Local News

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

A sold-out crowd watched in awe as Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch surprised 13 local youth programs with thousand-dollar checks at her inaugural charitable gala on April 19 at the Stardust Event Center at Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa. Through sponsorships and ticket sales, the mayor raised $113,000. These funds will benefit Michigan City organizations that offer youth services and programming. “Before I was mayor, I was a coach, a teacher and a mentor,” Nelson Deuitch said. “I’m as committed now as I’ve ever been to our young people, and saw my first mayor’s ball as the perfect opportunity to

The Duneland Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the ribbon-cutting and grand opening event for the 1100 Woods Community by Phillippe Builders. Join them for an exclusive first look at these stunning new home models on Thursday, May 16, 4:30pm, at 2179 CR 1100 North, just south of Dogwood Park. Guests will enjoy cocktails, light bites, and the opportunity to meet the Phillippe Builders team and Home Consultant, Laura Hetherington. This event is a celebration of craftsmanship and community, showcasing the dedication to excellence that Phillippe Builders is known for. Owner Rachael Phillippe expressed her excitement, stating, "We are

Valparaiso Police Chief Andrew McIntyre and Porter County Sheriff Jeff Balon requested the Indiana State Police Criminal Investigations Division Lowell Post to investigate an officer involved shooting that occurred Thursday afternoon in Valparaiso. Preliminary information is that officers were dispatched to the area of Fairgrounds Park for a suspicious person that was reported to be displaying a handgun. Officers located a male subject that matched the description of the suspect near the Butterfield Pavilion. As officers approached the suspect, the suspect fled and ran towards Calumet Avenue.  During the foot pursuit, an exchange of gunfire took place between the suspect

Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Rieth Riley Construction will close State Road 312 between Parrish Avenue and State Road 912/Cline Avenue on or after Wednesday, May 1. State Road 312 will be closed through early June for a small box culvert replacement. Motorists should seek an alternate route. The official detour will follow U.S. 20, U.S. 12, and State Road 912.

Governor Eric Holcomb Thursday announced that Amazon Web Services (AWS), an Amazon.com. Inc. company, plans to invest $11 billion to build a data center campus in north central Indiana and create at least 1,000 new jobs. This planned investment marks the largest capital investment announcement in Indiana’s history. “Indiana’s long-term economic strategy is paying dividends for Hoosiers as we cultivate the growth of critical sectors like technology infrastructure,” said Gov. Holcomb. “Amazon has long been an important economic partner in Indiana, and we are excited to welcome AWS. This significant investment solidifies Indiana’s leadership position in the economy of the

News Release, Michigan City Area Schools: Michigan City Area Schools Superintendent Dr. Barbara Eason-Watkins has announced that she will be retiring, effective August 2, 2024. She has served as the Superintendent of Michigan City Area Schools since July 2010. Her top priorities have centered on strengthening the instructional core, expanding college and career preparation opportunities, and providing increased educational options for families and students. She led efforts to establish elementary magnet schools in the Arts (at Pine Elementary) and in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (at Lake Hills Elementary) and supported both Lake Hills and Barker Middle School in obtaining

News Release, Franciscan Health: Two Franciscan Health hospitals in Northwest Indiana have a new CFO and Franciscan Health Crown Point has a new vice president of medical affairs, the healthcare ministry announced today. Justin Kats became the new chief financial officer for Franciscan Health Crown Point and Franciscan Health Michigan City effective April 8. Kats recently served as the executive director/system controller for UChicago Medicine for 10 years and previously served as manager for audit services for Crowe Horwath, LLP for 10 years. “I am excited to join Franciscan Alliance, its mission and the wonderful individuals that serve their community