Local News

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

In Lake County, an Indiana Department of Transportation contractor has lane closures on U.S. 12/Columbus Drive between Alexander Avenue and Euclid Avenue. U.S. 12 will be reduced to one lane in each direction for bridge repair and rehabilitation through late June. Lane closures may be needed on Carey St under the U.S. 12 bridge during this work, which will result in flaggers directing traffic.

Egg-citing Easter Fun at The Barker Mansion Garden Saturday, April 12, 2025 Date and Time Saturday, April 12 10:00 am – 11:00 pm Location 631 Washington St, Michigan City, IN About this Event Families can hop into Easter fun at The Barker Mansion Garden! Follow the Barker Bunny Trail and hunt for colorful eggs hidden among the spring blooms. The hunt promises excitement for kids of all ages. Whether you’re exploring the Bunny Trail, learning the Bunny Hop, or joining the Easter Parade, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this Easter celebration. 🔔 Make sure to dress appropriately for outdoor

Dr. Carolyn Watson takes audiences back to Broadway with an evening of Golden-Age musical theater from America’s best-loved composer/lyricist duo Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein. The La Porte County Symphony Orchestra presents its fourth and final subscription concert of the 2024-25 season on Saturday, April 12 at 7 pm Central at the La Porte Civic Auditorium. La Porte, March 24, 2025 - The La Porte County Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Music Director and Conductor Dr. Carolyn Watson will present its fourth subscription concert of the season on Saturday, April 12 at 7:00 pm Central time at the La

As of Saturday 4/5/25-From the Indiana State Police Lowell. UPDATED INFORMATION* Indiana State Police Investigating Officer Involved Shooting in Michigan City Michigan City- The LaPorte County Coroner has authorized the following information to be released. The deceased has been identified as Jorge Meza, 21, from South Bend, Indiana. Indiana State Police detectives were able to make notification to family last night and additional family members were notified this morning. An autopsy has been scheduled for Sunday, April 6th. No further information can be released at this time. below for release and statements from Friday 4/4/25-see below for previous release and

STARKE COUNTY, Ind. - An Indiana Department of Transportation contractor will close State Road 23 between County Road 100 North and County Road 25 North on or after Monday, April 7. State Road 23 will be closed through the end of May for a bridge deck overlay preventative maintenance project at Eagle Creek. Motorists should seek alternate routes. The official detour will follow U.S. 30, U.S. 35 and State Road 8.

The Town of Ogden Dunes announced that beginning May 1 you will soon be required to have your 2025 permits and dog tags. All permits are now available and 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. 2025 Dues are $125.00. No cash will be accepted for Home Association Dues. Any checks should be made out to Ogden Dunes Home Association or ODHA. Additional vehicle stickers are available for purchase at $50 each (payable to Town of

The Town of Long Beach has pre-construction activities for their upcoming paving projects, scheduled to begin on April 8. These projects are part of ongoing efforts to improve the infrastructure and safety of the community. During this period, Rieth-Riley will be performing asphalt milling and HMA resurfacing, as well as installing drainage structures and making various stormwater infrastructure improvements. Local traffic is permitted, but access for non-local traffic is restricted. The town hopes to have paving dates available by mid-May. Juneway Drive from Goldengate Drive to Oriole Trail, April 8-11 Avondale Drive from Chastleton Drive to Lake Shore Drive, April