Local News

LA PORTE, Indiana – Franciscan Health Michigan City is again teaming up with Bolt for the Heart and the Play for Jake Foundation to sponsor the annual family walk/run, this time to raise funds to maintain life-saving automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) in law enforcement vehicles. The Play for Jake/Bolt for the Heart 5K family walk/run, sponsored by Franciscan Health Michigan City, is scheduled to take place at 8 a.m. on Saturday, July 27 during Lakefest at Fox Memorial Park’s Dennis F. Smith Amphitheater on Truesdale Avenue between Hoelocker Drive and McClung Road in La Porte. Bolt for the Heart is

La Porte, IN – The Kiwanis Club of La Porte announced the 78th Annual 4th of July Parade will indeed have a flyover this year! The Parade will take place on Thursday, July 4, beginning around 10a.m. preceded by the Annual Run for Riley. The parade will follow the traditional route, traveling westward down Lincolnway from Tipton St. to Andrew Ave. in uptown La Porte. When asked for details about the flyover, Kiwanis Club of La Porte President Elect and Parade Chair Tony Swedersky answered, “We are happy to say that La Porte is confirmed for a 10:13 AM CST

The following are upcoming dates and locations for Mobile Food Distributions hosted by the Food Bank of Northern Indiana: Monday, July 1, 2024 – LaPorte County 10 a.m. – Noon CT *While supplies last. Where: Purdue University Westville Campus, 1401 US 421, Westville, IN 46391 *This distribution is sponsored by CVS and will serve 200 households.   Wednesday, July 3, 2024 – St. Joseph County 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. ET *While supplies last. Where: The former Bargain Lane, 1302 Elwood Ave., South Bend, IN 46628 *This distribution is sponsored by LIPPERT and will serve 200 households.   Thursday, July

Attorney General Todd Rokita and his team have filed a lawsuit against New York real estate financier ROCO Chetrit Entities LLC for allegedly allowing Hickory Ridge Apartments in Merrillville, Indiana, to fall into such disrepair that elderly and vulnerable tenants were unlawfully forced out of their homes. “Tenant abuse is unacceptable, and my office fights hard to hold landlords accountable — particularly greedy, out-of-state actors who clearly don't respect the rent being paid by hardworking Hoosiers,” Attorney General Rokita said. “No one who is spending their money for a place to live should be disregarded or disrespected like these elderly and vulnerable

Red Wine and Brew, Local Heroes Benefit is excited to bring nationally known, country superstars, to LaPorte, Indiana this weekend to Headline the Red Wine and Brew, Local Heroes Benefit for First Responders of LaPorte County. Saturday, 6/29 This local heroes benefit is held at “The Summit” in LaPorte County and tickets start at just $30 with special discounts for first responders and active healthcare and military. Tickets are online at www.universe.com/redwineandbrew OurLocalHeroes.us Since 2015, Local Hero Benefit Events of Bethany Church have given back over $165,000 to First Responders of La Porte County, Indiana.Thanks to benefit sponsors and ticket buyers

As Americans gear up in preparation of celebrating the Nation’s history of the United States of America’s declaration of Independence on July 4th, Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Department is urging its community members to practice safe handling of fireworks. While fireworks are commonly associated with the celebration surrounding the Fourth of July holiday because of their bright displays and festive pops and booms heard across the atmosphere, improper use of fireworks can cause serious or even life-threatening injury to oneself or others. According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in 2022, more than 10,000 people were treated

The public is invited to participate in Chesterton Parks Master Plan Public Survey. The Chesterton Park Department and Park Board is currently engaged in updating its five-year masterplan and is seeking public input. A community survey has been designed to gather information on your recreational interests. To take the survey scan the QR code below or go www.surveymonkey.com/r/ChestertonParks    

La Porte County has 45 ten year 4-H members for 2024.  They were honored with a recognition evening on Monday, June 17th at the LaPorte County Fairgrounds.  Thank you to Paul Marsh Nationwide Insurance Agency, Kankakee Valley REMC, Thode Floral, LaPorte County Farm Bureau, LaPorte County Agricultural Association and LaPorte County 4-H Council for making the event possible. Emma Bennett, Clinton Climbers 4-H Club, parents Kelli & Chris Bennett Jacob Bennett, LaPorte City Firestars 4-H Club, parents Melissa Bennett Madison Bicker, Wagonmasters 4-H Club, parent Amanda Bicker Ayden Bladecki, Wagonmasters 4-H Club, parents Courtney & Rick Bladecki Jackson Bos, Clinton

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – The City of Michigan City reminded the public in a statement that it is illegal to dump anything other than the recyclable materials indicated on the receptacle bins at the public access recycling site outside Michigan City Central Services, 1801 Kentucky St. Cameras have been installed to help identify those who use the site to dump building debris, furniture, clothing, food waste and other trash illegally. “Under Indiana law, those who dump unauthorized materials may be cited with a Class A infraction of illegal dumping, punishable by a fine of up to $10,000, as well as

The South Shore Line is advising that the following restrictions will be implemented on South Shore Line trains during these 2024 Chicago events: Glass containers are prohibited at all times.

Press Release, Indiana Department of Education: Indiana leaders continue to gather feedback from stakeholders to make the proposed new high school diploma requirements as flexible, relevant and rigorous as possible for Indiana students. The current proposal, originally presented in March and June, represents a first draft of what the future of high school could be; it will continue to be refined and updated over the next several months. “High school is a time when we can support students in finding their purpose, knowing their value and understanding the possibilities for their life’s path,” said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of

Press Release, Sean Fagan, Prosecuting Attorney: On June 20, 2024, Michael Stalling was found guilty of two counts of Abandonment or Neglect of a Vertebrate Animal, a Class A misdemeanor. The State of Indiana, represented by Deputy Prosecutor Michael Freddoso, presented evidence during a bench trial on May 29, 2024 before Magistrate Judge John Link of Superior Court No. 4 in Michigan City, with Judge Link issuing his ruling on June 20, 2024. Sentencing will be held July 8, 2024. Class A misdemeanors are punishable up to one year in jail, and a maximum $5000 fine. Prosecuting Attorney Sean Fagan

Press Release, MAAC Foundation: VALPARAISO, IN - In partnership with the Northwest Indiana District 1 Firefighter Training Council, the MAAC Foundation is proud to announce the graduation of its 11th Fire Academy. This ceremony will be held on Friday, June 28, 2024, at 6:00 P.M. CST, at the MAAC Foundation First Responders Training Campus in the Heroes’ Hangout Building. The 8 graduates representing the Portage, Lake Hills, Ogden Dunes, Whiting, and Hobart Fire Departments have completed a rigorous 11-week training program that included instruction in fire suppression, hazmat operations, and technical rescue, along with other firefighting skills. They have also

A Michigan City Man is facing charges of possession of child pornography, according to the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office. On June 20, 2024, deputies arrested 39-year-old Steffano Alan Guess on two felony counts. Guess was taken into custody after a warrant was issued for his arrest. The warrant and arrest were the result of an investigation which was initiated when the Indiana State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received a Cyber Tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding the activities on a Synchronoss Technologies account.  Synchronoss is the cloud-based storage provider for

Press Release, Duneland Chamber: Start your Saturdays by connecting Mind and Body in Thomas Centennial Park Enhance your Saturday mornings this summer by participating in Yoga in the Park, held every Saturday from June through August. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or a beginner, instructor Maureen Duffy welcomes all levels to join from 9am to 10am in the serene setting of Thomas Centennial Park. Sponsored by Duneland Pottery, these sessions offer a perfect start to your weekend. David Arreola, owner of Duneland Pottery, shared his enthusiasm: "I was excited to sponsor this event because yoga practice and pottery require the

Franciscan Health Dyer is hosting a free suicide-prevention course aimed at helping save lives. The entry level question, persuade and refer or QPR Suicide Prevention Course is based on curriculum developed by the QPR Institute. The course aims to save lives and reduce suicidal behaviors by providing innovative, practical and proven suicide prevention training. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, with one suicide taking place every 11 minutes. The suicide rate reached its highest point since 1941 in 2022, with nearly 50,000 Americans taking

A mobile food distribution, hosted by Citizens Concerned for the Homeless, will take place Monday, July 1st, from 10:00 am - 12:00 noon at the PNW Campus, 1401 US Hwy 421, in Westville. "Thanks to a generous donation from CVS, perishable and dry goods will be offered, FREE of charge. All items are pre-boxed/bagged. First come, first served while supplies last, up to 200 households. One box per household. This event is for those in need of food assistance. Must be present! This is a drive-thru distribution. Please remain in your vehicle, and pop open your trunk to receive grocery

LAPORTE COUNTY, Ind. - Indiana Department of Transportation maintenance crews will conduct seal coating operations resulting in a road closure on U.S. 6 beginning on or after Monday, July 1. U.S. 6 will be closed between U.S. 421 and State Road 39 for approximately three days. The detour will follow the already established detour for the U.S. 6 and U.S. 421 roundabout project: State Road 39, U.S. 30, State Road 49 and State Road 2. Through traffic should utilize the detour or seek an alternate route. Local traffic should exercise caution and follow traffic directions carefully in the area where

The Valparaiso Police Department and Porter County Sheriff’s Department responded to a disturbance in the 1100 block of Morthland Dr. at approximately 1:50 p.m. Tuesday. “Reports indicated the disturbance involved multiple subjects within the residence, with one person possibly being armed with a firearm,” the Valparaiso Police Department said on its Facebook page.  “Upon arrival, police were able to contact the individuals within the residence who willingly exited to speak with officers.  There is no threat to public safety, and no one was injured during this incident.  The investigation remains open and ongoing.  Thank you for your cooperation and continued

*** UPDATE - the traffic shift with overnight lane and ramp closures for eastbound I-94 is postponed to July 8. *** Westbound I-94: Overnight lane closures on/around Monday, June 24 lead to new traffic configuration the morning of Tuesday, June 25, with work zone on the left, four lanes of traffic on the right. Eastbound I-94: overnight lane & ramp closures on/around Tuesday, June 25. Temporary ramp closures from approx 8pm June 25 to 6am June 26: NB & SB Calumet Ave to EB I-94, all entrance & exit ramps at Indy Blvd & EB I-94, and EB I-94 to