Local News

A class of three volunteers were the third and final group in 2021 sworn in as Volunteer Advocates for Seniors and Incapacitated Adults (VASIA), joining Franciscan Health Hammond’s program to represent those unable to advocate for themselves. Jada Jarrett and Jaylah Jarrett, who joined virtually, and Caitlyn Lent were sworn in at a ceremony at Lake Superior Court. They join 15 volunteers who had been sworn in earlier in the year as part of spring and fall classes. “This is a program that is sorely needed in our community,” said Lake Superior Court Probate Commissioner Ben Ballou, who performed the

Echoes Of Pompeii, a 10-piece orchestra/band that gives fans the true sound of a Pink Floyd concert will perform at the La Porte Civic Auditorium this Friday at 8 p.m. VIP Tables (8 Seats) are $500. Reserved seating tables (8 Seats) are $300, general admission is $25, and $20. Tickets available at civictix.eventbrite.com .  The event is described as "a state of the art visual, and sound show with lasers, videos, and images of the iconic band."

The City of La Porte Park and Recreation Department is looking for ice rink attendants to work evening and weekend shifts through Feb. 21. This is a seasonal position. Job duties include collecting skating and skate rental fees, maintaining the area around the ice rink, inventory and other assigned tasks. For more information or to submit an application see the link provided on the City of La Porte Park and Recreation Department Facebook page.

Roadways throughout La Porte County are becoming slick due to freezing drizzle in the area. Deputies are currently working several property damage crashes. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and adjust driving behaviors accordingly to road conditions

Donors are highly encouraged to make an appointment for the upcoming Emergency Blood Drive on Jan. 19 at the La Porte Civic Auditorium to address the dangerously low blood supply levels. The Red Cross says blood donations are critically needed to help prevent further delays in vital medical treatments, and donors of all blood types – especially type O − are urged to schedule to donate at this drive. What: Blood Drive to address the emergency need for blood When: Wednesday, January 19 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Where: La Porte Civic Auditorium, Lower-Level Side Entrance 1001 Ridge St. La Porte, IN 46350

La Porte Police Captain Thomas Thate retired from the LaPorte Police Department Friday after 33 years, and one month of service.   The La porte Police Department says during his career he rose through the ranks of Corporal, Sergeant and Captain. Captain Thate also worked the detective bureau, serving as Chief of Detectives as well in that division. Thate worked drug investigations as well with the multi departmental drug task force. Thate finished his career as the midnight shift commander.    The La Porte Police Department said on their Facebook "The La Porte Police Department wishes Captain Thate well in his

The LaPorte County Government will host a job fair on Feb. 2 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Feb 3 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the LaPorte County Complex Annex Building 809 State St., in La Porte. Jobs listed are: Community Corrections O Residential & Field Officers (Males & Females) O Counselor Juvenile Services O Youth Specialist O Cooks O Educational Coordinator County Jail O Deputy Jailers Plus More They ask to please bring a resume. Applications will be available onsite. For more information visit www.laporteco.in.gov/employment or call (219)326-6808 ext: 2203  

Governor Holcomb, Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner and Treasurer of State Kelly Mitchell invite Indiana high school students to apply for the 2022 Governor’s STEM Team.  Holcomb developed the competition in 2017 to highlight Indiana’s top high school students for their achievements in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The program honors four outstanding high school students for their exceptional efforts and accomplishments in one of the STEM disciplines. Winning students each receive a $1,000 deposit into an Indiana CollegeChoice 529 Direct Savings plan, administered by Treasurer Mitchell, and letterman jackets identifying them as members of the Governor’s STEM

On January 8, 2022, the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office hosted its annual recognition dinner and agency meeting at Heston Hills Banquet Center. The event is held once a year and allows the Department to recognize employees for their heroic acts and for life-saving events. Sheriff John Boyd addressed the attendees and announced the accomplishments and highlights of the agency during 2020 (canceled last year due to COVID) and 2021. During the meeting, several employees were recognized and presented with awards.   The following employees were recognized for saving lives by administering Naloxone (Narcan): Deputies Tyler Oberholtzer, Josh Smith, Trey

Two people were arrested and no injuries were reported Thursday after a head-on collision occurred during a police pursuit in Lake County.  Just before 1:30 p.m., a police officer with the Lake County Sheriff’s Department attempted to stop the driver of a black Jeep Cherokee SRT for speeding near US-20 and Clay Street in Gary. The driver of the SUV accelerated, leading police in a pursuit.  The suspect vehicle eventually went through an alley at Whitcomb Street and hit a Lake County police squad car head on.  The police officer was able to initiate a pit maneuver in an attempt

The City of La Porte is asking TransPorte riders to help improve the transportation service by taking an annual survey. Physical copies are also available upon request. The survey can be found on the City of La Porte Facebook page.

The La Porte County Family YMCA says there are still a few more spots left for its youth sports camp happening Monday at its Elston branch. The YMCA says the one day camp will be filled with lots of action and variety as the kids explore many different sports from basketball, soccer, dodgeball, and even some fun pool games. The YMCA also reminds parents/guardians to have your child bring their swimsuit, water bottle and a sack lunch. The camp is open to all boys and girls in grades 3-6. The cost is $10 for members and $15 for non members.

The Chesterton Fire Department is reminding landlords that smoke detector certificates are due to the CFD by Monday, Jan. 31, according to the Town of Chesterton. The forms certify that “required maintenance has been performed on all detectors in the owner’s units and that the detectors are in good working condition” as of the date on the form. Forms may be obtained at the CFD station, 702 Broadway; or downloaded. A download link has also been posted on the Town of Chesterton Facebook page. 

The City of La Porte Park and Recreation Department has announced there will be a temporary refrigerated ice rink at Monroe and State Streets downtown from January 21 to February 21. They will have food trucks, lessons and other special events during the over four weeks of skating. You can book your reservations now on their website, www.laporteparkandrec.com. Over 300 pairs of rental skates will be available.  

The La Porte Police Department says it is saddened to announce the passing of Reserve Police Captain John Bello. Captain Bello was sworn in as a reserve officer on Feb. 13, 1996 and continued as an active member until his death Jan. 10, 2022. La Porte Police said a few words to describe Reserve Captain Bello include, professional, dedicated, compassionate, caring and a friend to all and the officers he served with. “We all will miss him and will never forget his selfless service to the City of La Porte and the LaPorte Police Department. Rest in Peace John and

Indiana Secretary of State Holli Sullivan announced a record-breaking number of new businesses were registered in Indiana in 2021, with nearly 100,000 new businesses registered. Most users completed their registration through INBiz, Indiana’s business registration portal. Overall, 94,670 businesses were registered in 2021. 86,416 filings were for businesses based in Indiana. 9,623 filings were businesses headquartered outside of the state. In total, registrations increased 26.3% in 2021 from 74,937 in 2020.

The Indiana State Department of Health Wednesday updated the weekly COVID county advisory levels. All counties in the area are at a red level which is the highest score of 3. Positivity is up in all counties in the area. Lake County has the highest 7 day all tests positivity rate with 34.91%, followed by LaPorte with 30.47%, Porter with 30.09%, Newton with 27.41%, St. Joseph with 24.58%, Jasper with 23.08% and Starke County with 20.95%.

Indiana State Police say Wednesday there was one fatality after a Freightliner crash on I-94 in LaPorte County. A trooper was dispatched around 2:24 a.m., to a single vehicle crash located on I-94 eastbound at the 44.9 mile-marker. Initial investigation by the trooper showed that the vehicle, a 2020 Freightliner tractor pulling one trailer, had left the lanes of travel and struck the outside guardrail. After striking the guardrail, the vehicle then drove off the shoulder and into the right ditch where the vehicle came to a stop. The driver of the semi, 59 year-old Daniel Ray Clark, of Marshall,