Local News

NOVAK’S BILL SUPPORTING VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS HEADS TO THE GOVERNOR’S DESK   HB 1048 increases the yearly minimum allowance for volunteer firefighters from $100 to $250   INDIANAPOLIS - Earlier this week, State Rep. Randy Novak (D-Michigan City) filed for a motion to concur on the amendments added in the Senate to his House Bill 1048. HB 1048, which increases the yearly minimum allowance for volunteer fire department members from $100 to $250, helping offset the cost of essential clothing and vehicle-related expenses, now moves to the Governor’s desk for final approval.   Novak released the following statement on the bill’s

  A new, nationwide study of high school policies in all 50 states finds that Indiana is leading the way in preparing students for life after graduation. The study, released Wednesday by the XQ Institute, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, specifically focuses on rethinking high school, ensuring it maximizes the impact for students. The Future Is High School: A Strategy for State Leaders to Accelerate Learning, Work, and American Renewal identifies 10 policy actions to make high school more rigorous, engaging, and career connected. With six of these policy actions in place and another underway, Indiana is a national model in preparing students for the

Eric Dane became a star with his role as Dr. Mark Sloan — a.k.a. McSteamy — in Grey’s Anatomy. Dane's death comes 10 months after he went public with his diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and fans PHOTO CREDIT and Picture-PEOPLE

WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM CST /5 PM EST/ THIS AFTERNOON... * WHAT...West winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph expected. * WHERE...Portions of north central and northeast Illinois and northwest Indiana. * WHEN...Until 4 PM CST /5 PM EST/ this afternoon. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. ******************************************************************************************************************* Today A chance of rain and snow before 9am, then a chance of snow between 9am and noon. Mostly cloudy, with a steady temperature around 38. Windy, with a

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) announced today that $179.8 million in federal transportation funding is being awarded to 50 cities, towns, and counties in rural portions of Indiana to invest in local road and bridge improvements and sidewalk projects. For this latest round of funding, rural communities will design, develop and purchase right-of-way for local projects. While the funds awarded now are dedicated to construction, INDOT will also financially participate in design, engineering, and right-of-way acquisition components. Federal transportation funds are leveraged by many communities to rehabilitate or replace local bridges. As INDOT continues to partner with local governments

Ivy Tech Community College Hosts Financial Aid Workshops, Offers Scholarship Opportunities   Valparaiso, IN – Ivy Tech Community College will host free workshop February 22, 2026 to help students and community members apply for financial aid. Workshop will be held from 2pm to 4pm CT at the Ivy Tech Valparaiso campus.   The workshop will assist Indiana students in filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA form is required for students to be considered for federal and state grants, scholarships, and federal student loans at most colleges, universities, and vocational/technical schools nationwide. The FAFSA MUST be

The La Porte County Symphony Orchestra announces auditions for the 21st and final Hoosier Star vocal competition and concert. La Porte, February 13, 2026 - The La Porte County Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce open auditions for the Grand Finale Hoosier Star vocal competition. Auditions will be held on Saturday, April 25 from 9 to 5 pm CDT at the Presbyterian Church of La Porte, 307 Kingsbury Ave.,La Porte, IN 46350. After 20 incredible years, the LCSO is closing this chapter of its history. Since 2006, Hoosier Star has given amateur vocalists the opportunity to perform with an orchestra, helping

This morning at 12:29 AM, Deputy Matt Buell was traveling westbound along US 30. He observed an eastbound vehicle approaching him traveling in excess of the 60 miles per hour posted speed limit. The speed of the vehicle was measured at 110 MPH by Deputy Buell’s radar unit. The eastbound speeding vehicle passed CR 450 West, eventually SR 39, and continued traveling into Starke County with Deputy Buell giving chase. The fleeing vehicle traveled south on US 35, west on CR 250 North, south on Range Road, and east on SR 8. Assisting units successfully deployed a set of tire

HAMMOND BECOMES FOCUS OF NEW BEARS STADIUM-from Mayor Thomas M. McDermott, Jr The Indiana House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee, in a 24-0 vote, amended Senate Bill 27 and named Hammond as the location for a new Chicago Bears stadium. “This is a very important step in the effort the State of Indiana has made to bring the Chicago Bears to Indiana. It confirms that if the Bears move to Indiana, it’s going to be to Hammond,” said Hammond Mayor Thomas M. McDermott, Jr. “I want to thank Governor Braun, Speaker Huston, Senator Mishler, Representative Harris, and the Indiana Finance

Today A 50 percent chance of rain after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 55. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Tonight Rain and possibly a thunderstorm before midnight, then a chance of rain. Low around 35. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph becoming southwest 15 to 20 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Friday A chance of rain and snow, mainly between 11am and noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near

The Michigan City Police Department would like to welcome their newest officer Jonathon Phelps, a lateral transfer with over 8 years of experience. The Michigan City Police Department stated, "We understand transitioning to a new department brings both anticipation and uncertainty; yet, we know his skills, knowledge, and experience have prepared him for success. We are confident that the arrival of Officer Phelps will have a lasting, positive impact on our department and those we serve in the community. On behalf of the entire department, welcome. We are proud to have Officer Phelps on our team."    

Duneland Chamber to Host 11th Annual Corkscrew & Brew on Saturday, March 14   The Duneland Chamber of Commerce will be hosting this event– tickets available at www.dunelandchamber.org   Chesterton, IN – The Duneland Chamber of Commerce will host the 11th Annual Corkscrew & Brew on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Thomas Centennial Park in downtown Chesterton. This annual fundraiser brings together more than 20 regional breweries and wineries for an afternoon of unlimited tastings, live music, food, and community.   Guests will enjoy music by Arrested Sounds, food available for purchase from Smoke

Inspiring Curiosity, Energizing the Future: NiSource Charitable Foundation Hosts Annual ‘Introduce a Girl to STEAM’ Event with NIPSCO   MERRILLVILLE, Ind. — The NiSource Charitable Foundation and Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO) today hosted its second annual Introduce a Girl to STEAM Signature Event, inviting school-aged girls in Ind. to explore opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM). Aligned with the Foundation’s mission to create strong and sustainable communities where company employees and customers live and work, this program aims to expand access to hands-on learning, support local nonprofits and inspire young people to thrive in

HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Financial aid professionals will be on-site at Purdue University Northwest’s (PNW) Hammond and Westville campuses during the statewide College Goal Sunday programs on Feb. 22. The free event will take place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. CST and will help college-bound students and their families apply for financial aid. College Goal Sunday programs provide assistance to students in filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA form is required for students to be considered for federal and state grants, scholarships and federal loans at most colleges, universities and vocational/technical schools nationwide.

Today A 30 percent chance of rain, mainly before noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 56.   Tonight 20 percent chance of rain. Partly cloudy, with a low around 34.   Thursday A 30 percent chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 46.   Thursday Night A chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32.   Friday A chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 39.

Ric Federighi of WIMS radio selected as the 2025 Paul J. Alinsky Award recipient   Michigan City, Indiana – Ric Federighi, Owner/Station Manager of WIMS AM1420/FM95.1 radio, has been selected as this year’s recipient of the Paul J. Alinsky Excellence Award, presented by the Rotary Club of Michigan City. This award is presented annually in honor of Paul Alinsky, a Rotarian who passed away in 1997. It honors Alinsky’s commitment to innovation and leadership by recognizing those in the Michigan City community who demonstrate these traits through “Service Above Self.”   Federighi was nominated by Jennifer Heath, a member of

NICHOLAS TOCHELL FOUND GUILTY FOR CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN   In early December 2022, law enforcement were informed of allegations of misconduct against children by Mr. Nicholas Tochell. A forensic interview was conducted by Dunebrook’s Child Advocacy Center. Information provided during that interview was the basis of four counts of Level 4 Felony Child Molesting. Mr. Tochell was arrested later that month.   On Feb. 12, 2026, a jury found Mr. Tochell guilty of these crimes. The jury, before Superior Court Judge Jamie Oss, spent 3 days hearing testimony and evidence from the State and Mr. Tochell. Mr. Tochell was found

NIPSCO ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2026 ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION GRANT-Local organizations seeking funding for environmental initiatives invited to apply   MERRILLVILLE, Ind. — Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO), with support from the NiSource Charitable Foundation, is currently accepting applications for the 2026 Environmental Action Grant, an annual endowment awarded to local organizations to help fund environmental projects and programming across NIPSCO’s service area. “Being an engaged corporate citizen means caring for the places we call home,” said Rick Calinski, Director of Public Affairs and Economic Development at NIPSCO. “Through our Environmental Action Grant, NIPSCO is proud to invest in local

The Michigan City Art League is pleased to announce its Spring 2026 session of classes.   Every year since 1932 the Art League has been a source of art learning in the community, open to everyone with a desire to begin or improve their artistic abilities. The 12-week session starts the first Thursday of March and continues thru May, with classes starting at 6PM. Artists are requested to arrive early so that class may begin on time. Classes are located in the cafeteria at Queen of All Saints Catholic School, which can be accessed through parking lot behind the school

Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr. has died at 84 The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a towering civil rights icon who battled alongside Martin Luther King Jr., negotiated global hostage releases, and shamed corporations for their lack of corporate diversity and failure to support voting rights, has died. He was 84. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends Jackson was hospitalized on Nov. 12 following a lengthy battle with the progressive neuromuscular disease progressive supranuclear palsy, a condition similar to Parkinson's disease. He was a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, a Democratic presidential candidate and one of the world's