Local News

La PORTE, IN – City of La Porte Park Superintendent Mark Schreiber and the Park Board today announced the hiring of Rhonda Ashcraft as the new director of the La Porte Civic Auditorium. A Ball State University alum with a Bachelor’s in sales and marketing, Ashcraft’s resume includes more than 20 years of managerial experience, most recently with BlueSky Restoration as their Business Development Manager. Before that, she oversaw the day-to-day operations, personnel and sales for Sterno Delivery. Schreiber said Ashcraft’s attention to detail and leadership skills make her a great fit for this role. “Between its catalogue of events and

MICHIGAN CITY, Indiana – After nearly five years of negotiations, amendments, and extensions, the Michigan City Redevelopment Commission (RDC) has voted to deny any further extensions of the SOLA development agreement and allow the agreement to expire as of December 31, 2025, should all remaining milestones not be met. The SOLA project, proposed for the former You Are Beautiful site, has been under an exclusive development agreement since 2020. Throughout that period, the City and RDC worked collaboratively and in good faith with the development team through multiple agreements and extensions in an effort to support the project’s advancement and

We are excited to announce the 4th Annual EDCMC Power Breakfast, taking place on March 25, 2026, from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM at the Blue Chip Casino, Hotel, Spa. This year’s theme, “Beyond the Station – The Power of TOD’s,” will feature valuable insights on Double Track, Transit Oriented District projects, and investment opportunities featuring Mayor Tom McDermott and Mayor Angie. This event brings together community leaders, business professionals, and stakeholders to discuss transformative projects shaping our region’s future. We invite you to partner with us as a sponsor and showcase your organization’s commitment to economic development and education. Your sponsorship serves as a fundraiser for

SOUTH BEND – Quervo Taylor, 26 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm announced Acting United States Attorney M. Scott Proctor. Taylor was sentenced to 82 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.   According to documents in the case, police attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a car that Taylor was driving. Taylor did not stop and led police on a high-speed chase through St. Joseph County. The chase lasted over 30

La PORTE, IN  The City of La Porte Fire Department announced earlier this week that Captain Zach Kanney will take over as the new Assistant Chief, according to Fire Chief Andy Snyder. Kanney will replace former Assistant Chief Kelly Burke, who recently stepped down from the position. An 18-year veteran of the department, Kanney has held the title of Captain for 3 years and has also served as training chief as well as a member of the dive team. With his experience and leadership skills, Snyder said he believes Kanney will do well in this new role. "For nearly two

Thomas Michael Zawacki, 71, of Michigan City, IN  passed away on November 27, 2025 Family and friends are invited to celebrate Tom’s life on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at the St. Joseph Young Men's Society, 2001 Franklin St., Michigan City, IN from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM. The Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, Michigan City is handling arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Hoosier Burn Camp, P.O. Box 233, Battle Ground , IN 47920, an organization close to Tom’s heart. To sign a guest book and leave condolences online visit our web site at www.otthaverstock.com.

Christmas Wizards coming to the La Porte Civic Auditorium this Friday   Bring your entire family to Christmas Wizards THIS FRIDAY at the Civic Auditorium! Enjoy this holiday tradition, with Balcony seats just $15 for adults and $10 for kids (ages 13 and under).   Christmas Wizards pays homage to the legendary Trans-Siberian Orchestra and more with a spectacular tribute show that will leave you in awe. Experience the power of their iconic music as talented musicians take the stage, bringing to life the enchanting melodies and electrifying energy that made the Trans-Siberian Orchestra famous.   Get your tickets today!

Gerald J. Lubiniecki, 83, of Michigan City, Indiana, passed away Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 4:45 p.m. at his home in Michigan City, Indiana. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, December 19, 2025, at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 1506 Washington Street, Michigan City, Indiana, with Rev. Walter Ciesla officiating. Private burial will follow in St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Michigan City, Indiana. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Friday at the church. The Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, 418 Washington Street, Michigan City, Indiana, is handling arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to St.

Station 801 PJ Breakfast on Christmas December 25th at the American Legion Post 451 in Michigan City. Family friendly, great food, and so much more. Check the flyer for details. #wims

Indianapolis- Last Wednesday, the Indiana State Police held a ceremony at the Indiana State Police Museum for eight new K-9 teams that successfully completed the 16th Indiana State Police K-9 Training School. Trooper Nicholas Isajczuk and K-9, Caezar, and Trooper Justin Baumeister and his K-9, Ramze, were among those graduates. Both of the dogs are 15-month-old Belgian Malinois. They will be assigned to the Lowell Post. The troopers and their partners successfully completed the 12-week school with over 480 hours of instruction to include obedience, tracking, locating articles of evidence, apprehension, building searches, narcotics detection, and handler protection.

The La Porte County Sheriff’s Office is investigating several incidents along U.S. 421 where vehicles were purposely damaged on Saturday, December 13. The LCSO says between 2:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., a total of seven vehicles were damaged.  Motorists reported that they had been traveling along the highway when suddenly their vehicle was struck by an object that had been discarded from a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction.  Each incident caused varying amounts of damage to the victim’s vehicles.  All the incidents have occurred between the areas of County Road 200 North and County Road 1800 South. Administrative Captain

MICHIGAN CITY, December 15, 2025 – The annual holiday tradition continues as the mayors of Michigan City and La Porte prepare for their friendly “Battle of the Mayors” in support of The Salvation Army’s Christmas Campaign. The two cities will once again participate in the Red Kettle Ring Off on Friday, December 19, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., during which Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch of Michigan City and Mayor Tom Dermody of La Porte will each staff a red kettle in their respective communities and compete to see who can raise the most funds to support families in need

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – Cardiologist Vinod Sehgal, MD, is now part of the Franciscan Physician Network and is accepting new patients in Michigan City. Dr. Sehgal earned his medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago. He completed his residency in internal medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee and completed his fellowship in general cardiology at the University of Illinois Hospital/University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago. His clinical interests include coronary artery disease, chronic cardiovascular conditions, heart failure diagnosis and treatment, and preventive cardiology and risk factor modification. Dr. Sehgal is

Press Release by Indiana Family Social Services Administration: INDIANAPOLIS – As part of Governor Mike Braun’s Make Indiana Healthy Again initiative, the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) is launching Smart SNAP, a bold new effort to improve the health of Hoosiers by aligning SNAP benefits with healthier food choices. Beginning January 1, 2026, SNAP benefits can no longer be used to purchase sugary drinks or candy in Indiana. This initiative is a direct response to alarming public health statistics: 66% of adult Hoosiers are overweight or obese, 44% eat fruit less than once daily, and 27% eat vegetables

Join Grace Learning Center on Thursday, December 18th, 11:00am - 1:00pm, for "First Aid Training" with the Michigan City Fire Department! * ALL classes and services at Grace Learning Center are FREE and OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY!

Rob Reiner, who segued from starring in “All in the Family” to directing movies including “This Is Spinal Tap,” “A Few Good Men” and “When Harry Met Sally…” was found dead Sunday afternoon in his Brentwood home alongside his wife Michele Singer. He was 78. The deaths are being investigated as a homicide, according to the LAPD. The couple was reported to have been stabbed to death. “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner. We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time,”

The Washington Park Zoo on their Facebook page Friday thanked the Otto and Margaret Zack Charitable Trust for their  $95,000 donation. "This significant contribution will enable us to upgrade the Diet Kitchen backup generator, enhance our exhibits, and purchase animal care needs, greatly benefiting both our facility and the animals in our care, the Washington Park Zoo said. "The Otto and Margaret Zack Charitable Trust has been a valued sponsor over the years, consistently demonstrating a strong commitment to our mission and the well-being of our community. Their ongoing support has made a meaningful impact on our ability to provide

On December 4, 2025, John McCaw was found Guilty of Murder in Laporte Circuit Court. Mr. McCaw had a bench trial overseen by Senior Judge Alevizos. Evidence was presented over a 4 day trial, after which Judge Alevizos found Mr. McCaw guilty of Murder. Mr. McCaw was charged in August 2022 for the death of Nancy Ainsworth. Sentencing for Mr. McCaw will be held later in December.   Prosecuting Attorney Sean Fagan said: “John McCaw murdered Nancy Ainsworth. The State of Indiana proved this beyond a reasonable doubt. I want to thank my talented Deputies: Autumn Ferch, Katie Arnold, and

Yuletide Favorites & Santa Claus at The Barker Mansion Mansion After Hours: Yuletide Favorites Wednesday, December 17 | 6:00 PM Join us for an enchanting evening of holiday storytelling with presenter Grant Fitch. Enjoy dramatic readings of beloved classics such as “The Gift of the Magi” and “Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus,” along with the tales that inspired “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “A Christmas Story.” The program also features selections from “The Santaland Diaries.” This festive literary performance is sure to warm hearts and capture the spirit of the season. An Evening Visit with Santa at the

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) is extending the open enrollment period for the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) and PathWays programs through December 24, 2025, to ensure that all eligible Hoosiers have sufficient time to select a health plan that best meets their needs. This extension comes as FSSA continues to experience high engagement from members seeking assistance with their coverage options. To support individuals and families during this busy transition period, FSSA is providing additional time for plan selection to help ensure no one feels rushed or uncertain about their choices. Individuals who do not