Local News

HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) awarded seed funding to three innovative entrepreneurs during the 2026 PNW Big Sell, the university’s annual pitch competition designed to support aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage business ventures. The 2026 PNW Big Sell brought together student and community entrepreneurs to pitch their startup concepts live before a panel of judges at PNW’s Commercialization and Manufacturing Excellence Center (CMEC). The competition is sponsored by the PNW College of Business, the PNW Office of Commercialization and Research and Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO). Ten finalists were selected from a competitive pool of two-minute video

Experience the Indiana Dunes like never before at the Dunes Dash 5K, hosted by Save the Dunes at scenic West Beach in the Indiana Dunes National Park. This annual event invites participants to explore one of Northwest Indiana’s most iconic landscapes while supporting the ongoing protection and advocacy of the Indiana dunes, Lake Michigan, and the surrounding natural areas. The 5K course winds through sandy, hilly trails with stairs and elevation changes, making it a rewarding challenge for runners and walkers alike. While the course is considered moderate to strenuous, it’s designed to be approachable for anyone ready to take

The National Veterans Awareness made its way through La Porte County Wednesday morning and deputies were honored to be able to assist, the La Porte County Sheriff's Office said on their Facebook page. Deputies staffed and cleared intersections along US 421 as the group of motorcyclists traveled from the north to the south through the county. The ride is comprised of vets and their close associates.  The 12-day cross-country ride began in Auburn, California on May 12th and will conclude in Washington D.C. on Saturday. "Please pray for the safety and health of this patriotic group as they continue on

UPDATED* Suspect Information Added* LaPorte County Deputy Shot by Chicago Man in Hospital Emergency Room The suspect has been identified as Sharod Grafton Jr., 22 years of age, from Chicago, IL. He is currently being held at the Porter County Jail. Michigan City- At approximately 6:45 a.m., Deputy Samuelson stopped to assist what appeared to be a disabled vehicle at S.R. 2 and C.R. 900 W in LaPorte County, about one mile east of Westville, Indiana. At the individual’s request, the deputy transported the sole occupant of the vehicle to Franciscan Health Michigan City. Once inside the hospital, Deputy Samuelson

Our thoughts and prayers fo out to his family, friends, fellow officers. From the La Porte County Sheriff's FACEBOOK PAGE- 𝐀 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐟 𝐑𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐝 𝐂. 𝐇𝐞𝐞𝐠… “La Porte County friends and neighbors, we are asking for our community to rise up, rally together, and lift Deputy Jon Samuelson and his family in prayer and support during this incredibly challenging time. Now more than ever, we need our residents across the county to stand together in strength, faith, and support for one of our own. Deputy Samuelson has dedicated his life to serving and protecting this county, and we ask

INDIANA — AAA predicts at least 45 million people will travel in the U.S. this year for Memorial Day weekend, more than 960,000 of those from Indiana. As Hoosiers hit the road for Memorial Day weekend, Gov. Mike Braun and INDOT are warning drivers of increased traffic expected across the state starting Thursday and are urging them to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and prioritize safety. “This coming weekend, state highways and interstates will be very busy with regular holiday travel and extra traffic heading to and from Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Indianapolis 500,” said Gov. Mike Braun. “I encourage

Earlier this morning an incident transpired at Franciscan Health Hospital - Michigan City Campus.-The latest from the La Porte County Sheriff's Office FACEBOOK PAGE-SEE BELOW Earlier this morning an incident transpired at Franciscan Health Hospital - Michigan City Campus. This was an isolated incident and there is no immediate threat to the public. Sheriff Ronald C. Heeg has requested the assistance of the Indiana State Police to lead the investigation. All media outlets inquiring about the matter shall contact ISP - Lowell PIO Sergeant Glen Fifield Also, from the Michigan City Police Department FACEBOOK Page******Please avoid the area of Franciscan

SAD NEWS from NASCAR-Kyle Busch, a generational talent who rose to become a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and one of the sport’s greatest drivers, died Thursday. He was 41.   Busch’s death, which was announced by the Busch family, NASCAR and Richard Childress Racing, marked a sudden, staggering blow to the motorsports community. His team had indicated earlier Thursday that Busch had been hospitalized with a severe illness.   Busch was in his 22nd full-time season in NASCAR’s top division, where he won two Cup Series titles (2015, 2019) and 63 races — a figure that ranks ninth on

Today Showers likely, mainly after 1pm. Cloudy, with a high near 67. Chance of precipitation is 60%.   Tonight Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 1am, then a chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. Chance of precipitation is 60%.   Saturday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69.   Saturday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53.   Sunday Partly sunny, with a high near 74.   Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 57.   Memorial Day A slight chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 79.

One person died after a head-on crash Wednesday, according to the La Porte County Sheriff's Office. Just after 4:00 p.m., deputies responded to State Road 39 south of CR 1500 South reference a two-vehicle head-on crash. The initial on-scene investigation completed by Deputy Alex Clemons and assisting deputies determined the following had occurred. A 2013 Hyundai Sonata had been traveling north on SR 39. A 2015 Jeep Wrangler had been traveling south on SR 39. The Hyundai drove left of center and collided with the Jeep. The Hyundai was operated by 41-year-old Sarah J. Geressy of Burns Harbor, Indiana. Geressy

LA PORTE, Ind. (May 20, 2026) – The La Porte Community School Corporation Board of School Trustees has approved the appointment of Kristin Smith as Principal of Hailmann Elementary School, effective with the 2026-2027 school year. Smith succeeds Zach Huber, who was named Director of Curriculum and Instruction earlier this spring. Smith brings more than two decades of experience in Northwest Indiana schools to her new role. Most recently, she served as the Data and Grants Coordinator for Michigan City Area Schools. Previously, she was the Principal of Edgewood Elementary School, where she led a K-6 building with 340 students

Join us at the LaPorte Civic Auditorium for Line Dancing and Lessons with Sunset Coast Country Dancers. Concessions and bar available. Entry fee is $10. For more information visit their website at www.laportecivic.com. TEAM WIMS LIVE! #wims #whfb #localradio

The Michigan City Police Department has announced an arrest in connection to the homicide of a 14-year-old Michigan City resident. On May 15, at around 4:30 p.m., the Michigan City Police Department received a call regarding a juvenile that was shot in the 300 block of West 11th Street. Officers responded to the scene and located 14-year-old Michigan City resident Devin Porter suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. Responding officers provided life saving measures to Porter before LaPorte County EMS transported him to Franciscan Health Hospital in Michigan City where he later succumbed to his injuries. Investigators from the Investigative

The Ogden Dunes Police Department is expecting a big turnout for Saturday’s Pavilion Grand Opening at Kratz Field. Because of this, ODPD will close Hillcrest Road from the sandtrack to Ogden Road between 5:00 pm and 11:00 pm. Police say to use Diana Road to enter and leave town during that time. There will be a designated area for golf cart parking.

LA PORTE, Ind. – As the 2025-26 school year winds down in a few weeks, La Porte Community School Corporation (LPCSC) is recognizing 31 staff members retiring this spring, a group whose combined service to Slicer students totals 888 years. The retirees were honored Thursday evening at the district's annual recognition gala, hosted by the La Porte Educational Development Foundation. The retirees represent nearly every corner of LPCSC's work, including classroom teachers, special education staff, support staff, maintenance, technology, and central office. The group includes several educators with 40 or more years of service to the district, as well as

Today Mostly sunny, with a high near 65.   Tonight Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49.   Friday Showers likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69. Chance of precipitation is 60%.   Friday Night A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. Chance of precipitation is 50%.   Saturday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72.   Saturday Night A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56.   Sunday A slight chance of showers and

VALPARAISO, IN – The MAAC Foundation, in partnership with Northwest Health, proudly celebrated the graduation of its Winter 2026 Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Academy students during a ceremony Monday, May 18, 2026 at the MAAC Foundation First Responder Training Campus. The EMT profession requires dedication, resilience, and the ability to remain calm in some of life’s most critical moments. Throughout the academy, graduates completed rigorous coursework, hands-on medical skills training, and realistic emergency response scenarios designed to prepare them for the challenges of serving their communities as emergency medical professionals. These students demonstrated commitment, teamwork, and compassion while building the knowledge and confidence necessary to

In Porter County, Church Street in Crocker will be closed at 8 a.m. today, May 21, according to the Town of Chesterton Facebook page. It will reopen at approximately 5 p.m. Friday, May 22. The reason for the around-the-clock closure is a storm sewer installation along Church Street between 1050N (LaHayne Road) and Center Street. Residents of Church Street will be able to access their homes from Center Street (via Tower Street) but not from 1050N.  

It is normal for students to tone down their extracurricular activities as the school year winds down, as they start focusing on their final exams. Though they recognize the importance of doing well on end-of-semester tests, the cadets of the Michigan City High School (MCHS) Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC ) have also continued to support Michigan City Area Schools (MCAS) and the community. Among their community service events were supporting the Michigan City Salvation Army, the Sacred Heart Food Pantry, the MCAS Wolfie’s Night Out, and Color Guards for the LaPorte County Law Day and the

SOUTH BEND – On May 14, 2026, Terrence Baker, 46 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco after pleading guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred. Baker was sentenced to 109 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. “As a convicted armed robber who also had a felony conviction for possession of cocaine, the Defendant had no business possessing a firearm when he shot approximately 8 times at an occupied house located in a residential neighborhood