Local News

Press release, La Porte Community School Corporation: The La Porte Community School Corporation Board of School Trustees announced the retirement of Superintendent Mark Francesconi on Monday, February 12, 2024.  Dr. Francesconi has dedicated over 30 years to the field of education, with the last 13 serving the La Porte district. He leaves behind a legacy of unrelenting commitment and integrity. The school community and the board of trustees have expressed their deep gratitude for his decades of service and wish him a well-deserved retirement. Reflecting on his tenure, Dr. Francesconi shared, “It has been an honor to serve the community

News release, Indiana Department of Environmental Management: On Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, representatives from IDEM's Office of Air Quality Permits Branch arrived at East Chicago Public High School for a scheduled public meeting to discuss an air permitting renewal application for BP Products North America Inc.'s Whiting Business Unit. As recently as last month, the school served as a location for IDEM public meetings due to the auditorium's ability to accommodate larger crowds. However, moments before Thursday's meeting was set to begin, the school district superintendent informed IDEM staff that he had concerns about proceeding with members of the media

The Michigan City Easter Egg Hunt will take place on Saturday, March 30 in Fedder's Alley. Michigan City Special Events is accepting candy and golden ticket prize item donations. Email ewilliams@emichigancity.com to arrange pickup or drop-off of donations.

Northwest Indiana poets, April is made for you! Throughout the month, the Center for Creative Solutions will celebrate both World Creativity & Innovation Week, April 15-21, and National Poetry Month. Northwest Indiana poets of all ages are invited to share their work in the 8th annual “Juried Showcase of Poetry.” A panel of experts will evaluate all poems. For students, the Center for Creative Solutions will bestow 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place honors in each grade level, according to Bill Halliar, co-chair of the Poetry Showcase. Poems submitted by adults will be judged separately. “Make your poem humorous or thoughtful,

The Indiana Toll Road announced 141st westbound exit ramp in Hammond will be closed on Feb. 14 from 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. CT. NIPSCO will conduct a ramp closure at the 141st WB exit ramp in Hammond. The detour is after the toll plaza, all traffic is to go right to access 141st east or west bound travel. The Indiana Toll Road is reminding drivers to stay alert in work zones.

News release, Indiana Department of Natural Resources: It’s time to prepare for the April 8 solar eclipse, during which the moon will completely cover the sun over a significant portion of Indiana, causing darkness at mid-afternoon. Because viewing the sun at any phase of the eclipse without proper eye protection can cause permanent eye damage or even blindness, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is providing the opportunity to buy eclipse glasses. The glasses, branded with the state’s eclipse logo and purchased from a vendor on the American Astronomical Society’s approved list (eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety/viewers-filters), have 2-millimeter scratch-resistant polymer lenses that

Porter County Sheriff Jeff Balon recently announced an interactive program called “Project Safe Roads.” The program will partner with citizens to help identify roadways within Porter County that need extra traffic enforcement from time to time.  When a citizen believes there is a traffic problem somewhere, they can go to the website (portercountysheriff.com) click on the Project Safe Roads tab and complete the necessary information. The sheriff's office said this will also be on the Porter County Sheriff’s App in the near future. This information will be forwarded to the necessary personnel within the Sheriff’s Office and they will follow

The City of La Porte says it has received reports of individuals knocking on doors and claiming to be from the City of La Porte Water Department. “These scammers are asking to test the homeowners' water, tampering with the test and then attempting to sell homeowners a filter to “improve” their water quality,” the City of La Porte stated on its Facebook. “Please note: our Water Department employees will NEVER attempt to sell you anything. All members of our Water Crews drive clearly marked City of La Porte vehicles, wear uniforms with the City logo and carry valid City I.D.s.

The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) Friday announced the recipients of the Expanding What Works grant, a new opportunity designed to increase access to high-quality summer programming for over 3,000 Hoosier students. The grant encourages regional collaboration between community organizations, local nonprofits, municipal partners and/or local school corporations to expand the successful Indy Summer Learning Labs (ISLL) initiative across the state, specifically targeting students with the greatest academic need. “We have put a lot of focus on making sure the financial investments we are making show a return on investment for our students,” said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of

The two fishermen who happened upon Matt Reum, who was pinned in his car beneath an I-94 overpass in Porter County and stranded there for six days in December, will be honored by the Spring Lake Chapter of the Izaak Walton League, at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12. The Spring Lake Chapter is located at 4700 W. 49th Ave., Hobart. For more information, contact Priscilla Coleman at 219-973-3442. According to the Town of Chesterton Facebook page, Mario Garcia and Nivardo De La Torre were scouting good fishing holes along Salt Creek on Dec. 26 when they found the 27-year-old Reum

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