Local News

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) has recognized Northwest Health – Porter for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients receiving transcatheter valve repair and replacement (TAVR) procedures. Northwest Health – Porter is the first hospital in Northern Indiana awarded Transcatheter Valve Certification and one of only three hospitals in the state to earn this honor. The hospital received this certification In July based on evaluation of the staff’s ability to meet standards for multidisciplinary teams, formalized training, shared decision-making and registry performance. The ACC’s Transcatheter Valve Certification is an external review and certification process that pairs with established national clinical databases to monitor

Aerospace engine manufacturing giant Rolls-Royce will expand its already large footprint at Purdue, thanks to a new commitment among the university, the Purdue Research Foundation and the company. The enhanced partnership, announced Monday (Aug. 2), calls for Rolls-Royce to further expand its facilities in the Purdue Aerospace District, which is adjacent to the university. The new test facilities will be used to develop high-altitude and hybrid-electric engines to power the next generation of U.S. military aircraft. Rolls-Royce West Lafayette will be developed through a multimillion-dollar investment from the research foundation, Purdue University and Rolls-Royce North America. The partnership is a major

The Michigan City Area Schools Board of School Trustees recently approved the district’s COVID Response Plan for the 2021-22 school year.  The school district says based on new guidance from the CDC, face masks will be required for all individuals at schools and on school buses, including students, staff, and visitors. This is regardless of vaccination status. Masks will not be required for school activities taking place outdoors. When MCAS is made aware of a confirmed positive case at school, they will notify any close contacts. However, based on guidance from the Indiana State Department of Health, individuals wearing masks

Effective Monday, Aug. 2, face masks will again be required in all indoor spaces for everyone on the Purdue University campus, including students, employees and visitors, regardless of vaccination status. “We have a shared duty, part of the Protect Purdue Pledge, not only to preserve a manageable level of infection on campus so that we don’t have to suspend operations and interrupt our students’ education, but also to protect our surrounding community by doing everything we can to lessen the stress on local health care infrastructure, especially hospital capacity,” said Dr. Esteban Ramirez, chief medical officer of the Protect Purdue Health Center. On Tuesday,

The La Porte Police are investigating a suspicious death that reportedly occurred at the Maple Tree Apartment Complex located on W. 18th Street. A person of interest was detained pending further investigation. Police say at this time there is no immediate danger to the public. Due to the ongoing investigation, no further details were released.

Obstetrician and gynecologist Kirthika Vijayakumar, DO, is welcoming new patients at Franciscan Physician Network Family Wellness Center in Munster. Dr. Vijayakumar received her training at Midwestern University-Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine in Downers Grove, Ill. Her residency was at Advocate Illinois Masonic Hospital in Chicago. Her clinical interests include minimally invasive surgery, routine obstetrical and prenatal care and gynecological office-based procedures. Franciscan Physician Network Family Wellness Center is located at 9800 Valparaiso Drive in Munster. In-person or virtual visits are available. For more information or to make an appointment, call (219) 934-9818.

Multiple dead fish were observed at Stiebel Pond in Michigan Thursday. Just before 1p.m. Thursday,  the Michigan City Sanitary District (MCSD)  received a  report of dead waterfowl in Striebel Pond. The pond is a stormwater control facility owned and operated by the MCSD. The MCSD immediately responded and observed what appeared to be dead waterfowl far from the shore. After closer inspection, the dead animals were determined to be carp. The MCSD contacted the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, the DNR and the US Fish and Wildlife Service to report  its observations.   As of Thursday the City of Michigan City

Unity Foundation of La Porte County is pleased to announce the addition of Laura Francesconi, Stephanie Oberlie, Dale Parkison and Seth Spencer to its Board of Directors.    Laura Francesconi recently retired from Meridian Title Corporation where she served as Senior Vice President and Director of Corporate Development. Francesconi is the Chair of the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership GLEDC Board and serves on the Women’s Care Center Advisory Board and the La Porte County Sheriff’s Merit Commission Board. On joining the Unity Board Francesconi said, “I am honored to be a part of something so impactful in our community.”    Stephanie Oberlie is the President & Chief Operating Officer of

Northwest Medical Group has welcomed four new physicians to Northwest Indiana. They include Hematologist Oncologist Dr. Yaseen Alkaddoumi, General Surgeon Dr. Taylor Coleman, Internal Medicine Physician Dr. Anne Hollingsworth and Urologist Dr. Subba Rao Nagubadi. Alkaddoumi and Coleman are at the Valparaiso location. Hollingsworth is at the Michigan City location and Nagubadi is at the La Porte location. 

A beach hazards statement is in effect for our area. Life-threatening waves and currents are expected tonight into Friday evening. These water level fluctuations will increase the likelihood of dangerous current development, even during periods of low wave heights. Wave heights will be greater during or in the vicinity of thunderstorm activity. Life-threatening rip and structural currents can pull swimmers into deeper water. High waves can sweep people off piers. 

The La Porte County Symphony Orchestra was recently awarded an Operation Round Up Grant from the Kankakee Valley REMC to support the 33rd Annual Drayton Family Children’s Educational Concerts to be held Wednesday, October 13 , at the Civic Auditorium, 1001 Ridge St., La Porte. Ed Marks , a board member with Kankakee Valley REMC Operation Round Up, presented the check to La Porte County Symphony Orchestra Interim Music Director Chuck Stuck , and Executive Director Tim King. Kankakee Valley REMC Operation Round Up joins Healthcare Foundation of La Porte, Michigan City Community Enrichment Corporation, Psi Iota Xi La Porte Chapter, Walmart # 2276 and Kappa Kappa Kappa Westville Chapter in supporting the Children’s Educational Concerts

Board-certified internal medicine physician James Pickford, MD, is welcoming new patients at Franciscan Physician Network 400 North Health Center, after previously practicing at Franciscan ExpressCare in Portage. Dr. Pickford received his training at Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis and had his residency in internal medicine at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago. His clinical interests include congestive heart failure, hypertension, diabetes care, primary care, longitudinal care management and patient-centered, holistic plan focused on disease prevention. Franciscan Physician Network 400 North Health Center is located at 8733 W. 400 North in Michigan City. In-person or virtual visits are available. For

The Indiana Sheriffs’ Association and La Porte County Sheriff’s Office are proud to announce that La Porte County student, Logan NOTARO, was recently awarded a scholarship from the Indiana Sheriffs’ Association. He was one of 39 students from throughout the State of Indiana who were selected to receive the scholarship from the Sheriffs’ Association. It was recently presented to him at the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office by Sheriff John Boyd. Logan NOTARO is an incoming sophomore at Purdue University majoring in Law and Society. In addition, he is a member of the Army Reserve Officer Training Corp (ROTC). He

Following the retirement of longtime pediatrician Clark Kramer, MD, Franciscan Physician Network has closed the clinic at 300 W. 80th Place in Merrillville. In conjunction with this change, nurse practitioner Kimberly Lichtenfeld, NP-C, is now seeing patients at Franciscan Physician Network Winfield Health Center, 11161 Randolph St.; and infectious disease physician Suk Chul Kim, MD, has moved to Franciscan Physician Network Crown Point Internal Medicine and Specialty Center, in the Burrell Professional Building, 1205 S. Main St., Suite 201. Nurse Practitioner Lichtenfeld received her Master of Science in Nursing at Purdue University Northwest. Her clinical interests include obesity and nutrition, pediatric

 The Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest has opened nominations for the 2021 Innovators Awards. In addition to inducting Individual and eam Honorees into the Society, three unique awards will be considered: Richard C. Sussman Prize for Team Innovation, Society of Innovators Fellows, and the John H. Davies Lifetime Achievement Award. “The last 18 months have been a time of mass disruption. One silver lining during this period has been the realization that innovation can occur anywhere and across all sectors. We have seen creative problem-solving in every facet of life which illustrates that disruption can create the opportunity to

 A location that has provided healthcare to the community since 1904 began a new chapter on July 22 with the blessing and dedication of Franciscan Health Michigan City’s repurposed Homer Street campus. Franciscan Health Michigan City Behavioral Health, a 14-bed unit, will relocate from the current hospital and open for operations later this summer. In the fall, Prenatal Assistance and Senior Health & Wellness (PACE) will begin operations. Franciscan Health Michigan City President and CEO Dean Mazzoni said Thursday’s dedication represents the culmination of planning, discussions and work that began in 2016, when Franciscan Health, city leaders and the local

The Dunes Arts Foundation and Friendship Botanic Gardens have teamed up to host “Cabaret at the Gardens Benefit” on Friday, July 30 and Saturday, July 31, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Central in The Gardens, 2055 E. Highway 12 in Michigan City. Guests are invited to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets; however, there will be chairs on site for use. Refreshments will also be available for purchase on site, cash or credit card.* Tickets are $40, with free admission for those under 18, accompanied by an adult.** The special musical evening, performed at The Gardens’ Celebration Pavilion, will