Local News

LA PORTE COUNTY, IN — Unity Foundation of La Porte County is accepting applications for the 2025 cycle of scholarships. The deadline for submission is Friday, March 14, 2025. For the 2024-2025 school year, Unity’s scholarship program awarded nearly $350,000 to 148 local students. “Having previously worked in higher education, I’ve witnessed firsthand how even a few hundred dollars can make a profound difference in a student’s educational journey,” said CC Payne, Unity Foundation Director of Operations. “Unity Foundation’s commitment to the community shines through in the $350,000 awarded in scholarships during this academic year. This impact was made possible

CROWN POINT, Ind. – The Franciscan Health Family Birth Center Crown Point welcomed the first baby of 2025 at 11:06 a.m. on New Year’s Day. Christopher Moore was born to Patricia Brooks and Charles Moore, Sr. of Cedar Lake. He weighed 7 pounds, 13 ounces and measured 19 inches long. Brooks said she was due Jan. 4 and planned to be induced on Jan. 2, but baby Christopher had other plans. “I was really surprised, but it’s kind of cool to have a baby on New Year’s Day,” Brooks said. Big brother, Charles Moore, Jr., 9, wasn’t so sure how

The Michigan City Police Department would like to recognize the following employees who are celebrating their work anniversary during the month of January!!! The Professionalism, Integrity, Dedication and strong work ethics of these brave men and women never go unrecognized!! Sgt. Tim Baker – 30 Years of Service Captain Kevin Urbanczyk – 20 Years of Service Officer Daniel Revoir – 6 Years of Service Officer Christopher Manns – 5 Years of Service Officer Scott Paull – 5 Years of Service Officer Victor Sanchez – 5 Years of Service Administrative Assistant Brittany Salary – 4 Years of Service Thank you for

A Reminder from Kankakee Valley REMC about "energy-saving device" scams   Look out for the “energy-saving device” scam. Whether sold on social media platforms or through random emails, consumers have fallen victim to scams where these products claim to reduce or even eliminate energy bills. These products are advertised as devices that will “balance” or “clean” the power in your home, thus saving you money. There is no such device that can simply be plugged in to lower energy use. If you ever have questions, call KVREMC at (800) 552-2622.

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA) is now accepting artist applications for the 44th annual Lubeznik Arts Festival this summer. Artists can apply at https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=13971, and a link to the application can also be found at LubeznikCenter.org/Events. Applications must be submitted by April 2, 2026 to be considered for this 2026 juried festival. Media categories include: Two-dimensional art: Painting, drawing, printmaking, pastels, mixed-media Fine craft: Functional, clay/ceramics, glass, wood, metal, fiber, textile, paper Jewelry Photography: Traditional and digital techniques Sculptural objects: Non-functional, all media Wearable art: Wearable and accessories $3,000 in artist awards will be distributed at this year's festival. The Lubeznik

Chesterton, IN – The Duneland Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the first-ever Winter Pop-Up Markets, hosted in partnership with Indiana Dunes Tourism. These special events will take place on Saturday, January 18, and Saturday, February 15, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, at the Indiana Dunes Welcome Center, located at 1215 N State Road 49 in Porter. This unique opportunity brings a taste of Chesterton’s beloved European Market indoors during the off-season. Attendees can shop from some of their favorite market vendors while enjoying the warmth and charm of this winter event. From handcrafted goods to delicious treats,

The La Porte County Sheriff’s Office and the Michigan City Police Department received several citizen tips that a registered sex offender was residing at an address in the 300 Block of Lafayette Street in Michigan City without having properly registered as required by state statute.   Detective Evan Doperalski began an investigation into the residency of Nathan P. DENNIS (42 years of age) and found that DENNIS is a convicted sex offender through the state of Michigan and was not registered to reside in La Porte County, and the residence he was residing at was within close proximity to several

Gov. Eric Holcomb is directing flags to be flown at half-staff across Indiana in honor and tribute to the memory of President James Earl Carter, Jr. Flags should be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on from now until sunset Tuesday, January 28, 2025. Gov. Holcomb is also requesting businesses and residents to lower their flags to half-staff.

St. Joseph County Police were dispatched at approximately 6:20 p.m. Saturday evening to a report of single vehicle crash on Quince Road, north of Darden. Officers arrived to find an SUV engulfed in flames after leaving the roadway in a curve and striking a tree. A witness on scene stated that the vehicle was traveling northbound on Quince and left the roadway in the curve striking a tree head-on and immediately igniting a fire. Bystanders on scene attempted to remove the driver from the vehicle but were unable before the fire engulfed the vehicle. The driver was killed in the

July 7, 1937 - December 22, 2024 Richard J. Bishop, 87, La Porte, Indiana, passed away Sunday, December 22, 2024 at 7:06 pm in Northwest Health-La Porte. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am, Thursday, January 2, 2025 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Buffalo & 10th Streets, Michigan City, Indiana with  Fr. David Kime officiating. Burial will follow in St. Stanislaus Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 9:30 am - 10:30 am, Thursday at the Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, 418 Washington St., Michigan City, IN. Contributions may be made to St. Jude's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis,

HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) invites the public to join its annual celebration of the life and legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. through free programming on Jan. 16 and Jan. 20, 2025. PNW will offer two opportunities for community members to join its MLK Day celebrations. Both of these community events will feature engaging keynote addresses from local civic leaders, as well as breakout community conversations focusing on issues of systemic racism and social justice. All event information can be found at pnw.edu/mlk-celebration. Jan. 16 MLK Day Community Event Information PNW’s Jan. 16

The La Porte County Auditors Office reminds county taxpayers that the deadline for their office to receive applications for property tax deductions for the 2024 pay 2025 tax year is December 31st at the close of business. The office is open to walk-ins from 8am-4pm, weekdays, now through December 31st,   The office address is 555 Michigan Avenue, Suite 205, La Porte. Applications for deductions can also be obtained on-line or by calling the office, and mailed in, but must have a December 31st or earlier postmark.   Those with questions can call the auditor’s office at 219-326-6808, extension 2004.

La PORTE COUNTY, IN, December 24, 2024 – Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch of Michigan City and Mayor Tom Dermody of La Porte are both claiming victory in this year’s Red Kettle Ring-Off. During this annual tradition, the mayors of both cities compete to see who can raise the most money in a red kettle in support of The Salvation Army in their respective communities.   This year’s competition took place on Friday, December 20 with Nelson Deuitch and her team ringing at Al’s Supermarket on Karwick Plaza, while Dermody and his team rang at Kroger in La Porte.   Dermody

Young, Colleagues Applaud Passage of Bill to Provide TSA PreCheck to Disabled Veterans WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) applauded Senate passage of their legislation to provide veterans with service-connected disabilities with expedited screening under the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) PreCheck program. The bill passed the House of Representatives by unanimous consent earlier this month and now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law. TSA PreCheck is already offered to active duty, reserves, and National Guard service members at no cost. The Veterans Expedited TSA Screening (VETS) Safe

𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐎𝐋 𝐁𝐔𝐒 𝐃𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐃 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐅𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐘 𝐎𝐖𝐈-the latest from the La Porte County Sheriff's Office. The #LCSO announces the arrest of Kayla I. PIER (38) of Michigan City for Operating While Intoxicated (L6 Felony) and Neglect of a Dependent (L6 Felony) following a months long investigation by Deputy Brian Crail. On September 20th, PIER was employed as a school bus driver for the La Porte Community School Corporation (LPCSC). That afternoon her duties included operating a school bus from La Porte Middle School to Riley Elementary School where 32 students were passengers. During the route, reports began to surface from

Zac Brown TRIBUTE BAND ZBTB coming to the La Porte Civic Auditorium on Saturday January 18th, 2025. For tickets and information visit www.laportecivicauditorium.com. #wims

On December 26th, 2024, at 7:58 AM, deputies responded to the 5000 east block of US 20 in reference to a single personal injury crash.  The initial on-scene investigation completed by Deputy Joe Walker determined the following:   A blue 2012 Ford, being driven by Caleb TEKKER (20 YOA) of Mishawaka, Indiana, was east on US Highway 20 near CR 500 East, and upon approaching slower traffic, TEKKER attempted to pass two slower vehicles by traveling into the westbound lanes of US Highway 20. TEKKER crossed back through the grass median, across the eastbound lanes, and off the roadway striking a

Firefighters were sent to Forest Oaks Mobile Home Park (formerly Burns Harbor) for a mobile home fire late Christmas night (December 25). Nearby residents reported smoke and flames coming from a trailer on Canterbury Circle near Amanda Lane in Liberty Township. Chief Brian Duncan and Assistant Chief Michael Wineland arrived on scene and found no active flames. Smoke was visible from outside the trailer and pushing out from the eaves. The trailer was not occupied when firefighters arrived. Liberty Township Firefighters stretched a hose line and conducted a primary search confirming the home was not occupied. Chesterton and South Haven

Solar Opportunities Indiana receives $117 million funding notification from U.S. EPA to expand clean energy access Funding from federal “Solar for All” initiative will spur access to solar in low-income and disadvantaged Hoosier communities over the next five years  INDIANAPOLIS—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has formally awarded $117.4 million to Solar Opportunities Indiana (SOI), a grassroots-led coalition dedicated to expanding equitable access to clean energy across Indiana. The five-year funding agreement will enable low-income and disadvantaged communities to deploy or benefit from zero-emissions technologies, moving Indiana toward a healthier and more sustainable energy future. The EPA’s funding letter is

MICHIGAN CITY, INDIANA – Kabelin Hardware Company, a family-owned retailer, is proud to announce the opening of its 8th store on the East Side of Michigan City located at 2309 E Michigan Blvd (Eastgate Plaza). The opening of the new store represents Kabelin Hardware’s commitment to serving local communities by providing quality products, expert advice, and a friendly, helpful atmosphere. The East Side will now benefit from closer access to the exceptional service and wide range of products that Kabelin Ace Hardware has provided to the Michigan City community for over 50 years. Mackenzie Kabelin Watkins, President of Kabelin Ace