Local News

LA PORTE COUNTY, Ind. - Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Dunnet Bay Construction Company will continue to have overnight lane closures on I-94 between U.S. 421 and U.S. 20/35 through mid-April. Overnight lane closures that began March 31 will continue through approximately April 16 to set up phase one of construction work on I-94. Motorists should expect to encounter lane closures during the hours of 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Once phase one is set up, there will be two lanes of traffic shifted to the left with the work zone on the right in each direction. Construction work this

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – Washington Park Zoo has opened its gates for its 2025 season this past Saturday. This marks the beginning of our 97th season, which will be filled with exciting opportunities for education and exploration for visitors of all ages. The zoo operates daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., including holidays, with extended summer weekend hours running from Memorial Day until Labor Day weekend. As part of this year’s offerings, the zoo features a full slate of engaging education programs and special events designed to inspire a passion for wildlife and conservation. Specific dates and details about

In Lake County, an Indiana Department of Transportation contractor has lane closures on U.S. 12/Columbus Drive between Alexander Avenue and Euclid Avenue. U.S. 12 will be reduced to one lane in each direction for bridge repair and rehabilitation through late June. Lane closures may be needed on Carey St under the U.S. 12 bridge during this work, which will result in flaggers directing traffic.

Egg-citing Easter Fun at The Barker Mansion Garden Saturday, April 12, 2025 Date and Time Saturday, April 12 10:00 am – 11:00 pm Location 631 Washington St, Michigan City, IN About this Event Families can hop into Easter fun at The Barker Mansion Garden! Follow the Barker Bunny Trail and hunt for colorful eggs hidden among the spring blooms. The hunt promises excitement for kids of all ages. Whether you’re exploring the Bunny Trail, learning the Bunny Hop, or joining the Easter Parade, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this Easter celebration. 🔔 Make sure to dress appropriately for outdoor

Dr. Carolyn Watson takes audiences back to Broadway with an evening of Golden-Age musical theater from America’s best-loved composer/lyricist duo Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein. The La Porte County Symphony Orchestra presents its fourth and final subscription concert of the 2024-25 season on Saturday, April 12 at 7 pm Central at the La Porte Civic Auditorium. La Porte, March 24, 2025 - The La Porte County Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Music Director and Conductor Dr. Carolyn Watson will present its fourth subscription concert of the season on Saturday, April 12 at 7:00 pm Central time at the La

As of Saturday 4/5/25-From the Indiana State Police Lowell. UPDATED INFORMATION* Indiana State Police Investigating Officer Involved Shooting in Michigan City Michigan City- The LaPorte County Coroner has authorized the following information to be released. The deceased has been identified as Jorge Meza, 21, from South Bend, Indiana. Indiana State Police detectives were able to make notification to family last night and additional family members were notified this morning. An autopsy has been scheduled for Sunday, April 6th. No further information can be released at this time. below for release and statements from Friday 4/4/25-see below for previous release and

STARKE COUNTY, Ind. - An Indiana Department of Transportation contractor will close State Road 23 between County Road 100 North and County Road 25 North on or after Monday, April 7. State Road 23 will be closed through the end of May for a bridge deck overlay preventative maintenance project at Eagle Creek. Motorists should seek alternate routes. The official detour will follow U.S. 30, U.S. 35 and State Road 8.

The Town of Ogden Dunes announced that beginning May 1 you will soon be required to have your 2025 permits and dog tags. All permits are now available and Town Hall window hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Residents are eligible for one (1) vehicle parking sticker at no cost when home association dues are paid. 2025 Dues are $125.00. No cash will be accepted for Home Association Dues. Any checks should be made out to Ogden Dunes Home Association or ODHA. Additional vehicle stickers are available for purchase at $50 each (payable to Town of

The Town of Long Beach has pre-construction activities for their upcoming paving projects, scheduled to begin on April 8. These projects are part of ongoing efforts to improve the infrastructure and safety of the community. During this period, Rieth-Riley will be performing asphalt milling and HMA resurfacing, as well as installing drainage structures and making various stormwater infrastructure improvements. Local traffic is permitted, but access for non-local traffic is restricted. The town hopes to have paving dates available by mid-May. Juneway Drive from Goldengate Drive to Oriole Trail, April 8-11 Avondale Drive from Chastleton Drive to Lake Shore Drive, April

The City of La Porte announced Nest La Porte’s warming shelter has been extended for use through April. “Each night, the shelter operated by Nest La Porte provided dinner, breakfast, and a warm, safe place to sleep for individuals experiencing homelessness in La Porte during the coldest months of winter,” the City of La Porte said on their Facebook page. “This temporary warming shelter was planned through the end of March, but given the cold spring that we’ve been having, we are proud to share that we’ve extended our partnership into APRIL!” The shelter will remain open through much of

Spring Clean-up in Michigan City begins on Monday, April 7. The Refuse Department has issued a set of guidelines, a map and dates for each zone. The City is asking resident to have your items set out the Sunday prior to your scheduled pick-up week.      

A woman died in a crash Thursday involving a semi in La Porte County, the La Porte County Police siad in a statement. Just after 4:30 a.m., deputies responded to the intersection of US Highway 20 and County Road 300 East in Kankakee Township for a two-vehicle personal injury crash where a passenger vehicle was engulfed in flames. Upon the arrival of a deputy, he and a bystander attempted to remove the entrapped driver from the passenger vehicle but were unsuccessful, and the driver, 44-year-old Cary C. Canary from La Porte was declared deceased at the scene. The initial investigation

Press Release, La Porte Community School Corporation: La Porte—The La Porte Community School Corporation (LPCSC) is proud to announce open enrollment opportunities for the 2025-2026 school year. Families inside and outside district boundaries are invited to apply for enrollment in LPCSC's exceptional educational programs. "We're excited to welcome new students and families to our educational community," said Dr. Sandra Wood, Superintendent. "Our district provides a wide range of educational programs from early childhood to high school graduation, aimed at preparing students for success in a constantly evolving world." LPCSC distinguishes itself through numerous educational advantages: ● New Early Childhood Center:

Valpo Parks recently announced on their social media that starting Monday, April 7, construction begins on the new Foundation Meadows Park playground, with work expected to continue through April and May, weather permitting. Valpo Parks says that during construction, the Prairie Trails, StoryWalk, and restrooms will remain open for visitors to enjoy. To stay up to date on all projects included in the rePLAY initiative, visit their website: bit.ly/ValpoParksrePLAY .

Last week, Chesterton Police officers took part in advanced training using the VirTra V-300 simulator. The department said on its Facebook page that the dynamic simulator allows instructors to adjust scenarios in real-time based on an officer’s response, creating a realistic and adaptive training experience. Officers navigated a variety of situations, from using verbal de-escalation skills to talk with a suicidal subject to responding to active shooter incidents, honing their decision-making skills under pressure. The Chesterton Police Department says this type of training is invaluable in preparing their officers for real-world challenges while emphasizing de-escalation and proper response tactics. The

LaPorte County Solid Waste District’s Saturday hours start this week. Beginning this Saturday April 5, they will be open Monday-Saturday 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Compost Site at 724 Zigler Road, La Porte. That includes the location being open on Saturdays as well for styrofoam and electronics dropoff.  

The Michigan City Human Rights Commission is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Humanitarian of the Year. Nomination forms are available by visiting www.emichgiancity.com/253/Human-Rights-Commission and paper copies of the nomination form are available at City Hall. The deadline to submit nominations is Tuesday May 6th, 2025. Nomination forms must be returned to: City Hall, Michigan City Human Rights Commission, 100 E. Michigan Blvd., Michigan City, IN 46360. As stated in the nomination form, the Humanitarian of the Year Award will be presented to someone who has significantly impacted the Michigan City community through volunteerism, leadership, and philanthropy; and is dedicated

The Chesterton Park Board, at its meeting Tuesday night voted unanimously to restore the four-sided post clock in Thomas Centennial Park, according to the Town of Chesterton Facebook page. The quoted price is just below $15,600. The restoration is to be performed by The Verdin Company of Cincinnati, Ohio. It will include a new time piece, dial gears, and clock hands; digital clock controller; new dial with Lexan covers and bezels with accent paint details; LED illumination system; and other related parts. More information can be found on the Town of Chesterton Facebook page.

This Friday in Valparaiso, City Hall will host a Blood Drive to benefit the American Red Cross, announced Mayor Jon Costas. Giving blood is an important way to support local health. The Red Cross is taking appointments for the Blood Drive, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. To schedule your appointment at City Hall or another site, visit redcrossblood.org

Photos of 3 of the 5 semis that were blown over by a strong gust of wind on I-65 NB just south of the Lowell exit on Wednesday. Thank you to the Indiana State Police-Lowell Post for the update. Be prepared. Be safe. #wims