Local News

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

Police have made an arrest stemming from the shooting that occurred Memorial Day at Stop 2 beach in Michigan City, which left one person shot with life-threatening injuries.  During the incident officers responding to the area located a vehicle matching the description given by dispatch, driving east on Lakeshore Drive. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but it continued to flee from police east on Lakeshore Drive. The vehicle came to a stop in the 1600 Block of Lakeshore Drive and the suspect, later identified as 18-year old Julius Bowen of Michigan City, fled the vehicle north on foot. Police

Michigan City Police Officer Zanda Chavez was recently commended for her actions and received a Life Saving Award from the MCPD. The incident took place on Sunday February 27, at around 6 a.m. Officers responded to the 200 Block of Pleasant Avenue for a report of someone attempting to break into the residence. Officers spoke with the caller near the rear of the residence while others continued to canvas the area for the suspect. Then, officers learned from witnesses that the subject was wanted out of Illinois for a parole violation. As the officers continued their search, they observed a

Franciscan Health Senior Promise says it will provide “fresh air and celebrations” at its Strawberry Festivals to the public throughout Indiana in June. The festivals provide strawberry shortcake, ice cream and the opportunity for fellowship. In Northwest Indiana, Franciscan Health Crown Point will present the festival from 12:30 to 2:30PM, Thursday, June 16, at Bulldog Park, 183 S. West St. The event is free, and all are invited to attend. Senior Promise members also will be able to sign up for summer road trips in coordination with Imperial Travel of Lafayette. Upcoming bus trips will take travelers to: June 28

The Lake County Sheriff’s Department and Lake County Metro Homicide Unit are asking for the public’s help in finding a vehicle believed to be connected with a homicide. 20-year-old Derrick Davis was shot and killed near W. 21st Avenue & Clark Road in Gary Friday morning.  Investigators believe Davis was in a silver Hyundai Sonata when a suspect opened fire, fatally wounding him.  The vehicle police are looking for is a gold-colored Chevy Suburban with aftermarket tail lights similar to those found on a Cadillac. The windows of the Suburban are tinted, including the front windshield. A photo of the

Indiana residents can no longer receive emergency enhanced SNAP benefits, as May was the final month of the service, according to the Family and Social Services Administration. The FSSA says that now, the SNAP benefit amount a household receives will again, as it was before the pandemic, be based on eligibility factors – household size, income and allowable deductions. More information on how the benefit amount changes during and after the pandemic can be found here. For more information on the SNAP program, eligibility requirements, and how to apply, visit https://www.in.gov/fssa. Additionally, Michigan City Area Schools has a summer meal