Local News

Annual employee-driven Charity of Choice campaign benefits area organizations Sixteen local organizations received donations from NIPSCO’s annual Charity of Choice program to help assist the organizations with their COVID-19 relief efforts within communities across northern Indiana. In total, NIPSCO employees helped raise $75,000 in the recent drive. Under normal circumstances, NIPSCO hosts numerous in-person fundraising events throughout the summer to help drive donations. This year’s fundraising efforts were done virtually with employees ableto raise the much needed funding. “Due to these unprecedented times, we felt the best way to provide support was through the selection of a variety of organizations

Michigan City Mayor Duane Parry is going forward with Trick or Treating, in family groups with adult supervision. The Mayor’s Office says variations on Halloween celebrations, or trick or treating, can be created, as long as people adhere to the rules, we all know: Avoid having large groups of people congregating together. Avoid indoor settings for parties. Make sure you're masking. And it's always safer to be outside. Saturday October 31st 4:00pm to 6:00pm. The Mayor’s office says if you are going to hand out candy in person, make sure you are wearing a facemask and it would not hurt to

The 46-year-old victim of the hit and run accident on September 12th has been identified as Tara Stevens. Tara was being treated at Memorial Hospital in South Bend since being airlifted from the scene of the accident. Unfortunately, Tara succumbed to her injuries on September 22nd. The Michigan City Police Department gives their sincere condolences to the family and friends of Tara Stevens. The Michigan City Police Department is continuing to investigate this incident. Evidence collected thus far would indicate that the vehicle involved is manufactured by General Motors (GM). This could include any Chevrolet, GMC, Pontiac, Buick, Saturn, etc.

On Wednesday afternoon a minor personal injury crash occurred at the intersection of County Road 1100 North and State Road 49 in Chesterton the crash involved a semi tractor trailer and a Town of Chesterton Fire Engine. The fire engine was traveling with emergency lights and sirens to a dispatched call. The fire engine was westbound on 1100 North, crossing the intersection against a red traffic light. The semi tractor was northbound on State Road 49 in the passing lane with a green light and proceeded through the intersection. The collision occurred between the front of the semi tractor and

The City of La Porte Fire Department this week celebrated the opening of its newest station, according to Fire Chief Andy Snyder.  The new Fire Station 3, located at 710 Daytona St., has moved from its former location at the corner of Lincolnway and Boyd Blvd. Snyder said the property has ample space for a future training tower and burn simulator. He also said the new spot is not only more centrally located for firefighters responding to calls but is also a much safer street for trucks as they pull in and out of the station. “We are thrilled to

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) continues to enroll one of the most diverse and persistent student bodies in the state of Indiana as students, faculty and staff address the new challenges presented by the global pandemic. Hispanic students represent 24% of this year’s full-time, undergraduate students. The freshman class is comprised of 38.9% underrepresented minority groups. The percentage of students attending PNW full-time increased to 81% of core undergraduate students. First-time, full-time students who enrolled in fall 2019 returned at a rate of 70.6%. “Everyone has worked collaboratively to achieve a safe, engaging start to the semester. Students are attending classes

Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced that he will advance the state to an updated version of the Stage 5 Back On Track Indiana plan and extend the state’s face covering mandate until at least Oct. 17. Local governments may impose more restrictive guidelines. “Indiana continues to experience steady health indicators as Hoosiers change their habits to wash our hands more, practice social distancing and wear face coverings. This allows us to continue to get Indiana Back on Track, and I urge Hoosiers to keep up their vigilance, especially as the days get cooler, so schools and businesses can remain open,” Gov.

With fall upon us and more people working and completing virtual learning from home, NIPSCO is sharing seasonal tipsto assist customers in conserving energy and saving money as temperatures drop.  Windows – If necessary, install storm windows over windows with only single panes. A removable glass frame can be installed over an existing window.  Insulation – Insulation helps prevent heat loss as well as heat gain in a home. The simplest and most cost efficient way to reduce energy loss is to seal all window and door gaps with rope caulk or foam insulation tape. Proper insulation could

Sunday evening at approximately 11:30 p.m., the Indiana State Police Regional Dispatch Center received a 911 call from a person stating that they had been shot. The caller was on I-80/94 near the 15.2 mile-marker which is near the Ripley St. exit ramp.  Troopers arrived at the location and located a black 2004 Lincoln parked against the shoulder. The male driver was bleeding and was initially responsive with the officers.  Troopers began to administer first aid to the patient which then turned into the officers performing C.P.R. until medics arrived.  The patient was transported to St. Mary’s Hospital in Hobart

The La Porte County Symphony Orchestra (LCSO) and Interim Music Director, Charles Steck, announce auditions for the 2020-2021 season. Auditions will take place October 6th from 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM at Bethany Lutheran Church located at 102 G St. The Orchestra is seeking qualified musicians to fill the vacancies in the following positions: Principal Bass Percussion Section Violin Section Cello Season Student Apprentices (2020-21 School Year) All instruments are available to audition for subbing and/or future LCSO opportunities. The La Porte County Symphony Orchestra has a unique apprentice program, which places highly skilled high school students alongside seasoned professionals.

During the evenings now through Thursday, South Shore Line passengers utilizing Millennium Station in the evenings will temporarily board/detrain at the Metra Depot (Tracks 5 and 6), located northwest of the SSL platform. During this time, work will be ongoing in the SSL depot overnight beginning at 7pm. The depot switch will not impact daytime trains, and those passengers should continue to use the SSL platform. Trains impacted by the depot switch include EB Tr 19, 121, 123 & 101, and WB Tr 20, 222 & 22.

A Michigan City Man and two others were arrested after a high-speed police pursuit in Whitley and Kosciusko counties. At around 7:00am Sunday morning, several troopers from the Fort Wayne Post became involved in a high speed vehicle pursuit.  The pursuit began after a trooper Reed had attempted to stop a Nissan Sentra passenger car traveling at over 90 mph westbound on US30, just west of Columbia City, in Whitley County.  The driver, later identified as 37 year old Devonte Devon Perkins, of Michigan City, chose to speed off rather than pullover, and then attempted to evade officers from multiple

A hit and run crash occurred on I-80/94 near the 18 mile-marker Sunday morning.  At around 7:30 a.m., a Mitsubishi was reported to have side swiped a Kia and failed to stop.  Master Trooper Lawrence McFarrin located the Mitsubishi and observed the vehicle traveling at 116 m.p.h.  The vehicle was also weaving and almost struck a semi.  M/Trp. McFarrin was able to make a traffic stop on the Mitsubishi near the 22 mile-marker.  As the vehicle pulled over, the driver and a passenger attempted to change positions in the vehicle. The driver went to the back seat and the front

The Valparaiso Police Department is again participating in National Night, which is scheduled for October 6th.  National Night out is a national event, bringing communities and police together under positive conditions, creating an exchange of ideas, and developing a partnership with citizens. This year’s event will begin at 6:00 p.m. and will look slightly different as all CDC and Porter County Health Department Guidelines are followed.  All events will be completed by 9:00 p.m.  The wearing of masks will be encouraged and all events must take place outside.  Social distancing will be practiced, as officer groups will be smaller as

Porter County Firefighters were called to a residential fire in rural Jackson Township, with automatic aid units late Friday morning. The fire occurred in the 200 East block off County Road 650 North. Liberty Fire Chief Brian Duncan arrived on scene with heavy smoke showing from the roof line and ultimately called for a First Alarm and Tanker Plan One. Residents were safely evacuated with many thanks to working smoking detectors; which alerted the occupants. Fire crews remained on scene for more than three hours with the fire being struck within the first hour. It was later learned Emergency Services

The Indiana Department of Health announced plans to conduct the aerial application of pesticide to control Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus in northern Indiana. The state Department of Health has reported a lab-confirmed case of EEE virus disease in a LaPorte County resident. The state Board of Animal Health (BOAH) has recorded probable EEE cases in two horses in LaGrange County, one horse in LaPorte County and one horse in Kosciusko County. BOAH suspects EEE in three additional horses in LaGrange County. Health officials plan targeted mosquito control to help protect residents from EEE beginning Tuesday evening and continuing Wednesday

Governor Eric J. Holcomb is directing flags across to be flown at half-staff to honor U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Flags should be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset until the day of her interment. Gov. Holcomb also asks businesses and residents to lower their flags to half-staff to honor Justice Ginsburg and her service. -30-

With the upcoming fall elections we wanted to take this opportunity to explain to the Michigan City community the upcoming process for voting. Registration Register to vote by Oct. 5th. In Indiana, you do not declare a party affiliation when you register. No other person may register for you. Voting early in Michigan City will be at the County Offices 302 W. 8thSt. located at 8th and Wabash Streets. Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020 through Friday, Oct. 9, 2020 (8am-4pm)Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020 through Friday, Oct. 16, 2020 (8am-4pm)Monday, Oct. 19, 2020 through Friday, Oct. 23, 2020 (8am-4pm)Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020

Gov. Eric J. Holcomb today announced the state will not move forward with plans to purchase land near Lawrenceburg that was under consideration as a potential site for a fourth port. The Ports of Indiana entered into an agreement in September 2017 to reserve the option to purchase up to 725 acres of land that were formerly the American Electric Power plant. The Ports of Indiana engaged in an extensive evaluation of the site to determine its suitability as a port, including its environmental condition and plans for remediation. The Ports of Indiana concluded that the remediation work would take years

The LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office is reminding drivers that barricades with signage reading “ROAD CLOSED TO THRU TRAFFIC”, are not to be disregarded and driven around. LCSO says this specifically pertains to the US 6/35 closure/road improvement project between the North Junction and South Junction.  The LCSO has received information that there is a fair amount of motorists who are disregarding the signage and barricades around the area of the closure.  The closure/road improvement project is expected to last several weeks (weather dependent).  In the meantime, deputies will be saturating the area of the work zone to protect the safety