Local News

LA PORTE COUNTY, IN — Unity Foundation of La Porte County is now accepting online applications for its 2025 “Power for Good” Community Grants. The application will remain open until 4:59 p.m. on Friday, July 11. Nonprofit organizations and other eligible groups may apply for up to $5,000 to support innovative projects that enhance quality of life and strengthen La Porte County. Fundable projects may address unmet community needs, encourage collaboration, or help attract additional funding or resources. Past grants have supported initiatives in education, public safety, arts and culture, the environment, social services and more. “This is what Unity

An update from the La Porte County Sheriff's Office- On May 31, at 12:29 AM, deputies responded to the 4600 west block of US 20 in reference to a disturbance. Deputy Michael Sweet arrived and located a vehicle that had crashed into a ditch. Present near the vehicle was a 17-year-old female who reported a subject had battered her and crashed the vehicle. Deputy Julian Sanchez located 21-year-old Caleb M. AUSTIN walking westbound along US 20 near CR 525 West. Deputy Austin Wells detained AUSTIN and returned him to the crash scene. Deputies learned the juvenile was operating the vehicle

Melissa "Missy" Ann Bennett October 9, 1965 - May 7, 2025 Melissa "Missy" Ann Bennett, 59, Michigan City, Indiana, passed away on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 in Franciscan Health - Crown Point. Missy's celebration of life will be held from 2 to 7 p.m., Monday, June 9, 2025 at Red Mill County Park, 0185 S. Holmesville Rd., La Porte, Indiana. Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, Michigan City, Indiana is handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Humane Society of Hobart Inc., 2054 IN 130 Hobart, Indiana 46342. To sign a guest book and leave condolences online visit

Wednesday June 4, 2025 - Starke County 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. CST *While supplies last. Where: Knox United Methodist Church, 201 S. Shield St., Knox, IN 46534 *This distribution is sponsored by USDA and will serve 200 households. Thursday June 5, 2025 – Kosciusko County 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. EST *While supplies last. Where: The former Helping Hands Food Pantry, 10072 W. 600 S., Mentone, IN 46539 *This distribution is sponsored by USDA and will serve 150 households. Friday, June 6, 2025 – St. Joseph County 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. EST *While supplies last. Where: The former

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District has begun maintenance dredging operations in the federal navigation channel in New Buffalo Harbor. The dredging will remove about 15,000 cubic yards of shoaling in the harbor, which will be then used for renourishment about 1,500 feet south of the South Breakwater. Material will be placed from the shoreline to about 8 feet deep in Lake Michigan. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy previously approved a water quality certification for sediment to be placed in the area with a Section 401 water quality certification. “Maintenance dredging presents an excellent

Jackson Township - Two motorcyclists passed away due to life-threatening injuries while riding on U.S. Highway 6 in Jackson Township. Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Department responded for a multi vehicle crash involving multiple vehicles and motorcycles early afternoon Friday.   A total of two passenger vehicles and two motorcycles were involved in the crash. The crash occurred at the entrance to White Thorn subdivision, about one mile East of Calumet Avenue.   Sadly, despite life saving measures performed from bystanders and first responders on scene, both riders of the motorcycles were pronounced dead. “Our hearts and prayers go out to

On May 29, 2025, at approximately 10:58pm, the LaPorte County Regional Dispatch Center received a 911 call from a male claiming someone was trying to kill him. The caller was believed to be in the area of Dewey Street & Michigan Boulevard. Officer Dokmanovic located a male subject a block from that location and while speaking with him another male subject exited 1824 E Michigan and advised someone had been shot inside the residence. This incident was rapidly evolving and multiple Officers from Uniform Patrol Shift III, Long Beach, Trail Creek and the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Department responded to assist.

Save the Dunes held their Annual 5K at West Bach in Gary over the weekend on Saturday. The site was filled with over 180 Runners and Participants in both the Adult and Children's divisions. Family Fun, Making a Difference, and awesome weather added to a wonderful start of the day. For more pictures check out WIMS' FACEBOOK. To find out more about Save The Dunes visit their website at www.savedunes.org. Thank you to our WIMS EVENT SPONSORS Save the Dunes, NIPSCO, and Arnett Construction & Roofing. #wims

On May 26, 2025, at approximately 11:06pm, the LaPorte County Regional Dispatch Center received a 911 call reference suspicious activity in the 100 block of Faulknor Street. The caller indicated a dark colored SUV, without a license plate, was blocking the roadway with several male subjects frantically trying to get it started. The caller believed the SUV may have just been stolen from the Truck Center Auto Lot located at 2001 E Michigan Boulevard.   Uniform Patrol Shift 3 Officers Santoro and Henry responded to the scene. Upon arrival witnesses were interviewed and it was learned the SUV, along with

Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Rieth-Riley Construction will have lane closures on State Road 2 between C.R. 600 E and C.R. 700 E/Cougar Rd beginning on or after Tuesday, June 3. State Road 2 will be reduced to one lane in each direction for pipe and inlet replacement. This work will take approximately one week, with alternating lane closures while work is in progress. INDOT encourages drivers to allow extra time when driving through this area and follow traffic directions carefully. Motorists should slow down, exercise caution and drive distraction-free through all work zones.

Passengers are advised that the following restrictions will be implemented on South Shore Line trains during the following 2025 Chicago events. Glass containers are prohibited at all times.

Hot Spot Cafe in La Porte is hosting a variety of Events in June   Check out some of the upcoming EVENTS at HotSpot Cafe La Porte IN located at 602 Lincolnway in La Porte. For more information and pricing visit www.hotspotcafe.net or call 219-325-8080. While you are there grab a coffee, bubble tea, sandwich, and enjoy the atmosphere.   Pin Wheel Garden Stake Stained Glass Workshop, Sunday June 1st, 2025, 1 pm   Lighted lava Lamp Stained Glass Workshop, Sunday June 8th, 2025, 10 am   Pin Wheel Garden Stake Stained Glass Workshop, Sunday June 8th, 2025, 1 pm

Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Rieth-Riley Construction will have lane closures on U.S. 6 between Range Rd and Meadowbrook Blvd beginning on or after Wednesday, June 4. U.S. 6 will be reduced to one lane through mid-July for a bridge deck overlay preventative maintenance project over Tracy Rd and CSX Railroad. Temporary traffic signals will be installed to direct traffic. INDOT urges drivers to stay alert near crews and be prepared to wait for the temporary traffic signal. Motorists are encouraged to allow extra time when driving through this area and should slow down and drive distraction-free through all work zones.

On Wednesday, May 28, Michigan City Area Schools (MCAS) proudly honored four exceptional individuals as the 2025 Wall of Fame inductees and recognized 12 dedicated employees who are retiring this year. These honorees were celebrated during a special dinner event at the Blue Chip Casino, sponsored by MCAS and the Michigan City Education Association.   The Michigan City Area Schools Wall of Fame honors employees who have made outstanding contributions to the students of Michigan City Area Schools. First presented in 1976, the award recognizes excellence across every area of the school corporation – from administrators to transportation staff, food

On Thursday, at 5:15 PM, a Highway Interdiction Deputy was monitoring westbound traffic on I-80/90 at the 53-mile marker. The deputy observed a Porsche passenger vehicle pass by his location traveling too closely to the rear of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). After the deputy exited the median, the Porsche merged to the passing lane to overtake the CMV and rapidly accelerated. The deputy activated his emergency lights to initiate a traffic stop. The Porsche failed to yield, triggering a motor vehicle pursuit. Near the 49-mile marker, traffic began to slow and merge into one lane due to construction. The

Loretta Swit, who played Maj. Margaret Houlihan on the TV series "M*A*S*H," has died, a representative for her confirmed to CBS News. She was 87. Swit died at her home in New York City, her rep, B. Harlan Boll, said in a statement to CBS News on Friday. She was believed to have died of natural causes. Swit starred on stage and screen, but she was perhaps best known for her long-running role as the head nurse who was a foil to Alan Alda's Capt. Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce on "M*A*S*H," which aired for 11 seasons on CBS, from 1972

The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) has announced 16 schools are newly certified as leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. This year’s cohort also includes nine schools that renewed their certifications, as well as five schools designated as Developing, highlighting emerging STEM programs and leaders and the strides they are making to create an engaging STEM culture. "Indiana's STEM certified schools highlight the importance of equipping our students with the skills to think critically and to solve problems in an ever-changing technological world," said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education. "Investing in STEM is about more

The MAAC Foundation, in partnership with Porter County Career and Technical Center (PCCTC), proudly announces the graduation of the 2025 class of the Fire and Rescue High School Academy. The graduation ceremony took place last night at the Heroes’ Hangout building on the MAAC Foundation First Responder Training Campus in Valparaiso. This year’s graduates have successfully completed a rigorous program that combines academic instruction with immersive, hands-on training in firefighting, emergency medical response, and disaster preparedness. Through their dedication and resilience, these students have earned the qualifications and experience necessary to pursue careers in fire and rescue services. “Each of

Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Superior Construction will close U.S. 20 eastbound under I-94 (Exit 22) beginning on or after Monday, June 2. Eastbound U.S. 20 will be closed so that bridge repair work can be conducted on the I-94 bridge above. The ramp from eastbound I-94 to eastbound U.S. 20 will also be closed due to the location of the work zone. These closures will be in place for approximately two weeks. Motorists should seek alternate routes. The official detour will follow I-94 to State Road 49 and utilize the loop ramps at that interchange to turn around.

La PORTE, IN - The LakeFest planning committee today released the festival's schedule of events for its fifth annual season, according to Park Superintendent and Committee Chair Mark Schreiber. New this year are weekend steamboat rides on Pine Lake, a family beach bash along Stone Lake, free fitness classes Unity Park and a Sunday brew fest on Stone Lake Beach. Of course, live music returns to the parks – including a free concert by global pop sensation Jesse McCartney – as well as an artisan market, car show, outdoor recreational activities and more. Held at La Porte's Pine, Stone and