Local News

Dermody appoints Drangmeister as new Chief of Police La PORTE, IN (Mar. 12, 2025) – Mayor Tom Dermody today announced and swore in Matthew Drangmeister as the new Chief of Police for the City of La Porte Police Department. A 17-year veteran of the department, Drangmeister first got his start at the LaPorte County Jail. Throughout his law enforcement career, Drangmeister has served in numerous roles, including K9 Handler, Field Training Officer, Detective, Evidence Technician, FOP President and Street Crimes Officer. Most recently, he was appointed by Dermody as Assistant Chief of Police in 2024. Dermody said he feels Drangmeister is ready

MICHIGAN CITY – To make the conversation on the Indiana State Prison Re-Imagination Project more accessible, especially to Michigan City’s senior population, the consultants leading the effort will meet at City Hall, 100 E. Michigan Blvd., at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 13. Farr & Associates has set aside an hour to meet with the public, share updates and answer questions in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on the lower level of City Hall. Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch and representatives from Economic Development Corporation Michigan City (EDCMC) also will be there to participate in the discussion. Again – this meeting

Check out the NEW TOASTED sandwiches at Jimmy John's in Michigan City! 5340 Franklin St, Michigan City, IN (219) 871-0850

Mayor of Valparaiso Jon Costas has announced that the city will cease all efforts toward exploring a data center on the city's east side. Below is a statement from Mayor Costas: “Today I am announcing that the city will cease all efforts toward exploring a data center on the city's east side. Our city council is in unanimous support of this action. Our citizens have spoken decisively that they believe this is a project that is not in the best interests of the city. I will, of course, honor that decision. I have spoken with the potential developer, Agincourt, and

A multi-agency investigation into illicit activity at massage parlors in Michigan City and Trail Creek has led to the arrest of five individuals on prostitution-related charges, the La Porte County Sheriff's Office announced on Monday. The investigation, led by the LaPorte County Drug Task Force (LCDTF), an Indiana-HIDTA Initiative, Michigan City Police Department, LCSO, Trail Creek Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the La Porte County Prosecutor’s Office focused on reports of illegal activity occurring within multiple establishments. Police say as part of Operation ‘Heavenly Hands’, undercover officers with the LCDTF booked massages, but instead of deep tissue relief,

The South Shore Line recently gave the following reminder about boarding times: “To maintain efficiency, we recommend that our passengers arrive several minutes before their scheduled train's arrival time and wait on the platform. Once final safety checks are complete and doors are closed, crews are not permitted to reopen the doors for anyone arriving late for the train. If a train time is marked with a “d”, it means the train departs immediately after passengers exit and may leave up to four minutes early. Plan accordingly, and don’t miss your ride!”  

Lake County Sheriff Oscar Martinez is warning the public that Lake County drivers are receiving more scams through text messages. This time it’s about IPass and EZPass. According to a social media post from Martinez, the messages say the recipient owes money for unpaid tolls and include a link to make a payment. Some threaten that’s a final notice. Martinez warns the public to not click on any links or provide personal or financial information He says you may even want to block the sender and delete the information. Martinez is asking the public to stay alert and share this

This Wednesday, March 12, 2025, from 10am until noon, CCH will sponsor and facilitate a mobile food distribution event at the Marquette Mall in Michigan City. Food will be available for 350 families and will include non-perishables, fruits and vegetables and other items. Please see flyer for more information.

MICHIGAN CITY – To make the conversation on the Indiana State Prison Re-Imagination Project more accessible, especially to Michigan City’s senior population, the consultants leading the effort will meet at City Hall, 100 E. Michigan Blvd., at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 13. Farr & Associates has set aside an hour to meet with the public, share updates and answer questions in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on the lower level of City Hall. Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch and representatives from Economic Development Corporation Michigan City (EDCMC) also will be there to participate in the discussion. Again – this meeting

The La Porte County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's assistance identifying an attempted burglary suspect. Police have published surveillance photographs of the suspect from a recent attempted burglary on 1st Line Road. The La Porte County Sheriff's Office says if you recognize this suspect to contact Detective Justin Gorny at 219-326-7700, ext. 2432 or jgorny@lcso.in.gov.

As Severe Weather Preparedness Week, which runs through  Saturday, March 15, kicks off in Indiana, NIPSCO is reminding customers of the steps they can take to prepare for potential severe weather this spring. “With the spring season approaching, now is the time to prepare for potential severe weather, including thunderstorms, flooding and tornadoes,” said Vince Parisi, NIPSCO President and Chief Operating Officer. “Severe Weather Preparedness Week is a time for our customers to learn ways to keep themselves and their families safe, like creating an emergency plan.” Here's what you need to know for severe weather: Have an emergency plan

A woman was arrested in connection to a stabbing that left a man injured last Thursday in Michigan City. Just after 5 a.m., deputies responded to Franciscan Health Hospital – Michigan City Campus, regarding a man that had arrived with a stab wound to his upper torso. The 35-year-old victim advised deputies a disturbance occurred between him and his wife – 30-year-old Heather D. Kist. The incident transpired inside a room at the nearby Dunes Inn. The victim reported that during the argument he was stabbed by Kist. Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division were activated and responded to the

Bipartisan support Introduce Resolution to Protect Locally Owned Radio Stations *****Thank you from WIMS/WHFB-locally owned   WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) introduced the Local Radio Freedom Act, which would declare that Congress should not impose new taxes or fees on locally owned radio stations. This bipartisan resolution also underscores the critical importance of locally owned radio stations to families, small businesses, and our communities.   "Locally owned radio stations are essential to keeping communities connected, informed, and safe. From providing local news and weather updates to delivering emergency alerts, this bill ensures that small

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – The spring session of the Michigan City Neighborhood Leadership Academy is kicking off April 10. The program is a partnership between the City of Michigan City and the Economic Development Corporation Michigan City. It is aimed at individuals who are interested in taking on a leadership role within their own neighborhoods and bringing neighbors together to spark change. Participants will learn more about the city, its departments, processes and resources to cultivate their neighborhood’s identity and future path. Applications are now being accepted for Michigan City residents ages 18 and over who reside within the city limits.

Franciscan Health Family Birth Centers across Northwest Indiana were recognized by the Indiana Hospital Association (IHA), in partnership with State Health Commissioner Lindsay Weaver, M.D., FACEP, for their commitment to infant and maternal health at the fifth annual INspire Hospital of Distinction recognition program.  INspire, funded by the Indiana Department of Health’s Safety PIN grant, was developed to implement the delivery of best practice care for Hoosier moms and babies and recognize hospitals for excellence in addressing key drivers of infant and maternal health. The Family Birth Centers at Franciscan Health Dyer, Franciscan Health Crown Point and Franciscan Health Michigan City earned an INspire Hospitals of Distinction

South Shore Line passengers are advised that the South Bend Airport train station lobby will be temporarily closed due to flooring construction beginning today, Monday, March 10, and lasting approximately one month. The closure includes the South Shore Line waiting area and restrooms, re-opening in mid-April 2025. A temporary waiting area/lobby for train passengers will be available at Airport Door G in the area just west of the South Shore Line doors. Additional restrooms are also located throughout the Airport. Passengers are advised a SSL Ticket Vending Machine will be located outside the building near the train platform entrance. Passengers

The following information is from the South Shore Line regarding service on March 15: In order to accommodate an expected increase in ridership due to the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade and dyeing of the river, the South Shore Line will offer extra passenger trains on Saturday, March 15, 2025. PLEASE SEE BELOW SPECIAL EXTRA TRAIN SCHEDULE FOR A FULL LIST OF STATION STOP TIMES. Extra westbound trains to Millennium Station 3/15/25 In the morning, three westbound passenger Extra trains will transport riders into Chicago prior to the parade and dyeing of the river: These Extra trains will NOT SERVE South Bend, Hudson

Press Release, Shirley Heinze Land Trust: The LaPorte County Conservation Trust (LPCCT), upon its disbanding at the end of 2024, transferred ownership of all its land holdings to Shirley Heinze Land Trust (SHLT). Founded by a dedicated group of local citizens, conservation and business professionals, and committed stewards, the all-volunteer LPCCT preserved, restored, and managed natural land in LaPorte County for nearly 30 years. “After long, serious discussions, the LPCCT Board determined it was time to pass the torch, which meant the dissolution of LPCCT and the transfer of our properties to Shirley Heinze Land Trust, a much larger organization

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – The EDCMC team is welcoming new board members and a shift in officers for the new year. Four new community members have joined the board, bringing a unique mix of expertise and experience to the board, said Economic Development Corporation Michigan City Executive Director Clarence L. Hulse. “Having a board that represents a range of industries, skills and strengths is vital to our work at the EDCMC,” Hulse said. “Our board serves as a sounding board and provides a platform for discussions to ensure that we are making the strongest impact on our community. We are fortunate

INDIANA-- A statewide tornado drill is scheduled for 9:15 a.m. CT on Tuesday, March 11. The National Weather Service will issue a test tornado warning alert. It will be shared through notification systems, including the statewide Emergency Alert System (EAS). “The time to figure out what to do during a tornado is not when tornado sirens are sounding off. Hoosiers need to have a tornado plan and practice that plan, so when weather turns, your family, coworkers and friends already know where to go and what to do,” said IDHS Emergency Management and Preparedness Director Mary Moran. Hoosiers and businesses