Local News

The Valparaiso Police Department is providing guidance and training regarding financial and cyber-crimes brought to you by the United States Secret Service. Police say as shopping season has arrived and the holidays are quickly approaching, law enforcement often sees an increase in fraudulent financial activities, scams, counterfeit actions, and criminal exploitation. The course is designed to provide information to help prevent such attacks against customers and institutions who may be vulnerable. It will take place at the Valparaiso Police Department on December 4, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. — with plenty of discussion time to follow — as United

Press release by Porter County Community Foundation: The Porter County Community Foundation recently awarded $99,393 to 15 local nonprofit organizations as part of its bi-annual grants cycle for 2023. Grant recipients include: Art Barn School of Art - $10,000 to support a fire and security system and improve accessibility Call-A-Ride - $6,000 to support operating two vans in Hebron and Boone Township The Caring Place - $10,000 to support OhanaLink Purple, a mobile technology to provide services and communication in a safe, secure and traceless way Compass International Family Center - $10,000 to support community growth and services of newcomer,

Press release by Indiana Family and Social Services Administration: The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration’s Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning today announced it will extend the Employer-Sponsored Child Care Fund application window and award grants in two rounds. The $25 million fund, part of Gov. Eric J. Holcomb’s 2023 Next Level Agenda, will mobilize employers and communities to create or expand child care offerings that address the needs of working Hoosiers. Round one of applications are due at 11:59 p.m. Nov. 22. Round two of applications will close at 11:59 p.m. Dec. 15. FSSA will target up

Rep. Frank J. Mrvan announced on Friday that a federal grant from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has been awarded to the Northwest Indiana Community Action Agency (NWICA). According to HHS, the NWICA will receive $250,000 under the Affordable Housing and Supportive Services Demonstration program.  Mrvan's office says this funding will allow NWICA to expand its capacity to provide supportive services for affordable housing residents by hiring a new resident services coordinator and information technology analyst to further connect residents with essential social services.  The funding also will aim to enhance support services for in-home care systems

A train derailment is under investigation after an Amtrak struck a vehicle that was stuck on the tracks in Berrien County, Michigan. On Thursday, Nov. 16, just after 9:20 p.m. a vehicle was stuck on the railroad tracks and was in the process of being removed by a tow truck at the Lakeside Road crossing in New Buffalo Township. A westbound Amtrak train was unable to stop and collided with the vehicle and tow truck on the tracks. The train derailed but stayed upright on the tracks. The engineer and approximately 10 passengers received non-life threatening injuries and were treated

The Chesterton Police Department has announced that a suspect is in custody in connection with a hit-and-run which left a pedestrian injured in the parking lot of the Jewel/Osco early Wednesday afternoon. Douglas Poole, 66, of Liberty Township has been charged with leaving the scene of a serious bodily injury accident. According to the Chesterton Police Department, on Thursday detectives received a tip from a witness who saw video surveillance captures of the suspect vehicle, posted to social media. That person was able to identify the vehicle in the images as belonging to Poole, the Chesterton Police Department said. Officers

ITR Concession Company LLC (ITRCC) — which manages the Indiana Toll Road — is announcing that all mainline construction activities on the Northwest Indiana Bridge Rehabilitation Project will be completed on November 19th. The ITRCC says key project milestones will be met and all major traffic restrictions will be lifted as of this date. The project took nine months to construct and included the rehabilitation of 18 bridges. Six bridges are in the area of the Westpoint Toll plaza and 12 bridges are in the vicinity of exit 10 in Gary. The ITRCC says construction crews will remain within the

Three homes were saved by firefighters during an uncontrolled brush fire Wednesday in Porter County. Volunteers across the county responded to Liberty Township for a brush fire in a heavily wooded area near 700 North and 50 West on Wednesday, Nov. 15. Assistant Chief Michael Wineland arrived first on scene and reported a fire spreading quickly in the wooded area and down into a ravine. Assistant Chief Wineland called for multiple fire resources from as far as Beverly Shores to Kouts Fire Departments. A total of ten fire departments were on scene assisting due to a shortage of manpower and

LA PORTE, Ind. – Every law enforcement vehicle in LaPorte County now has a life-saving automatic external defibrillator (AED) in it thanks to a successful partnership between three collaborating organizations. Representatives from Bolt for the Heart, Franciscan Health Michigan City and the Play for Jake Foundation gathered in La Porte Tuesday to present 26 AEDs to seven law enforcement agencies to be placed in their squad cars. The AEDs were purchased with funds generated by the Bolt for the Heart walk/run Oct. 14 in La Porte, sponsored by Franciscan Health Michigan City. The presentations of the AEDS to the police

Mayor of La Porte Tom Dermody announced on his Facebook page Wednesday that the construction of I Street has been extended due to unforeseen construction delays. I Street should be open to local traffic by Dec. 9, according to Dermody. In addition, Dermody says the Chessie 2 sidewalk project near the Post Office is still going strong but waiting for utility relocation. He says the goal is still to have it complete by the end of the year.

A pedestrian was struck by a hit and run driver Wednesday afternoon, according to the Chesterton Police Department. At 1:20 p.m., a 42-year-old female was walking in the parking lot of Jewel when she was struck by a vehicle. The driver of the vehicle fled the area, eastbound on Indian Boundary Road. The female victim was transported to Northwest Health with serious, but non-life threatening injuries. Police say the suspect vehicle is believed to be a brown or gold in color 2006-2016 Chevrolet Impala with significant damage to the rear passenger side bumper, with a single occupant male driver. The

Portage Police are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a person that was involved in the theft of two donation jars, and the attempted theft of a third from several Speedway's in Portage. Police say the donation jars were for the Children's Hospital. Police say they could use any information you may have on this person. Those with information are asked to contact Detective Chris Burch at 219-764-5796 or call the Police Department at 219-762-3122 and ask for Detective Burch.

On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will plunge much of Indiana into momentary darkness. Excitement and interest are growing for the big event as hundreds of thousands of people plan to be in the state to get a prime viewing of the eclipse. IDHS, state agencies and local government personnel are partnering together to ensure all Hoosiers and visitors can experience the spectacle safely. Communities and families can visit eclipse2024.in.gov to learn how to prepare for the eclipse and get safety information during the eclipse. The webpage houses information on best practices for communities to plan for the

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – Crystina Strelesky knew during her pregnancy that she was going to deliver a big baby. What she didn’t know was just how big her daughter would be. Baby Natalee was born to Crystina and her husband, Mike Strelesky, at Franciscan Health Michigan City at 6:27 a.m. Nov. 9 weighing in at 10 pounds 10 ounces. She is believed to be the largest baby born via vaginal birth at the hospital this year. The medical team at the Franciscan Health Family Birth Center Michigan City was prepared with specialized training to help Crystina deliver her baby without

The Salvation Army of Michigan City will hold a drive-through food drive on Saturday, December 16 from 9 am - noon at Ames Field. The Salvation Army is asking for nonperishable items only. Food collected will be provided to the Salvation Army of Michigan City food pantry. Community members are encouraged to donate. You can designate your donation on behalf of your favorite school. Last December, MCAS donated 4.1 tons of food. The drive is sponsored by the MCHS Student Council.

The Purdue University Northwest (PNW) Sinai Forum’s 70th season concludes Sunday, Dec. 3 with David Ross, former field manager of the Chicago Cubs Major League Baseball (MLB) team. Ross’ program takes place at the James B. Dworkin Student Services and Activities Complex, 1401 S. U.S. 421, Westville, IN, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. CST. Ross will join moderator Dan Plesac, a Northwest Indiana native, 18-year MLB veteran and MLB Network Analyst, for the afternoon discussion. Single program event tickets for Ross’ presentation are available for $100. Tickets can be purchased by visiting pnw.edu/sinai-forum. College and high school students may attend

Interfaith Community PADS of Michigan City Renames as Nest Community Shelter Reflecting Commitment to Recovery and Evolving Community Needs. Interfaith Community PADS of Michigan City, a dedicated volunteer organization committed to providing support and shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness, is proud to announce a significant milestone in its journey to make a difference in the lives of those they serve. In response to their permanent home at the historic former Sacred Heart Catholic Church building and their unwavering commitment to addressing homelessness through a dignified approach to recovery, the organization is excited to unveil its new name: Nest Community Shelter.

News release by Indiana Department of Transportation: The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is encouraging community feedback on its planning studies along the U.S. 30 and U.S. 31 corridors in northern Indiana. The study teams have identified 55 potential solutions to address issues, needs and desired outcomes along the corridors. The list of potential concepts, known as the “Universe of Alternatives”, is tailored to each study area. “The ProPEL U.S. 30 and 31 study area encompasses 180 miles across 12 counties, so we must carefully examine how the corridors fit and function in each area,” said INDOT Project Manager, Sandra

The Indiana State Police are encouraging Hoosiers to protect themselves from card skimmers after a recent discovery of skimming devices during a traffic stop. Police say fraudsters often utilize gas pumps as locations to install card skimming equipment used to steal credit and debit card information from unsuspecting victims. A recent traffic stop by Trooper Luis Alvarez on the Indiana Toll Road led to the discovery of card skimming devices.  On Nov. 7, a trooper stopped a silver 2023 Chrysler for a moving violation in Elkhart County.  During the traffic stop it was discovered that the Chrysler was stolen. Items