Local News

News release by Indiana Department of Transportation: STARKE COUNTY, Ind. - Indiana Department of Transportation maintenance crews will be conducting seal coating operations resulting in a road closure on State Road 23 beginning on or after Monday, July 17. State Road 23 will be closed between State Road 8 and State Road 10 for approximately three days. The official detour for this closure will follow State Road 8, U.S. 35, and State Road 10. Through traffic should utilize the detour or seek an alternate route. Local traffic should exercise caution and follow traffic directions carefully in the area where work

Press release by NIPSCO: MERRILLVILLE, Ind. – In the next step of its electric generation transition to a more balanced and reliable mix to serve customers, Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO), a subsidiary of NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI), today announced that its first two Indiana-based solar projects – Indiana Crossroads and Dunns Bridge I Solar – are online and operating, producing more cost-effective, cleaner energy for homes and businesses across Indiana. “The addition of our first solar parks to our electric generating portfolio represent meaningful investments in the state of Indiana and a direct benefit to our customers,”

Michigan City, IN – July 11, 2023 – Held annually right before the start of the new school year, the New Teacher Luncheon provides an opportunity to celebrate new educators in the Michigan City area. Hosted by the Lakefront Career Network (LCN), the Michigan City Chamber’s (Chamber) young professionals committee, the event’s presenting sponsor is Purdue University Northwest (PNW).   New teachers and administrators from Michigan City public and parochial schools will be treated to lunch and welcomed to the community by local businesses and organizations. Those in attendance will get a warm welcome from the event sponsor, an LCN representative,

The Porter County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) announced on Monday the passing of retired K9 Joker. “It is with a heavy heart that we are announcing the passing of retired K9 Joker, who peacefully passed away in his sleep last Thursday,” the PCSO said on their Facebook page.  “He was an 8 year veteran of our Agency and was involved in countless investigations over his time with us.” The PCSO said Joker and his handler, Captain Edwards, performed many tracks and apprehensions of suspects, tracked missing subjects, and aided in the discovery of numerous narcotics. “He had a great 13 years

LAKE COUNTY, Ind. - An Indiana Department of Transportation contractor will close State Road 51 between Laura Lane and 10th Street on or after Monday, July 17.  State Road 51 will be closed through late October for a small structure replacement. Motorists should seek an alternate route. The official detour will follow U.S. 30, I-65, I-94, and U.S. 6/State Road 130.

Press release by Duneland Chamber of Commerce: Chesterton, IN – The Duneland Chamber of Commerce will host their annual Community Awards Wednesday, July 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Spa Speakeasy & Special Event Center in Chesterton. Many local organizations, businesses, and individuals are being awarded for their efforts in making the Duneland community a better place to live, work, and play. The winners are as follows: Putting Duneland on the Map – Aidan Torres Business Renovation Award – Glacial Sands Oral, Facial, Implant Surgery; Heartland Wellness Center; Lia’s Bella Cucina New Construction Award – Allen Law

An investigation is underway in Michigan City after two people were shot on Friday afternoon. Several 911 calls were received by the dispatch center at around 03:53 p.m. regarding gunshots being fired in the 400 block of York Street. Multiple officers arrived and located two people with gunshot wounds. The first victim was a 36-year-old Michigan City resident with multiple gunshot wounds. The second victim was a 28-year-old Michigan City resident who also had multiple gunshot wounds. Officers provided medical care to both victims until EMS arrived. The 36-year-old victim was flown from a nearby landing site to Memorial Hospital

INDIANAPOLIS—The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) has partnered once again with local health departments and other healthcare entities across the state to host summer back-to-school immunization clinics as part of a statewide effort to help families easily access required and recommended school immunizations prior to the start of the 2023-24 school year. Now in its second year, the Start Smart campaign includes a map showing dates, times and locations of community immunization clinics. The map can be found at https://startsmart.health.in.gov/. The clinics are open to children ages 5 and older. Families will not be charged at the site of the

Two local first responders were recently honored by the Indiana American Legion. The La Porte Police Department announced their own Detective Jared Schaefer was named Law Officer of the Year in District 3 by the Indiana American Legion. Each year, the American Legion presents an award for the officer of the year in each of the 11 districts in Indiana. Schaefer was selected as officer of the year in district 3, which includes La Porte, Marshall, Porter, and St. Joseph counties. Additionally, La Porte County Emergency Medical Service announced that their own Lt. Ronald Johnson received the American Legion 3rd

The Michigan City Police Department on Friday made the following announcement regarding a new community camera registry: "In response to community concerns about crime in the Michigan City neighborhoods, Chief Steve Forker and his administrative team are pleased to announce a new feature to assist members of the community in providing video footage of crimes being committed. Security cameras, ring doorbell cameras and the like are wisely utilized by numerous community members as a means of home security. Should someone attempt to break into your home or vehicle, those using security cameras will most likely have a video recording of

Attorney General Todd Rokita is alerting Hoosiers of important consumer protection concerns for products recalled in June. “Summer is a time to relax and for your kids to have fun playing outdoors,” Attorney General Rokita said. “You shouldn’t have to worry if your children’s toys are defective or could cause them any harm. If you purchased one of the recalled products, stop using it immediately and pursue resolution from the manufacturer immediately.” According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the following consumer products were recalled in June: Jetson Nova and Star 3-Wheel Kick Scooters from Jetson Electric Bikes Robo Alive

The Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) announced Thursday it has awarded $18,215 to Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA) through the Arts Organization Support grant program. During its June 9 Quarterly Business Meeting, the Commission approved funding recommendations for the Arts Project Support and Arts Organization Support grant programs. Over 480 applications were reviewed by 146 panelists from around the state and country with expertise in the arts, community development, and nonprofit management. “The projects and organizations selected to receive funding are strengthening our state,” said Anne Penny Valentine, Chair of the Indiana Arts Commission. “The Commission is excited and honored

Press release by Shirley Heinze Land Trust: Shirley Heinze Land Trust (SHLT) is excited and grateful to partner with NIPSCO and the NiSource Charitable Foundation in 2023 for a second year to continue the Activating Green Spaces initiative. Shirley Heinze Land Trust introduced its Activating Green Spaces initiative at the beginning of 2022 with funding from NIPSCO through the NiSource Charitable Foundation. This program works with a variety of partners to connect communities that have been historically underrepresented in conservation with their local green spaces, which includes nature preserves, parks, greenways and waterways. The goals of Activating Green Spaces include

STARKE COUNTY, Ind. - An INDOT contractor has closed State Road 39 and State Road 8 for two culvert replacements. State Road 39 is closed between County Road West 1800 South and County Road West 50 South, and State Road 8 will be closed at the intersection with State Road 39. The project began Wednesday and the closures are in place for approximately three weeks. Motorists should seek alternate routes. The official detour will follow U.S. 30, U.S. 35, State Road 10 and U.S. 421.

Governor Eric Holcomb is directing flags to be flown at half-staff in the State of Indiana in honor and remembrance of Indiana State Trooper Aaron N. Smith who was killed in the line of duty. Flags should be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Friday, July 7. Gov. Holcomb is asking businesses and residents in Indiana to lower their flags to half-staff.  

An INDOT contractor will close State Road 4 between County Road S 500 E and Taylor Road on or after Monday, July 10. State Road 4 will be closed for up to two weeks 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, U.S. 6 and State Road 23.  

PORTER COUNTY, Ind. - An INDOT contractor has begun an intersection improvement project at State Road 49 and Indian Boundary Road. Work begins in the northwest and northeast quadrants of the intersection for traffic signal improvements and pavement widening, with the right turn lane from southbound State Road 49 to westbound Indian Boundary Road and the right turn lane from westbound Indian Boundary Road to northbound State Road 49 closed. During phase two, work will move to the southwest and southeast quadrants for traffic signal modifications, concrete work, and pavement placement. An intersection improvement project with added turn lanes is

A 19-year-old from Demotte, Indiana has died after a head-on crash in Winfield. It happened just before 4:36 p.m. yesterday (7/4/23) in the 7000 block of East 117th Avenue. Witnesses tell police a Subaru SUV traveling east was tailgating a Jeep when it crossed the center line in an attempt to pass the Jeep. As the Subaru crossed into oncoming traffic, it collided head-on with a westbound Kia sedan. The driver the Kia was a 19-year-old female who was pronounced deceased at the scene. There were two 13-year-old passengers from Lowell riding in the Kia who were treated in Chicago.

Every year, Shirley Heinze Land Trust recognizes individuals, businesses, and organizations who have native plant gardens through the Bringing Nature Home Program. This program celebrates local efforts to create gardens free from invasive species and rich with native plants. “Native plant gardens provide crucial connected habitats in an otherwise fragmented world. These gardens not only help to restore native plants, but they also provide critical habitats for native pollinators,” emphasizes Mari Patis, Programs Coordinator. In addition to increasing backyard aesthetics and supporting native wildlife, native gardens are a great way to learn about the region’s unique ecosystems. Patis explains, “Northwest Indiana

From simple flags and heroes’ photos, to elaborate displays of red, white and blue, the 1st Annual Window Decorating Contest drew 21 timely entries (and numerous late entries, which just missed the deadline).  After more than 800 popular votes from the community, 1st, 2nd and 3rd places were awarded to Coachman Antique Mall; Jeff Miller, DDS; and Freckle Farm Primitives & Antiques, respectively.  A special Committee Shoutout for Creativity was awarded to Parkhouse Laundry for "Laundry Day - Reds, Whites, and Blues." The Kiwanis 4th of July Parade Committee wants to thank all those businesses who entered the contest to display their 4th of July Patriotism