust for their  $95,000 donation. "This significant contribution will enable us to upgrade the Diet Kitchen backup generator, enhance our exhibits, and purchase animal care needs, greatly benefiting both our facility and the animals in our care, the Washington Park Zoo said. "The Otto and Margaret Zack Charitable Trust has been a valued sponsor over the years, consistently demonstrating a strong commitment to our mission and the well-being of our community. Their ongoing support has made a meaningful impact on our ability to provide

On December 4, 2025, John McCaw was found Guilty of Murder in Laporte Circuit Court. Mr. McCaw had a bench trial overseen by Senior Judge Alevizos. Evidence was presented over a 4 day trial, after which Judge Alevizos found Mr. McCaw guilty of Murder. Mr. McCaw was charged in August 2022 for the death of Nancy Ainsworth. Sentencing for Mr. McCaw will be held later in December.   Prosecuting Attorney Sean Fagan said: “John McCaw murdered Nancy Ainsworth. The State of Indiana proved this beyond a reasonable doubt. I want to thank my talented Deputies: Autumn Ferch, Katie Arnold, and

Yuletide Favorites & Santa Claus at The Barker Mansion Mansion After Hours: Yuletide Favorites Wednesday, December 17 | 6:00 PM Join us for an enchanting evening of holiday storytelling with presenter Grant Fitch. Enjoy dramatic readings of beloved classics such as “The Gift of the Magi” and “Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus,” along with the tales that inspired “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “A Christmas Story.” The program also features selections from “The Santaland Diaries.” This festive literary performance is sure to warm hearts and capture the spirit of the season. An Evening Visit with Santa at the

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) is extending the open enrollment period for the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) and PathWays programs through December 24, 2025, to ensure that all eligible Hoosiers have sufficient time to select a health plan that best meets their needs. This extension comes as FSSA continues to experience high engagement from members seeking assistance with their coverage options. To support individuals and families during this busy transition period, FSSA is providing additional time for plan selection to help ensure no one feels rushed or uncertain about their choices. Individuals who do not

Press Release by City of Valparaiso: The Mayor's Youth Council has named Nora Burk as Valparaiso's Rising Star for 2025. The Rising Star recognition celebrates the abundance of responsible, intelligent and hardworking youth that contribute to the success of Valparaiso every day. "We share our Youth Council's commitment to elevating the qualities of benevolence, leadership and perseverance that the Rising Star recognizes," said Mayor Jon Costas. "We congratulate Nora Burk and share our gratitude for her commitment to the community." Nora is a fifth grader at Central Elementary. Since second grade, she has been a committed member in the community,

HOBART, Ind. – Amber Morris said one of the happiest days of her life was when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. “I was ecstatic because now I had an answer and validation that it wasn’t all in my head,” the 58-year-old Hobart woman said. “After four years of trying to figure out what was wrong, now that we knew what it was, we could treat it.” But managing symptoms and working to slow progression was all that could be done for the degenerative, incurable disease. Some days were better than others and the bad days eventually intensified to the

News Release, DNR: The deadline for submitting Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) applications is Jan. 15, 2026. The goal of the LARE program is to restore and enhance aquatic habitat for fish and wildlife while ensuring continued use of Indiana’s publicly accessible lakes, rivers, and streams. The program provides technical assistance to qualifying projects that reduce non-point sediment and nutrient pollution throughout their watersheds. Qualifying projects include sediment removal, restoring wetlands, lowhead dam removal, and others. To view a full list of qualifying project types, along with additional information about the LARE program, see lare.dnr.IN.gov . Applicants are encouraged to

Here is the latest from OTT Haverstock Funeral Chapel in Michigan City regarding Lorriane Chango-see below Lorraine A. Chango October 20, 1945 - December 7, 2025 Lorraine A. Chango, 80, Michigan City, Indiana, passed away in her sleep on Sunday, December 7, 2025 at her home in, Michigan City, Indiana after a long period of poor health. A memorial service celebrating Lorraine's life will be announced at a later date. The Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, 418 Washington St., Michigan City, Indiana 46360 is handling arrangements. Contributions may be made to Gabriel Home for the Elderly, 372 Franciscan Dr., Valparaiso, IN 46385

INDOT announced on Friday that U.S. 35/Indiana Ave. reopened in La Porte. Work this year involved reconstructing the intersection of U.S. 35 and Kingsbury Ave/Woodlawn Dr, as well as outfall utility work. INDOT said on their Facebook page that road reconstruction between the north end of this year’s project area and State Road 2/Lincolnway will occur in 2026. This will result in phased closures on U.S. 35 as work progresses northward. "Due to the amount of work still left to complete this project, our contractor may close U.S. 35 for the next phase of construction as early as mid-February (if

MICHIGAN CITY, December 12, 2025 – Three local accounting firms will compete in a friendly bell-ringing challenge on Tuesday, December 16 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm to support The Salvation Army of Michigan City’s annual Red Kettle Campaign. Applegate & Company, CLH CPAs, and CBIZ will each staff a kettle location as part of this year’s “Battle of the Beancounters.” During the competition, each firm will ring at a different location in the community. Applegate & Company will be collecting donations at Al’s Supermarket on Karwick Plaza, CLH CPAs & Consultants will be stationed at the south door of Al’s Supermarket

Several Chesterton Police Officers were honored at the Chesterton Police Commission’s meeting on Thursday evening. Cpl. Ryan Miller and Officer Cole Foster of the Chesterton Police Department and Officer Matthew Reynolds of the Porter PD were presented with the Exceptional Service Award. Officer Jorge Perez was presented with the Exceptional Service Award. Det. Cpl. Arwen LaMotte was presented with the Exceptional Service Award. Sgts. Eric Lisoski and Justin Frever were presented with the Exceptional Service Award. See details of each award on the Town of Chesterton Facebook page.

As the temperatures plunge, the Town of Chesterton gave the following information on warming centers around Chesterton: "Due to the ongoing remodel, the Chesterton town hall meeting room will be unavailable to the public as a warming shelter until the New Year." "But with temperatures expected to drop into single digits over the weekend—with subzero windchills—the Duneland Family YMCA and the Healthy Living Campus will both be open during businesses hours for persons whose furnaces fail." The Duneland Family YMCA is located at 215 Roosevelt St., Chesterton. Hours: *5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday. *7 a.m. to 3

The Indiana Department of Health are reminding the public that warming shelters and centers are open across Indiana for any Hoosier who needs to get out of the cold. “Shelters are a safe place for anyone needing to get out of the cold for a few hours or to stay overnight,” the Department said on its social media. Hoosiers who need additional assistance can call 2-1-1. DHS warming center map: https://bit.ly/4pw3tWu Indiana 211 warming center map: https://bit.ly/3ME79qG

The La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership LEAP are proud to honor Charity Hlavsa, owner of HotSpot Cafe La Porte IN, as their 2025 Community Partner of the Year! Her tireless advocacy for downtown businesses and the creation of the Small Business Coalition has strengthened our local economy and inspired collaboration across our community. Join us in congratulating Charity for her vision, dedication, and impact!

The Salvation Army is letting the public know that there are still opportunities to receive items for those who did not get their application in for Christmas assistance before the deadline. There will be last chance Christmas assistance for La Porte County residents Dec. 17 in La Porte and Dec. 22 in Michigan City. See the flyer for requirements and more details.   

Thursday evening, Porter Police Officer Matthew Reynolds received a Life Saving Award from our friends at the Chesterton Police Department during their Police Commission meeting. Earlier this year, Officer Reynolds responded to assist the CPD with a call for service involving a severely injured citizen, the Porter Police said on their Facebook page. Officer Reynolds- a Marine and trained Emergency Medical Responder- administered life saving aid along with two of our CPD colleagues. Porter Police Chief Dickey stated “Officer Reynolds has proven time and again his dedication to the Duneland community. His commitment to training for these critical moments cannot

The Town of Chesterton says Downtown Chesterton shoppers still have a few more days to vote for their favor storefront as part of this year’s Holiday Window Decorating Contest. This year’s theme: Winter Wildlife! Deadline to vote: Sunday, Dec. 14 The Town of Chesterton says if you haven’t ventured into the Downtown in a while, make a point over the next few days of doing some holiday shopping there. Vote online at https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSen2brOICu.../viewform... "The contest is sponsored by the Chesterton Branding and Leadership Corporation, a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to a vibrant and thriving Chesterton community, celebrating the art of life