Local News

CHESTERTON, Ind. (July 20, 2026) – The Duneland Chamber of Commerce honored the businesses, organizations, and individuals making a lasting impact across the Duneland community during its Annual Community Awards Luncheon on July 16 at the Spa Special Events Center in Porter. Each year, the Community Awards recognize those whose work has strengthened the community through business investment, volunteerism, public service, and leadership. During this year's luncheon, Linnea Forchetti was named the 2026 Duneland Distinguished Woman, an honor recognizing a woman whose dedication, leadership, and service have made a meaningful impact on the Duneland community. 2026 Community Award Honorees New Construction

AIR QUALITY ALERT REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CDT MONDAY NIGHT The officials at the Indiana Department of Environmental Management have declared an Air Quality Action Day, in effect until midnight CDT Monday night. An Air Quality Action Day for ozone and PM 2.5 has been issued. A combination of fine particulate and ozone levels are expected to be in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range. Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma should limit prolonged outdoor exposure. Due to observed and forecasted high concentrations of PM2.5 readings in the area, recommendations are for the

July 27th-August 2nd, 2026 in Washington Park, Michigan City. Each August, the award-winning XINSURANCE Great Lakes Grand Prix roars into action, showcasing the world’s fastest and most powerful offshore boats. Watch these high-speed vessels race along the southern shores of Lake Michigan, with stunning views from Washington Park Beach and shoreline. Get up close with boat owners, racers, and teams stationed throughout Washington Park. This free, adrenaline-filled week offers more than just racing—kick off the excitement with community celebrations, enjoy exclusive meet-and-greet and VIP events, and take in breathtaking flyovers. Festivities include a boat parade, a lively block party, a

In Portage there will be a road closure at Swanson Road and Kingman Avenue for NIPSCO pole installation. The closure will be on July 23, 24, and 25 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily.

HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — The Sinai Forum at Purdue University Northwest (PNW) announced the lineup of five notable speakers who will join its 2026 season. “As Purdue University Northwest joins the nation in commemorating America's 250th anniversary, the Sinai Forum invites our community to be part of conversations that offer perspective, inspire thoughtful reflection and help us better understand both the challenges of our time and the values that continue to bring us together,” said Leslie Plesac, executive director of the Sinai Forum at Purdue Northwest. Audiences can expect engaging programs with five knowledgeable, nationally recognized voices exploring American

The Indiana State Police last week released its Enforcement Bureau Statistics from June 2026 and stated the following: The Enforcement Bureau of the Indiana State Police oversees the traffic enforcement efforts of the Troopers assigned to the 14 State Police Districts throughout Indiana. Among their primary missions is helping to provide safe environments on our roadways for everyone. As a result of strategic enforcement efforts, Troopers throughout Indiana documented the following statistics for June 2026. Traffic Stops – 31,456 • 14,206 traffic citations • 24,911 traffic warnings • 292 drunk driving arrests • 1,279 criminal arrests (traffic related) • 880

Sunday Patchy smoke before 8am. Sunny, with a high near 81. East wind around 5 mph becoming north in the afternoon.   Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 65. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.   Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. South wind 5 to 10 mph.   Monday Night Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 72. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.   Tuesday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 84.  

In Porter and La Porte counties, there will be lane closures on State Road 2 between C.R. 1100 W and C.R. 600 E starting on or after Monday, July 20. State Road 2 will be reduced to one lane through mid-August for a bridge deck overlay preventive maintenance project at Forbes Ditch. Temporary traffic signals will be installed to direct traffic. INDOT urges drivers to stay alert near crews and be prepared to wait for the temporary traffic signal. Motorists are encouraged to allow extra time when driving through this area and should slow down and drive distraction-free through all work

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – Franciscan Health is presenting the latest installment in its free, faith-based diabetes initiative in partnership with local churches and community organizations. Fan Out Diabetes is a faith-based diabetes initiative that pairs minority LaPorte County congregations with Franciscan’s Community Health Improvement program and community organizations. The partnership brings two-day diabetes education, prevention and detection mini workshops – free of charge – to the church after Sunday services. The events feature education, screenings, insurance enrollment assistance and more. The next sessions will take place at 12 p.m. Central on Sunday, Aug. 16 and Sunday, Sept. 13 at River

Story by Chief Warrant Officer Corinne Zilnicki , U.S. Coast Guard Great Lakes: The Coast Guard is raising awareness of the dangers and penalties associated with hoax distress calls, including those transmitted via radio, phone, and on social media. Since January 2026, Coast Guard command center watchstanders in the Great Lakes District have received 187 false distress calls, including three confirmed hoaxes. A hoax may include knowingly and willfully communicating a false distress message to the Coast Guard, while a false distress alert can result from misunderstanding, accidental transmissions or outdated information. Initiating a hoax or causing the Coast Guard

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA) is proud to announce a ribbon cutting for a new mural on Thursday, July 30, at noon (Central) at The Firehouse, located at 910 State Street in LaPorte, Ind. The event is free and open to the public. Created by artist, Felix "FLEX" Maldonado, the mural was made possible by grants from the Health Foundation of La Porte (HFL), the La Porte Urban Enterprise Association and the City of La Porte. The ribbon cutting festivities will begin with remarks by Janet Bloch, LCA's Executive Director and facilitator of the project,

AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM CDT MONDAY EVENING... The officials at the Indiana Department of Environmental Management have declared an Air Quality Action Day, in effect through Monday. Heavy smoke is lingering for the northern half of Indiana currently divided by a stationary front. The front will lift north later Friday providing a brief break in levels before a system late Saturday will bring another round of smoke. High pressure in place Sunday and Monday will recirculate the smoke over most of the state with the primary concern remaining the northern half of Indiana. This smoke, in addition to the other meteorological

For the latest visit their website at www.lpfair.com and LIKE THEM on FACEBOOK   Saturday, July 18, 2026   Gates Open at 10am   8:00am: Horse and Pony Show - Contesting   9:00am: 4-H Project Release Begins   10:00am - 6:00pm: The Curious Kids Trail and Tractor Trail   10:00am: Pioneerland Artisan Auction (Artisan Barn)   1:00pm: Skerbeck Carnival Rides Open   1:00pm: Silly Safari (Pioneerland)   3:00pm: Antique Tractor Parade   4:00pm: Silly Safari (Pioneerland)   5:00: Extension Homemaker Demonstration   7:00pm: Antique Tractor Parade   7:00pm: Silly Safari (Pioneerland)

The Indiana State Police Lowell Post announced that on Friday afternoon, Sgt. Heflin chose to proudly walk out of the hospital and is now continuing his recovery at home. Heflin had been shot multiple times on July 10 during a pursuit. "After a week of strength, determination, and support from friends, family, and the community, today marks a huge step forward. Sgt. Heflin is grateful for the exceptional care he received and for everyone who has kept him in their thoughts," the ISP Lowell Post said on Facebook. "While the road to full recovery continues, being home is a milestone

In Chesterton, overnight lane restrictions will be implemented on Indian Boundary Road between Plaza Drive East and the multi-stop intersection at North Calumet Road beginning on Monday, July 20, according to the Town of Chesterton Facebook page. The lane restrictions will go into effect at 8 p.m. each evening and end by 6 a.m. the following morning. The restrictions are expected to remain in effect through Saturday, July 25. Contractor Rieth-Riley Construction Company will be conducting paving operations.  

Nation Night Out is Aug. 4, and the Valparaiso Police Department shared the following statement on the event: “Mark your calendars for Tuesday, August 4, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. and join us at Central Park Plaza for an evening dedicated to building stronger relationships between our police department and the community we proudly serve. This year marks the 22nd consecutive year that the Valparaiso Police Department has participated in National Night Out, and we can't wait to celebrate with you! Come meet and talk with Valparaiso Police officers and professional staff from every division of the department. Explore police vehicles, enjoy

The Town of Porter Police Department said that as of Friday morning, a source or cause of the boom on Thursday night was not found. On Thursday night the department said all units were  investigating a "mysterious boom that probably shook most of your homes." Check the Porter Police Department Facebook page for any updates.

The officials at the Indiana Department of Environmental Management have declared an Air Quality Action Day, IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CDT SATURDAY NIGHT. An Air Quality Action Day for smoke has been issued. Smoke levels are expected to be in the Very Unhealthy range. Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma should limit prolonged outdoor exposure. Here are some recommended actions that the public can take: * Walk, bike, carpool or use public transportation. * Avoid using the drive-through and combine errands into one trip. * Avoid refueling your vehicle or using gasoline-powered lawn equipment

The Indiana Finance Authority’s State Revolving Fund (SRF) Loan Programs finances drinking water projects in seven communities INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana Finance Authority (IFA) completed $76,345,874 in low-interest, federal equivalency financings in June to help multiple Indiana communities finance drinking water infrastructure improvements. The State’s financial assistance will save these utilities an estimated total of $108.5 million in principal and interest costs, compared to open-market financing. City of Fort Wayne The City of Fort Wayne received financing in the amount of $13,000,000 through the DWSRF Loan Program to help fund improvements to the city’s drinking water system. This project will

Thursday, Gov. Mike Braun announced that the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will begin conducting joint Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDA) following the June 6 through June 30, 2026, flooding, tornadic activity, severe storms and derecho. The joint PDA is a critical step in gathering information needed to determine whether a federal disaster declaration should be requested. They will be conducted by local, state and federal officials (FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration) to evaluate the impact and magnitude of the disaster. "Hoosiers experienced historic severe weather in June, with record-setting tornadic activity