Local News

The Portage Police Department announced on Monday the hiring and swearing in of three new officers. The department welcomes Officers Ryan Duncan, Angel Sanchez and Brandt Cain. Officer Duncan is the son of Portage Police Sergeant/Detective Lisa Duncan.  He is a lifelong Portage resident and Portage High School graduate.  Officer Duncan comes to the department after serving four years in the United States Marine Corps. Officer Sanchez is also a lifelong Portage resident and Portage High School graduate.  Officer Sanchez received his degree from Trine University with a double major in Criminal Justice and Psychology. Officer Cain also comes from

Press release by City of Valparaiso: The City of Valparaiso has named Kevin Cornett as its Good Neighbor recipient for 2023, recognizing his exemplary commitment to the community. “Kevin Cornett is committed to his neighbors and to the Valparaiso community, giving his time and talent to his neighbors as well as organizations like Hilltop Neighborhood House, Valpo Parks, Porter County Building Trades Corporation and Home Team Valpo. He makes a difference for so many, and we’re pleased to highlight his good work with this recognition,” said Mayor Matt Murphy. Kevin Cornett has lived in Valparaiso for more than 25 years

MICHIGAN CITY – Mayor-elect Angie Nelson Deuitch has appointed a new administration to lead the Michigan City Fire Department when she takes office in January. “I’m excited and confident in these veteran firefighters to lead the department, train and develop our young staff, and make sure they’re fully equipped for the challenges that lie ahead,” Nelson Deuitch said. Barrett Taylor, a 20-year veteran of the MCFD, will be the new fire chief. “I’m excited for the opportunity to be chief of the Michigan City Fire Department, and to help move our department forward,” Taylor said. “Having been the [Firefighters Local

Residents with a sweet tooth should purchase their tins this week for the 11th Annual Downtown Cookie Walk this December, according to City Events & Civic Director Brett Binversie. Collectors' tins for the 2023 Cookie Walk are on sale now and cost $15. Binversie said those interested should not wait to purchase their tins, as they are expected to sell out like they have in previous years. "Christmas is a magical time of year in the City of La Porte, and the Cookie Walk has become a very important tradition," Binversie said. "We've seen more and more participation from our

The following information was provided by the Michigan City Police Department: "Sergeant Michael Oberle from Uniform Patrol Shift III was patrolling the north side of Michigan City on November 25th at approximately 12:00 A.M. when he heard multiple gunshots being fired from the Eastport neighborhood. Officers from Uniform Patrol Shift III received multiple notifications from the city’s Flock Safety Raven gunshot detection system at the same time. These notifications informed officers of gunshots that were fired in the 400 block of Walker Street. Shortly after receiving these notifications is when the LaPorte County E-911 Regional Dispatch Center received a 911

Tom Gooding has been named to the Valparaiso Utilities Board, announced Valparaiso Mayor Matt Murphy. “We’re very pleased to have Tom Gooding join this important board for the City. Tom’s expertise in business and leadership, coupled with his commitment to the community make him an excellent addition to the city’s team,” said Mayor Murphy. Gooding is a graduate of the University of Northern Colorado with a degree in business finance. He retired from the United States Navy as a Commander serving 10 years active duty and 10 years in the reserve. He participated in Operation Desert Shield aboard the USS

News release by Indiana Department of Natural Resources: The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) seeks nominations from passionate outdoor recreation enthusiasts to serve on the Indiana Trails Advisory Board (TAB). Representatives are needed from the following trail groups: bicyclists, health, off-road motorcyclists, parks and recreation agencies, and water trail users. Nominees should be involved with a regional or statewide organization, club, or association related to the group they would represent. Selected board members would serve a three-year term starting March 2024 and attend quarterly meetings in varying locations around the state. TAB meetings are in-person and occur on the

Just days after her historic win, Michigan City Mayor-elect Angie Nelson Deuitch is busy preparing to transition into her new role in January. Beginning Jan. 1, Marty Corley will step into the role of Michigan City Police Chief. "We’re working hard to identify the right people for the right positions so we can hit the ground running on Day 1 and provide enhanced customer service to the community,” she said. “We’ll be making multiple announcements over the next several weeks as we attempt to work with the current administration to ensure a smooth transition for everyone.” With public safety a

The Porter County Health Department announced the December 2nd preventative heart screening event has been canceled. It will be rescheduled for a future date in early 2024. The Porter County Health Department said on their Facebook page to stay tuned for updates.

The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) announced earlier this week the recipients of the 2023-2024 Competitive Science of Reading Grant. Nearly $15 million was awarded to 72 school corporations, serving over 65,000 students in kindergarten through third grade, to support the implementation of evidence-based practices aligned with science of reading. Within LaPorte and Porter counties: Duneland School Corporation was awarded $276,840. South Central Community School Corporation was awarded $149,947. A full list of 2023-2024 Competitive Science of Reading Grant recipients can be found here. “In Indiana, we have set an aggressive goal: that 95% of third graders are able to

Spend you afternoon strolling down the Uptown Arts District and visit our local businesses while trying various chilis from local organizations. It is $5 to try all of the chilis, which will go to Meals on Wheels of LaPorte County. The Festival of Lights Parade will start at 5:00 PM. Vote on the vest chili within each category from 3:00-5:00 PM. Join in on the fun and see Santa, who will be at General Insurance Services! WIMS is a sponsor of this event.

City of La Porte Residents with a sweet tooth should purchase their tins next week for the 11th Annual Downtown Cookie Walk this December, according to City Events & Civic Director Brett Binversie. Collectors' tins for the 2023 Cookie Walk will go on sale Tuesday, Nov. 28 and cost $15. Binversie said those interested should not wait to purchase their tins, as they are expected to sell out like they have in previous years. "Christmas is a magical time of year in the City of La Porte, and the Cookie Walk has become a very important tradition," Binversie said. "We've

The City of Valparaiso City Services department has added this week to the recycling calendar to accommodate the community's increased volume for curbside recycling during the holiday season. The city says that while this week would typically be trash-only collection, recycling will also be picked up this week. The week of Christmas has also been added. To view the updated schedule, visit tinyurl.com/ValpoTrashNov-Dec. Customers may utilize online formats to report excess recycle placed outside the tote by emailing CityServices@valpo.us or using Valpo Voice at tinyurl.com/ValpoVoice. If you need further assistance, please call Valparaiso City Services at (219) 462-6174.  

News release by Indiana Department of Natural Resources: For Hoosiers looking to get outside the day after Thanksgiving, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will offer free admission to all Indiana State Park properties on Nov. 24 as part of Opt Outside Day. In addition to the 24 state parks, participating properties also include Lieber State Recreation (SRA); Raccoon, Deam Lake, and Starve Hollow SRAs; Brookville, Hardy, Mississinewa, Monroe, Patoka and Salamonie lakes, and the two off-road state recreation areas, Redbird and Interlake. “There’s nothing like going for a hike the day after Thanksgiving to work off the turkey

News release by Purdue University Northwest: HAMMOND, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) will host its annual fall commencement exercises on Saturday, Dec. 9. A total of 694 candidates have completed plans of study in PNW’s academic colleges of Business; Engineering and Sciences; Humanities, Education and Social Sciences; Nursing; and Technology. Honors College graduates who have completed enriched multidisciplinary academic opportunities, leadership engagement and community service will also be recognized. The candidates include 544 earning their baccalaureate degrees and 150 earning their master’s degrees. Candidates for graduation include students who completed plans of study in summer and fall 2023. Two

The City of Michigan City has announced that in observance of Thanksgiving, most City offices, including City Hall and Non-Emergency City Operations will be closed on Thursday Nov. 23 and Friday Nov. 24. Michigan City Refuse and Michigan City Transit will be closed on Thursday, and both will be operating a normal Friday schedule. Thursday’s refuse pickup will take place Friday and Friday’s pickup will be made Saturday. Compost season has ended so you may place compost with your regularly scheduled garbage pickup, the city announced.

Indiana First Lady Janet Holcomb joined the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) at Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana on Monday to let hunters know how they can help hungry Hoosiers. This reminder comes as deer firearms hunting season begins and the need for protein donations remains strong across the state. Updated this year with a new name and website, Indiana Hunt for Hunger turns donated deer into healthy venison that is provided to Hoosiers through food banks like Gleaners across the state. “Indiana Hunt for Hunger combines two time-honored Hoosier traditions—deer hunting and helping our neighbors in need,” said First

Two people were able to elude police after a multi-county pursuit on Sunday night, according to the Chesterton Police Department Facebook page. Sunday evening just before midnight, the La Porte County Sheriff's Office was engaged in a pursuit of a vehicle westbound on Interstate 94. The suspect vehicle exited the highway southbound on State Road 49 and the suspects fled on foot into the heavily wooded area of North Calumet Road The Chesterton Police Department and various other law enforcement agencies searched the area on foot with the assistance of K9’s and a drone, but suspects were not located. The

Press release by Berrien County Public Safety Communication Center: The Berrien County Public Safety Communication Center/911 Dispatch is providing the following update on the Thursday, Nov. 16 derailment of a passenger train in New Buffalo Township. While the incident remains under investigation, it appears a technology failure and misidentification of a crossing contributed to the accident that led to the derailment of a westbound Amtrak train at approximately 10 p.m. Of the approximate 200 passengers on the train, six individuals were transported to the hospital for non-life threatening injuries by ambulance services who responded to the incident. The technology issue

News release by Franciscan Health: Franciscan Health’s Fresh Start Markets are celebrating a milestone this fall after serving nearly 3,900 food insecure residents with healthy options in their first year of operation. The Fresh Start Markets at the St. Clare Clinic in Crown Point at 1121 Indiana Ave. and in Hammond at 5530 Hohman Ave. are part of the healthcare ministry’s efforts to fight food insecurity in the Region. The healthy food pantries allow those in need to shop free of charge. “The markets are focused on people with acute and chronic diseases, not just filling gaps in food security,”