Local News

MUNSTER, Ind. -- Franciscan Health Munster has achieved Primary Stroke Certification through Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) for stroke care. Certification is a process through which healthcare organization demonstrate compliance with national standards. Certification by ACHC reflects an organization's dedication and commitment to meeting standards that facilitate a higher level of performance and patient care. ACHC is a nonprofit organization that has been as a symbol of quality and excellence since 1986. “Franciscan Health Munster is proud to continue our dedication to patient centered evidence-based quality care for our stroke patients,” said Emily Demario, RN, program coordinator for the

The Michigan City Police Department Family announced that Officer Shane Motshagen has officially graduated from the Northwest Indiana Law Enforcement Academy (NILEA). Officer Motshagen distinguished himself by earning the Academic Excellence Award for achieving the highest overall score in his class. He also earned top marks on the Criminal Law test, leading his class in that area as well.

Project part of Better World Day observance   MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – Students at Joy Elementary School came together this spring to bring a little extra cheer to new parents and babies born at the Franciscan Health Michigan City Family Birth Center as part of their Better World Day project.   The students collected new baby books, toys, blankets and reusable bags, which they placed in paper bags they decorated with hand-drawn pictures and inspirational phrases.   The bags were presented to Franciscan Health Michigan City staff during an all-school assembly last week.   “These bags were created and designed

The Town of Ogden Dunes is informing residents that parking restrictions are currently in effect now through September 30. Permits will now be required to park within the restricted area. The Town of Ogden Dunes says to remember to stop at Town Hall to pick up your permits. The Town says the permits will not be automatically sent to you. 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, the Town of Ogden Dunes said in a press

Porter County Environmental Health Director, Dan Boyd, will be sharing his wealth of knowledge about septic systems on May 28 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Ivy Tech Community College Auditorium in Valparaiso. Dan has helped countless local homeowners understand their systems better and avoid costly mistakes. This session is geared to help you: -Understand septic system installation -Learn proper maintenance techniques -Prevent expensive repairs -Protect our local water resources Please register by May 21st - Reach out to jacob.tosch@in.nacdnet.net or call 219-462-7515 ext. See more information on the flyer.  

If you have partially used craft supplies, The Michigan City Public Library is hosting their 2nd annual craft exchange. Bring your surplus craft supplies to swap, exchange, or donate for this weekend’s event!Yarn, art supplies, beads, paper crafts, fabric, etc are all welcome, as long as they are in usable shape, to be shared with fellow crafters.Donations will be accepted on Wednesday, May 7th and Thursday, May 8th, from 3-6 pm in the Literacy Department.Please contact Jessica at (219)873-3043, or stop by the Literary Department for questions and more information.

Experience summer evenings under the stars at Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest’s (PNW) 2025 Acorn Concert Series, featuring five outdoor family-friendly music shows. The concert series kicks off June 20 with Kashmir, a high-energy Led Zeppelin tribute band. The 2025 lineup also features performances celebrating the music of the Rolling Stones, the Grateful Dead, Prince and other classic rock hits spanning four decades. All Acorn Concert Series programs take place at Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest, 450 West 100 North, Valparaiso, Ind. Performances are set in the picturesque natural setting of the arboretum’s restored prairies and woodland landscapes, creating a

Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Rieth-Riley Construction will conduct alternating lane closures on U.S. 20 between C.R. 250 E and Oak Knoll Rd beginning on or after Monday, May 5. Phase one will consist of alternating lane closures for approximately one week to set up the traffic configuration for phase two. On or around Saturday, May 10, the eastbound lanes will be converted to two-way traffic so that construction can occur in the current westbound lanes. Left turns will be permitted only at county road intersections through the work zone. Phase two will be ongoing through approximately the end of

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security has opened applications to the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) for residents who incurred damage to their homes or property located in qualifying jurisdictions from any of the following disaster events: •    March 1, 2025: Mine Collapse •    March 15, 2025: Severe Storms •    March 19, 2025: Severe Storms •    March 30 – April 2, 2025: Severe Storms/Flooding Applications to help with immediate needs will be capped at $2000 initially, although eligible homeowners could receive additional assistance after a complete damage assessment is finished. The SDRF is not currently accepting applications for the Public

PORTER COUNTY, Ind. - Indiana Department of Transportation contractor F H Paschen S N Nielsen & Associates LLC will begin work on the State Road 49 bridge over State Road 2 on or after Monday, May 5. State Road 49 and State Road 2 will both maintain two lanes of travel in each direction during daytime hours, but lanes will be narrowed to make room for the work area. State Road 49 and State Road 2 will have overnight lane closures during the hours of 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. as needed from late May to late July. Bridge repairs and

Franciscan Health’s Social Impact Partnership Program (SIPP) is opening applications for funding to support healthcare-related programs for nonprofit health and human service organizations in at-risk communities. SIPP funding applications will be accepted from May 5-30. Partner agencies will be announced in mid-July. Organizations may apply for up to $10,000 in monetary support. Organizations may complete an application online at this link starting May 5. Serving populations most in need and in accordance with Franciscan’s mission should be the focus of supported activities. These include people who have endured systemic racism; refugees and immigrants; the chronically low resourced; at-risk youth and others impacted

The Salvation Army Michigan City Corps and Community Center is hosting a free clothing room event on May 19th from 4:00 PM- 6:00 PM. Please see flyer for more details.

Indiana health officials are urging Hoosiers to protect themselves from tick bites as ticks are active from early spring through late fall. A fatal case of ehrlichiosis in Floyd County has already been reported this month. The Floyd County Health Department and the Indiana Department of Health are working on the investigation. Indiana reported two ehrlichiosis deaths last year. In addition to ehrlichiosis, Hoosiers are at risk for several other potentially severe tick-borne diseases. While Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease in Indiana, Hoosiers are also at risk for a group of diseases that includes Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. They

The La Porte Police Department on Friday introduced Officer Rico Simpson's new K9 partner, Rocco. He’s a 13-month-old Dutch Shepherd from Germany. The department said Rocco is a dual-purpose K9, trained in both patrol and detection work, just like the rest of their K9 unit. “Your support made it possible for us to have this new addition to the La Porte Police Department Family,” LPPD said on its Facebook page. The department thanked the community for their donations to the K9 fund.

JASPER COUNTY, Ind. - Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Ellas Construction Company Inc will close State Road 49 between C.R. 1100 N and C.R. 1000 N on or after Thursday, May 8. State Road 49 will be closed through late July for a bridge replacement project at Wolf Creek. Motorists should seek alternate routes. The official detour will follow State Road 10, U.S. 231 and State Road 14.

Food Bank of Northern Indiana Mobile Food Distributions for May 2025 Thursday, May 8, 2025 - LaPorte County 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. CST *While supplies last. Where: Last Resort Campground, 4707 W. 1300 S., Hanna, IN 46340 *This distribution is sponsored by Citizens Concerned for the Homeless and will serve 100 households. Friday, May 9, 2025 – St. Joseph County 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. EST *While supplies last. Where: Charles Black Center, 3419 W. Washington St., South Bend, IN 46619 *This distribution is sponsored by Lippert Cares and will serve 150 households. Friday, May 9, 2025 – St.

LA PORTE, IN - The La Porte Community School Corporation (LPCSC) announced that Dr. Greg Hunt, currently the Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations, was approved for the same position at the Westfield Washington School District during their board meeting this evening. Dr. Hunt will leave his role at La Porte at the end of the current school year to begin his new position at Westfield Washington School District for the 2025-2026 academic year. Dr. Hunt has served the La Porte community for 25 years, beginning his career as a high school business teacher before advancing through key administrative roles.

The Chesterton Tree Board will be distributing 200 free tree seedlings at the European Market’s opening day of the season, Saturday, May 3. The European Market, will run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. but if you want a seedling the Town of Chesterton says its best get there early, before they’re all gone. Those attending will have the choice of Chinkapin Oak or Black Chokeberry.

The City of Valparaiso is working to fight the nationwide opioid epidemic by offering grants to nonprofit organizations working to combat substance use disorder. “The opioid epidemic and substance use disorder affect the entire nation and Valparaiso is no different. As a community, we’re striving to empower organizations equipped to help those who struggle with addiction by making these funds available,” said Mayor Jon Costas. The available funds are part of the National Opioid Settlement in which the nation’s three largest pharmaceutical distributors and manufacturer agreed to pay $26 billion to settle allegations that they fueled the deadly opioid crisis.

HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Siblings Jonathan, Juliet and Carolyn Yackel are proud of their late parents’ accomplishments as longtime higher education leaders. Inspired by their legacy as professors and administrators, the family made a generous gift to establish an endowed scholarship at Purdue University Northwest (PNW) on Purdue Northwest Day of Giving. The Yackels’ contributions were among a record of over 3,100 gifts adding up to nearly $2 million on the 12th annual PNW Day of Giving, held April 30. PNW Day of Giving is the university’s largest one-day fundraising event to enhance opportunities for students. “We are immensely