Local News

The Michigan City Police Department continues extra Violent Crime Reduction patrols to combat a recent uptick in gun violence. While out conducting patrols officers seized four handguns, drugs, and made four arrests over the weekend. On Friday, an officer observed a traffic infraction on Barker Avenue near Cloud Street on a Ford SUV. After catching up with the vehicle in the 1300 block of E. Michigan Boulevard a traffic stop was conducted, and six individuals were identified inside the vehicle. After further investigation a search was conducted by officers and four handguns were located in the vehicle. One of the

Valparaiso Police are investigating the theft of money from the Valparaiso Casey’s General Store, located at 2004 Morthland Dr. The theft occurred on May 20, at around 7:00 p.m. Police say the male subjects are people of interest in the theft, as they were known to have the currency in their possession before leaving the area in a dark colored SUV. Police say if you have information regarding the subjects or vehicle in the posted photos, contact Detective Josh Biggs at 219-462-2135. Information can also be texted to TIP411 (847-411) and enter “Valpo” in the message field prior to sending

Overnight lane closures are scheduled for this evening, June 7, for pavement repairs ahead of ongoing construction on I-65 between U.S. 30 and I-80/94. Overnight lane closures on or after Thursday, June 9 will be used to set up the new maintenance of traffic. Starting on or after the morning of June 10, three travel lanes will be open to traffic but will be shifted to make room for the work zone. INDOT says motorists should follow lane markings carefully through these traffic shifts. The ramp from southbound I-65 to Ridge Road and ramp from Ridge Road to I-65 northbound

The La Porte Police Department announced Monday that due to a noticeable uptick in accidents and citizen complaints the department is going to start doing weekly focused traffic blitzes. Police say the blitzes will be with the aid of Patrol, Chief and Assistant Chief and Detective Bureau personnel. The department also says the dates will be on random weekdays and weekends.

Franciscan Health Dyer has announced a partnership with Signet Health to provide management and advisory services for its growing behavioral health service line, which recently expanded its adolescent programs. Earlier this year, Signet partnered with Franciscan Health Michigan City at its behavioral health unit, bringing “a wealth of expertise and an experienced team focused on behavioral health and rehab,” according to Scott Mundell, administrative director of business development at Franciscan Alliance. “While Signet is serving in an advisory and management capacity, patient care will still be provided by Franciscan Health,” he added. Signet Health is based in North Richland Hills,

This summer, all Indiana students age 18 and younger have access to free, nutritious meals and snacks at more than 1,000 locations statewide through the 2022 Summer Food Service Program, according the Indiana Department of Education. To find a Summer Food Service site, families can visit IDOENutrition.com to search for sites near them. The tool allows families to search by the meal served and days of the week where meals are offered. Families can also call the National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-3-HUNGRY or 1-877-8-HAMBRE or text “summer meals” or “verano” to the National Hunger Hotline at 914-342-7744 for additional assistance.

VNA Hospice of NWI, in partnership with the Porter County Community Foundation, are hosting an event for veterans in our community called Porter County Stand Down. Inspired by the “stand downs” of the Vietnam era which offered service members a break from combat to attend to personal needs, the event will provide veterans with the opportunity to obtain resources, benefits, and other helpful information from 50+ vendors in one, convenient location.  “The Stand Down is an effort to honor and give back to the veterans in our community who have given all of us so much,” said Bob Franko, President

The Portage Police Department Friday welcomed Anthony Centracchio as their new Code Enforcement Officer. He joins current Code Enforcement Officer, John Siroky. John has investigated 730 complaints so far this year and the department says they’re hopeful adding a second officer will allow the department to be more efficient and handle any additional complaint volume.

The Economic Development Corporation Michigan City team is marking 25 years of impact, momentum and growth with a Silver Anniversary Gala at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 21 at the Blue Chip Hotel & Casino. The event will include awards that will recognize business and community leaders who have been an integral part of moving Michigan City forward. Online tickets will be available soon, and sponsorship opportunities are now available by contacting them at 219-873-1211 or admin@edcmc.com.  

The Portage Township Schools Summer meals program has begun and the City of Portage says Woodland Park and Founders Square are lunch sites for the Portage Township Summer Meal Program. All children age 18 and younger are invited to join us for breakfast and lunch at no cost at the times and locations listed below. The USDA has resumed their pre-pandemic Summer Meal Program requirements. Therefore, meals will be available daily Monday through Thursday; children must be present at the Summer Meal location; meals must be consumed on-site. See locations, dates and times on the Portage Department of Parks & Recreation

A Hammond woman was arrested Wednesday for making threats against a judge, as well as other staff and attorneys, according to Indiana State Police.  On Wednesday, June 1, detectives with the Indiana State Police Criminal Investigation Division (Lowell Post) were made aware of allegations of threats being made against a Lake County Juvenile Court Justice. An investigation was initiated and during the investigation the suspect was identified as 57-year-old Dorothy King, of Hammond. Police say that King made specific threats of causing harm to a judge, as well as other staff and attorneys. Probable cause was developed and submitted to

Four new educators were inducted into the Michigan City Area Schools “Wall of Fame” on Thursday, bringing the total number of inductees to 196. First presented in 1976, the Wall of Fame recognizes school employees who have made outstanding contributions to the children of Michigan City Area Schools. This year’s inductees were Thomas Dombkowski, Herb Higgin, Sylvester Mabone, and Roxanna Young. Dombkowski worked for MCAS for 33 years, serving as a Teacher, Principal, and Title 1 Program Administrator, working at Jefferson, Knapp, Riley, Marsh, and Niemann schools, as well as the MCAS Administration Building. Currently serving on the MCAS Board

The DNR is reminding the public that peak molting times for Canada geese in Indiana are the last two weeks of June through the first two weeks of July. During molting, adult Canada geese are grounded while they grow new flight feathers. During this same period of time goslings have not had the chance to grow their first set of flight feathers, which the DNR says is why you may observe an increase in Canada geese and their young walking across roads this summer. The DNR says Canada geese that are causing problematic interactions with humans during this time cannot

With the continued Double Track Project progressing, the City of Michigan City has given an update on NICTD street closures. Currently the construction team of Walsh/Herzog have the sweeper, traffic control, and the temporary striping company set up for Monday morning to re-open Franklin Street.  The plan is to open Franklin before noon on Monday and then begin moving detour signs for Washington Street, then close Washington Street on Monday afternoon. They also plan to close Ohio Street and temporarily open Kentucky and Tennessee Streets. Demolition and utility work will then begin on Ohio Street.    

The Future Problem Solvers Team from La Porte Middle School will compete on June 9, virtually in the 2022 International Conference Global Issues Problem Solving Competition, an event that includes teams from all over the world. The Slicers were invited to this event after their first-place victory at the state competition. At the state competition, the team selected four members to work together using out-of-the-box thinking to collaboratively craft a solution to the presented problem. Coach Laura Kwasny has been the sponsor for this program, at both the middle and high school level, for several years. La Porte Community Schools

The Ogden Dunes police announced the east bridge will be closed on June 7. The work may extend into June 8, but it is expected to be completed on the seventh. During this time, please be patient. There will be an officer directing traffic and dealing with the semis during this period.

Indiana State Police say the driver of a semi was arrested after being involved in a six-vehicle crash that resulted in two fatalities Wednesday afternoon on the Indiana Toll Road in St. Joseph County. At around 3:00 p.m., troopers were dispatched to a serious crash in the eastbound lanes of the Indiana Toll Road near mile marker 71 that involved several vehicles. When troopers arrived there were several officers from the South Bend Police Department on scene that had responded from a training they were having nearby. Preliminary investigation indicated that eastbound traffic was slowing due to work that was

The Duneland Chamber of Commerce is seeking community nominations for eight awards given during the Duneland Chamber Community Awards Luncheon, to be held on Wednesday, July 20. Nomination forms are available on the Chamber website or can be emailed to you upon request. All nominations are due by Wednesday, July 6. Putting Duneland on the Map Award honors an individual or organization whose achievements have brought state and/or national recognition to the Duneland area. Business Renovation Award honors a business owner who has made a significant improvement to his or her businesses. Construction Award honors those business entrepreneurs who have

The Ogden Dunes Police Department is reminding residents that summer parking restrictions are currently in effect. Police say all vehicles parked within the restricted area must display a valid 2022 beach area parking permit. All parking permits are available at Town Hall Monday thru Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Police say if you are unable to stop into town hall during these hours, call 219-762-4125 to make arrangements to get your permits. Police noted that the restricted parking area has been expanded. You now need a parking permit to park on Diana Road from Sunset Trail to Valerie