Local News

The Excel Center, a free public high school for adults, is currently accepting enrollment applications for the next term at its South Bend, Hammond and Gary locations. Applications must be received by Monday, March 8th for classes beginning March 17th. All sites are following the COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines as set forth by Governor Holcomb and the Indiana Department of Education.Those interested can apply online at: www.ExcelCenterHS.org. The application is free and takes less than 10 minutes to complete. New students are encouraged to contact The Excel Center for more information and assistance completing their application. Visitors are welcome

NIPSCO is accepting applications for its environmental action grant to support local nonprofit organizations with environmental stewardship initiatives through April 2, 2021 . In its sixth year, NIPSCO’s Environmental Action Gr ant continues a tradition of funding restoration and education projects throughout northern Indiana. “ This program is an integral part of our commitment to strengthen and support partnerships with organizations improving the quality of the environment and the Environmental Action Grant helps fund those projects that otherwise might not happen,” said Rick Calinski, NIPSCO director of public affairs and economic development . “ Working together with our neighboring communities

House Bill 1177, which would require the Indiana Family & Social Services Administration Division of Aging to develop a strategic dementia plan, passed the House Public Health Committee unanimously today. Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter executive director Natalie Sutton testified in support of the bill, which is authored by Rep. Gregory Porter (D-Indianapolis) and co-authored by Rep. Ethan Manning (R-Denver), Rep. Carolyn Jackson (D-Hammond), and Rep. Brad Barrett, (R-Richmond). Earlier this month, the Chapter held a State Advocacy Week pushing for House Bill 1542. “House Bill 1177 includes what we feel is one of the most important steps in addressing

The Indiana Department of Health announced today that Hoosiers who have COVID-19 vaccine appointments scheduled this week should be aware that inclement weather could impact clinic operations. The state is working with local vaccination sites to reschedule appointments as needed.Individuals whose appointments are impacted will be notified by email or text message about the need to reschedule, which can be done by calling 211. The state is working to ensure that Hoosiers who are scheduled to receive their second dose of vaccine still receive the dose within the appropriate timeframe. A second dose of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines that

Temporary busing between the South Bend International Airport and Michigan City Carroll Ave. will be extended through Wednesday morning, 2/17, due to continued inclement weather. The busing is a precautionary measure, as ice and snow can adversely impact track, overhead wire, switches and other mechanical components. Passengers on the following trains are scheduled to be bused: Monday, Feb. 15 and Tuesday, Feb. 16:WB Trains 6, 14, 18, 20, and 22EB Trains 403, 7, 9, 11, 17, and 19The following trains will be canceled: WB Tr 422 & Tr 424 and EB Tr 401Wednesday, Feb. 17:WB Tr 6 and Tr 14The

Four Michigan City High School juniors are among the Indiana Association of School Principals (IASP) "Rising Stars of Indiana" Class of 2022.  Each Indiana high school was invited to recognize up to four students currently in the 11th grade, based on their academic achievement. Representing Michigan City High School are Charlotte Bartlett, Savannah Holley, Alyssa Shaia, and Kaylee Shank. The four have GPAs between 4.46 and 4.53. “We’re very proud of these four outstanding students," said Michigan City High School Principal Julie Fregien. "They embody academic excellence and are involved in numerous activities at school and in our community. They

With more snow expected Friday evening into Saturday with snow accumulations of 3 to 5 inches, Mayor Parry has called for a “Snow Removal Condition” beginning at 8:00pm, tonight 2-12-21, until further notice as the National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for LaPorte County.

Today, MISSION BBQ announced the donation of $362,320, to Wreaths Across America - Official Page (WAA). This contribution was made possible thanks to the generosity of Our Customers and their support of the American Heroes Cups. The donation will help to sponsor over 36,000 veterans’ wreaths to remember our fallen U.S. service members during the 2021 holiday season.“We remain proud and humbled to stand with Wreaths Across America and the amazing work they continue to do to Remember, Honor and Teach,” said Bill Kraus, co-founder for MISSION BBQ.Wreaths Across American is known for its annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National

The Indiana Department of Transportation announces that the previously scheduled closure for U.S. 35 between State Road 2 and Washington St in Downtown LaPorte has been postponed. The overpass was expected to be closed for two days starting on Monday, February 15 for NIPSCO to upgrade the wires above the highway. NIPSCO has stated this work will now likely take place in March, and we will share more information about the timing of this project when it is available. 

On Wednesday, February 10th, 2021 at approximately 11:30 A.M. is when multiple detectives from the LaPorte County Drug Taskforce (LCDTF), LaPorte County Fugitive Apprehension Street Team (FAST) and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) drove to the 500 block of Van Spanje Avenue in an attempt to locate and arrest 28 year old Peoria, Illinois resident Alsiah Spikes who had the following active federal and state level arrest warrants: • Federal felony arrest warrant for felon in possession of a firearm• Felony probation violation arrest warrant through the State of Illinois• Felony aggravated battery arrest warrant through the

The Michigan City Public Library will begin the third and final phase of remodeling on March 1, 2021. This project includes the following improvements:1. New front entrance and vestibule, both with nighttime lighting2. New canopy, with lighting, over the front entrance3. New Circulation Desk and Circulation staff offices4. New shelving and seating for the front lobby5. Carpeting, electrical, security and data updatesDuring this phase, which should be finished by mid-June, temporary arrangements are being made for accessing the building. The front plaza will be fenced off and closed to the public. The front entrance and inside lobby area will be closed.

The Michigan City Municipal Golf Course Club House will be closed through February 28, 2021 for a construction project.  The club house will reopen on Monday, March 1, 2021 with hours from 9 am to 1 pm. For additional information, contact the Michigan City Parks & Recreation Department at 219-873-1506.

A rollover crash and "police activity" following a shooting had blocked two lanes of the Bishop Ford Freeway in Cook County Wednesday morning.The incident happened near Steele Bridge, north of 142nd Street, where a rollover crash turned into police activity, the Illinois Department of Transportation said.According to Illinois State Police, troopers responded to a shooting on northbound Interstate 94 south of Steel Bridge just after 10 a.m. Preliminary reports indicated there were two people taken to area hospitals with injuries, though it remains unclear if the injuries were due to gunshot wounds.State police didn't say if the crash and shooting

One of only 10 nursing programs statewide to record a perfect pass rate Gary, Ind. -- The Indiana State Board of Nursing has announced that all 58 members of the Indiana University Northwest Bachelor of Science in Nursing Class of 2019 (December) and Class of 2020 (May) have passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) on their first attempt. IU Northwest was just one of 10 nursing programs statewide to record a perfect pass rate in 2020. Across Indiana, there are 67 active nursing programs, which means that IU Northwest’s ranking was better than 85 percent of schools in the

The Indiana Department of Transportation: Northwest announces a road closure for U.S. 35 between State Road 2 and Washington St beginning Monday, February 15.The overpass will be closed for approximately two days while NIPSCO upgrades the wires above the highway. The bridge is expected to reopen after 5pm on Tuesday, February 16.Motorists should seek an alternate route. The official detour will follow State Road 2, U.S. 20, and U.S. 35.

CARRYOUT ONLY FISH FRY DINNER from 5-7PM at American Legion Post #21 on Highway 421 in Westville. Friday 2/12 Dinner includes: HAND BREADED POLLOCK or chicken strips, French fries or baked potato, creamy coleslaw, rolls and dessert. Special veterans and senior pricing: Adults-$10.00, Seniors(60yrs+) & Vets-$9.00, Kids 12 & under-$5.00, Preschoolers-Free. Call 219-785-2923 to pre-order for carry-outs, otherwise first come first serve. Mask required for entry.

Temporary weather-related busing between Carroll Ave. and the South Bend International Airport has concluded.Effective Wednesday, Feb. 10, regular train service will resume to Hudson Lake, and between Carroll Ave. and South Bend Airport stations.SSL officials will continue to monitor the upcoming weekend weather and forecasted frigid temperatures. Any changes to service will be promptly posted to our homepage at www.mysouthshoreline.com, our mobile app and via email notifications.

The Michigan City Police Department would like to remind the citizens of Michigan City about our city ordinances regarding snow removal and parking restrictions. It is important to understand and follow snow removal guidelines for everyone’s safety. It’s also critical that emergency vehicles and snowplows are able to navigate city streets without any snow obstructions or improperly parked vehicles. Below are explanations of terms you may hear this winter season. A “snow removal condition” is a formal declaration made by the Mayor or their designee and Superintendent of the Street Department. A snow removal condition is made when actual or

The Indiana Department of Insurance wants Hoosiers to know they have another opportunity to enroll in health insurance on the Federal Affordable Care Act Exchanges (HealthCare.gov) if they missed enrolling in the fall. The 2021 regular open enrollment period ended on December 15, 2020. The new opportunity to purchase health insurance follows the executive order signed by President Biden on January 28 to reopen enrollment on the Federal Marketplace. The special enrollment period is February 15 to May 15. Starting February 15, Hoosiers seeking to take advantage of this Special Enrollment period can find out if they are eligible by

The editors of Engineering News Record (ENR) have named the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) as 2020 Owner of the Year for ENR Midwest. ENR is a leading news publication for the engineering and construction industries across the country. Each year ENR identifies and recognizes project owners for excellence in planning, design, construction and project management of large-scale construction projects. “Our unprecedented commitment to infrastructure continues to receive national attention, both from industry experts and from job creators” Governor Eric J. Holcomb said. “A long-term, fully funded plan for maintaining our highways, historic investment in local roads and determination to