Local News

HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Prospective graduate students interested in going into the social work field and earning an advanced license-eligible degree can submit their applications to Purdue University Northwest’s (PNW) Master of Social Work (MSW) program through April 1, 2025. PNW’s MSW program, which will enroll its first cohort in fall 2025, will prepare advanced generalist social workers who can make impactful change through social services needs in the Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland region. MSW graduates will be well-qualified to enter dynamic careers in numerous settings, such as hospitals, advocacy agencies, government, police departments, mental health and addiction centers,

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) and partners throughout the state have worked with the Gulf Hypoxia Program (GHP) to develop a no-cost program with a focus on increasing the knowledge and use of soil sampling as a nutrient management practice to benefit farm operations. The program, titled Indiana’s Mississippi River Basin Soil Sampling Program, is open now for applicants. “Indiana is a leader in soil conservation and that is thanks to programs like this one,” said Lt. Governor Micah Beckwith, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture. “This funding will support our Hoosier farmers and landowners l ooking to increase soil

Press release, American Red Cross: People can also donate financially on Red Cross Giving Day, March 26, to deliver relief and care in the face of intensifying disasters INDIANA —The American Red Cross Indiana Region is helping to bridge access to health care for blood donors by providing free A1C testing, commonly used to screen for diabetes and prediabetes, on all successful blood, platelet and plasma donations in March. One-third of people lack access to regular primary care in the U.S., where diabetes affects 1 in 10 people and nearly a quarter of those living with it have been undiagnosed,

Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Rieth-Riley Construction Co., Inc. will close State Road 104 between County Road 525 South and County Road 700 South on or after Monday, March 3. State Road 104 will be closed for bridge work at the Kankakee River through mid-June. Motorists should seek alternate routes. The official detour will follow State Road 4 and State Road 23.

The City of La Porte is seeking feedback on a new plan that outlines the future of the community, according to Community Development & Planning Director Craig Phillips. In less than two weeks, City will host two public open house events to engage residents in the development of a comprehensive plan. During these times, the public is invited to review material, comment and ask questions about the plan as it currently stands. Phillips said these insights will help ensure the city creates a plan that reflects the community’s needs and desires. “The comprehensive plan is a valuable tool that will

In Michigan City, a local contractor has completed emergency repairs to the sanitary sewer system on White Oak Drive, south of Greenwood Avenue.  The emergency repairs were needed to fix a failing manhole that contributed to a severe dip in the White Oak Drive roadway. The City anticipates the asphalt plants will reopen in early April. In the interim, with the option of repaving the roadway cut with asphalt currently not available to the city, in consultation with the City Engineer’s Office the Sanitary District of Michigan City has instructed that the roadway repair be temporarily completed with compacted aggregate

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch’s highly anticipated Second Annual Charitable Gala is set for Friday, April 11, 2025, at the Stardust Event Center at Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa (777 Blue Chip Drive). Following the overwhelming success of last year’s inaugural gala—which raised more than $100,000 in grant funding for Michigan City youth initiatives—the 2025 event will expand its impact. This year, Mayor Angie’s fundraising focus will center on neighborhood revitalization initiatives while continuing to incorporate youth engagement. “Our neighborhoods are the foundation of Michigan City, and we want to ensure each one is thriving,” said

A pedestrian was struck and killed by a train at the Norfolk Southern grade-crossing on South Calumet Road in Downtown Chesterton Friday evening, Friday, Feb. 28, the Town of Chesterton reported to their Facebook page Friday night. The incident occurred at 7:02 p.m. Assistant Police Chief Cisco Rodriquez described the victim as an adult male but could provide no further information at this time, pending notification of family and the results of the ongoing investigation.

Gary- This morning at approximately 7:00 a.m., an INDOT Hoosier Helper stopped on I-80/94 eastbound at the 7.7 mile-marker to assist a stranded motorist with changing a flat tire on the right shoulder. This location is east between Burr and Grant St. The Hoosier Helper vehicle had all of its rear-facing emergency lights activated while the tire was being changed. At the same time, a red 2008 Ford pickup left the eastbound lanes of travel and rear-ended the parked Hoosier Helper vehicle at a high rate of speed resulting in catastrophic damage to the red Ford. The driver of the

A body was found on I-65 near Crown Point. The latest from The Indiana State Police-Lowell Post. Crown Point- This morning at 9:20 a.m., a cleanup crew was working on I-65. As they were working along the ramp from U.S. 231 to southbound I-65, they located a body laying in the west ditch. Troopers and Detectives from the Indiana State Police Criminal Investigations Division Lowell Post responded to the scene. Foul play was quickly suspected, and a homicide investigation has been initiated. The deceased is a male, but his identity is being withheld pending positive identification and family notification. An

Families are invited to spend an evening with local farmers and ag professionals to learn about one of La Porte County’s top industries. La Porte County Farm Bureau will host its first-ever Family Ag Night from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12, in the Community Building at the La Porte County Fairgrounds. This free event is open to the public and will feature more than ten interactive stations showcasing the various sectors of the agriculture industry. Live animals and farm machinery will be onsite, and free hot dogs and popcorn will be provided. La Porte County Farm Bureau President Mark

The Lake County Sheriff’s Drug Task Force - Regional Enforcement Team conducted an operation on Wednesday that led to the arrest of a Gary man and the seizure of several narcotics from a Merrillville apartment. The Regional Enforcement Team is comprised of police officers from multiple agencies, including a Merrillville detective who is assigned to the task force. The enforcement was the result of a four-month investigation into the illegal activities of 43-year-old D’Andre Hall, who was suspected of dealing cocaine and crystal meth. Hall is a convicted felon and was on probation for two previous Drug Task Force cases.

HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) invites its campus and local community members to attend several of its Women’s History Month events during March that are free and open to the public. On March 13 starting at 4 p.m., PNW will bring together three dynamic alumnae for its annual “Unleashing Empowerment” panel. The event serves to bring together PNW campus community members and alumni to listen to inspiring personal stories and generate candid conversations surrounding women’s professional journeys, their challenges and their advice for peers and students. The panel is sponsored by PNW’s Alumni Engagement Office. The

The following information is from the Indiana State Police - Lowell Post: "This statement is being released on behalf of Special Prosecutor Chris Vawter regarding the officer-involved shooting in Jasper County. Any questions related to this release may be directed to the Prosecutor’s Office."  

Press release, Michiana Humane Society: The Michiana Humane Society is thrilled to announce our 5th Annual Cabin Fever Pawction! The winter fundraiser is an online auction to fund the care of our deserving shelter pets. The Cabin Fever Pawction is more than an auction; it's a testament to our community's compassionate spirit and a critical source of support for our shelter pets. Taking place from March 4th to 9th, 2025, the auction showcases a diverse array of unique experiences, items, and services, just in time to soothe your cabin fever. All items have been generously donated by local businesses and

A wind advisory is in effect for all of northern Indiana and Chicagoland. More information is below: For the counties of: Elkhart-Lagrange-Steuben-Noble-De Kalb-Northern La Porte-Eastern St. Joseph IN-Southern La Porte-Western St. Joseph IN-Williams- Fulton OH-Defiance-Henry- ...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM EST /9 AM CST/ TO 4 PM EST /3 PM CST/ FRIDAY... * WHAT...Southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph expected. * WHERE...Portions of northern Indiana and northwest Ohio. * WHEN...From 10 AM EST /9 AM CST/ to 4 PM EST /3 PM CST/ Friday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects.

The Recycling and Waste Reduction District has confirmed its 2025 schedule of Household Hazardous Waste collection events, the Town of Chesterton announced on social media. All events will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.: *HHW Collection plus TIRE COLLECTION: Saturday, May 3, at Porter County Expo Center, 215 E Division Road, Valparaiso (enter at Gate 3). *HHW Collection plus SECURE SHREDDING: Saturday, June 7, at Portage High School, 6451 U.S. 6, Portage (enter from Pan Am Blvd.). *HHW Collection: Saturday, June 21: Chesterton High School, 2125 S. 11th St. (enter from South 11th Street). *HHW Collection: Saturday, July

Press release, Duneland Exchange Club: Chesterton, IN – Chesterton High School senior Sam Macker has been named the Duneland Exchange Club’s Youth of the Month. He is the son of Ann and Nicholas Macker. Sam has had a diverse and well-rounded experience at CHS. Athletically, he was a varsity goalkeeper for the Trojans' soccer team, earning the Mental Attitude Award this past season. He has also dedicated his time as a volunteer coach at the CHS Youth Soccer Camps for the past four summers. Additionally, Sam is a member of Chesterton’s Unified Track and Field team. Beyond athletics, Sam is

‘The group helps you remember we’re not alone’ Franciscan Health offering cancer support groups in multiple Northwest Indiana locations CROWN POINT, Ind. -- Thomas Elliott knows some men don’t like to share their feelings, but when he was diagnosed with Stage 4 prostate cancer, he knew he needed a compassionate ear. “You have to talk about it, especially if you get depressed” the 73-year-old Crown Point man said. “We all go through our moments, but having someone to talk to makes a big difference.” That’s when the Vietnam War-era U.S. Air Force veteran started attending the free monthly Cancer Support

The DNR Division of Law Enforcement is welcoming their newest K-9 recruits. The 2025 Indiana Conservation Officers K-9 School started this week with two return handlers and three new handlers. For the next several weeks, they will hone their skills in tracking, wildlife detection, and article/evidence search. The DNR Division of Law Enforcement Facebook page will update their progress. (Group photo pictured from L to R) Jake Carlisle and K-9 Susie, Jon Cook and K-9 K.T., Draven Browning and K-9 Sadie, Keith Wildeman and K-9 Teddy, Connor Christman and K-9 Gunny