Local News

Gary Miller Station, Ind. – Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced the commencement of the Double Track Northwest Indiana project, one of the largest public transit investments in Indiana’s history. Gov. Holcomb’s Next Level Agenda prioritized the $650 million double tracking of the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District’s (NICTD) existing South Shore Line from Michigan City to Gary and the companion $950 million West Lake Corridor project, which will be competed in May 2025. The on time and under budget project will add nearly 18 miles of new track over a 26-mile pathway, an enhanced train schedule and improved service

ROAD CLOSURE - State Road 130/State Road 51/Hobart Rd and State Road 51/Cleveland Ave in Lake CountyRoundabout construction at this intersection will be done in phases, beginning on or after Monday, May 13 through mid-October. Phase one of the project will consist of a road closure on State Road 130/State Road 51/Hobart Rd from State Road 51/Cleveland Ave to Hickey St through early July. The detour will follow U.S. 6 and State Road 149

Congratulations to Sgt. Todd Kobitz, who was awarded the North American Police Work Dog Association William Faus, Jr. Master Trainer of the Year award this past week at the National Workshop, held in Tampa Bay, FL. Sgt. Kobitz is a valued member of the Valparaiso Police Department, working as the commander of our K9 Unit, in addition to his current assignment as the Community Servies Officer. Sgt. Kobitz regularly goes beyond his required duties, assisting our handlers with his vast experience and knowledge, often providing all training to the team, as well as providing services to K9 teams from across

The leader of the LaPorte County Democratic party, Angela Henzman, has resigned from her position as County Party Chair, effective May 13, 2024. Henzman was elected to lead the party in December of 2022. “My goal was to open the party to those who had previously felt excluded, such as women, minorities, young people, and the LGBTQ community.” Under Henzman’s leadership, the LaPorte County Democratic Party has become more inclusive. Henzman ended exclusionary policies that were aimed at keeping individuals out, and welcomed all Democrats. Henzman helped to charter the LaPorte County Young Democrats to focus on outreach and engagement

The Michigan City High School (MCHS) Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MJROTC) conducted an awards ceremony at the high school on May 8th. Cadets were recognized for service to the community and school, for superior performance in JROTC and school extracurricular activities, and outstanding academic achievement. Many representatives of veterans and civic organizations attended to personally present their awards. Major Tom McGrath, the Senior Marine Instructor, noted the high number of parents who attended. “The great attendance of parents, who also brought a significant amount of food for the celebration of their sons and daughters, shows what they

La Porte - For the fourth year in a row, all eight elementary schools in the La Porte Community School Corporation have been recognized as 2023-24 Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished Schools for STEM curriculum and career readiness. This honor is given to a select number of elementary schools across the U.S. for providing broad access to transformative learning experiences for students through PLTW Launch, an elementary STEM curriculum. PLTW is a national nonprofit organization that serves millions of PreK-12 students and teachers in schools across the U.S., aiming to make every child in every grade STEM successful.  

The return of the third annual Singing Sands Sand Sculpting Festival, June 7-9 in Washington Park, will bring back some familiar faces, as well as welcome some new talented sculptors.  Bill and Marianne Knight of the Sand Lovers, LLC, have released the artist line-up for this year’s festival.   “This year we have a total of 17 competing sculptors representing nine different states and two countries,’” said Bill Knight. “The Singing Sands Sand Sculpting Festival has quickly become a recognized competition within the sand sculpting industry. Michigan City is the perfect place to host a sand sculpting competition; from the

South Shore Line passengers are advised that the western parking lot at Miller Station will be closed for a special event Saturday, May 11, through Monday evening, May 13. From May 11-13, passengers should utilize the Miller eastern parking lot (east of McDonald’s). Appropriately tagged vehicles parked in designated ADA spots in the western parking lot may continue to utilize those spaces throughout the closure. All other parking in the Miller western lot will be prohibited during this time, and vehicles remaining in the lot will be towed to the Miller eastern parking lot if necessary.  

In Lake County, the right lane and shoulder of I-65 northbound will be closed between Ridge Road and I-94 on or after Sunday, May 12 through late May. Access to ramps will be maintained. Closures are for ITS and fiber optic repairs.

The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) Thursday announced 20 schools are newly certified as leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. This year’s cohort also includes four schools that renewed certifications, as well as 11 additional schools that are making strides to create an engaging STEM culture. Created in 2015, the STEM Certification program recognizes schools committed to teaching STEM disciplines beyond the classroom. STEM Certification exemplifies a highly innovative approach to education, employing a great deal of inquiry, project-based learning, community engagement, entrepreneurship, student-centered classrooms, integration into humanities and related arts and out-of-school STEM activities. For secondary

Press Release, Economic Development Corporation Michigan City MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – Construction company F.H. Paschen has expanded with a new regional office at 2146 N. Karwick Road, Suite D, with an initial investment of approximately $250,000 in the space’s build-out. F.H. Paschen has its roots in Chicago with more than 500 total employees who work at offices across the country, including Texas, Georgia, Illinois, Florida, Ohio, Michigan and Washington, D.C. The construction company teams with private and commercial clients in a range of industries to work on repairs, renovations and rebuilding of facilities. Projects include bridge repairs, school renovations, transit

News Release, Purdue University Northwest: The Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest will host John H. Davies, the author of “Extraordinary Ordinary Innovators,” for a book signing and networking event from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on June 12 at Anderson’s Winery and Vineyard, 430 E. U.S. Highway 6, Valparaiso, IN. John Davies’ new book, “Extraordinary Ordinary Innovators,” demonstrates the importance of truth and ideas through innovation. Innovators see things that others do not see by “thinking differently” – new, improved and different ways of doing things. Through his book, Davies aims to inspire everyday people to embrace innovation to

News Release, Franciscan Health Franciscan Health Crown Point is hosting a doula certification workshop over two weekends in June, with needs-based scholarship applications being accepted to cover the registration fees. Doulas are trained professionals who provide continuous physical, emotional and informational support to their clients before, during and shortly after childbirth. A doula may help communicate a woman's birth plan, create a comfortable environment during delivery or simply provide general support a family may seek during this pivotal time. A doula does not perform clinical tasks. The Franciscan Health Crown Point Family Birth Center offers doula services to families free

In La Porte, Truesdell Avenue is closed from McClung Road to Taylor Drive for road construction. This closure will run through Friday, May 17. Fox Park, including Ron Reed Field and Thrills N Spills Skate Park, will remain accessible to the public during this time. The city is asking the public to enter the park through the parking area off of McClung to the east or by taking Truesdell in from the west.

Town of Porter Police Department May 9th, 2024 Two suspects are in custody after a high speed chase originated at the Pines Branch of Porter Bank on US HWY 12. At approximately 11:45 PM on Wednesday May 8th, Porter Police responded to assist the Porter County Sheriff’s Office at the “Pines Bank” concerning an ATM burglary in progress. The first arriving officer from Beverly Shores PD encountered two suspects who fled in a vehicle westbound on US 12 at a high rate of speed. A Porter Police Officer intercepted the vehicle and continued the chase while a second officer attempted

UPDATE: The Indiana State Police have announced that the Statewide Silver alert that was issued for Trinity Sue Thomas has been canceled.   Original post: A Statewide Silver Alert has been declared for a missing Lake County woman. The Winfield Police Department is investigating the disappearance of Trinity Sue Thomas, an 18-year-old white, female, 5 feet 0 inches tall, 135 pounds, brown hair with brown eyes, last seen wearing a pink spaghetti strap dress. Trinity is missing from Winfield, Indiana and was last seen on Friday May 3, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. She is believed to be in extreme danger

Press Release, Indiana Department of Education: Nearly 12,000 Educators Have Already Registered For Training Through Keys to Literacy INDIANAPOLIS –The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) announced at today’s State Board of Education (SBOE) meeting that due to an incredible number of teachers who have already signed up for training through Keys to Literacy, additional cohorts are now available for teachers to participate in this free professional development over the next year and beyond. Since launching in April, nearly 12,000 educators have already registered for the science of reading-focused course developed specifically for Indiana. Over the past 10 years, Indiana has

An Indiana Department of Transportation contractor will begin construction on the roundabout at State Road 130/State Road 51/Hobart Road and State Road 51/Cleveland Avenue on or after Monday, May 13. Construction at this intersection will be done in phases and will be ongoing through mid-October. Phase one of the project will consist of a road closure on State Road 130/State Road 51/Hobart Road from State Road 51/Cleveland Avenue to Hickey Street through early July. The detour will follow U.S. 6 and State Road 149. A public hearing for this project was held in October 2021. Documents from the hearing can

News Release, Purdue University Northwest: Purdue University Northwest (PNW) will begin recruiting students for its new Master of Social Work (MSW) program that is expected to enroll its first cohort in fall 2025. PNW’s MSW program will prepare advanced generalist social workers who are well-qualified to meet social services needs in our metropolitan region. “Engaging individuals as partners in the helping process is key to social work,” said Anne Gregory, dean of the College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences at PNW. “If you are someone interested in building and strengthening relationships in ways that promote, maintain and enhance the

News Release, Franciscan Health: Students from Coolspring Elementary School recently delivered 54 care packages featuring a coloring book of their artwork for Franciscan Health Michigan City patients. “On behalf of the Coolspring students, we would like to present you with these 54 goodie bags, which contain a student-made coloring book, coloring supplies and a sweet treat for the patients and families of the patients at your hospital,” sixth-grade student London Stupar, 12, said during the presentation. “We are hopeful that these donations will spread a little joy on this Better World Day.” Better World Day is an annual, national event