Local News

Eighty rural and volunteer fire departments from 50 counties around the State of Indiana have been awarded more than $351,000 in Volunteer Fire Assistance grants. The awards will be used for training, installation of dry hydrants, or to purchase necessary firefighting equipment and gear to combat wildland fires. The grants are administered by the DNR Division of Forestry and made available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. Recipients were selected based on population density, acres of public lands protected, and wildland fire reporting to DNR Fire Control Headquarters. An emphasis was given to projects that involved fighting wildfires.

The Michigan City Police Department announced Tuesday that Corporal Kay Pliske was selected by the Michigan City Exchange Club as Officer of the Year. The department said Pliske was nominated by Captain Urbanczyk for "her great work ethic, commitment, compassion, and dedication not only to everyone she works with but also with the community."  The Michigan City Police Department stated that Pliske “has been a stronghold with the Michigan City Police Department for 22 years and has impacted many lives over the course of her career.”  

Several area police departments are taking part in Prescription Drug Take Back Day this Saturday. Indiana State Police: On Saturday, Oct. 29, the Indiana State Police will be participating in a nationwide initiative headed by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on the 23nd “Prescription Drug Take Back Day.” The “Take Back” initiative seeks to prevent increased pill abuse and theft. Collection sites will be set up nationwide for expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs for destruction. Police say “This service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.” Liquid and pill medications will be accepted. Syringes will not be accepted.  

The Portage Streets and Sanitation will be painting center lines in several areas this week weather permitting. Areas being painted are Dombey Road from Central Avenue to U.S. 20, Airport Road from Central Avenue to Robbins Road and Swanson Road from Central Avenue to U.S. 20. The department is asking the public to use extreme caution when traveling in these areas.  

The Michigan City Police Department announced Monday on its Facebook page that Officer Dion Campbell has retired.  The Michigan City Police Department posted the following statement:  “Thank you Officer Dion Campbell!!! “The Michigan City Police Department family would like to congratulate Officer Dion Campbell his retirement from the Michigan City Police Department.  Officer Campbell was hired on September 20th, 1999, and served the citizens of Michigan City for 23 years with highest level of pride, compassion, and dedication.  During his 23 years of service Officer Campbell was awarded 1 Exceptional Service Star, 20-Year Award, 5 Letters of Commendation, was nominated

The Unity Foundation of La Porte County is recognizing eight local high school seniors as La Porte County finalists for the prestigious Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship. Two of the finalists will be selected as 2023 Lilly Endowment Community Scholars. They will receive a full-tuition scholarship to pursue a baccalaureate degree at any accredited public or private Indiana college or university and an annual $900 book stipend. The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program has provided approximately $5 million in tuition and book stipends to 70 La Porte County students since 1998. “Recognizing an outstanding group of students each year is a

Franciscan Health Foundation board members raised more than $19,400 for the Prenatal Assistance Program in Michigan City at a recent reception aimed at matching an anonymous $15,000 contribution. “This combined educational and fundraising reception was completely the idea of two of our incredible Foundation Board members who toured our Prenatal Assistance space this summer and were moved to raise awareness of and funds for the program,” said Franciscan Health Foundation Director of Development Debbie Tatum. “We can’t thank them enough for hosting this amazing event.” Franciscan Health Foundation Board members Kelly Shikany and Jennifer Hogberg hosted the fundraising reception Oct.

PORTER COUNTY, Ind. – An Illinois man died in a crash on I-94 Saturday morning, according to Indiana State Police. At around 6:45 a.m., an Indiana State Police trooper was dispatched to a crash on I-94 at the 17.6 mile-marker.  Preliminary investigation revealed that a 2011 Cadillac STS, driven by 31-year-old Carlos D. Robinson of Chicago Heights, IL, was reportedly driving westbound on the right shoulder, while passing another vehicle, when it struck a parked semi.  The semi was broken down due to a mechanical issue, police say.  The Cadillac struck the rear of the trailer at a high rate

One person was hurt after being struck by gunfire at Washington Park Lot 1 in Michigan City early Sunday.  Dispatch Center received a call at 04:26 a.m. that a vehicle had been struck by gunfire at Washington Park Lot 1. The caller reported their vehicle was struck by gunfire. Officers met with the driver at the police department and noticed their vehicle was struck by gunfire. Officers interviewed the driver and occupants of the vehicle to gather additional information. An officer was then dispatched to Franciscan Health Michigan City Hospital a short time later for a person who had been

Valparaiso City Services will begin leaf pick-up on Monday, Oct. 24 and will continue through Dec. 2.  The city is reminding residents that they are to place only leaves in their pile. For more reminders and the interactive map of pick-up progress see the City of Valparaiso website.   

The Portage Streets and Sanitation Department announced the CSX railroad crossing will be closed at McCool Road between Bush Avenue and Bruce Avenue starting Monday Oct. 24 for five days. Detours for vehicle traffic will be posted. The department is asking the public to plan their travels accordingly.

The Lake County Sheriff's Department has issued a fraud alert for a phone scam involving fraudsters claiming there is an active warrant out to the person who answers the phone. The sheriff’s office said they became aware that unknown subjects may have been attempting to rob local residents using a new twist to a warrant scam. People have reported that when the fraudsters call on the phone, the sound of a police radio or scanner traffic can be heard in the background in an effort to make the call seem legitimate, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. The scammers

The Michigan City Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) announced Cara Jones as the Ambassador of the Quarter for the Third Quarter of 2022.   “You are never too small to make a difference” stated Jones.  “It is a quote from Greta Thunberg on which I try to live my life.”   The Ambassador of the Quarter is given to an individual who has shown dedication to the mission of the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce by regularly attending Chamber events, connecting with members through emails, calls, and in person meetings, and referring non-members for membership.   As an Ambassador, Jones helps to promote the

The Indiana Department of Transportation is alerting motorists that there will be several ramp closures over the next two weeks at several I-65 interchanges. The schedule is weather dependent and subject to change but is currently as follows: - The ramp from eastbound U.S. 30 to northbound I-65 will be closed for approximately 2 weeks after 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21. - The ramp from eastbound 61st Ave to northbound I-65 will be closed for approximately 2 weeks after 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21. - The ramp from northbound I-65 to 61st Avenue will be closed after 8 p.m. on

The Porter County Coroner's Office is asking for the public's assistance in finding the next of kin for 73 year old Cheri Emeringer. Emeringer is described as having gray hair and brown eyes. Her last known address was Madison Street in Valparaiso. Porter County Government said on its Facebook page that a possible grandson's name is Gage Tomaszewski from Georgia. Anyone with information that could be of help, is asked to contact the coroner's office at (219) 548-0208.

The Indiana Department of Transportation is alerting motorists who use I-94 during overnight hours in La Porte County to be aware of a short term restriction Saturday night into Sunday morning. The right lane and shoulder of I-94 will be closed with traffic shifted to the left between U.S. 421 and U.S. 20 from approximately 9 p.m. on Saturday through 6 a.m. Sunday. The restriction is for road repairs.

The Michigan City Civil Service Commission promoted five Michigan City police officers due to the recent retirement of Sergeant Darren Kaplan and other vacancies.   Both ranks became available and filled due to the retirement of Sergeant Darren Kaplan: Corporal Hood was promoted to the rank of Sergeant.  Sergeant Hood is a 12 – year veteran and is currently assigned to the Detective Bureau. Officer Aaron Bass was promoted to the rank of Corporal.  Corporal Bass is a 12 – year veteran and is currently assigned to Uniform Patrol Shift 1.   All three ranks became available due to recent vacancies within

Franciscan Physician Network is welcoming a board-certified family medicine doctor to its La Porte location. Victor Benavides, M.D., a board-certified family medicine doctor, has joined the Franciscan Physician Network at the LaPorte Health Center in La Porte. Dr. Benavides received his training at the Universidad de Montemorelos in Nuevo Leon, Mexico. His residency was at Mayaguez Medical Center in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. His clinical interests include adult medicine, hypertension, diabetes and preventative medicine. Benavides is fluent in Spanish. He is accepting new patients at the LaPorte Health Center, 9001 I Street in La Porte. For more information or to schedule

The La Porte High School Students in Mary Beth Lebo’s art class painted Salvation Army kettles and unveiled their masterpieces this week. Family and Community Engagement Coordinator, Mario Rosa, partnered with the Salvation Army and presented the project to Mrs. Lebo. The school says the kettles will be used this holiday season to provide much needed assistance to members of the La Porte community.

The Indiana Department of Transportation has announced lane restrictions for I-94 in La Porte County.  Eastbound and westbound I-94 will be reduced to two lanes to the east and west of U.S.  421 on or after Thursday for a pavement patching project. Approximately 4 miles of roadway will be impacted, and work will be ongoing through the end of November. Traffic will be shifted to the left inside lanes during phase one and to the right outside lanes during phase two.