Local News

Press release by ITR Concession Company: ELKHART, INDIANA - ITR Concession Company LLC (ITRCC) has completed spring construction and finished bridge deck repairs on the two (2) bridges on I-90 eastbound, just before Westpoint Toll Plaza (Illinois/Indiana Stateline). ITRCC will be moving into summer construction on June 1, 2023, with work continuing on the structure over the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad (MM1.56). The summer phase will include the left lanes of both eastbound and westbound directions. During the summer phase, construction will also continue on five (5) bridges on 1-90 at Exit 10 (Gary/Chicago International Airport), with local detours between

News release by Franciscan Health: MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. -- Region residents can lace up their walking shoes for a healthy dose of information and exercise as Franciscan Health’s free 10-week Walk With A Doc program steps off in Michigan City June 7. The free 5K walks will begin at City Hall, 100 E. Michigan Blvd. with a brief health talk by a physician or clinical staff member followed by stretching and continue through Washington Park at 6 p.m. each Wednesday June 7 through Aug. 9. Registration takes place on-site only beginning at 5:30 p.m. each Wednesday. Participants do not need

The La Porte Community School Corporation has been included as one of three awardees in the State of Indiana by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Project AWARE Grant. The Project AWARE Grant will be distributed over the course of four years and will impact over 6,100 students in the La Porte community. Project AWARE funds provided by the Indiana Department of Education through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will focus on needs related to overall wellness, provide students and families access to mental health services, and reduce the stigma around mental health

On Tuesday, a Lake County Sheriff’s Department Drug Task Force investigation into a suspected drug and prostitution ring led to the execution of search warrants at three Gary houses and the arrests of five men and seven women.  The one-year-old child of one of the women arrested was taken into custody by the Indiana Department of Child Services. Two of the men arrested were believed to have a leadership role in the drug/prostitution organization: Arthur Boyd, 55,  faces charges including dealing in a narcotic drug with enhancement, dealing in a narcotic drug and resisting law enforcement in a vehicle. Tandika

Portage Police say numerous people reported break-ins to their vehicles on Friday night to early Saturday morning. According to police the break-ins occurred in the area of McCasland/ Houston / Newport. Police say to check your security cameras as they are hoping to get a better picture of this suspect from the thefts. A photo of the back of a vehicle and suspect was provided by the Portage Police Department. Police say if you can identify the subject or if you have video of him, to contact Detective Dandurand at 219-764-5705.

Press release by Michigan City Chamber of Commerce: Michigan City, IN –Earlier this month, Michigan City Chamber of Commerce, (chamber) Membership Director, Danny Hogan, successfully completed the 2023 Indiana Economic Development Course from the Indiana Communities Institute at Ball State University. This intense week-long course provides the foundation for economic development practitioners, allied professionals, community leaders, and volunteers. The course supports efforts to build stronger, more sustainable communities and prepare professionals for the ever-changing field of economic development. “I am grateful for the opportunity to take this course!” stated Hogan. “With the NIPSCO double track project set for completion along

News release by Franciscan Health: Improvements reduce wait times for appointments, results MICHIGAN CITY, Indiana – Patients seeking mammograms at the Franciscan Health Breast Care Center Michigan City now have increased access and decreased wait times thanks to upgraded and expanded equipment options. Craig Menninga, director of imaging for Franciscan Health Michigan City, said the Breast Care Center replaced two mammography units with new, state-of-the-art models and added a third. The Center also added a second ultrasound machine. Patients needing diagnostic mammograms for further study of a suspicious area following an exam or screening mammogram often require a follow-up ultrasound.

The Office Of Mayor Duane Parry announced that City Hall of Michigan City and all non-emergency services such as the Transit and Refuse Departments and City offices will be closed Memorial Day, May 29. Transit will resume bus services on Tuesday along with trash and compost pickup. All refuse service will be delayed by one day for the remainder of the week.

In St. Joseph County, an Indiana Department of Transportation contractor will conduct bridge work resulting in lane closures in both directions on U.S. 31 over U.S. 20 beginning on or after Tuesday, May 30. U.S. 31 will be reduced to one lane with alternating lane closures between State Road 2 and Nimtz Parkway for a bridge deck overlay project. One lane will remain open in each direction through the duration of the project, which will be ongoing through late August. Motorists should be prepared for changing traffic patterns in the area. INDOT is encouraging  drivers to allow extra time when

In LaPorte County, an Indiana Department of Transportation contractor will close U.S. 6 between U.S. 35 and County Road South 550 East on or after Tuesday, May 30. U.S. 6 will be closed for a bridge replacement project over the Kankakee River through late September. The official detour will follow U.S. 35, U.S. 30 and U.S. 31. INDOT says motorists should note that State Road 23 will also be closed between U.S. 6 and U.S. 30 for approximately two weeks beginning on or after Friday, June 9. The detour for that closure will follow U.S. 30, U.S. 31 and U.S.

In Porter County, an Indiana Department of Transportation contractor will close State Road 2 between County Road East 400 North and County Road North 575 East on or after Tuesday, May 30. State Road 2 will be closed through early August for a structure replacement at West Branch Crooked Creek. Motorists should seek an alternate route. The official detour will follow State Road 49 and U.S. 6.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Department gave an update Monday on the grenade blast that left a man dead and 2 others injured Saturday in Lakes of the Four Seasons. Police say any details that have been released are considered preliminary in nature and are subject to change as the investigation continues. Sometime around 6 p.m., Lake County Sheriff’s Department police officers were dispatched to a home in the 3700 block of West Lakeshore Drive in Lakes of the Four Seasons.  Initial reports indicated a family had found a hand grenade, which was among a grandfather’s belongings, and that it had

Press release by Franciscan Health: Franciscan Health’s partnership with the Lake County Courts to provide volunteer advocates for elderly and incapacitated adults who are unable to represent themselves now has six new members. Lake Superior Court Probate Commissioner Ben Ballou swore in the new class of Volunteer Advocates for Seniors and Incapacitated Adults (VASIA) in a ceremony May 17. Ramona Daniel, Sherri Ervin, Michele Meacham and Bob Overland, all of Merrillville, were sworn in during the ceremony at Lake Superior Court along with Mike Southworth of Crown Point. Roxanne Pluskis of Dyer is a member of the new class and

A man died and two of his teenage children were injured Saturday after a grenade exploded inside a home in Lakes of the Four Seasons, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Sometime before 6:30 p.m. officers responded to a reported explosion in the 3400 block of West Lakeshore Drive. A family had been going through a grandfather’s belongings when they found a hand grenade. Police say someone reportedly pulled the pin on the device and it detonated. An adult male was found unresponsive at the scene and was later declared dead. Police say his two teenage children were transported

News release by Indiana Department of Natural Resources: With Memorial Day weekend around the corner, Indiana Conservation Officers remind Hoosiers to make water safety a priority now and throughout the summer. “We urge all Hoosiers to recognize the danger water poses when on or around our waterways,” said Capt. Jet Quillen of the Department of Natural Resources Division of  Law Enforcement. Follow these basic safety tips: Discuss the dangers of water with your family and loved ones before going out. Tell someone where you are going and when you will return. Go with a buddy. Do not venture around flooded

News release by Indiana Department of Health: INDIANAPOLIS—Indiana health officials are urging Hoosiers to protect themselves from tick bites during and after spending time outdoors to protect themselves from tick-borne diseases. “Even though we’ve had a cool, wet spring, ticks are already out and looking for their next meal,” said State Public Health Veterinarian Jen Brown, D.V.M., M.P.H. “The risk for tick-borne disease is at its highest for the next few months, so we want Hoosiers to protect themselves by taking precautions against tick bites.” While Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease in Indiana, Hoosiers are also at

Press release by Michigan City Chamber of Commerce: This June the Chamber turns 105 years old, and they are inviting the community to celebrate with them! The celebration will take place on June 14, 2023, from 5:00 pm-9:00 pm at Millennium Plaza. The event is presented by Harbor Country Adventures and includes a fun-filled evening of networking, music, food, a sunset cruise, and more. Members of the chamber and members of the community are all invited to attend this special event. “Reaching this milestone of 105 years in operation is a great accomplishment,” stated chamber president Katie Eaton, “Our chamber

Overnight lane closures are scheduled for I-94 in Lake County. Permanent pavement markings will result in lane closures for around two weeks starting Sunday, May 21 on eastbound I-94 from the state line to State Road 912. A single left lane closure is being used overnight as needed on westbound I-94 between I-65 and State Road 912 now through late June.  

An arrestee on Wednesday afternoon was found with scissors in a “peculiar” location after a body scan at the La Porte County Jail (LCJ). Lieutenant Jeff Holt - Assistant Jail Commander of Operations, was assisting jail deputies with the intake of the arrestee inside the jail.  Police say while completing the process of the intake, the arrestee refused to participate in a body scan.  The body scan is a requirement for all arrestees to complete prior to acceptance as an inmate at the LCJ. Police say the arrestee reluctantly agreed to participate in a scan.  While reviewing the scan image,

The Michigan City Police Department made the following statement regarding gun violence and increased patrols: "Across the United States gun violence is a topic being discussed by neighbors, community leaders, law enforcement, politicians and media outlets. It is a topic that affects everyone and no one is immune from the potential devastating consequences such as loss of life, serious injury and property damage. According to the not-for-profit corporation, Gun Violence Archive (www.gunviolencearchive.org), there have been 6,893 gun violence deaths in this country from January 1 to May 17, 2023. This number is comprised of the deaths categorized as Homicide, Murder,