Local News

Franciscan Health announced Wednesday that the medical staff at Franciscan Health Michigan City voted unanimously to establish and fund a scholarship to honor the memories and continue the legacies of doctors who gave years of service to the community as a member of the medical staff. The scholarship of up to $5,000 is for a LaPorte County high school senior interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. It is the hope of the scholarship committee that the recipient will someday return to work alongside the medical staff in serving the health care needs of the city and county. Scholarship applications

NIPSCO on Wednesday announced that work to close its five coal ash ponds at the company’s Michigan City Generating Station has begun. Coal ash is the material that remains when coal is burned to generate electricity. NIPSCO says this is similar to the leftover material when wood is burned in a fire. The work that has been outlined will meet the 2023 deadline required by the Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR) rule and it is another step forward in the company’s previously announced plans to retire the Michigan City Generating Station. The project work is expected to last through December of

The Salvation Army of Michigan City recently announced that it is recruiting this year's competitors for its Donut Day, Donut Eating Competition on June 3 at Blue Chip Casino. Amateurs and professionals are allowed to enter this year's Donut Day.  The final day to sign up is Friday, April 29.  Respond to the post regarding this event on the Salvation Army of Michigan City Facebook page or tag someone you think should be in it. 

The DNR is reminding the public that Canada geese breeding season has begun. The DNR says that freshly mowed lawns and ponds or other water bodies are ideal goose habitat and you may encounter these waterfowl. But, Canada geese are protected during nesting season and can become aggressive protecting eggs or goslings. The DNR provided tips for if you see nesting Canada geese: Give nesting geese plenty of space. Don’t run from birds. Face them and back away, slowly and quietly. Keep pets leashed in unfenced areas and steer them clear of paired-up geese. Don’t feed the geese. They have

Due to a mistake in the calculation of the 2021 payable 2022 tax bills, the La Porte County Auditor’s Office will be recalculating tax bills in the coming weeks. The error was a miscalculation of deductions. Because the issue was widespread, we believe the overall tax rate has been affected. The La Porte County Government is working in a coordinated effort along with the State of Indiana to resolve this issue as quickly & efficiently as possible. New tax bills will be sent out to all taxpayers in the next several weeks. We encourage all taxpayers to pay the current

The South Shore line has lifted its mask mandate, just 4 days after it announced it was extending it.  The South Shore line stated that, “Pursuant to recently received guidance from the Transportation Security Administration, the South Shore Line will no longer require masks for passengers onboard trains or in stations, effective immediately. If a passenger chooses to wear a mask and requires assistance, train crews will continue to provide masks free of charge.”

Valparaiso City Services crews repaired the water main break at State Road 2 and Horse Prairie Avenue late Monday night as affected customers' water services have been fully restored.  The City of Valparaiso says that procedures require necessary laboratory testing to assure the water passes the required bacteria testing before a boil advisory may be lifted.  Therefore, the boil advisory will remain in effect for affected customers until those results are available.  Results may take up to 48 hours or more if additional testing is needed.  Those that have questions can contact the city’s customer service center at (219) 462-6174.

Sheriff John T. Boyd on Tuesday officially announced the retirement of David Spence from the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office.     Spence was hired on May 15, 1978, as a Jail Deputy.  In August of 1980, Deputy Spence was transferred and promoted to the Merit Division.  For 19 years, he was assigned to the Patrol Division.  During the fall of 1999, Spence was transferred to the Warrants Division where he completed a variety of tasks, including the extradition of wanted persons. In 2009, Spence retired from the Merit Division and accepted a civilian position within the agency.  Up until his recent

The following is a new update from NICTD (the South Shore Line) on the NWI Double Track project construction:  GARY- MILLER STATION AREA All buildings have been demolished for the construction of the station and parking lots in Miller. New sewer work has begun in the west parking lot. Parking is available but temporarily restricted while work near Miller Station progresses. Vehicular access from Melton Road (US 20) will be closed, the driveway from Old US 12/Dunes Highway will remain open. Construction activities may be taking place on the shoulder of Dunes Hwy.NIPSCO will have periodic lane closures on westbound Melton

Governor Eric Holcomb Monday announced $189 million for 154 broadband infrastructure expansion projects across the state in the third round of the Next Level Connections Broadband Grant Program. Holcomb said, “This record-setting investment in broadband is another game-changer for Hoosiers who now, more than ever, need affordable, reliable internet. With this third round, we take giant steps in leveling the playing field for our residents regardless of where they choose to live, work or go to school.” The Next Level Broadband Grant Program is the largest single state investment in broadband. Projects will have been completed in 83 of Indiana’s

A $1.5 million project aimed at improving Portage’s sanitary sewer system officially kicked off Monday during a groundbreaking ceremony on Central Avenue and Swanson Road. The City of Portage says the purpose of the project is to reduce excess flow into the wastewater system due to inflow and infiltration and to reduce the risk of sanitary sewer overflow events adjacent to wetland areas. The project will run from Stone Avenue in the south to Central Avenue in the north. According to the City of Portage, the cost of the project is $1,532,076, for which the city received $1,437,500 in federal

The City of Valparaiso announced Monday evening that there was a 12-inch water main break at SR 2 and Horse Prairie Avenue. All customers located in the southern zone are affected. The zone includes customers along Evans Avenue and south, including all of US Hwy. 30 and south. Customers are experiencing low pressure or no service. A precautionary boil advisory is in effect for all customers in this affected area. The boil advisory will be in effect for approximately 48 hours (through around Wednesday evening) to conduct necessary testing.  For more information about boil advisories, visit https://www.valparaisoutilities.org/Faq.aspx?QID=141  

The Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the disappearance of Messiah Morales, a 5 month old black male, 24 inches tall, weighing 30 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Messiah was last seen in the company of his mother, Alexis Morales. Alexis is a 27 year old black female, 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing 160 pounds, black hair with brown eyes. Alexis and Messiah were last seen in a Silver 2006 BMW X5 SUV with Indiana license plate MULALUV. Messiah is missing from South Bend, and was last seen on Tuesday, April 12, 2022 at 6:00 pm.  If

City of La Porte residents are invited to share their feedback this week regarding parking in Downtown La Porte, according to Community Development & Planning Director Craig Phillips. The City of La Porte is currently working with Walker Parking to conduct a downtown parking study. To assist in this effort, a public input session has been scheduled for 6 p.m. on Thursday, at La Porte City Hall. Phillips said his team is interested in hearing residents' thoughts on how parking in this area could be improved. Representatives from city staff and Walker parking will be available Thursday evening to listen

South Shore Line passengers are advised that the Transportation Security Administration mask order is extended until May 3. The order mandates the use of masks or face coverings for all SSL passengers and employees, regardless of vaccination status. In addition to the TSA security directive, the South Shore Line says its employees will continue to follow the Federal Railroad Administration’s “Emergency Order Requiring Face Mask Use in Railroad Operations,” effective until further notice. The directives require the use of masks in all SSL stations and trains throughout Indiana and Illinois. The SSL says employees will continue to strictly enforce the

The Michigan City Police Department Friday congratulated Lieutenant Jeff Piotrowski on his retirement from MCPD.  Lt. Piotrowski was hired on March 11th, 1991, and served the citizens of Michigan City for 31 years. During his 31 years of service Piotrowski was awarded 5 Exceptional Service Stars, Life Saving Award, Chief’s Award for Leadership Excellence, 30-Year Award, 7 Letters of Commendation, Chicago Police Department Joint Operations Award, and was name Michigan City Police Officer of the Year in 2014 and 2020.  Over the course of his career Piotrowski served the department as a Field Training Officer, SWAT team member, SWAT team

PORTER -- Indiana Dunes National Park is celebrating National Park Week now through Sunday April 24. The public can participate in a variety of activities during this celebration. A park-wide clean-up for Earth Day is taking place on April 22 from 9 a.m. – noon. Meet at Indiana Dunes Visitor Center.   The Friends of Indiana Dunes Native Plant Sale will be on April 23. To learn more, go to: dunefriends.org  Also on April 23, a ranger-led Woodland Wildflower Walk will take place at Herron Rookery, from 1 p.m. to  3 p.m. For more information about activities at Indiana Dunes, visit

MICHIGAN CITY–The Washington Park Zoo in Michigan City is closing its bird areas as a precaution against avian flu.  Zoo officials said Friday afternoon, they learned that positive cases of HPAI – Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza are getting closer to our region.  The zoo said on its Facebook page, “The proximity of the disease has triggered our zoo to implement its HPAI action plan in order to protect the health of animals and humans. Our Zoo Staff has been closely following reports from the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspections and it has been moving across the United States." HPAI

VALPARAISO -- Valparaiso City Services has extended the spring leaf vacuum pickup for an additional week due to inclimate weather. The city will continue to collect the loose leaf piles until Friday, April 22. Any leaf piles after this date will need to be bagged and will be picked up by a separate truck. Contact the Valparaiso City Services Customer Service Center at 219-462-6174 for further questions or details.