Indiana’s unemployment rate stands at 3.1 percent for February and remains lower than the national rate of 3.5 percent. The monthly unemployment rate is a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicator that reflects the number of unemployed people seeking employment within the prior four weeks as a percentage of the labor force. Indiana’s labor force had a net increase of 3,114 over the previous month. This was a result of a decrease of 1,599 unemployed residents and an increase of 4,713 employed residents. Indiana's total labor force, which includes both Hoosiers employed and those seeking employment, stands at 3.39

On Friday at approximately 3:00 p.m., a two vehicle crash involving a white 2010 Ford Taurus and a red 2010 Ford truck occurred on the Indiana Toll Road (I-90) at the Lake Station Toll Plaza. An off-duty firefighter witnessed the crash and stopped to check for injuries. The firefighter called 911 and stated one of the drivers was attempting to leave the scene of the crash. As the vehicle fled the scene, the caller followed the vehicle from the Indiana Toll Road to I-80/94 where it continued westbound. Trooper Logan Hensley was able to locate the vehicle at approximately the

1400 Jefferson Avenue shootingOn Saturday, the La Porte Police Department afternoon shift was dispatched to the 1400 block of Jefferson Avenue in reference to a shooting at approx. 7pm. This location is just west of the center downtown La Porte in a residential/light business area. Upon arrival officers encountered a very large group of subjects and a very chaotic scene. Officers from the La Porte County Sheriff’s Department and the Indiana State Police arrived and assisted with preserving the scene and crowd control that was very tense and unstable for some time. There were two shooting victims from this incident

The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) announced that 290 additional Hoosiers have been diagnosed with COVID-19 through testing at ISDH, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and private laboratories. That brings to 1,514 the total number of Indiana residents known to have the novel coronavirus following corrections to the previous day’s total. Thirty-two Hoosiers have died. To date, 9,830 tests have been reported to ISDH, up from 8,407 on Saturday. Marion County had the most new cases, at 119, while Lake County had 17, Johnson County had 15, Hendricks County had 12 and Hamilton County had 10.

The NiSource Charitable Foundation, the charitable foundation supported by NIPSCO’s parent company NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI), today announced that it has committed $400,000 to the American Red Cross in Indiana as part of its overall $1 million donation to help provide coronavirus (COVID-19) relief support across the company’s seven-state service territory. Along with the American Red Cross in Indiana, funds will be distributed to local chapters of the American Red Cross in Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia – the states in which NiSource companies operate. The dollars are intended to support the delivery of care and comfort to

The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) today announced that 338 additional Hoosiers have been diagnosed with COVID-19 through testing at ISDH, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and private laboratories. That brings to 981 the total number of Indiana residents known to have the novel coronavirus following corrections to the previous day’s total. Twenty-four Hoosiers have died. To date, 6,936 tests have been reported to ISDH, up from 4,651 on Thursday. Marion County had the most new cases, at 192. Lake County had 16 new cases, while Allen, Decatur and Hamilton counties each had 13. The complete

In response to recommendations from Governor Eric Holcomb, Secretary of State Connie Lawson, and the leadership of Indiana’s major political parties, the Indiana Election Commission has issued an order making it easier for Hoosiers to vote in the June 2nd Primary Election. Governor Holcomb previously moved the primary from May 5th to June 2nd. The complete order detailing each change is available at https://www.in.gov/sos/elections/2404.htm Eligible Hoosiers can register to vote online, check their registration status, and request an absentee ballot by visiting www.IndianaVoters.com

Dear Business Community, This is an unprecedented time in our history. The COVID-19 pandemic is having a significant impact on the health of our loved ones, the businesses we rely on, the strength of the global economy, and the way we live our daily lives. As we all work to navigate through these unique and evolving challenges, we want you to know that both the Economic Development Corporation Michigan City (EDCMC) and the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce are here for you. Our Chamber of Commerce has been serving businesses in our community for over 100 years and our Economic

OFFICE OF MAYOR DUANE PARRY-City of Michigan City The City of Michigan City Department of Forestry hopes that you are all safe and staying healthy during these uncertain times, and while many of our favorite pastimes are restricted at the moment, spring is in the air and we are looking forward to bringing a bit of it to our community. Last year, as part of the Urban Forestry Management Plan, the Forestry Department selected, tagged, and purchased trees to be planted in our neighborhoods in the spring of 2020. Now that the spring planting season is upon us, these trees

United Way of LaPorte County extended its deepest gratitude to its long-time friend and partner, Horizon Bank, for its generous donation to the COVID-19 Relief Fund. On March 18th, LaPorte County’s local United Way launched a COVID-19 Relief Fund to raise financial resources to support the immediate and emerging needs of individuals in LaPorte County. “Soon after putting out the call to action asking everyone to share whatever they could to help neighbors in need through the relief fund, Horizon Bank stepped up to the plate in a big way with a check for $10,000 to get the ball rolling,”

The Board of Directors of the Healthcare Foundation of La Porte (HFL) voted (March 25, 2020) to approve a plan that allows the HFL to provide emergency grants to qualifying organizations who are working in La Porte County communities to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. In line with the HFL’s mission, the board took swift action to respond to community needs. Phase 1 of the plan addresses immediate needs. It runs from March 25, 2020 to May 30, 2020 but can be flexible to follow the progression of the crisis and government orders. Phase 2 of the plan is designed to

Michigan City, IN -- March 25, 2020 -- Joie Nichols, a student at Krueger Middle School, has been selected for the 2020 Middle School Honors Performance Series in late June with the Honors Junior Choir. Participation in one of the Honors Ensembles is limited to the highest-rated middle school performers from across North America and select schools internationally. Nichols is a member of Krueger's 8th Grade Chorus. She auditioned this winter for the Honors Performance Series and was accepted by the Honors Selection Board after a review of her application and audition recording. “Selection for the Honors Series is something

These classes on Sat., March 28, 9 am-5 pm ET and Sun., March 29, 1 pm-6 pm ET will be offered virtually through Zoom. Please register by 3 pm on Friday, March 27, at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZeroToHeroIndiana "Zero to Hero” is a free weekend training program for new and existing volunteers, preparing them to be a Red Cross Disaster Action Team (DAT) member. DAT members respond to community crises such as home fires or natural disasters. They assist and guide the victims and provide them with resources for recovery. Examples of course content include Psychological First Aid and Mass Care. For more information, contact kristina.chapman@redcross.org or

The Valparaiso Police Department responded to the 1300 block of Forest Park Ave. Tuesday evening at approximately 8:40 p.m. to investigate the report of a disturbance. The reported disturbance had occurred earlier in the day and police arrived to speak with the male subject involved in the incident. Upon arrival, the male initially declined to speak with officers; however, eventually was called to the front of the home by police. The investigation resulted in the male subject being taken into custody on charges of Domestic Battery and Intimidation. The male was identified as 43 year old Barry Smith of Valparaiso.

A press release on Tuesday from the La Porte City Police Dept. explained the following guidelines. In response to Governor Holcomb’s shelter at home order, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the La Porte Police Department procedures are as follows. Records personnel will be down to one clerk per business day. All records/accident requests should be either emailed or phoned in. We ask that you provide an email address or fax number to send those to you if you are cleared to receive them. Contact LPPD records via email _Records@lpcitypd.com or by phone 219-362-9446. Records will be available M-F 7a-3p. Handgun permits will

The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) Tuesday reported 107 new positive cases of COVID-19, bringing to 365 the number of Hoosiers diagnosed through ISDH, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and private laboratories. Twelve Hoosiers have died. A total of 2,931 tests have been reported to ISDH to date, up from 1,960 on Monday. Marion County had the most new cases, at 51. The complete list of counties with cases is included in the ISDH COVID-19 dashboard at www.coronavirus.in.gov, which will be updated daily at 10 a.m. Cases are listed by county of residence. Private lab reporting may

Advisory: Ogden Dunes virtual Town Hall meeting on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic Dear Mike Paine,March 24, 2020 To: Ogden Dunes Community RE: Ogden Dunes virtual Town Hall meeting on Novel Coronavirus(COVID-19) Pandemic The Ogden Dunes Town Council, Ogden Dunes Police Department, and Ogden Dunes Fire Department will host a virtual Town Hall online meeting at 6:00 pm tomorrow evening, Wednesday, March 25, 2020. Join virtual Town Hall online via Zoom meeting at:https://niesc.zoom.us/j/359459438Meeting ID: 359 459 438 One tap on mobile phone:+13126266799,,359459438# US (Chicago) Telephone dial-in:+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)Meeting ID: 359 459 438 Join by Skype for Businesshttps://niesc.zoom.us/skype/359459438 Watch

La Porte County Family YMCA’s Childcare Center, located at 2510 Monroe Street, La Porte, IN is now able to enroll children up to the age of 12 years old in its Level 4, Paths to Quality, licensed childcare program. 30 new spots have been approved to open immediately by the State of Indiana. The Level 4, Paths to Quality designation is a National Accreditation, which provides the “highest rated programs and have demonstrated a commitment to the highest level of professionalism in quality early care and education — achievement of a nationally recognized accreditation” as described by the State of Indiana.

The Michigan City Park Department, in compliance with Governor's Executive Order No. 20-08, item 5 "Prohibited Activities," will be closing all city playgrounds effective immediately and until further notice. Closures also include the Michigan City Golf Course, Washington Park Zoo, Michigan City Senior Center, Krueger Memorial Hall, the Oasis Splash Park, the Guy Foreman Amphitheater, the Old Bandstand, all park programs, and all city picnic shelters.

OFFICE OF MAYOR DUANE PARRY City of Michigan City Coronavirus Update In light of COVID-19, and the order by our Governor Eric Holcomb, Mayor Duane Parry is introducing a “SAFER AT HOME” plan for all businesses and residents in Michigan City perform only essential services for the next 14 days. With the number of cases of COVID-19 rising, we need to take every step now to slow the spread of the virus, and to preserve precious healthcare resources to care for those who may soon need them. WHAT DOES “SAFER AT HOME” MEAN? Residents of Michigan City are required to