Local News

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has forecasted an Air Quality Action Day (AQAD) for Saturday, May 18, 2024, for North Central and Northwest Indiana. Ozone levels are expected to be in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range (Orange) in the following areas: North Central Indiana, including the cities of: Elkhart, Goshen, Knox, Logansport, Plymouth, Peru, South Bend, Warsaw, Winamac and all other cities within the area. Northwest Indiana, including the cities of: Crown Point, Gary, Hammond, Kentland, LaPorte, Michigan City, Portage, Rensselaer, Valparaiso and all other cities within the area. High temperatures are expected to reach the 80's on Saturday which is well above

No one was injured Tuesday, May 14, in a hit-and-run accident in the construction zone on State Road 49, according to the Town of Chesterton Facebook page. Police say at 6:43 a.m. the driver of a red pickup truck was northbound in the left lane of State Road 49, north of 1100N, when he or she attempted to pull in front of a second vehicle northbound in the right lane. Without room enough to make the merge before hitting the cones, however, the driver of the pickup slowed instead and, while trying to pull behind the second vehicle, struck its

CHESTERTON, Ind. -- A motorist was injured Wednesday, May 15, in a four-vehicle chain-reaction crash on State Road 49, the Chesterton Fire Department is reporting. Just before 7 p.m. a 31-year-old Chesterton resident was southbound on State Road 49 when, approximately 500 feet north of the intersection with East Porter Ave., his white pickup truck clipped the rear of a second vehicle, a red pickup driven by an 18-year-old Valparaiso resident. The Chesterton resident in his white pickup then continued southbound, rear-ending a white SUV driven by a 51-year-old Valparaiso resident, and the impact of that collision forced the SUV

Governor Eric Holcomb Thursday applauded new provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicating a nearly 18% decrease in overdose deaths in Indiana, the second highest percentage decrease among all 50 states. “Hours after I was sworn in as governor in 2017, I signed an executive order creating a new cabinet-level position in state government dedicated to reversing the trend of overdose deaths,” Gov. Holcomb said. “In the seven years since, Indiana has taken thoughtful steps to address this epidemic. This encouraging trend underscores the collective efforts and strategic initiatives implemented to combat substance use throughout

News Release, Purdue University Northwest: Valparaiso, IN – Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest will host six outdoor family-friendly music shows for its 2024 annual Acorn Concert Series. Starting May 24, Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest opens its series with rock and pop musical artists. The 2024 lineup includes nationally acclaimed tribute bands playing hits by Jimmy Buffett, Elton John, Dave Matthews Band, Creedence Clearwater Revival and The Grateful Dead. Gone 2 Paradise, the Ultimate Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band, kicks off the series on at 7 p.m. on May 24. Spotlighted on the Acorn stage this summer, The Cream of Clapton

News Release, Franciscan Health: Area residents can lace up their walking shoes for a healthy dose of information and exercise as Franciscan Health’s free Walk With A Doc program steps off in Michigan City on May 29. The free 5K walks will begin at City Hall at 100 E. Michigan Blvd. at 6 p.m. Central each Wednesday May 29 through July 3 with a brief health talk by a physician or clinical staff member followed by stretching and walking through Washington Park. Registration takes place on-site only beginning at 5:30 p.m. each Wednesday. Participants need not complete the 5K walk

LAKE COUNTY, Ind. - There is a reduced speed limit of 35 mph for the work zone on U.S. 30 between the Illinois State Line and U.S. 41 that is ongoing through the fall. There is currently a concrete restoration project taking place through this area, with full depth patching and joint repairs. There is also a preventative maintenance bridge deck overlay being done on the Plum Creek bridge between Hart Street and Moeller Street. This work is expected to wrap up on or around May 24. U.S. 30 will then have alternating lane closures between Castlewood Drive and St.

Press Release, Indiana Department of Education: Governor Eric J. Holcomb, Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner and Treasurer Daniel Elliott welcomed the four members of the 2024 Governor’s STEM Team to the Indiana Statehouse, where they honored outstanding high school students for their exceptional efforts in science, technology, engineering and math. “Each year, I am blown away by the incredible accomplishments of our Hoosier students selected for the STEM Team,” said Gov. Holcomb. “It is inspiring to see what they are able to achieve at such a young age, and I’m excited to watch them continue to grow into our

News Release, Purdue University Northwest: Purdue University Northwest (PNW) has earned official designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). This designation makes PNW the largest HSI in the state of Indiana. Upon completion of assessment, the U.S. DOE designates colleges and universities as HSIs that have enrolled at least 25% of undergraduate full-time students who self-identify as Hispanic or Latino. Since the 2022-23 academic year, PNW has enrolled a full-time undergraduate student population that is over 25% Latino. Within that population, approximately 70% are first-generation students. PNW’s enrollment figures also show it serves the

The Michigan City Parks and Recreation Department is inviting the public to attend a Murder Mystery Dinner at Krueger Memorial Hall on May 24 with the doors opening at 5:30 pm. This is a themed event with 1920's dress attire. See a link to purchase tickets on the Michigan City Police Department Facebook page.  

This week, The Salvation Army has been celebrating across the country to mark National Salvation Army Week, a time to recognize 157 years of serving communities in the United States. The Salvation Army of Michigan City will conclude National Salvation Army Week with a Worship Arts Workshop on Saturday, May 18. This event is free and open to the public. Adults and youth are invited to attend a workshop from 10 a.m. until noon to learn about choir, drama, and dance. Registration opens at 9:30 a.m. Participants will then hold a performance for the public. Lunch will be served at

The Michigan City Parks & Recreation Department announced that May 24 will be the opening day of the Oasis Splash Park. "Located in Washington Park, the Oasis Splash Park promises a fun-filled experience for visitors of all ages," the Parks & Recreation Department said in a press release. The closing date in Sept. 2. Hours of operation will be 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (weather dependent). Admission is free. For more information call 219-873-1506.      

News Release, Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Share your love of the outdoors with a child this weekend during the annual Kids to Parks Day this Saturday, May 18. It’s a national day of outdoor play designed to connect kids and families with local, state, and national parks. Gov. Eric Holcomb declared May 18 as Kids to Parks (KTP) Day in Indiana and signed an official proclamation, which acknowledges the important initiative to “encourage kids and empower families to get outdoors and visit America’s parks.” The day is a chance for children to learn about park stewardship, outdoor recreation, and

The Michigan City Police Department Administration welcomed Officer Hunter Miller to the Michigan City Police Department Monday during a swearing in ceremony. Officer Miller comes to the Michigan City Police Department with 9 years of law enforcement experience. The Oath of Office was conducted by Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch and the Oath of Honor was conducted by Chief Marty Corley. Those in attendance gave words of welcome to Officer Miller. The addition of Officer Miller brings MCPD closer to being at the full complement of 84 officers. Officer Miller is the son of retired MCPD officer, Sergeant Greg Miller.

The Duneland Chamber of Commerce announced the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for Velvet Tiki Lounge will take place on Friday, May 31st at 4:30 p.m. at 791 Indian Boundary Road in Chesterton. "Velvet Tiki Lounge offers a unique twist on the traditional Tiki bar experience, drawing inspiration from the small Pacific Island of Devileese," the Duneland Chamber said in a press release. "Guests can indulge in a variety of Tiki drinks with an Irish twist, as well as Devileese Bites that blend island and Irish flavors." Owner Misty Banzen shared her excitement about the new venture, stating, "A

The City of La Porte Park and Recreation Department is looking for volunteer groups to spread safety surface on playgrounds. Other volunteer opportunities available as well. Visit https://laporteparkandrec.com/volunteer/ or contact Emily Archambault at 219-326-9600 or by e-mail at earchambault@cityoflaportein.gov for more information.

Community Crossings paving projects commence on and just off South Fifth Street Milestone Contractors North began milling today, Tuesday, May 14, and by noon had completed Hunters Court, Bittersweet Court, and a portion of South Fifth Street south of 1100N. Weather permitting, Milestone will move into Chestnut Hill tomorrow, Wednesday, May 15. “They will hopefully be paving right behind the milling, a day behind, obviously weather permitting,” Chesterton Assistant Street Commissioner reported to the Town Council at its meeting Monday night, May 13. “The milling will continue in rain, unless it’s storming. Unfortunately, paving will only be done once it’s

Governor Eric J. Holcomb is directing flags to be flown at half-staff statewide in honor of the Peace Officers Memorial and Police Officer week. Flags should be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset in Indiana on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. Gov. Holcomb is asking Indiana businesses and residents to lower their flags as well.

MUNSTER, Indiana -- Franciscan Health is offering prediabetic patients the opportunity to help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes with its year-long Diabetes Prevention Program. Franciscan Health’s 12-month Diabetes Prevention Program follows guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that have proven to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is one of the top 10 leading causes of death in the U.S., impacting more than 37 million American adults. Few realize type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed with lifestyle changes, like those implemented through the Franciscan Health Diabetes Prevention Program. Groups meet for 16

In Portage, Tulip Avenue is closed between May Street and Cooley Street until 3 p.m. Wednesday May 15, weather permitting. Barricades are in place. Alternative routes are necessary.