Local News

The City of La Porte Water Department will begin its biannual water system flushing this weekend, according to Water Superintendent Tim Werner. Beginning Sunday, May 9 and continuing for the next three to four weeks, crews will be out to flush fire hydrants throughout the community Sunday through Friday between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. Werner said this process is critical to maintaining the city’s water quality and infrastructure. “Hydrant flushing is a very important process in maintaining our current water infrastructure," Werner said. "Though it can be a bit of an inconvenience to residents, it is critical to ensure

The Salvation Army of Michigan City will mark National Salvation Army Week by turning the spotlight onto the many volunteers who support the work of the non-profit throughout the year. The public is welcome to attend a Volunteer Appreciation Ice Cream Social at The Salvation Army of Michigan City, 1201 S. Franklin Street, on Thursday, May 13. “Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we chose to make this an open-house style event,” said Major Dale Simmons of The Salvation Army. In past years, The Salvation Army of Michigan City would host an annual luncheon to thank volunteers, sponsors and donors, Simmons said.

Effective Saturday, May 8, 2021: Beginning with westbound Train 600 on Saturday, all South Shore Line passengers utilizing Millennium Station will temporarily board/detrain at the Metra Depot (Tracks 5 and 6), located northwest of the SSL platform. During this time, Metra will be performing work in the SSL depot. Work is expected to last until late afternoon, at which time passengers may return to utilizing the SSL platform. An update will be sent when work is complete.

Grethe Hystad, assistant professor of Statistics at Purdue University Northwest (PNW), has been selected as the recipient of the 2021 Felix Chayes Prize for Excellence in Research in Mathematical Petrology. The prize, awarded by the International Association for Mathematical Geosciences, is presented to recipients of exceptional potential, proven research ability, and for outstanding contributions to statistical petrology or related applications of mathematics or informatics. "I am honored to have received the 2021 Felix Chayes Prize," Hystad said. "I am very grateful to my collaborator, the mineralogist, Dr. Robert Hazen at the Earth and Planets Laboratory at the Carnegie Institution for

On Wednesday, May 5th, at approximately 10:30 a.m., Senior Trooper Potesta stopped a black 2008 Ford Explorer for a moving violation on I-94 westbound near the 28 mile-marker in Porter County.  This is 2 miles east of the S.R. 49 exit to Chesterton.  The driver was identified as Kyle T. Wright, 29, from Indianapolis, IN.  During the traffic stop, Trooper Potesta learned that Mr. Wright was wanted on an outstanding felony warrant issued through Marion County.  Trooper Potesta attempted to place Mr. Wright under arrest and placed a handcuff on Mr. Wright’s wrist when Mr. Wright resisted, resulting in a

The Indiana State Board of Education today approved or renewed several new and existing educator preparation programs. “We’re committed to working hand-in-hand with higher education, business and industry partners to continue strengthening Indiana’s teacher pipeline,” said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education and Board chair. “The success of these programs is critical to preparing future graduates as we strive to attract and retain the best and brightest to this purposeful, difference-making profession.”  The full list of educator preparation programs, available here, includes 10 new programs and two program renewals. The Board also approved flexibility waivers for North Newton School Corporation in Newton County and

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) will host its spring commencement ceremonies in-person and outdoors, with appropriate health and safety protocols, on Saturday, May 15. A total of 1,082 candidates are eligible to receive degrees during the two commencement ceremonies, including one doctorate degree candidate, 141 graduate degree recipients and 940 earning undergraduate degrees. Purdue Northwest will hold ceremonies on its Hammond campus on May 15 in the area south of the Nils K. Nelson Bioscience Innovation Building, 2229 173rd Street. In case of inclement weather, the rain date is May 16. Graduates in the College of Nursing and College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences

The Indiana DNR Division of Law Enforcement is looking for highly motivated, outdoor-centered individuals to fill Indiana Conservation Officer (ICO) positions across the state. Anyone interested should first read “Become a Conservation Officer” at on.IN.gov/dnrlaw and complete the pre-screening test under the “Apply” link on that website. Successful completion of the pre-screening test is required to receive an application for the hiring process. To maximize the time needed for DNR Law Enforcement to complete the process, the pre-screening test needs to be submitted by midnight June 3. To be qualified to pass the pre-screening test, you must be a United States citizen

The Indiana Department of Health announced today that more than 2 million Hoosiers are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19.   As of today, a total of 4,395,106 doses have been administered in Indiana. This includes 2,389,057 first doses and 2,006,049 individuals who are fully vaccinated. The fully vaccinated number represents individuals who have received a second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines and those who received the single Johnson & Johnson vaccine.   “Doubling the number of Hoosiers who are fully protected from COVID-19 in just over two months is a reason to celebrate, but we need to continue

 The committee of local business leaders that organizes the NWIBRT Hard Hat Charity Golf Outing is currently seeking suggestions for charities that will receive donations after this year’s event. The outing will be taking place on Friday, September 17, 2021 at the White Hawk Country Club in Crown Point, IN. “NWIBRT is very proud to support other community organizations through our fundraising events, and we’d be glad to get the public’s input about charitable organizations that we should consider supporting with our donations,” said Ryan Reithel, committee chairman. Those interested in sending their suggestion to golf committee officials can do

A new physician specializing in Family Medicine is the most recent addition to Northwest Medical Group, the multi-specialty physician group affiliated with Northwest Health. Dr. Alex Alvarez, who had been practicing at Northwest Health Urgent Care, is now accepting new patients at the Northwest Medical Group – Primary Care location at 401 NewPorte Boulevard in La Porte. Alex Alvarez M.D. Family Medicine Northwest Medical Group – Primary Care 401 NewPorte Boulevard La Porte, IN 46350 219-326-1775 Dr. Alvarez specializes in preventing, diagnosing and treating conditions and diseases in adults and children with the goal of helping them live a healthy

The Indiana Department of Labor’s Bureau of Youth Employment announced today that Hoosier employers must adhere to new requirements regarding minor employees younger than 18 years old, beginning July 1, 2021. The announcement comes just weeks before the school year ends, and the biggest youth-employment season begins. The new requirements will eliminate the need for work permits and replace them with a new employer registration platform known as the Youth Employment System, or YES. “Schools will no longer be responsible for issuing work permits, or tracking and registering minor employees,” said State Labor Commissioner Joe Hoage. “That latter responsibility will

The Indiana Sheriffs’ Association (ISA) will be celebrating their 41st Annual ISA Youth Leadership Camp in June and July this year. There will be two camp sessions this year. The first session will be held June 28 – July 1 at Pine Creek Camp in Pine Village, Indiana (Warren County), serving the northern part of the state. The second session will be held July 6 – 8 serving the southern part of the state at Waycross Episcopal Camp in Morgantown, Indiana (Brown County). The ISA Youth Leadership Camp is a program for boys and girls who are currently in the

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) has launched a virtual tour to give potential Purdue Northwest students and their families a new opportunity to see all that the university has to offer. “This past year has limited the opportunity for prospective students and their families to visit Purdue Northwest, but campus visits are an important part of the college search process,” said Yohlunda Mosley, PNW vice chancellor for enrollment management and student affairs. “We encourage students who are interested in learning more about PNW to take advantage of this resource and begin exploring how the university fits into the next phase of

The Indiana Department of Transportation announces lane closures for U.S. 41 near 157th Ave beginning Tuesday, May 11. There will be alternating lane closures in the area through late July, 2021 to replace a culvert. A culvert is a structure that allows water to flow under a road, railroad, trail, or similar obstruction from one side to the other. INDOT urges drivers to stay alert near crews and follow traffic directions carefully. Drivers are encouraged to allow extra time when driving through this area. Drivers should slow down, use extra caution and drive distraction-free through all work zones.

Community Partners will host two free provider fairs featuring local social service and community providers in May. Community Partners, a family service program of Geminus, finds agencies, professionals, support groups and assistance programs that keep families healthy, happy and together. These programs include job counseling, parenting classes, and advice on how to make use of community services. “With all of the new and continuing challenges parents and children are facing, we hope to connect Northwest Indiana families to free community social services and affordable local providers,”said Nicholas Neal, director of program development at Geminus Corporation. Attendees will engage with professionals

If residents have not yet begun their spring cleaning, now is the time, according to La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody. Monday, May 10 through Friday, May 14, city residents will be able to discard of their large and heavy trash through the city's Spring Clean Up. Dermody said this service plays a significant role in improving the community. "Our goal from day one has been to clean up La Porte," Dermody said. "This service gives residents a chance to get rid of heavy trash and unwanted household items and keeps them from cluttering city dumpsters and streets. We hope many

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) has launched a virtual tour to give potential Purdue Northwest students and their families a new opportunity to see all that the university has to offer. “This past year has limited the opportunity for prospective students and their families to visit Purdue Northwest, but campus visits are an important part of the college search process,” said Yohlunda Mosley, PNW vice chancellor for enrollment management and student affairs. “We encourage students who are interested in learning more about PNW to take advantage of this resource and begin exploring how the university fits into the next phase of

The La Porte County Drug Task Force (LCDTF) announces the arrest of an individual on gun and drug charges. Omar T. GLOVER Jr., 21, of Michigan City, was arrested by Michigan City Police on Tuesday (April 27th) after a foot chase. On this particular evening, Detectives from the LaPorte County Drug Task Force and Officers from the MCPD Patrol Division were working a Violent Crimes Reduction (VCR) Initiative. The Violence Crimes Reduction Initiative was instituted in 2021 by Chief Dion Campbell in response to the high number of shooting events in and around the Michigan City area. While working this

It’s that time of year again to find the best bargains in Amish Country. The Shipshewana Auction & Flea Market will kick of the 2021 season on Tuesday, May 4th.   Shipshewana Flea Market boasts nearly 700 spaces of vendors selling their wares on 40 acres.   “There’s so much to do here,” said Market Director Michael Christner. “You can come to the flea market and spend the day shopping; you can bid at the Antique Auction and you can explore the town.”   Last season, the market had a delayed start to be sure safety measures were in place