Local News

Press release by Purdue University Northwest HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) earned recognitions for several undergraduate programs and social mobility in U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 annual Best Colleges rankings, released Monday, Sept. 18. PNW is named as a top regional university in the Midwest and ranked 33 among public institutions. Among regional Midwest universities, PNW is also a top performer in social mobility, a category measuring how well a university graduates Pell Grant recipients. PNW additionally earned marks for its quality undergraduate programs in Engineering, Nursing, Psychology and Computer Science. “Purdue University Northwest is

Press release by Indiana Department of Education: INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) announced on Friday that Brandon Denning of Indianapolis Public Schools, Eric Jenkins of Franklin Community Schools and Matt Thomas of Valparaiso Community Schools are the top three finalists for Indiana Teacher of the Year. “With over 65,000 teachers in Indiana, what an honor it is for these teachers to be named one of the top three in the state,” said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education. “We know through research that a quality teacher is one of the most influential factors in student achievement, which

PORTER COUNTY, Ind. — A house in Liberty Township was saved after quickly being extinguished by firefighters, according to the Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Department (LTVFD). Firefighters from surrounding departments were called on Friday to a possible residential fire in the 600 block of North Calumet Avenue. Liberty Fire Captain Alexander arrived first on scene and saw heavy smoke billowing from the eves on one side of the residence. Additional resources were called to the scene for an active fire, which included a tanker system to set up and possibly shuttle water to the scene due to no hydrants being

A student was arrested after bringing a handgun into Michigan City High School, Michigan City police announced Friday. At the end of the school day on Sept. 12, an anonymous MCHS student provided information indicating that a 16-year-old male high school student may have brought a handgun into the school on Monday, Sept. 11. Further, the particular student was said to have shown the weapon to several other students while in one of the restrooms. A Snapchat social media video was alleged to have been made during this time depicting the incident. It is important to note that the 16-year-old

A 20-year-old man is facing drugs and firearms charges, according to the Michigan City Police Department. On September 10, at about 4:25 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 500 block of Pleasant Avenue regarding a complaint involving 20-year-old Kahlil Fly. Upon entering the residence and making contact with Fly, it was discovered that he was illegally possessing a handgun with a machine gun conversion device attached to it, police said. Additionally, several different types of narcotics were observed in plain view. Fly was taken into custody and a search of the residence was conducted. An additional handgun, high-capacity handgun magazines,

Two people accused of robbery were apprehended Wednesday night in Michigan City. At about 7:10 p.m., dispatch received a 911 call from a 27-year-old Michigan City resident who indicated he had just been robbed of his currency at the BP gas station located at 1204 Franklin Street. Officers responded to the scene. The first officer to arrive on scene began speaking with the victim. During this conversation, the victim provided a description of the two male suspects. The officer recalled they had passed two men matching the description on their way to the gas station. The officer radioed this information

SoLa mixed-use development bringing hotels, residences, retail to Michigan City Groundbreaking launches new $280 million development by YAB Development Partners, will create $680 million in local economic impact over the next 15 years Historic downtown Michigan City kicked off construction of a new 628,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art mixed-use development on Friday with a groundbreaking event at the corner of Michigan Boulevard and Franklin Street. The SoLa Development will feature two boutique hotels, a wide variety of residences including townhomes, destination food and beverage, plus parking that is hidden from view, all just steps from the beach, zoo and Washington Park. Named for its

U.S. 231 will close between Pettibone Avenue and Indiana Avenue on or after Monday, Sept. 18 through late November for a sewer main line replacement in The City of Crown Point. Local detour will follow Indiana Avenue, Summit Street and State Road 55/Main Street. Through traffic may wish to seek alternate routes.

The following statement is from the Office of Mayor Duane Parry and the City of Michigan City sent out on Thursday: Mayor Duane Parry, the Michigan City Council, and the Michigan City Parks Board have authorized its attorneys to proceed with the next legal step necessary for the City to take formal action to preserve and protect the dune area known as the “Esplanade.” The City has filed formal court action to clarify and confirm the City’s right to manage, oversee, and control the Esplanade dune area. The City’s attorneys are sending out copies of the lawsuit to interested parties,

The Ogden Dunes Police Department is notifying residents that NIPSCO will be performing work on the new pipeline starting Monday Sept. 18, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. The work is scheduled to last 2 weeks. This work will take place on Highway 12. Police say if you're this area and see flames, smell gas, or hear strange noises, to not be alarmed. See a statement from NIPSCO below:  

Press release by Purdue Northwest: HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW)’s fall 2023 enrollment figures show steady core enrollment, increases in the university’s graduate and international student populations, and continued growth in campus diversity. “Enrollment data for 2023-24 show that motivated students continue to view Purdue Northwest as an excellent choice to attain a high-quality college education and enhance their lifelong career opportunities,” said PNW Chancellor Thomas L. Keon. “It is also clear that continued investment in PNW’s advanced degree programs are attracting talented minds who want to earn additional credentials, grow their skills and improve their

Press release by Franciscan Health: LA PORTE, Ind. - Board-certified cardiologist Abul Basher, MD, is now part of the Franciscan Physician Network and is accepting new patients in La Porte and Michigan City. Dr. Basher completed his training at the University of Madras, Thanjavur Medical College in Thanjavur, India. His residency in internal medicine was at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center in the Bronx, NY. Dr. Basher completed his fellowship in cardiology at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center. His clinical interests include preventive cardiology, coronary artery disease, heart failure, echocardiogram and nuclear cardiology. Dr. Basher is accepting new patients at Franciscan Physician Network Legacy

Four Chesterton firefighters were presented with the Chesterton Fire Department’s Lifesaving Award at the Town Council’s meeting Monday night, Sept. 11. "Capt. Aimee Gilbert, Lt. Evan Jones, Engineer Heather Compton, and Firefighter Justin Lewis were honored for their professional—and exceptional work—at the scene of a near-fatal cardiac event at Dogwood Park on Tuesday, June 13," the Chesterton Fire Department said on its Facebook page Wednesday. Deputy Chief Rudy Jimenez had the privilege of reading the citation accompanying the presentation: “On June 13 at 7:54 a.m. Chesterton Fire and Northwest Health-Porter EMS units were dispatched to a cardiac arrest at Dogwood

LAKE COUNTY, Ind. -- On Saturday, Sept. 16, troopers from the Indiana State Police Lowell Post will be conducting a sobriety check point at an undisclosed location in Lake County. "Drivers passing through the checkpoint area should have their license and registration available and will only wait briefly while troopers determine whether further investigation is necessary," Indiana State Police stated in a press release. The Indiana State Police also stated the following information: "Hoosiers are asked to help do their part in making Indiana roadways safer by observing the following tips: Plan ahead and always use a designated driver. Don’t

The La Porte County Sheriff’s Office said on their Facebook page Wednesday that administrators had recently learned of an extended upcoming road closure. U.S. 421 will have a hard closure in both directions at the Kankakee River on or about Sept. 18. This will be a 60 day project for a bridge overlay. The official detour route will be State Road 8, 39 and 10.

Press release by Indiana Department of Education: INDIANAPOLIS –Today, the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) provided an update to the Indiana State Board of Education on the state’s ongoing work to rethink the high school experience. This included the anticipated timeline and process for how the state will define high-quality work-based learning and credentials of value, as well as presentations from national thought leaders. “How might we maximize the four years of high school, in order to make it as valuable as possible for students? This is our collective challenge, yet also, an incredible opportunity,” said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana

Press release by Purdue University Northwest: HAMMOND, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is sponsoring two college fairs this fall in partnership with local high schools. The fairs will take place at Highland High School and Michigan City High School. Each will host approximately 60 colleges and universities for students interested in attending a post-secondary educational institution. In past years, PNW sponsored and hosted annual college fairs on its Hammond and Westville campuses. This fall the university will partner with local high schools to use their facilities for the events. Students attending will be able to conveniently interact with many

The intersection of Ind. 49 and Indian Boundary Road will have closures beginning Wednesday night (tonight), according to the Town of Chesterton. The Town of Chesterton posted the following information to its Facebook page: *Along Indian Boundary Road, from INDOT’s right-of-way on the west side of Ind. 49 to its right-of-way on the east side *Along Ind. 49, from the project area south of Indian Boundary Road to the project area north of it. This phase will consist of a combination of nighttime milling and daytime resurfacing: *NIGHT MILLING: From 6 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 13, to 6 a.m. Thursday, Sept.

One person died Tuesday afternoon after a crash in La Porte County, the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office is reporting. Tuesday afternoon just before 4 p.m., deputies were dispatched to the 0300 north block of County Road 250 East, in reference to a single vehicle personal injury crash.  The initial on-scene investigation determined a maroon 2014 Ford passenger vehicle was traveling southbound on County Road 250 East.  For an unknown reason, the vehicle drove left of center, left the east side of the roadway, and struck a tree.  The vehicle continued traveling southbound and returned to the roadway for nearly

U.S. 12 will be closed between Hobart Road and County Line Road in Lake County on or after Monday, Sept. 18 for about five days. Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) will be setting bridge supports for their Double Track project. The official detour for this closure will follow U.S. 20 and State Road 149.