Local News

Valparaiso Police Department’s K9 Ryker has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. Ryker’s vest was sponsored by Robert and Rosann Gordon of LaPorte, IN and embroidered with the sentiment “Honoring those who served and sacrificed”. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. The potentially lifesaving body armor for K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and

Larson-Danielson Construction has officially broken ground on the new Chesterton Police station house. Friday morning, Friday, June 30, an excavator was demolishing the public parking lot across from the town hall. A ceremonial groundbreaking will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 6, at 791 Broadway: the new station’s official street address. See more details about money figures on the station house on the Chesterton Police Department Facebook page.

Speeds in excess of 120 MPH along US Highway 20 and State Road 49 -Thank you Town of Porter Police Department for the update On 6/30/2023 at approximately 7:27 p.m., Porter Police Officers learned of an armed carjacking that had occurred around 7:00 p.m. in New Chicago. Officers were advised over police radio that the vehicle taken in that incident had just been captured on a LPR camera (License Plate Reader) heading East on US Highway 20 just passed State Road 49. Furthermore, it was reported that the suspect had shot the vehicle’s owner just before stealing the car. A

LAPORTE COUNTY, Ind. - An Indiana Department of Transportation contractor will begin a resurfacing project on State Road 212 between U.S. 12 and U.S. 20 on or after Thursday, July 6. State Road 212 will be reduced to one lane in each direction with alternating lane closures. This project will be ongoing through late September. INDOT says motorists should be prepared for changing traffic patterns in the area. INDOT encourages drivers to allow extra time when driving through this area and follow traffic directions carefully. Motorists should slow down, exercise caution and drive distraction-free through all work zones.

INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana Department of Transportation will host public information meetings to provide updates and gather feedback regarding an annual update to the state's Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure Deployment Plan. The plan is federally required as part of Indiana's participation in the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program and must be updated each year. Created by the passage of the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, NEVI provides federal funding to states to add DC Fast Charge charging stations along federally designated alternative fuel corridors (AFC’s). Indiana’s effort feeds into a national initiative to create a network of at least 500,000 reliable

ITR Concession Company LLC (ITRCC) has announced that it is accelerating the construction schedule for the closure of the Indiana Toll Road Exit 10 westbound entry ramp and westbound exit ramp. Both ramps will be closed beginning July 11. The exit ramp will re-open on Aug. 31 and the entry ramp will re-open on Sept. 23. The ramps had previously been scheduled for closure beginning in September and extending into the winter months. This accelerated schedule will allow for construction to be completed before any winter weather conditions impact the construction zone or detour routes. “The accelerated schedule will allow

The City of La Porte announced one of the next performers coming to The Civic, according to Civic Auditorium & Events Director Brett Binversie. Scheduled to play in the historic venue on Friday, Oct. 27, is Gary LeVox, best known as the frontman for iconic country group Rascal Flatts. Founded in 2000, the band enjoyed one of the most successful careers in modern country music, scoring 17 No. 1 singles and selling over 23 million albums. Ever popular, Rascal Flatts earned more than 40 awards-show trophies, making them the most awarded country group of the last decade. After 20 years,

The Valparaiso Police Department, in conjunction with Valparaiso Community Schools, announced the addition of a fourth school resource officer (SRO) to its current team. Patrolwoman Michelle Kodicek has been selected and will begin her duties at Thomas Jefferson Middle School (TJMS) on July 1, 2023.  Current SRO, Patrolman Shannon Morris, will be taking the lead as the SRO for all VCS elementary schools, after having served TJMS since 2018. Kodicek is a 23-year veteran of law enforcement, spending her entire career with the Valparaiso Police Department.  During her tenure, Kodicek has served as a member of the VPD’s patrol division,

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has forecasted another statewide Air Quality Action Day (AQAD) for ozone for Friday, June 30. Note: IDEM forecasts are based, solely or in part, on data from air quality monitors located throughout the state. IDEM encourages residents to heed the forecast. Air quality information for all Indiana counties can be found at SmogWatch.IN.gov.  Some municipalities have additional open burning restrictions on AQADs. For more information, see idem.IN.gov/openburning/laws-and-rules. Hoosiers are encouraged to visit SmogWatch.IN.gov to view current and forecasted conditions and subscribe to email alerts. IDEM encourages everyone to help reduce PM2.5 by making changes to daily habits. You can:

Michigan City’s Fourth of July Fireworks will be held on Tuesday, July 4, in Washington Park. The fireworks will begin at dusk and can be viewed from any of the City’s 1.9 miles of beachfront, in Washington Park, or in the City’s Uptown Arts District. The celebration is free to the public. Parking is available in Washington Park (free with a park sticker) on a first come, first served basis.  Additional parking is available along downtown streets. In recognition of Independence Day, Tuesday July 4, City Hall, and all non-emergency services such as the Transit and Refuse Departments and City

Three people have been arrested and one person was injured after a shooting Wednesday at the Canterbury Apartment Complex in Michigan City. Just before 11 a.m.,two officers were dispatched to the Canterbury House Apartment Complex in reference to gunshots being fired. After their arrival, information was received by the dispatch center that a person had fled the apartment complex after being shot and was located at a business in Evergreen Plaza. EMS and other officers arrived at the business and located the victim, a 21-year-old Merrillville man. The victim was transported to Franciscan Hospital for treatment by EMS for a

The 2023 Michigan City Patriotic Parade is scheduled for Saturday, July 1, starting at 11:00 a.m. The parade will run south on Franklin Street, starting at 9th Street and running to Ames Field. The parade will run as scheduled, unless severe weather is present. Traffic Closures Pine Street (Parade Staging) Closed from Michigan Boulevard/Highway 12 to 10th Street 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. 9th Street (Parade Staging) Closed from Pine Street to Washington Street 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Franklin Street (Parade Route) Closed from 9th Street to Harrison Street 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The line-up is in place, the weather forecast looks cooperative, and the 77th Annual La Porte 4th of July Parade is set to begin shortly after 10 a.m., Tuesday, July 4th. This will be the third year running in which the Kiwanis Club of La Porte serves as the parade organizer. Over 110 units are scheduled to travel the route along Lincolnway and J Street, starting at Tipton Street, on the east end, and heading west, around the J Street curve toward Andrew Avenue.  The parade will feature long standing traditions, such as the large American flag being walked down

HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Undergraduate and advanced degree programs in Purdue University Northwest’s (PNW) College of Business earned reaffirmation of academic quality and preparation through accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB). AACSB International is the world’s largest and longest-standing business education network and recognizable premier global accreditor. AACSB accreditation assures PNW’s select College of Business programs meet academic quality standards and graduate students who will become leading business professionals in their respective disciplines. “Reaffirming our AACSB accreditation is a testament to the quality of our programs,” said Rachel Clapp Smith, Teddy Jacobi Dean

On social media Wednesday, Michigan City Area Schools introduced Michelle Hornyak, new principal at Knapp Elementary School, and David Alvarado, new principal at Pine Elementary School. Mrs. Hornyak previously worked as assistant principal at Discovery Charter School in Chesterton. Before that, she worked in various roles for the Merrillville Community Schools for 19 years. Mr. Alvarado served in various roles in East Chicago. He then moved on to be assistant principal at Irvington Elementary School in Hammond and principal at Liberty Elementary School in Chesterton.

Valpo Parks has initiated bids for work on the city’s newest and largest park, the Valpo Sports & Recreation Campus. Bids for Phase I are due in July for work to begin later this summer on the park, located on the city’s east side, just east of 49, stretching from Vale Park Road on the south, all the way to 500 North. Phase I projects will include: 4 multipurpose fields on the north end of the park – all artificial turf with sports lighting and the configuration to play baseball, softball, soccer and a variety of sports for all ages.

News release by Indiana Department of Environmental Management: INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has forecasted another statewide Air Quality Action Day (AQAD) for Thursday, June 29. Current air monitor readings across the state remain very high as the Canadian wildfire plume continues to move slowly through the state. Particulates are expected to be in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range (Orange). Note: IDEM forecasts are based, solely or in part, on data from air quality monitors located throughout the state. IDEM encourages residents to heed the forecast. Air quality information for all Indiana counties can be found at SmogWatch.IN.gov.  Some

News release by Indiana Department of Natural Resources: In an effort to educate recreational boaters about the dangers of boating while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, Indiana Conservation Officers will participate in the annual Operation Dry Water national campaign, which is July 1-3 this year. Alcohol use continues to be the leading known contributing factor in recreational boater deaths and a leading contributor in boating accidents. The mission of Operation Dry Water is to decrease their occurrence through amplified recreational boater outreach, education, and coordinated enforcement. “Individuals and families from across the country head to our nation’s waterways

The Ogden Dunes Police Department announced that Town Hall will be closed on Monday July 3 and Tuesday July 4 in observance of the Independence Day holiday. Temporary Beach parking permits for the holiday are available. These parking permits will cover all days from now to the 4th. Stop into Town Hall between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday to Friday to get your permits. If you are unable to make it to their office during regular business hours, call the ODPD at 219-762-4125. Ogden Dunes Police Department says they are happy to help make arrangements to pick up your

Press release from La Porte County Sheriff’s Office: While Independence Day will be in the middle of the week this year, deputies will be on the lookout for impaired drivers throughout the weekend leading up to the holiday. The La Porte County Sheriff’s Office is taking part in the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement mobilization to educate motorists about the dangers and consequences of impaired driving. From June 30 until July 8, additional deputies will be on patrol with the primary goal of preventing tragedies previously seen around the July 4th holiday. The high-visibility enforcement effort is