Local News

Press release by Franciscan Health: Franciscan Alliance is the recipient of two Indiana Department of Health Tobacco Prevention and Cessation division grants totaling $440,000 aimed at continuing and expanding the healthcare ministry’s efforts. The awards include $300,000 for the next phase of the community-building partnership in Lake County and $140,000 for the continuation and expansion of a health systems change partnership at Franciscan Health Lafayette East. “Franciscan Health is proud to partner with ISDH for a subsequent grant cycle to continue work on tobacco prevention and cessation initiatives within the health system and in multiple communities we serve,” said Beth

Washington Park Zoo announced Tuesday that Oden, their eight-year-old wolf-dog hybrid, was diagnosed with invasive bone cancer. The zoo said he is under veterinary care to manage his pain and inflammation since there are not many options at this time for treatment. The zoo said Oden was diagnosed after they noticed a limp in his back leg, so the veterinary staff ran lab work and took x-rays to share with a radiologist who confirmed the news. “Other than the swelling in the leg he still does not appear to feel ill, and he is still in good spirits, so we

The Michigan City Police Department welcomed four new police officers to the MCPD Family. Sworn in as members of the Michigan City Police Department by City Clerk Gale Neulieb were Officer Douglas Abraham, Officer Christopher Bartak, Officer Gary Francisco and Officer Timothy King. Officer Abraham is a lateral transfer from another police department and will be immediately assigned to Uniform Patrol Shift II. Officers Bartak, Francisco and King will be assigned to the Division of Professional Standards to start their training. "Chief Forker and the Michigan City Police Department welcome the new officers and thank their family and friends for

Press release by Michigan City Area Schools: Memorial Day is the traditional start of summer, a day for picnics, games, and getting together with family and friends.  The cadets of the Michigan City High School (MCHS) Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC) delayed their festivities to remember why this day is a national holiday- to honor those who gave their lives in the service of our country.  They marched in the Michigan City parade and then participated in the memorial ceremony at Greenwood Cemetery.  The parade and ceremony were organized by American Legion Post 37, with participants from

The following is a press release from Michigan City Area Schools about the USDA's Summer Food Service Program: MICHIGAN CITY, IN – May 30, 2023 - Michigan City Area Schools has announced plans to participate in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). Free meals will be made available to all children 18 years of age and under and to persons over 18 years who are enrolled in a state-approved educational program for the mentally or physically disabled. Free meals will be provided to all children without charge and are the same for all children. Children must be present to receive

A 16-year-old died late Sunday in Crown Point following a shooting involving an apparent prank with a firearm, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Department. At around 11:40 p.m., the Lake County Sheriff's Department received a report of an assault with a firearm at 12000 block of Burr Street in Crown Point. Officers arrived and encountered an individual who was waving his arms and calling for help. The male led the officers to the backyard of the residence, where a 16-year-old male victim was found lying near a fire pit with a gunshot wound to the chest. The officer immediately

In Lake County, an Indiana Department of Transportation contractor is moving to the next phase of concrete restoration work on I-65 southbound between U.S. 12/20 and 61st Avenue on or after today, Tuesday, May 30. I-65 southbound is reduced to two lanes between mile marker 259-256, with one lane on the far outside and one lane in a crossover express lane on the northbound side. All I-65 southbound traffic from north of I-80/94 is pushed to the crossover lane. Vehicles in the crossover lane do not have interchange access until 61st Avenue. The ramp from U.S. 12/20 to southbound I-65

A man is being charged with murder after a fatal shooting Saturday in Michigan City. Just before 6:30 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 400 block of York Street due to a report of a disturbance along with a gunshot being fired. While enroute to York Street, the dispatch advised the responding units that one person had been shot. Officers arrived on scene and found 52-year-old Joseph Davis on the floor inside the residence. Officers provided life-saving measures to Davis who had a gunshot wound to his torso. Davis was transported to Franciscan Hospital by EMS for emergency care and

A late-night call on May 25 in Porter County for a carbon monoxide alarm sent the homeowner to the hospital after high levels of toxic gas were detected. Liberty Township firefighters had later learned the homeowner was feeling ill, consistent with anyone who had been exposed to prolonged exposure of carbon monoxide. Firefighters were immediately met at the door of the residence with their gas detectors activating alerting them to the presence of toxic gas. The investigating firefighters retreated to put on appropriate personal protective equipment consisting of a self-contained breathing apparatus that allows them to breathe fresh clean air.

News release by Indiana Department of Health: The Indiana Department of Health is recognizing members of VOICE Indiana, who were honored as 2023 Group Youth Advocates of the Year by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids for their advocacy efforts in the fight for a tobacco-free future. The teens were celebrated on May 18 at the 2023 Youth Advocates of the Year Awards Gala in Washington, D.C. “We are thrilled that VOICE Indiana members were chosen as Group Youth Advocates of the Year,” said Miranda Spitznagle, director of the Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Division at the Indiana Department of Health. “VOICE

The Porter County Health Department was in action on Friday, utilizing their new mobile health clinic for the first time during the evening’s Homeless Outreach Service Team (HOST) event at Living Hope Community Church. The primary goal of this outreach initiative is to reach homeless individuals, provide essential services and raise awareness about healthcare and harm reduction. Their nursing staff administered and delivered units of Narcan, hygiene products and provided health screenings.

The Portage Police Department is congratulating Corporal Dan Martinez, who has been selected as the Portage Police Department’s Officer of the Year. Martinez is a nine-year veteran who is currently assigned to the Patrol Division with his K-9 partner Diablo. Police say in late 2021 through early 2022 the City of Portage experienced a spike in crime along the US Highway 20 corridor, specifically at several of the various hotels in that area. Through the efforts of all of the officers of the Portage Police Department crime in the area has been reduced by 60%, according to police. “Of particular

In LaPorte County, an Indiana Department of Transportation contractor will close State Road 4 between C.R. S 500 E and Taylor Rd on or after Friday, June 2. State Road 4 will be closed through mid-July for a culvert replacement over Leroy arm of the Williams Travis Ditch. INDOT says motorists should seek an alternate route. The official detour will follow State Road 104 and State Road 23.

The NewDay Foundation of LaPorte is congratulating the 2023 winners of the Connie Yagelski-Marhanka Scholarship. Two $1000 scholarships are awarded to students graduating from LaPorte County high schools that plan to continue their musical education and participation in college. Kyra Krachinski – Michigan City High School Kyra Krachinski, a senior at Michigan City High School, was selected for the Indiana All-State Honor Band – the first musician in the history of MCHS to be chosen for this prestigious honor, selected from among hundreds of students across the state who auditioned. The flute is her instrument of choice – and the

The City of Michigan City made the following statement regarding the Splash Pad not operating this weekend. "Mayor Duane Parry and our Michigan City Park Department are very disappointed to learn that The Splash Pad in Washington Park will not be opening this weekend as promised. "Due to circumstances beyond our control, IDEM (Indiana Department of Environmental Management), has delayed our opening, and expects to give final approval within the next 30 days. "As an entirely new water filtration system has been installed, we must meet all requirements set by IDEM. "We all look forward to a safe and fun

LaPorte County Career and Technical Education Students Honored   The LaPorte County Career and Technical Education program at the A.K. Smith Career Center in Michigan City held its 2023 Awards Program on Friday, May 5h at the Holdcraft Performing Arts Center. During the program, seniors of the Technical Honor Society received a tassel to be worn at their high school graduations, and new students were inducted. Several students were also honored with scholarships and awards.   The purpose of the Technical Honor Society is to honor students who have shown dedication, professionalism, and the skills necessary to be selected as

Yesterday afternoon at approximately 2:21 PM, deputies were summoned to CR 50 North in the area of CR 1000 East, rural Wills Township, reference a single vehicle crash. The crash scene was located in the 10400 east block of CR 50 North. The initial on-scene investigation completed by Deputy Micah Dokmanovic and assisting deputies determined the following had occurred. A black 2012 Toyota passenger vehicle was traveling westbound on CR 50 North. For an unknown reason, the vehicle drove left of center and traveled across the eastbound lane. The vehicle left the south side of the roadway and continued traveling

The City of Valparaiso on Wednesday cut the ribbon on the city's solar project, which has added 772 solar panels to five city facilities, providing sustainable energy and saving taxpayers an estimated $5.2 million over the life of the panels. The city says there are 100 panels atop historic City Hall. Those cannot be seen from the ground, by design. On their Facebook page the City of Valparaiso said, “Valparaiso City Services continues to monitor renewable energy opportunities, successfully expanding services to more residents and businesses while keeping electrical cost per gallon of use at stable levels, due to energy

A fire in a Michigan City mobile home park that injured two people is being investigated as arson according to police. On Tuesday at around 8:27 am, the LaPorte County Regional Dispatch Center received a 911 call indicating a residence was on fire in the 100 block of Dunewood Drive. This residence is located within the Dunewood Mobile Home Park situated at 170 SR 212 in Michigan City. In addition to being on fire, it was reported that two people and a dog were trapped inside. Multiple units responded to the scene including Michigan City Fire Department, Michigan City Police

Press release by Health Care Foundation of La Porte: Healthcare Foundation of La Porte (HFL) announces the opening of its grant portal for 2023 Cycle 2 grants. To advance its mission and vision, HFL invites grant proposals for health and wellness projects and programs starting May 26, 2023, to July 14, 2023. HFL’s mission is to empower La Porte County residents to live healthy and well to achieve the vision of La Porte County becoming one of the 10 healthiest communities in Indiana by 2030. HFL welcomes grant proposals that impact HFL’s strategic priorities of Healthy Children, Healthy Living, and