Local News

The Valparaiso Police Department announced that they have successfully completed their 2024 Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) assessment.  In February, they participated in an annual evaluation of their policies/procedures, along with demonstrating compliance with CALEA standards.  This week concluded the assessment with an onsite visit by the CALEA accreditation team. Chief of Police, Andrew McIntyre stated, “This achievement reflects the dedication, hard work, and professionalism demonstrated by each member of our department. Their commitment to excellence and adherence to the highest standards of law enforcement have been instrumental in this success.” Mayor of Valparaiso, Jon Costas reiterated,

In LaPorte County, an Indiana Department of Transportation contractor will have lane closures on State Road 2 between U.S. 20 and County Line Road beginning on or after Thursday, March 28. State Road 2 will be resurfaced in this area, resulting in alternating lane closures through early November. Work will include asphalt patching, pipe work, culvert, resurfacing and pavement markings. Motorists should be prepared for changing traffic patterns and delays during peak times. INDOT encourages drivers to allow extra time when driving through this area and follow traffic directions carefully. Motorists should slow down, exercise caution and drive distraction-free through

La Porte Community School Corporation School Board released the following statement in regards to clarification on the former superintendent's role: Dear LPCSC Staff and Families, We are reaching out to address and clarify the presence of our former Superintendent, Dr. Francesconi, in our district office after last month’s announcement of his retirement and the introduction of Dr. Hinckley as Interim Superintendent. Dr Hinckley brings over thirty years of extensive experience that aligns with the initiatives and goals outlined in the district’s strategic plan. Her background not only shows a deep and insightful connection to the La Porte community, but also

Press Release, La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership: Emmy’s Bakery celebrated the opening of their 810 Lincolnway downtown La Porte location on March 20th at 10:00 a.m. The event was held in anticipation of the official opening day on March 22nd. Emmy’s Bakery is owned by Emily and Jacob Ferenczi. Emily’s goal is to make the bakery somewhere everyone feels welcome. They make cookies, muffins, donuts, cinnamon rolls, brownie squares, pretzel bites, and butter mints. Emily, Owner and Baker, said of the new location, “We want to treat La Porte to some sweet sunshine (aka my baked goods!) Since the moment

An Indiana Department of Transportation contractor will close State Road 114 between County Road 200 East and State Road 55 on or after Thursday, March 28. State Road 114 will be closed through mid-June to resurface this section of roadway, with the intersection of State Road 55 and State Road 114 also closed through the duration of the work. This is a continuation of the project that began last year when State Road 114 was resurfaced to the west between U.S. 41 and County Road 200 East. Local access will be maintained, but through traffic should seek an alternate route.

In partnership with Girl Coalition of Indiana, the Michigan City Police Department is hosting a 4-session Junior Detective series. The series kicks off on April 9 at 5:00 p.m., hosted at MCPD's Community Room. The event is offered at no cost and welcomes girls, ages K-12. Snacks will be provided. Register using the QR on the flyer. For inquiries, please direct all communications to MCPD's Social Worker, Jocelyn, at 219-221-2050.

Life is not measured by the breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away! This is one of those moments as Eloise Blint celebrates her 100th birthday at Rittenhouse Village where she resides. She is the first in her family to reach this major milestone of turning 100! She was born on March 21, 1924, to the parents of Frank and Clara Oshinski Wagner.   Eloise is a proud 1941 St. Mary’s High School graduate.  She married the love of her life, Gordon Blint on November 19, 1949, where she was married for 57 blissful years.

Press Release, Indiana State Police Lowell Post: This past weekend, troopers at the Indiana State Police Lowell Post participated in targeted patrols focused on identifying and apprehending impaired drivers that chose to operate a vehicle in our district. As a result of their efforts, a list of the statistics that were compiled from Friday, March 15th through Sunday, March 17th is being provided. 116 traffic citations and 113 warnings were issued 17 arrests for O.W.I. (Operating While Intoxicated) 18 crash investigations 24 arrests for various criminal offenses. (Battery by Bodily Waste on a Public Servant, Reckless Driving, Indecent Exposure, Possession

Starke County Sheriff’s Office K9 Robby will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Robby’s vest is sponsored by Kimra and Tom Kidd of Indianapolis, IN and will be embroidered with the sentiment “Born to Love-Trained to Serve-Loyal Always”. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States.  

In honor of National Social Work Month the Michigan City Police Department is recognizing their Police Social Worker, Jocelyn Colburn. Jocelyn is a native of LaPorte, Indiana and graduated from LaPorte High School in 2016.  She then went on to get her Bachelors in Social Work from Indiana University Northwest in 2020 and then Master's in Social Work in 2023. Jocelyn has been employed with the Michigan City Police Department since May of 2023, and has been working with the men and women of the Michigan City Police Department. “The Michigan City Police Department appreciates the services and support that

News Release, Michigan City Area Schools: In a month known for its “madness” due to basketball tournaments, the cadets of the Michigan City High School (MCHS) Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC) cadets displayed their cool demeanor and unwavering bearing while supporting school and community activities.  The cadets worked the Indiana High School Athletic Association boys basketball Regional and Semi State championship tournaments. Additionally they provided Color Guards for the Lions Convention and the Michigan City St. Patrick’s Day parade.  The MCJROTC supported the Lake Hills Elementary School Career Day, the Barker Middle School Science, Technology, Engineering and

On Tuesday, March 19th, around 6:04 P.M., Chesterton Police were dispatched to the 100 block of Jeffrey Street for a shots fired complaint. Shortly after the arrival of patrol officers, a male suspect was identified and detained by patrol officers. Detectives were summoned to the scene and a search warrant was obtained for a home in the 100 block of Jeffrey Street. Detectives recovered evidence consistent with the allegation of shots being fired. The suspect, a 49-year-old Chesterton resident has been arrested and preliminary charged with Intimidation, Level 5 Felony. This investigation remains ongoing and no additional information will be

The Pottawattomie Country Club in Michigan City is hosting a job fair this Saturday, March 23rd from 8:00a-11:00a. Available positions include: servers, bartenders, short order cooks, pool attendants, snack cart, and more. Make your appointment by calling Matt, at 219-872-8624.   Address: 1900 Springland Ave, Michigan City, IN 46360

  On March 15th in the Stardust Room at Blue Chip Casino, the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) held its annual dinner and awards celebration. During the event, the Chamber recognized the achievements of various members as legacy-owned businesses or milestone years of membership in the Chamber. The Chamber also announced winners in several different awards categories. The winners (pictures provided of each of the award recipients) included: Large Business of the Year: 1st Source Bank Small Business of the Year: Sacred Dunes Integrative Health Community Impact of the Year: The Salvation Army of Michigan City Young Professional of

Indiana Department of Transportation Contractor Milestone Contractors North Inc will have overnight lane closures on U.S. 30 between State Road 55 and State Road 51 beginning on or after Sunday, March 24 through late November for a resurfacing project. Lane closures will be in place during the overnight hours of approximately 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., with alternating intersections closed temporarily when work is occurring in that area. Work will begin on U.S. 30 between State Road 55 and I-65 through late May, at which point crews will switch to work on U.S. 30 between I-65 and State Road 51.

CSX Transportation will have lane closures on U.S. 30 between Calumet Ave and Keilman St beginning on or after Monday, March 25. Alternating lane closures will be in place for approximately five days while they replace the asphalt approaches at their grade crossing. Motorists should be prepared for changing traffic patterns and delays during peak times. INDOT encourages drivers to allow extra time when driving through this area and follow traffic directions carefully. Motorists should slow down, exercise caution and drive distraction-free through all work zones.

The Westville Area Chamber of Commerce will host their 65h Annual Dinner at Blue Moon Vintage Market, located at 11193 W Division Road, Westville (Otis), on Friday, April 19 starting at 5:30 pm. Join us for an evening of entertainment, fellowship and great food while enjoying a unique and intimate setting. Our keynote speaker will be Matt Reardon Executive Director of the LaPorte County Center for Economic Development, Planning and Governmental Affairs and Coordinator of RDC. The Chamber will be holding the annual business meeting which includes election of Board of Directors, presentation of our Community Leader Award and Education Recognition

CROWN POINT, Indiana – Franciscan Health Crown Point is hosting a doula certification workshop in April, with needs-based scholarship applications being accepted to cover the registration fees. Doulas are trained professionals who provide continuous physical, emotional and informational support to their clients before, during and shortly after childbirth. A doula may help communicate a woman's birth plan, create a comfortable environment during delivery or simply provide general support a family may seek during this pivotal time. A doula does not perform clinical tasks. The Franciscan Health Crown Point Family Birth Center offers doula services to families free of charge via

INDIANA DUNES NATIONAL PARK: Celebrate the migration of birdlife through the Indiana Dunes region from May 16-19 at the 10th annual Indiana Dunes Birding Festiva, organized by Indiana Audubon in collaboration with the Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana Dunes State Park, and Indiana Dunes Tourism. The festival’s keynote dinner will be held on Saturday evening, May 18, featuring recently retired Indiana Dunes National Park superintendent Paul Labovitz. Labovitz will present "From City Kid to National Park Superintendent: An Accidental Birder Story,” sharing his journey through the park system to what some claim is the best national park for birding in the

The Center for Creative Solutions will feature five published poets on April 17 at the Michigan City Public Library at 100 East 4th Street. The special program is part of Northwest Indiana’s celebration of World Creativity & Innovation Week, April 15-21. Featured poets include Carnessa Carnes, Carmen Navarro, Kayla Vasilko, Jamie Wendt, and Valerie Wallace. The evening will begin with a light dinner at 5:30 p.m. The poets will then read their selected work, followed by a Q and A, and a meet and greet opportunity with each poet. Books and materials will be available, according to Judy Jacobi, program