Local News

Michigan City Police Department increasing patrols to target seatbelt enforcement The Michigan City Police Department is partnering with the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) to urge Hoosiers to buckle up as part of the national “Click It or Ticket” campaign, a high-visibility enforcement effort focused on increasing seatbelt use. NOW through May 31st, 2026, officers will work overtime to ensure drivers and passengers are using their seatbelts and children are properly secured. The overtime patrols are funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) through ICJI’s Comprehensive HighwayInjury Reduction Program (CHIRP). “Buckling up is one of the simplest and

In observance of Memorial Day, the South Shore Line will operate a weekend/holiday train schedule on Monday, May 25. NICTD administrative offices in Chesterton and Michigan City will be closed Monday, May 25.

The Salvation Army Michigan City Corps and Community Center recently announced that this year, letter carriers across our community collected 3,838 pounds of food donations for the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. "We appreciate everyone who helped make this possible… especially the Post Office and Letter Carriers, Michigan City High School JROTC, Michigan City Civil Air Patrol, Marquette Catholic High School, and our hardworking volunteers and Advisory Board members," the The Salvation Army Michigan City Corps and Community Center said on their Facebook page.

The City of La Porte is reminding the public that this Saturday, May 16, the La Porte County Solid Waste District will host their Household Hazardous Waste collection event at the Fairgrounds from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The city says this is a great way to safely dispose of any unwanted HHW items. For information on acceptable items, visit: https://www.solidwastedistrict.com/household-hazardous-waste

Today Sunny, with a high near 58.   Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 47.   Friday A 40 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 73.   Friday Night A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 56. Chance of precipitation is 20%.   Saturday Sunny, with a high near 82.

The Duneland Chamber of Commerce seeks nominations for their Annual Community Awards event, including the Duneland Distinguished Woman Award. Chesterton, IN – The Duneland Chamber of Commerce is currently seeking community nominations for eight awards given during the Duneland Chamber Community Awards Luncheon, to be held on Thursday, July 16. Nomination forms are available at https://form.jotform.com/251976664049167 or can be emailed upon request. All nominations are due by Friday, June 19, 2026. 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

The City of La Porte has announced that Central Avenue closed today from Weller Avenue to 1st Street. This closure lasts one day and will allow crews to tie in the raw water supply line for the Soldiers Memorial Well Field project.

The Chesterton Fire Department will offer a free CPR class on Tuesday May 19. The Chesterton Fire Department will continue to offer free CPR classes through 2026. The next class will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, at the CFD station house, 702 Broadway. Participants will learn adult, child, and infant CPR, in addition to choking relief and the use of an AED. The class size is limited to 20 participants. To register, contact Deputy Fire Aimee Gilbert at 219-926-7162 or agilbert@chestertonfire.org The CFD would like to note: This CPR class is not for certification but

LA PORTE, IN – The City of La Porte Parks and Recreation Department has announced the 2026 Movies in the Park schedule, featuring four free outdoor movie nights at city parks, each paired with themed pre-movie activities and community participation. The series begins on Friday, June 5 at 6:30 p.m. at Fox Park with Recess: School’s Out! The evening will include recess-style games and a Summer Camp and Programs Fair connecting families with local camps and summer resources. On Friday, June 26 at 6:30 p.m., Movies in the Park continues at Stone Lake Beach with Lilo & Stitch, featuring a

Congratulations to the MCPD Officers who were recognized earlier today. Several of our outstanding officers were recognized with awards and a promotion today during our monthly Police Commission meeting: Officer Richard Sterk – Letter of Commendation Officer Anthony Santoro – Letter of Commendation Officer Carol Pytynia – Letter of Commendation (not pictured) Officer Shane Motshagen – Letter of Commendation Long Beach Police Department Deputy Marshal Matthew Disbrow – Letter of Commendation Corporal Mark Galetti – Letter of Commendation (not pictured) Sergeant Michael Oberle – Letter of Commendation Sergeant Brian Wright – Letter of Commendation Lieutenant Michael King – Letter of

The City of Valparaiso is looking to maximize the lifespan of its roadways with an innovative asphalt rejuvenating treatment called Reclamite®. "This penetrating sealer can be compared to changing the oil in your car. We plan to try this in limited locations in an effort to extend the service life of our roadways, allowing our road maintenance dollars to go further," said Valparaiso City Engineer Max Rehlander. The Reclamite® penetrating sealer being used in Valpo has been in use for more than 50 years. The product replaces oils that are dried from the pavement by the heat of manufacturing and the sun.

Michigan City Police Department swears in new officers-congratulations and thank you for your service The Michigan City Police Department would like to announce the hiring of four new probationary police officers. This brings the total number of sworn officers to 84, which brings the Michigan City Police Department to a full complement for the first time since early 2019, strengthening our ability to serve and protect the community. During a ceremony at City Hall on Monday, May 11th, Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch and Chief Steven Forker swore in: • Probationary Officer Ahron Cohen • Probationary Officer Reece Echarry • Probationary

News Release, Indiana State Police Lowell Post: Northwest Indiana – In the early morning hours of May 12, 2026, Trooper Griffin arrested an impaired driver following a high‑speed pursuit that began in Lake County and ended in Porter County. One passenger was also taken into custody for outstanding warrants. At approximately 2:06 a.m., Trooper Griffin was patrolling eastbound on I‑80 near the 10 mile-marker in Gary when he observed a black Toyota traveling at a high rate of speed. After accelerating to catch up, he paced the Toyota at 110 mph in a posted 55 mph zone near the 12.5-mile

Kenneth A. Firanek, 76, of Michigan City, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 6:21 a.m. at Ignite Medical Resort in Chesterton, Indiana. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 15, 2026, at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 1506 Washington Street, Michigan City, Indiana, with Rev. Walter Ciesla officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, May 14, 2026, and from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Friday at Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, 418 Washington Street, Michigan City, Indiana. Memorial contributions may be made to the donor’s choice. To sign

MICHIGAN CITY, Indiana – The City of Michigan City is mourning the loss of Brenda Patrick, a dedicated Michigan City Transit employee who faithfully served the community for 38 years. To honor Brenda’s life and legacy, Michigan City Transit services will be suspended from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026, to allow transit employees, riders, and colleagues the opportunity to attend her funeral and pay their respects. Funeral services will be held at Bethel AME Church, located at 629 E. Michigan Blvd., Michigan City, Indiana. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., with funeral services scheduled from

Today Sunny with a high near 57. North wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.   Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 43.   Thursday Sunny, with a high near 55.   Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 48.   Friday A chance of showers after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 70.   Friday Night A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57.

The La Porte County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) to urge Hoosiers to buckle up as part of the national “Click It or Ticket” campaign, a high-visibility enforcement effort focused on increasing seat belt use. Beginning today and lasting through May 31, deputies will work overtime to ensure drivers and passengers are using their seat belts and children are properly secured. The overtime patrols are funded by NHTSA through ICJI’s Comprehensive Highway Injury Reduction Program (CHIRP). “Buckling up is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself and your loved ones

Michigan City Area Schools will hold special groundbreaking ceremony for their new Community Event Center at Michigan City High School on Thursday, May 14, at 5:00 PM CST in the East parking lot near the Barbara Jones Slater Track and Field at Michigan City High School. "This project reflects the vision and feedback shared during previous Community Conversations and marks an important step forward as construction begins," MCAS said in a statement. "It also represents a significant investment in our students and community and is aligned with our district’s Strategic Plan. The new facility will feature a lighted track and

Indiana Conservation Officer Tyler Brock who was named District 10 Officer of the Year in 2025, has been honored as the James D. Pitzer Indiana Conservation Officer of the Year, selected from among the 10 top district officers in Indiana, according to a Facebook post from the Town of Chesterton. The Town of Chesterton shared the information below: "The Pitzer Award is named for James Pitzer, who in 1961 was killed in the line of duty in Jay County. The recipient of this award demonstrates professional ethics, attitude, and service to the public while demonstrating dedication to the conservation of

News Release, U.S. Coast Guard Great Lakes District:  CLEVELAND — Leveraging a contract awarded by the U.S. Coast Guard to enhance maritime domain awareness, the Great Lakes District will deploy autonomous drones to support Coast Guard missions on the Great Lakes this summer from May to October, 2026. These are uncrewed surface vehicles with primary hybrid-electric propulsion, wind assist via the Saildrone Wing, and solar power as an auxiliary battery charge source. The autonomous vessels are highly visible, equipped with radar, cameras and collision-avoidance artificial intelligence, and monitored 24/7 by human operators who can take manual control if needed. Sail