Local News

Letter carriers across the country will be picking up more than mail on Saturday, May 11. This weekend marks the annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, an event organized by the National Association of Letter Carriers. City residents are encouraged to leave donations of non-perishable food items by their mailboxes on Saturday, May 11 to be collected by the letter carriers. The Salvation Army of Michigan City is pleased to be the local recipient of these donations, filling the shelves of its food pantry with the items given so generously by the community. These items stay in Michigan City and

Press Release, Valpo Parks: Valpo Parks is thrilled to announce the construction of a brand new outdoor heated golf hitting facility at Creekside Golf Course & Training Center, thanks to a lead gift from Bender Golf. This state-of-the-art facility will replace the existing 20-year-old facility. The new facility will provide golfers of all skill levels with the opportunity to practice and improve their game year-round, regardless of the weather. “We are incredibly excited to unveil the new hitting facility at Creekside Golf Course and Training Center,” said Beth Bowker, Business Operations Manager, Valpo Parks Golf. “The upgraded covered hitting facility

The Porter County Sheriff’s Office announced new officers that recently graduated. Multiple department members gathered at Valparaiso University on Friday afternoon to attend the Northwest Indiana Law Enforcement Academy’s Graduation Ceremony for Class 24-51. The new Porter County Sheriff’s officers are: Officer Alec Bauer (Squad Leader / Criminal Law Academic Award Recipient) Officer Gabriel Smail Officer Alexa Tumidalsky (Platoon Leader / Gary Martin Mental Attitude Award Recipient) Officer Jack Wallace Officer Alec Zuklin  

An 80-year-old resident was defrauded of $5,000 in a dating scam, according to a Facebook post from the Chesterton Police Department. According to police, the senior and her daughter advised the investigating officer of the following: The senior “explained that she met a man named Vincent Malone on Facebook in December for 2023,” the CPD said. “She advised he is a brigadier general with the U.S. Army. (The senior) and Vincent spoke for a few months. During this time, Richard Paul, a diplomat and a member of Congress, reached out to (the senior). Richard explained that he was reaching out

A Gary man has been charged in connection to a fatal shooting, according to the Portage Police Department. On the afternoon of Wednesday, May 1, Portage Police Department Detectives secured an arrest warrant for Montrell Mclaurin Jr. in connection with the murder of Darion Anderson occurring on April 29, 2024 in the 5300 block of Aspen Avenue. At around 6:30 p.m. on Thursday May 3, 2024, Mclaurin was taken into custody. Montrell Mclaurin Jr. has been charged with murder and robbery and is being housed at the Porter County Jail without bond. Police say Mclaurin is a nineteen-year-old male with

Transit Triangle Commuter Route Service. Michigan City, City of LaPorte and Purdue University Northwest Service resumes May 6, 2024. The return of the Transit Triangle commuter route service is made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant awarded to Michigan City for the recovery of COVID 19-related service reductions. On-board Fares Full Fare $1.00 Reduced Fare $.50 Monthly Pass (may be purchased in the Controller’s Office at City Hall in Michigan City and the Bursar’s Office at PNW) Full Fare $20.00 Reduced Fare $10.00 Transfers (Free at Marquette Mall) Transfers are to continue one-way travel in Michigan City

Chesterton Branding and Leadership Corporation (CBLC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting a vibrant, thriving Chesterton community while preserving and enhancing the historical charm of the town through branding, marketing, and placemaking. CBLC is pleased to announce the launch of Chesterton Third Fridays, with the inaugural event kicking off on Friday, May 17th and continuing monthly through October 17th, 2024. CBLC is launching the Chesterton Third Fridays initiative in partnership with twenty-three retail businesses, restaurants, and non-profit organizations located throughout downtown Chesterton. Chesterton Third Fridays will run from May through October over six special evenings, and local businesses will

Michigan City Area Schools has announced Val Beglin has been named the Director of Special Education for MCAS, beginning July 1st. The current Special Ed Director, Stacy Attar is retiring. Val been serving as the Assistant Special Ed Director for six years, and this is her 19th year with MCAS. She has served as a Special Ed teacher, a second-grade teacher, and also co-taught English at the high school level. She has a master’s degree in building-level administration and a certification in special education administration.

The Recycling and Waste Reduction District of Porter County (RWRD) is inviting residents to mark International Compost Awareness Week—Monday, May 6, through Saturday, May 11–by visiting its Valparaiso or Portage compost sites, according to the Town of Chesterton Facebook page. During that week, RWRD will be offering free loading of compost and mulch for Porter County residents. Non-residents will be charged a fee of $10 per cubic yard for compost. Limit of 9 cubic yards a day per resident. VALPARAISO COMPOST SITE: 2150 W. Lincolnway, Valparaiso. Loading hours for compost and mulch: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 12:30 to

LAKE COUNTY, Ind. - An Indiana Department of Transportation contractor will close U.S. 231 between Bell Street and Tenbrook Drive on or after Thursday, May 9 through early July for two consecutive projects. U.S. 231 will first be closed between Bell Street and Fathke Road for a small structure replacement project. After the first project is complete, the closure of U.S. 231 will be between Hendricks Place and Tenbrook Drive for a pipe lining project. INDOT says motorists should seek alternate routes. The official detour will follow U.S. 41, U.S. 30 and State Road 55. INDOT had previously announced that

La Porte County Indiana completed all pieces for Kingsbury Industrial Park’s newest rail spur connecting CSX, a Class 1 railroad. This connection will open the industrial park to 3 connections CN, South Shore and CSX, creating economic opportunities for new and existing businesses in the Kingsbury Industrial Park. “It is said that patience, hard work and determination are virtues. That statement exemplifies all those involved in helping to get a class 1 connection into the Kingsbury industrial park. As the switchers in the park, JBC rail services is thrilled to announce that CSX went live on April 1, 2024, and

Press Release, Duneland Chamber of Commerce: The Duneland Chamber of Commerce is excited to start its 21st year of Chesterton's European Market, a beloved tradition in Northwest Indiana since 2003. Located in the heart of Chesterton's business district and Thomas Centennial Park, the market will be open every Saturday from 8am to 2pm during May through October. Cathi Rogers, European Market Director, expresses her enthusiasm for the upcoming season: "We're thrilled to kick off another fantastic season of the European Market. This year, we have a host of exciting new activities planned, including engaging kids’ activities, local musicians playing a

News Release, Purdue University Northwest: Three innovators were awarded investment capital for their startup pitches after earning judges’ top picks April 27 in the 13th annual The PNW Big Sell pitch competition. The PNW Big Sell is hosted by PNW’s Office of Commercialization and Research and sponsored by PNW’s College of Business, Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) and Centier Bank. Jonathan Rose earned first place and $10,000 for the pitch for ModMath. The application is intended to assist students with dyslexia and dysgraphia complete math exercises with a digital interface instead of a physical writing utensil and paper. Emily

In order to accommodate construction, the South Shore Line will bus weekday eastbound train passengers between 10 p.m. – 3 a.m. through May 3, between Hegewisch, Hammond and East Chicago stations. Effective through 3 a.m. Saturday, May 4, busing includes the following trains: Weekday EB Trains 121, 123, 101 (Weekend Tr 601 early morning May 4) Buses will arrive and depart with passengers to match the SSL published train schedule between Hegewisch and East Chicago. Passengers on Tr 121, Tr 123 and Tr 101/601 will detrain at Hegewisch Station to board buses for their destination stations, or re-board South Shore

The 15th Street railroad crossing in Chesterton will remain closed until next week, according to the Town of Chesterton. "The contracted traffic manager for Norfolk Southern is reporting that the re-opening of the North 15th Street grade-crossing has been delayed for approximately a week," the Town of Chesterton said on its Facebook page Wednesday. It is now anticipated that the grade-crossing will be re-opened to traffic on Tuesday, May 7. The grade-crossing was closed on Wednesday, April 24, and at the time Norfolk Southern expected it would take crews approximately 10 days to complete the paving project.

The Porter County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a 10-year-old Liberty Township child, according to the Town of Chesterton Facebook page. At 2:37 p.m. Thursday, April 25, officers were dispatched to a residence in the 200 block of Falcon Way for a medical emergency. The child was transported to hospital but subsequently passed, police said. “The Detective Bureau is currently investigating this incident and we have no further information to release at this time,” the Porter County Sheriff's Office said. “Please keep the family and friends of this child in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult

The Valparaiso Police Department Wednesday added a new officer with the swearing-in of David Jolliff. Mayor Jon Costas performed the ceremony within the council chambers of City Hall, with numerous officers, civilian staff, and family present to witness the event.  During the ceremony, Chief Andrew McIntyre welcomed David to the Valparaiso Police Department family, recognizing the training and experience he brings with him to Valparaiso.  “We are extremely proud of our department, and honored to serve our community,” said Chief McIntyre.  “David brings the experience with him that will fit our department culture and we are eager to have him

News Release, Purdue University Northwest: Purdue University Northwest (PNW) announced Marie Mora will join the university as Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, effective July 15, 2024. Mora was selected following a national search. She most recently served as deputy provost at Metropolitan State University of Denver. She has played impactful roles in public higher education institutions for nearly three decades, including extensive experience at Hispanic-Serving Institutions. “I am excited to welcome Dr. Mora to Purdue University Northwest, where she will work collaboratively with our faculty and staff members to guide PNW’s continuing upward trajectory in academic excellence, sponsored

Two people from Texas were arrested Tuesday morning after a “trophy size load” of cocaine was seized after a traffic stop on the Indiana Toll Road, according to the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office. Just before 9:30 a.m., a highway interdiction deputy was traveling eastbound on the Indiana Toll Road in the area of the 54-mile marker.  A pickup truck was traveling ahead of the deputy in the driving lane. The pickup truck proceeded to move from the driving lane to the passing lane to overtake a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). While doing so, the pickup truck failed to correctly

Hydrant flushing is underway in Valparaiso. This flushing improves water quality and sustains the water distribution system. Flushing is between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and will continue for approximately 6 weeks. The City of Valparaiso says if you experience discolored water, run the cold water in the bathtub for 5-10 minutes. For questions, call the city’s Customer Service Center at (219) 462-6174.