Local News

Press release, U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan: Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Frank J. Mrvan announced a federal grant award for Purdue University Northwest (PNW) from the Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. According to the Department of Energy, this funding supports high-impact, applied research, development, and pilot-scale technology validation and demonstration projects that aim to reduce energy usage and industrial greenhouse gas emissions. PNW will receive $7,158,034 to support efforts through the Center for Innovation through Visualization and Simulation (CIVS) to advance further decarbonization of the steelmaking electric arc furnace through alternative injectants and electromagnetic

The Michigan City High School (MCHS) Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC) competed in the Military Drill Sectional championship on January 27th at Ben Davis High School in Indianapolis. “Despite the weather challenges that restricted our practice time, our cadets really gave it their best effort,” said Major Tom McGrath, the Senior Marine Instructor. Most of the competing schools were from the Indianapolis area and south, and did not receive the heavy snow and ice that Michigan City experienced. “We could really use at least two to three more dedicated cadets to lift some of the heavy work

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) has been affirmed by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) as a doctoral-granting institution with its recent approval of a substantive change in mission or student body. The change coincided with the HLC’s approval of PNW’s third applied doctoral program, a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD). “Purdue Northwest’s recognition as a doctoral-granting institution is emblematic of the university’s reputation for offering high-quality academic programs,” said PNW Chancellor Kenneth C. Holford. “Besides signifying a high mark of academic excellence, the expansion of applied doctoral programs at PNW helps meet needs that are important to our local communities. Students accepted into

Last Friday (1/26) deputies were investigating a personal injury crash involving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) and a box truck along US 20 near Oak Knoll Road.   At approximately 2:20 PM, eastbound US 20 vehicular traffic was closed for the recovery of the CM. Sergeant L. Scott Boswell parked his commission in the eastbound driving lane and a Kankakee Volunteer Fire Department apparatus was parked in the eastbound passing lane. As a result, eastbound US 20 traffic began to back up west of Oak Knoll Road as the recovery work continued.   An alert Sergeant Boswell observed a dark-colored

  Franciscan Health Crown Point opened to patients at its new location at 12750 Saint Francis Drive in Crown Point yesterday morning.     The hospital, which replaces the 50-year-old Franciscan Health Crown Point hospital at 1201 S. Main St., follows Franciscan Alliance’s regional approach to the latest in state-of-the-art healthcare, which optimizes facilities and resources to improve the level of care for all of Northwest Indiana.     “This second-to-none facility has been mindfully constructed to support the highest acuity of patients in a convenient location,” Franciscan Health Crown Point President and CEO Daniel McCormick, MD, said. “This facility

The annual DNR Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology photo contest has started. Open to photographers of any age and skill level, the contest has been held since 2005 to promote Indiana’s historic resources. All structures in photo entries must be at least 50 years old and in Indiana but don’t have to be fully restored. Photos of exclusively natural elements will not be accepted. Photos can be black and white or color and must have been taken within the last two years. New this year is a category highlighting the annual theme of Historic Preservation Month. This year, the

The City of Michigan City announced that Joshua Finney, a member of the Vector Control team passed away at Franciscan Health Michigan City, Jan. 24, 2024. “Josh was a dedicated and hard-working employee and a valued coworker and friend,” the City of Michigan City stated on their Facebook page. "Most recently, he was instrumental in helping our Street Department dig our city out from underneath the 3 feet of snow Winter Storm Indigo brought us. We extend our most sincere condolences to Josh’s family and all those impacted by his death, and wish you strength and comfort during this difficult

Press release, Indiana Department of Education: The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) encourages schools and qualified community organizations to participate in the 2024 Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). In addition, IDOE is looking to expand access to free meals in eligible rural areas that have no congregate summer meal service sites and could benefit from the provision of non-congregate meal service. The SFSP reimburses local sponsors that serve healthy free meals and snacks to children 18 years old and younger. Sponsorship is open to public and private nonprofit groups, including local governments, summer camps, religious organizations and recreation centers. Organizations

Press release, Health Foundation of La Porte: LA PORTE – Since November 2023, Health Foundation of La Porte (HFL) has been partnering with Playon to increase awareness of community activities that support active living in La Porte County. Founded by La Porte natives Sam Maule and Marc Oestreich, Playon (www.playonapp.com) is a digital platform that houses all of La Porte County’s active living resources. Residents can easily search and filter through every venue, park, activity, and organization in the area, from walking trails to yoga classes and everything in between. Soon to be released as a mobile app, Playon empowers residents to

Press release, AK Smith Career Center: Michigan City, IN – January 25, 2024 – Students from across LaPorte County with an interest in robotics, technology, and automation will soon have the opportunity to train for a hot new career field: Smart Manufacturing. In August, the Laporte County Career and Technical Education program will offer a program in Smart Manufacturing at its new facility at 1001 US Hwy 20 in Michigan City, which formerly housed Brown Mackie College. Michigan City Area Schools acquired the facility last year, and it offers a Pre-K program there for 4-year-olds, the Little Wolves Early Learning

The Porter County Board of Commissioners is seeking two individuals to join the Opioid Committee. "This is your chance to contribute to crucial efforts in preventing addiction, supporting recovery and saving lives in our community," Porter County Government stated on their Facebook page. Visit https://www.porterco.org/1365/Citizen-Board-Appointments to submit your application by Jan. 29, 2024. The Commissioners will make the appointments at the Jan. 30, 2024 Commissioners' meeting at 10:00 a.m.

Press release, Office of Governor Eric J. Holcomb: JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. – Governor Eric J. Holcomb joined executives of Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ: META) today as the company announced plans to establish a new $800 million data center campus in Indiana. The new facility in Jeffersonville will support approximately 100 operational jobs and hundreds of construction jobs in the coming years. “Today is a great day for Indiana and for our southeast region as we welcome another major investment to the River Ridge Commerce Center,” Gov. Holcomb said. “Indiana’s efforts to cultivate industries of the future are already paying dividends for

Press release, Michigan City Chamber of Commerce: Michigan City, IN –At its January meeting, the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors appointed its Executive Committee for 2024. Joining Board Chair Sandy Smith on the Executive Committee will be Greg Wilkerson as Chair-Elect, Blake Applegate as Treasurer, and Julie Krause as Secretary. Kim Giannetti also agreed to stay on the Executive Committee as Past Chair. In 2024, the Executive Committee will play an integral role in assisting the chamber staff in carrying out its mission. In the same meeting, the Board of Directors unanimously appointed Danny Hogan as the

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) awarded more than $454,000 in Volunteer Fire Assistance grants to 101 rural and volunteer fire departments from 58 counties. The awards will be used to fund training or purchase necessary firefighting equipment and gear to combat wildland fires. The grants are administered by the DNR Division of Forestry and made available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. Recipients were selected based on population density, acres of public lands protected, and wildland fire reporting to DNR Fire Control Headquarters. As in past years, emphasis was given to projects that involved the fighting

Thanks to the generosity and outpouring of love from our community, The Salvation Army has reached 107 percent of our Christmas Campaign goal of $230,000! This accounts for one-third of our annual budget, supporting holiday assistance as well as our year-round services to provide food, clothing, warmth, and other resources to those in need.Special THANK YOU to Gene and Linda Simmons, our campaign chairs; all of our bell ringers this season; and EVERYONE who donated food, toys, or financial contributions. You are all #DoingTheMostGood. Thank you Michigan City. #LoveBeyondChristmas

South Bend, Indiana (January 24, 2024) Goodwill is proud to announce the availability of free tax preparation services through its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, designed to assist those with a household income of less than $64,000 per year. This service is available to U.S. citizens or resident aliens. This program is an essential resource for eligible taxpayers seeking assistance with their tax preparation without any cost. Please note that while VITA volunteers are equipped to handle a variety of tax situations, there may be certain complex issues that fall outside the scope of the assistance provided by the

The Valparaiso Police Department on Monday night recognized officers and citizens for their work in saving lives and making a difference in our community: ???????????????????????????????? ???????????? ???????????????????????????????? and citizens ???????????????????? ???????????????????? and ???????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????, awarded the Life Saving Award for successfully saving a child found unresponsive in a swimming pool. ???????????????????????????? ???????????????????? ???????????????????? and ???????????????????????????? ???????????????????????? ????????????????????????????, awarded the Valparaiso Police Department Life Saving Award for helping to save the life of a man in a cardiac emergency. ???????????????????????????? ???????????? ????????????????????????, awarded the Valparaiso Police Department Honorable Mention Award for his success in apprehending an armed bank robber. WIMS congratulates

LAPORTE COUNTY, Ind. — A man who was wanted for rape was arrested after he called the police for an unrelated matter, according to the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office. On Tuesday at around 5:15 p.m., deputies responded to a residence located in the 2700 east block of County Road 450 South regarding a harassment complaint. Prior to arrival, responding deputies confirmed the complainant, 28-year-old Kyle S. Terusiak, was wanted for rape. The arrest warrant was issued following an investigation that began on Nov. 12. On Jan. 5, a sealed arrest warrant was issued for Terusiak for the offense.  Since

LA PORTE, Ind. – Franciscan Alliance will fully acquire Franciscan Beacon Hospital this spring, representatives announced today. Franciscan Alliance and Beacon Health System entered an agreement in 2018 for a 50/50 joint partnership for the creation of Franciscan Beacon Hospital at 1010 State Road 2 in La Porte, which included a building expansion project. The unique, 92,500-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility includes a 24-hour, 10-bed emergency department, eight inpatient beds for overnight care, laboratory services, an on-staff pharmacist, physical therapy, telehealth connectivity and the latest in imaging and diagnostic equipment. As part of the acquisition, all Beacon Health System nursing, imaging staff

Lubeznik Center for the Arts is looking for artists interested in showing at our annual Arts Festival (LAF) on August 17 & 18. Artists Apply Here! --> https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=11826 LAF is one of the highlights of summer in Northwest Indiana! Taking place on LCA’s grounds, just steps away from Lake Michigan, LAF connects festivalgoers to our dynamic programming and exhibitions. All artist applications must be received by April 5, 2024. Artists will be notified of their acceptance by May 12, 2024. Visit LubeznikCenter.org/Events for more information, or call 219.874.4900. #LubeznikCenterForTheArts #LCA #LubeznikArtsFestival2024 #CallForArtists #NWI