Local News

The Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Department announced that,  “An incredible charter member and founder Robert “Bob” Esserman, 94, passed away peacefully in his Florida home where he spent the last few years of his life.” Esserman was one of 11 founding members of Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Department and was instrumental in the fire service in Liberty Township and across the State, the department said. Esserman served the highest rank of Assistant Fire Chief for some years, Inspector, Investigator, as well as an instructor. “Esserman was passionate about teaching LP gas and taught at fire schools across the State and

The Michigan City High School (MCHS) Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC) continues to support Michigan City Area Schools (MCAS) and community events. The cadets led the Michigan City Festival of Lights parade on Dec. 3, culminating by the lighting of the city Christmas tree in front of the Michigan City Library.  One of the largest MCAS events of the year, the One City One Sound Christmas concert on Dec. 8, was supported by the cadets by helping to transform the MCHS gym into a concert hall. Cadets helped park cars of parents, friends and relatives of students

Twenty-one students in the Automotive Technology program at the A.K. Smith Career Center are wrapping up their first semester of this school year with a combined total of 64 certifications through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Steve Barnes, instructor for the Automotive Technology program, said this sets a new record for his students. Typically, about half of the students enrolled in the program receive ASE certificates, he said. With 38 students this year, Barnes was pleased with the number of students who passed these tests – some earning as many as eight certifications already this year. Adam

Unity Foundation is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2023 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for La Porte County—Kayla Campbell and Paloma Valdes. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are known for their community involvement, academic achievement, character and leadership. Kayla Campbell, a Michigan City High School Senior, has demonstrated outstanding leadership in her school and community through participation in a variety of extracurricular and volunteer activities including: American Legion Auxiliary Hoosier Girls State, Helping Hands Club, Student Council, Teen Arts Council, Trio and more. Campbell wants to ignite and inspire youth, and use her future career platform as a broadcast journalist

Lake Hills Elementary guidance counselor Renee Hall was honored Thursday with the Michigan City Education Award. On an annual basis the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce solicits nominations from local schools, teachers, and community members for its Michigan City Education Award. This year that process began in October and after a review of all nominations the selection committee chose to honor Renee Hall with this year’s award. Presented by Comcast Business, this annual community award recognizes educators or educational programs that have made a significant impact in our community over the last year. “A great teacher can change your life,”

The La Porte County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) is increasing patrols as part of the Safe Family Travel holiday enforcement campaign. Starting this week, deputies will be out in greater numbers showing zero tolerance for anyone driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The LCSO joins more than 200 participating law enforcement agencies in the campaign, which runs through January 1 of next year. While deputies will be targeting impaired drivers, they will also be on high alert for seat belt violations and other forms of unsafe driving. The goal is to help ensure people make it to and from

The State of Indiana has named the City of South Bend as the state’s 75th Broadband Ready Community. At a press conference Wednesday, representatives from IBO and the Indiana Office of Rural Affairs (OCRA) celebrated the accomplishment. The Broadband Ready Communities Program was created to encourage broadband development throughout the state. The certification sends a signal to the telecommunication industry that a community has taken steps to reduce barriers to broadband infrastructure investment. “We are encouraged that communities across the state are taking the steps to become more connected and enhance their quality of life by becoming Broadband Certified,” Lt.

Michigan City Chief of Police Steven Forker, Asst. Chief Marty Corley, and Asst. Chief Dave Cooney took time at Wednesday’s Police Civil Service Commission meeting to honor and recognize several Michigan City Police Department Officers with awards related to exceptional work that has been produced over the last month. Each of the officers that received an award were nominated by their fellow officers or supervisors. “The actions of each of these officers that received awards reflects the dedication, hard work and compassion that the Michigan City Police Department has for the citizens of Michigan City,” MCPD stated on their Facebook. 

Healthcare Foundation of La Porte (HFL) has announced changes in its board leadership. HFL is a nonprofit, independent, private foundation dedicated to empowering La Porte County residents to live healthy and well. Founded in 2016, HFL’s Board of Directors is comprised of 11 community members, who bring their varied expertise and skills to guide HFL’s mission. HFL has invested more than $36 million in health and wellness projects and programs in the La Porte County community since 2017. During the foundation’s holiday celebration event, Kathleen Lang was recognized and celebrated by the HFL Board of Directors and staff for her

The Indiana DNR is holding two public meetings in January to discuss the current Lake Michigan Chinook salmon stocking plan. The first meeting will be held on Friday, Jan. 6 at 7 p.m. at the Michigan City Fish and Game Club, at 3091 E Michigan Blvd. in Trail Creek. The second is Saturday, Jan. 7 at 10 a.m. at the Indiana Harbor Yacht Club, 3301 Aldis Ave., in East Chicago. Indiana DNR recently announced that 275,000 Chinook salmon will be stocked in Lake Michigan annually starting in 2023, an increase from 225,000. During the meetings, Indiana DNR will also announce

The South Shore Line announced that all eastbound weekend trips will be free on Saturday, Dec. 17, and Sunday, Dec. 18. Passengers should board weekend eastbound trains with no ticket purchase necessary Dec. 17-18. The SSL is asking riders to not activate mobile tickets for eastbound weekend trips. Passengers will be responsible for paying all applicable fares on weekend westbound trips on these days. Temporary busing to stations between Gary and Michigan City remains in effect. Click here for more information.

Andrew McIntyre will become Valparaiso’s next Chief of Police, announced Valparaiso Mayor Matt Murphy. “I’m pleased to have someone of Andrew McIntyre’s qualifications, experience and character to lead our Police Department. Public safety is top priority in Valparaiso and we’re confident that Andrew will uphold and advance the standards that have distinguished the Valparaiso Police Department,” said Murphy. McIntyre joined the VPD in 2009 and has served in every sworn division, including investigations and patrol, currently serving as Captain of Investigations where he oversees the detective bureau, information and technology division, Porter County Multi-Enforcement Group detectives and school resource officers.

The Inspiration Wood Wellness Center in Pine Township was destroyed by fire Tuesday morning, the Town of Chesterton announced via a report from the Chesterton Fire Department. The CFD was one of nearly a dozen departments which assisted the Pines FD at the scene, located at 642 Inspiration Road, according to a Facebook posting from the Town of Chesterton. The fire was discovered at 9:29 a.m. by an aircraft pilot checking pipeline for Enbridge Inc., who saw “flames and smoke showing” and on circling the scene reported that the building appeared to be unoccupied, CFD Chief Eric Camel said. The

Valentin Drezaliu, MD, a board-certified obstetrics and gynecology physician, has joined the Franciscan Physician Network in Michigan City and is accepting new patients. Dr. Drezaliu completed his training at Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest, Romania. His residency in obstetrics and gynecology was at Carilion Clinic in Roanoke, Va. His clinical interests are high-risk obstetrics, urogyn surgery, robotic surgery, healthy living and preventative medicine. Dr. Drezaliu also speaks Romanian and Spanish. The Franciscan Medical Pavilion is located at 3500 Franciscan Way, Suite 3C in Michigan City. For more information or to make an appointment, call (219) 861-8785.

Michigan City Police are investigating a report of a bank robbery that was found to be false. On Monday at around 4:30 p.m. officers were dispatched to Horizon Bank at 3631 Franklin Street for an armed robbery. Police converged to the location and were on scene in less than a minute. Officers set up a perimeter and made entry into the bank. Bank employees told police that “there was no robbery or anything of the sorts.” Officers on scene relayed the information that there was no robbery and started to investigate the false report. The incident is under investigation. The

The City of La Porte was recently honored for its efforts to make bicycling throughout the community safer and easier, according to Assistant City Planner David Heinold. The League of American Bicyclists designated La Porte as a Bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community. Heinold said this recognition is a testament to the city’s commitment to offer resources that benefit residents of all ages and abilities while encouraging healthier and more sustainable transportation choices. “The City of La Porte strives to create a welcoming environment for all people where bicycling is a major part of living an active and healthy lifestyle,” Heinold said.

Purdue University Northwest (PNW)  has announced that Rachel Clapp-Smith will serve as the Teddy Jacobi Dean of the College of Business, effective Jan. 3, 2023. Clapp-Smith was selected through a national search process. Clapp-Smith has served as interim dean of the PNW College of Business since February 2022. She oversees academic programs, faculty and operations in Managerial Studies, Quantitative Business Studies, the White Lodging School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, the White Lodging Professional Selling Center, the Center for Business and Economic Development, and hosts the Northwest Indiana Small Business Development Center. “Dr. Clapp-Smith is a recognized authority in leadership

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana health and hospital officials are encouraging eligible Hoosiers to get vaccinated against influenza (flu) as soon as possible, as high levels of transmission are significantly impacting hospitals across the state. As of the week ending Dec. 3, Indiana has recorded 24 influenza deaths this season. In addition, the state’s first pediatric flu death of the season was recorded last week and will be reflected on the flu report posted on Dec. 16. No additional information about the patient will be released due to privacy laws. “Like many states, Indiana is experiencing very high levels of flu activity right

Michigan City Area Schools students collected more than 3.5 tons of nonperishable food items during their district-wide food drive for The Salvation Army food pantry. In addition 917 books for Operation Bookworm. Knapp Elementary School took home the giant trophy again this year. Knapp collected 2,621 pounds of food, almost 7 pounds per student. Marsh, Coolspring, Krueger, MCHS, and Springfield all collected more than 1 pound per student. Coolspring Elementary School collected the most books for Operation Bookworm and will receive service hours from the MCHS National Honor Society as a prize. The MCHS Student Council organized the drive.

In Valparaiso, a portion of Washington Street will be closed for NIPSCO work to replace decorative light poles. The closure will include Washington Street from Monroe Street south to West Street on Dec. 14-15 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., weather permitting. Detours will be marked, and flaggers will be stationed at each end to allow local traffic to access the area.