Local News

Here is the latest from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr. about an officer involved shooting that happened this morning involving a 1 year old The Lake County Sheriff’s Department is investigating an officer-involved shooting that happened in Gary this morning. The suspect in an armed hostage situation exited an apartment holding a 1-year-old boy and waving a gun. The suspect was then fatally wounded. At approximately 9 p.m. Tuesday, April 8th, police officers with the Lake County Sheriff’s Department responded to an apartment in the 2200 block of Carolina Street to assist Gary police with

On February 3, Deputy Xavier Biggerstaff responded to Franciscan Health – Michigan City Campus regarding a case of child abuse / neglect involving a 7-week-old infant who was being treated for injuries. Upon gathering the initial information, Deputy Biggerstaff learned the infant was awaiting transport to a regional children’s hospital due to the severity of the injuries. The following day, Detective Derrick Deck was assigned the case for further investigation. The infant’s parents, Kaitlyn M. WEISSERT (23) and Kyle A. HOLLIHAN (26), both of Michigan City, were identified as suspects of causing injuries to their child. Detective Deck’s investigation findings

The City of La Porte announced Monday that world-famous pop star Jesse McCartney will headline this summer’s LakeFest, according to Park Superintendent and LakeFest Committee Chair Mark Schreiber. The “Beautiful Soul” and “Leavin’” performer will play a free live show on Saturday, July 26, at the Dennis F. Smith Amphitheater in Fox Park. McCartney will be preceded by the Midwest’s premiere 2000s cover band Y2K, as well as a fireworks show over Clear Lake. McCartney’s career has included three Top 15 albums in the Billboard Top 200, with his most recognizable single “Leavin’” cracking the Top 10 list of Billboard’s

An argument lead to gunfire Tuesday morning in Valparaiso, resulting in two arrests according to the Valparaiso police department. Tuesday morning, Valparaiso Police responded to the area of Garfield Avenue and Union Street in reference to a disturbance between two men. The argument began after a man was discovered sleeping in a vehicle that did not belong to him. During the altercation, one subject fired a weapon at the other, resulting in no serious injuries to either party. Both parties were transported to the Valparaiso Police Department, where they spoke with investigators. A 61-year old Hobart man was arrested on

The City of Valparaiso will be hosting a Neighborhood Workshop – an opportunity for neighborhood representatives to connect, learn from each other and become familiar with neighborhood services. The workshop will take place on April 21 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at City Hall. The April agenda includes a welcome from Mayor Costas, update on the Valpo Parks rePLAY initiative, discussion of a New Neighbor Guide and more. RSVP at MClifton@valpo.us.  

Press Release, Humane Indiana: Chesterton, IN — Humane Indiana Wildlife is proud to announce a special collaboration with Kristina Knowski, acclaimed watercolorist and owner of Ancillaerie in Chesterton. Known for her evocative depictions of birds and meticulous attention to detail, Kristina was selected as the commissioned artist for the “All Along the South Shore” poster series, an ongoing project of the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority. The latest poster in the series, sponsored by Commissioner Jim Biggs, features Freya, a great-horned owl from Humane Indiana Wildlife, captured in Kristina’s signature style that blends artistic precision with an emotional narrative. As an avid birder

Third Annual Ivy Tech Day on Tuesday April 8 to Unite NWI Alumni and Community in Support of Student Success Valparaiso, IN – A day can mean everything for a student with dreams of a great career. That’s what Ivy Tech is all about, and the third annual Ivy Tech Day will help more than 200,000 students across 19 campuses, including more than 11,000 enrolled at Ivy Tech Valparaiso prepare for careers that will impact Indiana communities for years to come. Our day of giving will kick off at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, April 8. For 24 hours, you can

In observance of National Safe Digging Month this April, Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (“NIPSCO”) is reminding homeowners and professionals to contact Indiana811 before starting any outdoor digging projects. A recent national survey found that more than 27 million homeowners planning do-it-yourself digging and excavation projects will not call 811, which puts themselves, their neighbors and essential utility services at risk. Digging without knowing the location of underground utilities can lead to serious injuries, service outages and expensive repairs. Accidentally striking gas, electric, communications, water or sewer lines can cause significant disruptions to homes and businesses. A free 811

INDIANAPOLIS — Officers with the Michigan City Police Department are on high alert as they participate in an annual traffic safety campaign looking for people speeding or driving while distracted. Distracted driving and speeding caused over 17,000 thousand crashes across Indiana in 2024, resulting in 230 deaths. To help save lives, the Michigan City Police Department is participating in a traffic safety campaign from April 5 through April 19. During the campaign, which is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration with grants administered by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, motorists should expect to see an increase in roving

Nine Purdue University Northwest (PNW) faculty members received approval Friday (April 4) by the Purdue University Board of Trustees for academic promotions starting in the 2025-26 academic year. The faculty members’ promotions are effective Aug. 18. Academic tenure is acquired on promotion to the rank of associate professor. Candidates promoted to this level have demonstrated a record of accomplishment as a faculty member and show promise of continued professional growth and recognition. Faculty members promoted to the rank of professor have achieved a significant record in learning, discovery and engagement. PNW faculty members promoted to the rank of professor: Christopher

Ten Michigan City High School students at the 2025 Japanese Olympiad of Indiana (JOI) at Depauw University on February 22, 2025. They showcased their dedication and skill while competing against nearly 100 students from 9 high schools. Several teams finished just shy of the finals. Their impressive performances, particularly at the highly competitive Level 2, highlight a promising future for the program. At Level 4, City was represented by Natalie White and Zoe Brooks on one team, and Nathan Groszek and Vivian Taylor on the other. Both teams performed well, securing 5th and 6th place. The Level 3 team of

The next Volunteer Day at the Michiana Humane Society will be April 19 from 11:30am-12:30pm CT to help them prepare enrichment opportunities for their shelter pets. Michiana Humane Society says that daily enrichment activities can bring their stress levels down dramatically and make a noticeable difference in their lives while they are with MHS. You don't need to RSVP, all ages are welcome (16 years and under must have an adult present). The event is open to the public. Feel free to call MHS at 219-872-4499 with any questions. More information is available on the Michiana Humane Society Facebook page.

From the Washington Park Zoo FACEBOOK page- We are sad to announce that we had to say goodbye to Stripes, our 20-year-old Bengal tiger. Stripes, a 20-year-old Bengal tiger who captivated visitors since his arrival, was peacefully euthanized due to age-related health issues. Stripes had been successfully receiving veterinary care pain management and medication for kidney disease and arthritis, but he recently had shown a rapid deterioration in his health. With his appetite diminished and his activity levels declined, the difficult decision was made to humanely euthanize, before his quality of life worsened. Final pathology reports would later discover that

Residents are invited to enjoy breakfast with their local firefighters while supporting a good cause, according to La Porte Fire Chief Andy Snyder. For its fourth year in a row, the City of La Porte Fire Department will host their annual pancake breakfast from 8-11 a.m. on Saturday, April 19 at Fire Station 1. Tickets include all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage and eggs, as well as an entry into their $100 cash giveaway. Snyder said the department will also be selling $1 raffle tickets for a wide variety of prizes donated by local businesses, including memberships, gift baskets and the chance to

Beginning today, April 7, Milestone Contractors are resurfacing US Hwy 12 between County Line Road and the bridge over Burns Waterway in Porter County. The expected completion date is July 11. There are rolling lane closures with flaggers onsite.  

Valparaiso City Services have begun the spring curbside leaf pick up, which is taking place now through April 18. The City has four leaf collection zones and crews will rotate zones continuously. Progress updates will be provided at https://www.ci.valparaiso.in.us/.../Yard-Waste-and-Leaf... or you may sign up for alerts by visiting https://www.ci.valparaiso.in.us/list.aspx. The City asks residents to bag leaves in biodegradable bags after April 18th. Bags will be picked up by brush trucks. Grass clippings can be bagged in biodegradable bags and taken to the compost site, or for curbside service. The City asks residents to place bagged grass clippings in the trash

The Duneland School Corporation (DSC) has announced its finalists for Classified Employee of the Year, and the Chesterton Police Department’s very own SRO Shauna Jesse is among them, CPD recently announced on their Facebook page. Nominees were submitted in February by students, parents, colleagues, and community members, with finalists selected in March. Now, a panel of students, parents, community members, and district administrators will interview the finalists and choose the ultimate winner. The 2025 Classified Employee of the Year will be announced at the Duneland School Board meeting on Monday, May 5. The winner will receive a banner for their

Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Department announces that effective April 1, it will no longer be providing services through its fax line. This change is part of the department’s ongoing efforts to modernize communication systems and streamline operations. The phone number previously used for fax communications, 219-921-0820, will no longer be operational for receiving or sending faxes. The funds previously allocated for fax-related services will now be redirected to enhance other critical services within the department, allowing for better resource management and improving overall modernization. “We are excited to embrace digital communication and better serve our community,” said Shannan Duncan, Corporation

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