Local News

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture and the State Soil Conservation Board awarded $2,313,287 in matching grant funds to 26 projects within soil and water conservation districts (SWCDs) and soil health organizations through the Clean Water Indiana program. “Providing farmers and landowners with tools and funding to keep our Indiana waterways clean and their soil structure healthy is key to keeping Indiana agriculture thriving,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “This funding will allow 48 organizations across 26 projects to improve their local water systems, keep their soil healthy and keep their communities thriving. Last

The Porter County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is reviewing possible charges in connection with a reported battery and a stabbing on South Sixth Street on Monday night, Feb. 5, the Chesterton Police Department said. According to the Chesterton Police Department, at 7:17 p.m. an officer was dispatched to the 700 block of South Sixth Street to investigate a “suspicious vehicle.” The officer located a vehicle occupied by a 41-year-old grocery delivery driver who reported that a “hostile resident” had battered him, “in a violent physical attack,” while he was looking for the correct home, police said. The driver further stated that

The Valparaiso Police Department is seeking interested participants for the 2024 Citizens’ Police Academy. The department’s citizen academy provides an opportunity for community members to experience what it is like to be a Valparaiso Police Officer and is returning for the first time since 2019. The department says the academy is designed for attendees to meet police officers and learn about their assignments, specialties, and daily operations. There are several topics featured throughout the program, including presentations on all agency divisions, training, public information, drone team, bike patrol, crash investigations, School Resource Officers, evidence collection, K9 unit, traffic enforcement, and

Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) programs of all services across the country have struggled to meet the minimum enrollment requirements of 100 students since the Covid pandemic. The Michigan City High School (MCHS) JROTC conducted a presentation to the 8th graders at Barker and Krueger Middle Schools on February 7th to boost enrollment for the next school year. The presentation was introduced by the Senior Marine Instructor, Major Tom McGrath. The JROTC cadets then demonstrated military regulation and exhibition drill, then transitioned to different physical fitness events. The two highest ranking cadets, Captain Marcus Mantel and 2nd Lieutenant Alexandra

One person is dead after being struck by a train in rural LaPorte County. On Wednesday, at about 11:38 p.m., deputies were summoned to the Canadian National Railroad Crossing on State Road 39 in Noble Township. According to the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office the initial on-scene investigation determined a Canadian National Freight Train, being operated by a two-person crew, was traveling eastbound between Long Lane and State Road 39. The crew advised an object was observed on the tracks some distance ahead.  As the train engine approached closer, the crew was able to determine the object on the tracks

Indiana Dunes National Park says they have had a number of visitors concerned for the safety of fellow hikers as more bicyclists ride their bikes on hiking trails, which prohibit biking, and are not designated bike trails. The park says riding bicycles on hiking trails also have a detrimental environmental impact due to how bike tread can negatively affect soil erosion and the natural slope of the trail, causing narrow ruts and drainage issues. The park is asking the public not to ride on hiking trails. The park says if you need direction on where their biking trails are located,

News release, Purdue University Northwest: The Purdue University Northwest (PNW) 2023 fall semester Dean’s List recognizes 1,691 undergraduate students for their academic achievements. Qualified students sustained an overall grade point average of at least 3.5 and a semester grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Domestic students from 26 different U.S. states were recognized on the fall semester Dean’s List. PNW international students from 34 different countries were also represented.

Three Chesterton businesses along the Indian Boundary Road corridor were targeted in smash-and-grabs this past Saturday, the Chesterton Police Department is reporting. The businesses in question are Nature’s Cupboard (757 Indian Boundary Road), Aqua Spa Nail Salon (761 Indian Boundary Road) and Pro Nails (709 Plaza Drive). According to police, officers responded early Saturday morning after being notified of glass breakage at a retail location on Indian Boundary Road and an investigation found similar damage at two other locations. Officers discovered that Nature’s Cupboard had been entered and an undetermined amount of money taken. They also discovered that Pro Nails

The City of New Buffalo informed the public on their Facebook page Wednesday that due to dangerous conditions, shelf ice and frigid waters, the city will be implementing the double red flag until further notice. The city said fines may be imposed for going against this warning. Check the City of New Buffalo Facebook page for updates.  

News release, Purdue University Northwest: Purdue University Northwest’s (PNW) online bachelor’s and master’s nursing programs offered through its College of Nursing were recognized in U.S. News and World Report’s 2024 annual Best Online Program rankings, released Wednesday, Feb. 7. Among Best Online Bachelor’s Programs, PNW’s nationally recognized RN-to-BSN program ranked 47. The program offers busy nursing professionals an accelerated and convenient degree option to earn additional skills and credentials to advance their careers. “The College of Nursing’s RN-to-BSN online program is dedicated to offering flexible, affordable, high-quality education at an accelerated pace for registered nurses who seek to advance their

The Franciscan Health Michigan City medical staff is accepting scholarship applications through March 1 from LaPorte County high school seniors interested in healthcare careers. The medical staff at Franciscan Health Michigan City voted unanimously in 2021 to establish and fund a scholarship honoring the memories and continuing legacies of physicians who served the community as members of the medical staff. The scholarship of up to $5,000 is funded by physicians on the Franciscan Health Michigan City medical staff in partnership with the Franciscan Health Foundation. The scholarship or scholarships will be awarded to LaPorte County high school seniors interested in

La Porte County Sheriff Ronald C. Heeg officially announced the recent hiring of Merit Division (Patrol) Deputy Dylan Hisick. Deputy Hisick began his employment with the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office on Jan. 2.  He was born in La Porte and is a 2015 graduate of New Prairie High School.  Immediately following graduation, Deputy Hisick enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.  During his years of service, he was deployed to Afghanistan where he was later honorably discharged following his service contract.  Deputy Hisick is married, has two children, and resides in La Porte. Deputy Hisick is currently attending the

A Valparaiso man is facing several charges including attempted murder in relation to a battery investigation, according to police. On Feb. 5, at about 4:00 p.m. the Valparaiso Police Department responded to several calls placed by an unknown male — later identified as Conner Kobold — requesting police to the 1350-block of Diamond Boulevard. Upon arrival, officers were directed to a nearby residence and discovered an unconscious female who had suffered serious injuries.  The victim was immediately transported to an area hospital for treatment by the Valparaiso Fire Department.  The Valparaiso Police investigation has identified Kobold, 19, of Valparaiso as

The DNR has announced award winners for 2023 fish of the year. Each year, anglers from around the state submit their biggest hook-and-line catches from Indiana waters hoping they will top the list for their species. Winning entries for Fish of the Year are determined by the total length of the fish. Participants are required to submit information about their fish, including where they caught it and the bait they used. They must also include a photo documenting the measured length of the fish. Below is a list of local fish of the year catches: Species    Length (inches)   

The City of Valparaiso is reminding residents that brush and yard waste collection service is by request for the months of January, February and March. Customers wanting brush or yard waste picked up January through March may request this free service via email at CityServices@Valpo.us or phone at (219) 462-6174. Customers may also utilize the online request Valpo Voice at tinyurl.com/ValpoVoice to request services.

Get free camping while serving as an Indiana State Parks campground host. In this role, you will welcome campers and help keep the campground comfortable picking up litter, cleaning fire rings and completing other duties, depending on the property.  See the complete list of hosting duties at on.IN.gov/DNRCampgroundHost. The following properties are still looking for hosts. If interested, contact Jody Heaston at jheaston@dnr.IN.gov or email the property that you are interested in: Clifty Falls State Park, CDuff1@dnr.IN.gov Harmonie State Park, JWerry@dnr.IN.gov Monroe Lake, jvance@dnr.IN.gov Pokagon State Park, NBrown2@dnr.IN.gov Potato Creek State Park, ADegroot@dnr.IN.gov Raccoon SRA (Cecil M. Harden Lake), RPlotkin@dnr.IN.gov

Press release, Purdue University Northwest: HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) will celebrate Black History Month throughout February with a lineup of events recognizing culture, achievements, community and history of Black Americans and the African diaspora. “Black History Month serves as a vital platform for education, celebration and acknowledgment of the profound contributions of African Americans to every facet of society,” said Darien Thompson, PNW director of Student Success and Urban Engagement. “By sharing and celebrating these accomplishments with the community, we not only honor the rich heritage of the Black community but also promote understanding, empathy

Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales and his election administration staff are closely monitoring reports of attempted candidate petition signature fraud coming from county election offices where workers are responsible for verifying signatures and addresses. As February 9th deadline for candidate filing for Indiana’s 2024 Primary Election nears, last week a handful of county election offices reported concerns involving apparent fraudulent signatures and invalid addresses on nomination petitions filed for voter certification. The Secretary of State’s Office has been in communication with election administrators in the counties reporting these issues. Proper protocol, which involves preserving materials and notifying law enforcement

In anticipation of its Annual Dinner, the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) has been soliciting nominations for its Annual Awards ceremony. Winners for Large Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Community Impact of the Year, Young Professional of the Year, and Ambassador of the Year will be announced during the Annual Member Dinner on March 15th. These five award categories will recognize individual people and businesses who have made a difference in our business community throughout 2023. Nominations have been qualified and the Chamber Awards Committee is happy to announce the finalists in each category: Large

The Michigan City Police Department recently swore in six new police officers. This brings the total to 82 of the 84 allotted officers. The officers were sworn in by Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch administering the Oath of Office and Chief Corley, Forker, and Cooney administering the Oath of Office. The new officers are Brandon Drake, Jared Kiselka, Jacqueline Hinson, Makiyah Smallwood, Brandon Williams and Bryan Woodman. These new officers will spend the next several weeks going through training with the MCPD Division of Professional Standards.