Local News

The Valparaiso Police Department Wednesday added a new officer with the swearing-in of David Jolliff. Mayor Jon Costas performed the ceremony within the council chambers of City Hall, with numerous officers, civilian staff, and family present to witness the event.  During the ceremony, Chief Andrew McIntyre welcomed David to the Valparaiso Police Department family, recognizing the training and experience he brings with him to Valparaiso.  “We are extremely proud of our department, and honored to serve our community,” said Chief McIntyre.  “David brings the experience with him that will fit our department culture and we are eager to have him

News Release, Purdue University Northwest: Purdue University Northwest (PNW) announced Marie Mora will join the university as Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, effective July 15, 2024. Mora was selected following a national search. She most recently served as deputy provost at Metropolitan State University of Denver. She has played impactful roles in public higher education institutions for nearly three decades, including extensive experience at Hispanic-Serving Institutions. “I am excited to welcome Dr. Mora to Purdue University Northwest, where she will work collaboratively with our faculty and staff members to guide PNW’s continuing upward trajectory in academic excellence, sponsored

Two people from Texas were arrested Tuesday morning after a “trophy size load” of cocaine was seized after a traffic stop on the Indiana Toll Road, according to the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office. Just before 9:30 a.m., a highway interdiction deputy was traveling eastbound on the Indiana Toll Road in the area of the 54-mile marker.  A pickup truck was traveling ahead of the deputy in the driving lane. The pickup truck proceeded to move from the driving lane to the passing lane to overtake a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). While doing so, the pickup truck failed to correctly

Hydrant flushing is underway in Valparaiso. This flushing improves water quality and sustains the water distribution system. Flushing is between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and will continue for approximately 6 weeks. The City of Valparaiso says if you experience discolored water, run the cold water in the bathtub for 5-10 minutes. For questions, call the city’s Customer Service Center at (219) 462-6174.

As you may have noticed, The City of Michigan City is upgrading roadway infrastructure, and the City has received grant approval from INDOT’s Community Crossing Matching Grant Program for roadway reconstruction or repaving in several neighborhoods. As the Project Engineer, Global Engineering and Land Surveying would like to invite any feedback at this time to ensure we accommodate the needs of the neighborhood during this construction project. TEXT ALERTS FOR CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY To opt-in for SMS text message alerts about updates or changes in construction activity, please text: “MC2024” (no spaces) to (833)236-7421 *Note your number will be removed from

The Indiana State Police, Valparaiso Police Department and Porter County Sheriff's Office all gave updates Tuesday on an officer involved shooting that happened on April 25 in Valparaiso. Statement from Indiana State Police: Valparaiso- The Indiana State Police Criminal Investigations Division at the Lowell Post has completed their interviews of the officers involved in the shooting that took place in Valparaiso on April 25. The Indiana State Police can release the following information about the incident. On Thursday, April 25, 2024, at approximately 2:04 p.m., officers from the Valparaiso Police Department and the Porter County Sheriff's Department responded to the

Paving has begun on Lake Shore Drive near the Washington Park Zoo, and is anticipated to be complete by the end of this week. A traffic detour has been set up, as Lake Shore Drive will be closed from the zoo entrance to Krueger Road through Thursday, May 2. Access to Lake Shore Drive will be available from U.S. 12 through Center Street and Krueger Road.  

Donor participation in day-long event hits historic record Generous donors to Purdue University Northwest (PNW) contributed more than $2 million to support students during PNW’s 11th annual Day of Giving on April 24. A record number of over 2,000 donations were made during the 24-hour event. The Pride Athletics received almost 900 gifts alone. “We deeply appreciate the enthusiastic response of our community to PNW’s annual Day of Giving,” said Lisa Goodnight, vice chancellor of Institutional Advancement. “Day of Giving brings together PNW alumni, leading businesses and charitable organizations, friends of the university from all over the world, and our own students, faculty

Gov. Eric J. Holcomb today joined the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the town of Merrillville, and the Lake County Parks and Recreation Department to celebrate the official opening of the recently completed C&O Trail. The new trail marks the 100th mile of trail built under the Next Level Trails program (NLT). “One hundred miles is more than just a milestone achievement for Indiana,” said Gov. Holcomb. “The completion of this trail section in Lake County represents the incredible collaboration we’ve seen across the state as Hoosiers have come together with the support of our Next Level Trails program to

Franciscan Health has received funds to support healthcare-related programs for non-profit, health and human service organizations in at-risk communities, which will be allocated through Franciscan’s Social Impact Partnership Program (SIPP). SIPP funding applications will be accepted until May 31, 2024. Partner agencies will be announced in mid-July. Organizations may apply for up to $10,000 in monetary support and in-kind donations. Organizations may complete an application online at www.franciscanhealth.org/communityhealth. Qualified non-profit agencies must benefit vulnerable populations in communities served by Franciscan Health with a preference toward areas with high Area Deprivation Index scores identified on BroadStreet, a digital platform that tracks community

The Michigan City Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the appointment of Kurt Gillins as its new President. With a wealth of experience in chamber leadership and a commitment to the success of businesses in the community, Gillins is poised to lead the Chamber into a new era of growth and prosperity. Gillins brings over 15 years of chamber experience from his previous role at the Valpo Chamber. Kurt has collaborated with other chambers and businesses regionally, statewide, and nationally to exchange best practices. His leadership skills, understanding of economic trends and his dedication to fostering partnerships will undoubtedly

U.S. 12 eastbound will be closed under State Road 249 for approximately 2 weeks starting on or after Monday, May 6 for structural steel installation overhead on State Road 249. Traffic going eastbound on U.S. 12 will be diverted to southbound State Road 249 and can use the official detour of U.S. 20 and State Road 149. Traffic will have access to eastbound U.S. 12 from northbound State Road 249. This section of U.S. 12 was recently closed for an unrelated urgent repair. Due to the project timeline for State Road 249, this steel installation could not be done during

Franciscan WorkingWell is hosting a free, informative luncheon on May 15 to help attendees learn more about employer-based health and wellness programs. Franciscan HEALTHeACCESS is leading the region in advanced primary care models with more than 12 clinics and more than 40 company clients. As experts in the field, Franciscan representatives can explain how this medical model can improve the health of employees as well as a participating company’s bottom line. Luncheon topics include advanced primary care/employer-sponsored clinics, cost-saving medical models, HEALTHeACCESS, WorkingWell, advanced imaging, HEALTHeLIFESTYLE and more. The luncheon is scheduled to take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Central on Wednesday, May

Rittenhouse Village at Michigan City will be hosting a Blood Drive on Friday, May 24th from 1:00PM-6:00PM. See flyer for more information.

The Michigan City High School (MCHS) Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps continued to support MCHS in April. They provided support for all of the home track meets, both boys and girls, as well as helping set-up for the Career Fair held at the school gym. As is their tradition, the cadets are not just “limping to the finish line” to complete the school year. Rather, they are making an all-out sprint, with rigorous academic instruction leading to the final exam, as well as training for and running the MCJROTC physical fitness test. Regarding community service, the cadets will

The Porter County Highway Department will begin the replacement of the Waverly Road bridge over the Little Calumet River, starting on Monday, May 13, the Town of Porter announced. Waverly Road is currently scheduled to be closed until Oct. 25. The main detour route will be Waverly Road to Lincoln Street to Wagner Road. “It’s suggested, however, that some vehicular traffic—traveling from Porter to Chesterton and vice verse—might take Ind. 49 to Indian Boundary Road,” the Town of Chesterton said on its Facebook page. “That route will reduce traffic congestion on Wagner Road and Beam Street in Porter.” The bridge

Press Release, Office of Governor Eric J. Holcomb: INDIANAPOLIS-Gov. Eric J. Holcomb celebrated the historic milestone of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) planting one million trees throughout Indiana in five years by planting a tree on the Statehouse lawn this afternoon. “Getting out and exploring DNR properties is one of my favorite Hoosier pastimes,” said Gov. Holcomb. “With one million more trees now dotting Indiana’s landscape, we can preserve this love for our great outdoors for future generations of Hoosiers and continue Indiana’s important legacy of conservation.” In his 2020 State of the State Address, Gov. Holcomb directed

The following information is from the Unity Foundation of La Porte County regarding Teacher Appreciation Day Grants: Nominate a Teacher! In honor of Teacher Appreciation Day, four La Porte County teachers will be chosen at random from those nominated to receive a $250 classroom grant from Unity Foundation of La Porte County for items for their classrooms or to put toward a creative project to enhance student learning. Deadline: May 1, 2024, 11:59 pm CT Questions? Contact Unity Foundation at 219-879-0327. Notes: To be eligible, the teacher must teach at a private or public La Porte County elementary, middle, or

The Porter County Health Department is hosting a School Supply Drive happening now through May 31st. They’re collecting donations of new backpacks, school supplies and more to benefit students in Porter County. Drop off new school supplies at their donation boxes located in the main lobby and health department at 155 Indiana Ave, Valparaiso, IN.   Supplies needed: Backpacks Scissors Clorox wipes Erasers Pencils Notebooks Crayons Binders Folders Glue sticks Rulers Calculators Highlighters Colored pencils  

News Release, Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Indiana’s Natural Resources Commission (NRC) has opened a second public comment period for proposed changes to Indiana’s deer hunting rules before it votes on final adoption of the proposed changes. Most proposed changes intend to simplify Indiana’s deer hunting rules to make them easier to understand. Public comments can be submitted online at IN.gov/nrc/rules/rulemaking-docket via the “Submit Comments Here” link in the Rulemaking Docket for the Deer Hunting Amendments. Comments can also be mailed to: Natural Resources Commission Indiana Government Center North 100 North Senate Ave., Room N103 Indianapolis, IN 46204 The deadline