Local News

When Franciscan Health and Beacon Health System collaborated on a new hospital in La Porte, Tonn and Blank Construction had the challenge of renovating and adding on to the existing Beacon Medical Group facility. That work was recognized as Project of the Year award at the annual award ceremony held in partnership between the Construction Advancement Foundation (CAF) and the Northwest Indiana Business Roundtable (NWIBR). The banquet, which celebrates the most outstanding achievements in construction and safety over the past year, was held on Thursday, Aug. 19, at Avalon Manor in Merrillville. “First and foremost, we want to thank the

To accommodate passengers attending University of Notre Dame 2021 home football games, the South Shore Line has announced train service, with South Bend Transpo offering free shuttle bus service between the South Bend International Airport and Notre Dame Stadium. Service for the Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin game at Soldier Field on Sept. 25 will be announced in the coming weeks.  Visit the South Shore Line website for additional information.

The heat continues as another heat advisory is in effect for portions of our area from 11a.m. to 7p.m. central time Thursday. This includes LaPorte, St. Joseph and Starke counties. Heat index values up to 103 expected.  Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur. Clouds with showers and storms may bring some relief from the heat and humidity Thursday. Hot temperatures and high humidities are expected Friday and Saturday with additional heat headlines possible.

Northwest Health has announced the addition of a new cardiovascular & thoracic surgeon to Northwest Medical Group. Izza Rezek, M.D., cardiothoracic surgeon, joins cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Walid Khabbaz in Northwest Medical Group at their location on the Northwest Health – Porter campus in Valparaiso. Northwest Health CEO, Ashley Dickinson explained, “With the addition of Dr. Rezek we can continue caring for the increasing number of patients needing cardiothoracic surgery in our region. The incidence of two conditions in particular, lung cancer and heart disease, seem to be increasing and we know if patients can be diagnosed early and receive surgery

The La Porte County Sheriff’s office announced the passing of retired K9 Jäger, a 10-year-old German Shepherd. From 2013-2021, Jäger served the citizens of La Porte County. Throughout his career, he was responsible for numerous drug seizures and apprehensions. Jäger participated in dozens of public demonstrations for various civic organizations and was a popular “pup” throughout La Porte County. The Sheriff’s Office stated, “During retirement, Jäger remained happy at home and was surrounded by many who loved him dearly, none more so greater than his handler, Deputy Andy Morse.”

Multiple heat advisories are in effect Wednesday until 8pm for. The National weather service of Northern Indiana says heat index values could be up to 103 degrees. Local counties under an advisory include LaPorte, Porter, Lake, St. Joseph, Starke, Berrien, Newton and Jasper.  Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur. The national weather service says to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Take extra precautions if you

Northwest Medical Group is spreading awareness of Kidney Stones and their risks. Northwest Medical Group says that if you feel a sharp pain in your back, side, lower abdomen, or groin, or have blood in your urine, you may have a kidney stone – a condition that is common and on the rise. Left untreated, kidney stones can cause serious complications in addition to severe pain. John Lynam, DO, FACOS a urologist with Northwest Medical Group, is making sure patients know timely treatment can prevent permanent damage. Kidney stones are hard, pebble-like pieces of material that form in one or

The Indiana Bankers Association has recognized 17 members of the Indiana banking community with Leaders in Banking Excellence awards, the Association’s highest honor. The awards ceremony took place Aug. 16 at the IBA Annual Convention in French Lick. Honorees represent both the classes of 2020 and 2021, since last year’s ceremony was delayed due to the pandemic. At the honors ceremony, presentations were made by dignitaries including: U.S. Sen. Mike Braun; Director Thomas C. Fite, Indiana Department of Financial Institutions; IBA Chairman Michael S. Zahn; and Amber R. Van Til, IBA president and CEO. Additionally, each honoree was invited to make comments, and each was presented

Following an extensive evaluation process of its academic standards, quality assurance and continuous improvement throughout the institution, Purdue University Northwest (PNW) has received formal notification of reaffirmation of accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Accreditation is the formal recognition that an educational institution meets or exceeds established educational standards. “Purdue University Northwest takes great pride in achieving full accreditation,” stated Kenneth C. Holford, PNW provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “The commitment of our faculty and staff to innovative education, applied research and community engagement provides our students with the highest quality education. This type of dedication to transforming

Firefighters were called to respond to Jackson Township just after 4:30 PM (CDT) last Friday, for a garage on fire attached to a house in the 200 East block of 1050 North in unincorporated Jackson Township of Porter County. Arriving responders were met with heavy flames coming from the garage and had already begun to spread into the residence. Due to the location of the fire located away from the street, relay pumping was set up from the street and supplied water up to the engine from a port-a-tank. Assistant Fire Chief Wineland, pulled additional resources striking a First Alarm,

Three (3) students from La Porte County received scholarships last week in honor of fallen La Porte County Sheriff’s Patrolman Neil Thompson. The students were presented with the scholarships at the La Porte County Sheriff’s Merit Board August meeting. Roziland McCoy (daughter of Marvin and Kimberly McCoy) and Ryin Ott (daughter of Al and Jamie Ott) are 2021 graduates of La Porte High School. Kaylee Smythe (daughter of Dallas and Tina Smythe) is a 2021 graduate of South Central High School. Roziland will be attending Purdue University - Northwest (PNW). She will be majoring in psychology. Ryin will be attending

Labor Day weekend is coming up, and the La Porte Police Department is warning residents against drinking and driving. The department is taking part in the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement mobilization to educate motorists about the dangers and consequences of impaired driving. Now until Sept. 6, officers will be increasing patrols showing zero tolerance for anyone caught driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The extra high - visibility enforcement is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) through the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI). “Driving under the influence can have severe and, in some cases, tragic consequences, so we’re asking everyone to plan ahead if they know they’ll be out celebrating,” said Chief Paul