Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch announced 479 organizations will receive almost $10 million through the Arts, Cultural and Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) grant program. This initiative is made possible through a partnership between the Indiana Destination Development Corporation (IDDC) and the Indiana Arts Commission (IAC), providing operational support to local organizations whose operations were disrupted by COVID-19. "These organizations help enhance the quality of life here in our great state," Crouch said. "I am pleased to see the arts and cultural sector, which adds to Indiana's tourism economy, get this funding." A list of the awardees can be found here.

Yesterday Governor Eric J. Holcomb signed Executive Order 20-45 to extend the temporary licensing of health care workers who do not currently hold an active license. The following workers will be permitted to practice for an additional 90 days: -medical professionals who retired or became inactive in the last five years -medical professionals who hold licenses in other states -certain medical students and graduates These professionals must register with the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency via their website at www.in.gov/pla. They will be able to assist in screenings, telemedicine and other basic procedures to allow regularly licensed medical professionals to be

South Shore Line mobile app users are advised that a new app update is now available for download for iOS and Android via the App Store and Google Play Store. The update will modify the appearance of SSL tickets, and includes new features to improve the user experience: Revised ticket display;New tabs showing active tickets and ticket history;"Submit a Report" feature in the menu section, to be used for non-app related passenger comments/complaints/suggestions/questions;The "App Support" link is now an embedded submission box in the menu section, to be used for all app questions/comments (previously the link opened the phone’s email client).

The City of La Porte unveiled today its new logo and branding, according to Mayor Tom Dermody. "Our team has worked diligently over the last several months to create this new look and identity for our community, and we could not be more thrilled to finally share it today," Dermody said. "La Porte is a special place, and we believe these efforts will help to set us apart and make our community attractive as we look to bring in new businesses with high-wage jobs." Inspired by La Porte's natural resources, Dermody said the new logo is focused on the access

La Porte Hospital to be known as Northwest Health – La Porte La Porte, IN –Today, La Porte Hospital announced it is part of Northwest Health, a new healthcare system that will help residents look forward to more doctors, more locations and easier access to healthcare in Northwest Indiana. The local hospital’s name will change to Northwest Health - La Porte when the new $125 million replacement hospital opens in downtown La Porte on October 24. The new Northwest Health system combines the resources of the La Porte, Porter and Starke hospitals in a comprehensive system of in-person and telehealth

Yesterday, U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) applauded a partnership between the U.S. Department of Commerce and the RV Industry Association (RVIA) to help RV manufacturers boost exports to international markets. RVIA was awarded a grant and technical assistance through the International Trade Administration’s (ITA) Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP) to reduce trade barriers and regulatory hurdles in order to expand exports of American-made RVs to China, South Korea, and Japan

Last week, Officers from the Porter County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit and Crime Scene Investigators completed training with the new Faro S70 3D laser scanner. This scanner was purchased partly with grant funds awarded to the Porter County Sheriff’s Office through the Porter County Substance Abuse Council. It will assist the specialty units with processing scenes more efficiently and to provide the Prosecutor’s Office with enhanced ways to present fatal crashes and high profile criminal cases.  The scanner will provide views from the scene with overview maps, 3D video walkthroughs, and 360-degree photographic documentation.

The City of New Buffalo recently received news that will result in the expansion of the City’s municipal marina operations. Through the generosity of the William J. Deputy Endowment Fund, the Pleasure Isle Marina adjacent to the City’s municipal marina is being donated to the City of New Buffalo. The City will be receiving 26 slips, a parking area, and boater services building. This marina is valued at $3.1 million.  

With Governor Holcomb advancing Indiana to Stage 5 of the Back on Track Indiana plan, La Porte Hospital announced that it is reopening it’s Wellness and Fitness Centers to members as of Monday, October 5th.  Masks are required, except when working out and all members will be screened upon entry. 

This past Friday the Fugitive Apprehension Street Team (FAST) arrested 19- year-old, Demario Emmanuel Williams-Anderson of Michigan City on a La Porte County Warrant for Murder. Williams-Anderson’s warrant stems from the August 11th shooting death of Darius C. Mitchell in the Pinetree Court apartment complex. Williams-Anderson was taken into custody without incident near the IUPUI campus in Indianapolis by FAST and the United States Marshals Services’ Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force (GLRFTF). Information was obtained that Williams-Anderson had fled to Indianapolis after the shooting and once the arrest warrant was obtained for his arrest, FAST followed up on those

Nearly 220 area residents participated in this year’s Lake County Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, participants walked as individuals and small groups on sidewalks, tracks and trails across the Lake County area, raising over $45,000. The money raised through the Walk to End Alzheimer’s funds local education programs and caregiver support groups, as well as the 24/7 Helpline, which is staffed by licensed social workers who provide around-the-clock support to those who need it. It also funds research into new ways of treating and preventing Alzheimer’s and dementia.

During the evenings through Thursday, Oct. 1: South Shore Line passengers utilizing Millennium Station in the evenings will temporarily board/detrain at the Metra Depot (Tracks 5 and 6), located northwest of the SSL platform. During this time, work will be ongoing in the SSL depot overnight beginning at 7pm. The depot switch will not impact daytime trains, and those passengers should continue to use the SSL platform. Trains impacted by the depot switch include EB Tr 19, 121, 123 & 101, and WB Tr 20, 222 & 22.

On Friday September 25th at approximately 1:45 P.M.; the Fugitive Apprehension Street Team (FAST) arrested 19-year-old, Demario Emmanuel WILLIAMS-ANDERSON of Michigan City on a La Porte County Warrant for Murder. WILLIAMS-ANDERSON’s warrant stems from the August 11th shooting death of Darius C. Mitchell in the Pinetree Court apartment complex. WILLIAMS-ANDERSON was taken into custody without incident near the IUPUI campus in Indianapolis by FAST and the United States Marshals Services’ Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force (GLRFTF). Information was obtained that WILLIAMS-ANDERSON had fled to Indianapolis after the shooting and once the arrest warrant was obtained for his arrest, FAST

Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced several appointments to various state boards and commissions. Governor’s Workforce Cabinet The governor made six reappointments to the cabinet, who will serve until September 30, 2022: •         Sue Ellspermann (Indianapolis), president of Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana •         Chuck Johnson (Owensville), president of Vincennes University •         Teresa Lubbers, commissioner of the Indiana Commission for Higher Education •         Blair Milo, Secretary of Career Connections & Talent •         Fred Payne, commissioner of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development •         Jim Schellinger, Secretary of Commerce The governor also made five new appointments to the cabinet, who will serve until September 30, 2022:

Annual employee-driven Charity of Choice campaign benefits area organizations Sixteen local organizations received donations from NIPSCO’s annual Charity of Choice program to help assist the organizations with their COVID-19 relief efforts within communities across northern Indiana. In total, NIPSCO employees helped raise $75,000 in the recent drive. Under normal circumstances, NIPSCO hosts numerous in-person fundraising events throughout the summer to help drive donations. This year’s fundraising efforts were done virtually with employees ableto raise the much needed funding. “Due to these unprecedented times, we felt the best way to provide support was through the selection of a variety of organizations

Michigan City Mayor Duane Parry is going forward with Trick or Treating, in family groups with adult supervision. The Mayor’s Office says variations on Halloween celebrations, or trick or treating, can be created, as long as people adhere to the rules, we all know: Avoid having large groups of people congregating together. Avoid indoor settings for parties. Make sure you're masking. And it's always safer to be outside. Saturday October 31st 4:00pm to 6:00pm. The Mayor’s office says if you are going to hand out candy in person, make sure you are wearing a facemask and it would not hurt to

The 46-year-old victim of the hit and run accident on September 12th has been identified as Tara Stevens. Tara was being treated at Memorial Hospital in South Bend since being airlifted from the scene of the accident. Unfortunately, Tara succumbed to her injuries on September 22nd. The Michigan City Police Department gives their sincere condolences to the family and friends of Tara Stevens. The Michigan City Police Department is continuing to investigate this incident. Evidence collected thus far would indicate that the vehicle involved is manufactured by General Motors (GM). This could include any Chevrolet, GMC, Pontiac, Buick, Saturn, etc.

On Wednesday afternoon a minor personal injury crash occurred at the intersection of County Road 1100 North and State Road 49 in Chesterton the crash involved a semi tractor trailer and a Town of Chesterton Fire Engine. The fire engine was traveling with emergency lights and sirens to a dispatched call. The fire engine was westbound on 1100 North, crossing the intersection against a red traffic light. The semi tractor was northbound on State Road 49 in the passing lane with a green light and proceeded through the intersection. The collision occurred between the front of the semi tractor and

The City of La Porte Fire Department this week celebrated the opening of its newest station, according to Fire Chief Andy Snyder.  The new Fire Station 3, located at 710 Daytona St., has moved from its former location at the corner of Lincolnway and Boyd Blvd. Snyder said the property has ample space for a future training tower and burn simulator. He also said the new spot is not only more centrally located for firefighters responding to calls but is also a much safer street for trucks as they pull in and out of the station. “We are thrilled to

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) continues to enroll one of the most diverse and persistent student bodies in the state of Indiana as students, faculty and staff address the new challenges presented by the global pandemic. Hispanic students represent 24% of this year’s full-time, undergraduate students. The freshman class is comprised of 38.9% underrepresented minority groups. The percentage of students attending PNW full-time increased to 81% of core undergraduate students. First-time, full-time students who enrolled in fall 2019 returned at a rate of 70.6%. “Everyone has worked collaboratively to achieve a safe, engaging start to the semester. Students are attending classes