Local News

April Wilson, a longtime Duneland Schools bus driver, is the 2023 Employee of the Year. The honor—which comes with a $500 stipend—is sponsored by Ellis Electric Inc. Wilson, a 1994 CHS graduate, has worked as a bus driver for the Duneland School Corporation (DSC) for 20 years. She joined DSC in 2003 as a substitute driver and in 2006 was hired as a full-time driver. In addition, Wilson has juggled several jobs outside of DSC, as a school bus driver for the Dunes Learning Center in Porter (2016-20) and as the head cook at Discovery Charter School (2010-19). April recalls

Center for Creative Solutions, Inc.® Announces A. K. Smith Career Center Scholarships and Student Innovation Awards during World Creativity and Innovation Week Keeping with tradition, the Center for Creative Solutions ushered in World Creativity and Innovation Week by honoring innovative students at the A. K. Smith Career Center in Michigan City. Last week, 15 students were recognized for their creative projects and products, academic performance, and ‘can do’ attitudes. “When we joined this international celebration 15 years ago, we wanted to highlight the places in our community where creativity was alive and well. The A. K. Smith Career Center was

During an awards ceremony held April 19, Superintendent Douglas G. Carter announced the 2022 Indiana State Police Ralph Ray Reed Motor Carrier Inspector of the Year is Motor Carrier Inspector H. Lee Wright from the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division. Lee Wright is a 43-year veteran of the Indiana State Police.  He began his state police career on September 14, 1979, as a motor carrier inspector (MCI) and was later appointed as a trooper on July 5, 1980.  He retired as a trooper on February 7, 2019, after 39 years, retiring as a sergeant in the aviation section.  Immediately after his

Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas G. Carter announced the recipient of the 2022 Indiana State Police Dispatcher of the Year Award. Julia C. Montano was presented with the award Wednesday at the Indiana State Police annual awards ceremony in Indianapolis. Julie is a dispatcher at the Lowell Regional Dispatch Center which dispatches calls to troopers in both the Lowell and Lafayette Districts. “This award recognizes Julie’s technical expertise, calm demeanor during high-priority dispatches and non-emergency calls for service while maintaining operations support for troopers and other first responders,” ISP said. “The Dispatcher of the Year exemplifies strength of character, a

Two roadwork projects will soon begin on State Road 912 between U.S. 41/Calumet Avenue and Ridge Road resulting in alternating lane closures and changing traffic configurations through the fall. Pavement replacement will take place between U.S. 41/Calumet Avenue and U.S. 12 starting on or after Monday, April 24. Work will begin with shoulder strengthening under lane closures for future phases. Alternating lane closures and ramp closures will be needed during construction. Concrete pavement restoration and bridge deck overlay projects will take place between Ridge Road and 169th Street starting on or after Wednesday, April 26. State Road 912 will be

A 63-year-old Schererville swimming pool contractor is facing felony charges for allegedly bilking Lake County homeowners out of hundreds of thousands of dollars, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office said in a press release on Friday..  Property owners are accusing Michael Nanay of accepting “hefty” deposits to install in-ground swimming pools; but say he left dangerous, gaping holes in their yards and never finished the work, according to police. Lake County Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr. launched an investigation finding at least 5 property owners in Dyer, Crown Point and Schererville who say Nanay and his company, MAD Pools engaged in a

Merrillville based Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO), has announced Orville Cocking as Senior Vice President of Gas Operations – effective May 8. “With nearly 20 years of industry experience, Orville brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the NIPSCO gas operations team,” said NIPSCO President and Chief Operating Officer, Mike Hooper. “Orville is highly respected as an energy leader and will be instrumental in shaping the future of NIPSCO in gas distribution operations, construction, regulatory policy and compliance.” Cocking most recently joins NiSource from Orange & Rockland Utilities (O&R) where he was Vice President of Operations with responsibility

The Chesterton Police Department is participating in the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency’s Prescription Drug Takeback Day on Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The DEA launched the semiannual Takeback Day for the purpose of making it easy for folks to dispose of potentially dangerous, expired, unused, and unwanted prescription medications. “Medicines that languish in homes are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse,” the DEA says. “Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as is the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses from these drugs.” Enter from North Eighth Street and simply

Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas G. Carter announced the recipient of the 2022 Indiana State Police Dispatcher of the Year Award. Julia C. Montano was presented with this prestigious award Wednesday at the Indiana State Police annual awards ceremony in Indianapolis. Julie is a dispatcher at the Lowell Regional Dispatch Center which dispatches calls to troopers in both the Lowell and Lafayette Districts. This award recognizes Julie’s technical expertise, calm demeanor during high-priority dispatches and non-emergency calls for service while maintaining operations support for troopers and other first responders. The Dispatcher of the Year exemplifies strength of character, a strong

INDOT has announced that State Road 39 will be closed between State Road 10 and C.R. W 500 S on or after Tuesday, April 25 for a culvert replacement through mid-May. The structure is at the north junction of State Road 39 and State Road 10 so State Road 10 will have a lane closure at this location with stop lights directing traffic. Motorists should seek an alternate route. The official detour for the State Road 39 closure will follow State Road 10, U.S. 35 and State Road 8.  

Press release by Michigan City Chamber of Commerce: The Michigan City Chamber of Commerce (chamber) announced Pia Parrott as the Ambassador of the Quarter for the First Quarter of 2023. “I love being a part of the Michigan City Chamber, everyone on the team wants to see businesses grow and thrive! We are a fun group who all bring different ideas to how we can support our members” stated Parrott. The Ambassador of the Quarter is given to an individual who has shown dedication to the mission of the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce by regularly attending chamber events, connecting

News release by Purdue University Northwest: HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) will host spring commencement exercises on Saturday, May 6. A total of 889 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 be recognized. Graduating seniors with the highest grade point average from each academic college will be presented a Chancellor Medallion by PNW Chancellor Thomas L. Keon. The candidates include 755 earning their baccalaureate

Representatives from Franciscan Health, Bolt for the Heart and the Play for Jake Foundation presented a total of 40 automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) to the Michigan City Police Department, City of La Porte Police Department and the La Porte County Sheriff's Office to be placed in patrol vehicles at Franciscan Beacon Hospital Wednesday. Now all La Porte City, La Porte County, and Michigan City Police officers will have one in their patrol vehicles. The AEDs were purchased with funds generated by the Bolt for the Heart Hallowrun race this past October in Michigan City, sponsored by Franciscan health Michigan City.

In La Porte, Truesdell Avenue from McClung to Hoelocker will be closed beginning next week. The closure is for ‘critical’ road construction improvements. The City of La Porte says residents looking to enter Fox Park to visit the baseball field, skate park, etc. may do so at the North park entrance off of McClung Road. An estimated end date was not announced.    

The City of La Porte Park and Recreation Board Wednesday approved an agreement to temporarily relocate the Activity Center for Older Adults to Heritage Place, according to Park Superintendent Mark Schreiber. Heritage Place, located at 910 Lincolnway, is just feet away from the current center. The agreement, which will be executed upon final approval by Northwest Health, calls for a three-year, rent-free lease, with the Park Department covering utilities. The Healthcare Foundation of La Porte granted the Park Department operating funds through the end of 2023 and has also been facilitating a strategic plan for the ACOA. The strategic planning

News release by Purdue University Northwest: HAMMOND, Ind. — Prospective students are invited to attend Purdue University Northwest’s (PNW) Preview PNW on April 29 to learn more information about attending the region’s premier metropolitan university. Located just 30 miles from Chicago, PNW is where academic excellence meets real-world experience. Preview PNW allows prospective students to explore campus and discover how a PNW experience will help build hands-on skills and create connections with professors who care. PNW offers more than 70 areas of study, nearly 60 student organizations and 20 athletic teams on two student-centered campuses. Preview PNW events provide prospective

VALPARAISO, IN - In partnership with the Northwest Indiana District 1 Firefighter Training Council, the MAAC Foundation is proud to announce the graduation of its 11th Fire Academy. The ceremony will be held on Friday, April 21, 2023, at the MAAC Foundation First Responders Training Campus. The 17 graduates representing the towns of Concord, Crown Point, Dyer, East Chicago, Michigan City, New Carlisle, North Judson, Portage, and St. John - have completed a rigorous 11-week training program that included instruction in fire suppression, hazmat operations, and technical rescue, along with other firefighting skills. They have also learned about the importance

The Indiana Department of Transportation announced an update on ramp closures on I-65 in Lake County. The ramp from eastbound I-80/94 to southbound I-65 to Ridge Road is closed through mid-May. The ramp from Ridge Road to southbound I-65 is closed through mid-June. The ramp closures of northbound I-65 to 109th and U.S. 231 to northbound I-65 are expected to be in place Friday, April 21. They will remain closed through late August.

The Indiana Department of Transportation announced that from April 24-28 in the Westville area, traffic will be flagged through the roundabout at U.S. 6 and State Road 2 during the hours of approximately 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Crews will be installing permanent light poles and repairing damaged pavement. Expect delays during peak times.

Press release by City of La Porte: The City of La Porte recently received results from an independent study regarding the status of water infrastructure within the 39 North Conservancy District, according to Mayor Tom Dermody. NIES Engineering, a regional firm, performed the study and found that fire flow within the district is limited to a single fire hydrant, and that fire flow capacity is inadequate for a large industrial fire. NIES identified and proposed three infrastructure improvements to remedy this situation, with estimated costs totaling more than $10.5 million. La Porte Water Superintendent Tim Werner said these findings confirm