Local News

More than 30 Indiana schools have been designated as 2021-2022 Family Friendly Schools by the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE). These schools — which span across the state, and include public and nonpublic schools — are demonstrating excellence in engaging families in their children’s education.   “We know that educating a child is a team effort that involves all of us, with families at the core,” said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education. “These schools have jumped in to evaluate their practices and engage a variety of stakeholders, ensuring students receive the well-rounded support they need at school, at

The Michigan City Area Schools Transportation Department will be holding an Open House for anyone interested in learning more about driving a school bus or working as a bus monitor. Visitors will have an opportunity to tour the facility, see one of our buses up close, and speak with Transportation staff about this career path and our free training program. The open house will take place in conjunction with the MCAS Transportation Department's annual Mother's Day Flower and Plant sale on Friday, May 7 from 9:00am to 5:00pm. The Transportation Department is located at 1100 S. Woodland Avenue, Michigan City.

La Porte residents now have new tools at their disposal to pay city utility bills more easily and quickly, according to Clerk-Treasurer Courtney Parthun. Parthun said the city recently partnered with Invoice Cloud, an online payment platform, to make online bill payment a more user-friendly experience for utility customers. In addition to online payments, residents can now pay their bill using Apple Pay or Google Pay, or by phone or text using a credit/debit card. These options are available in both English and Spanish. Customers can also sign up for email and text alerts to notify them when their bill

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) received more than $800,000 in contributions from more than 850 generous supporters during the 2021 Purdue Northwest Day of Giving on Wednesday, April 28. Gifts to PNW, as designated by the donors, will be used to support student scholarships, academic programs, athletics, student organizations and other strategic initiatives. The College of Nursing raised the most money of any unit within PNW. PNW once again was among the top 15 of a total 70 various participating groups across the entire Purdue system in both dollars raised and number of gifts, resulting in additional “bonus money” awarded to

Kaitlyn and Andy Govert have turned their personal tragedy into support for others that have suffered the loss of an infant. In honor of their daughter Peyton Jean, who died at 25 weeks gestation, the Crown Point couple donated books, pre-made scrapbook pages and heartbeat recorder stuffed animals to Franciscan Health Crown Point. The family also donated to the fetal maternal medicine office at Franciscan Health Crown Point. “This was made possible by our friends and family who wanted to help us honor Peyton.  We decided the best way to do that was to help other families who were grieving

As a reminder, the Michigan City 11th Street Station and parking lots will be CLOSED with no train service for an extended period of time effective at 3 a.m. Saturday, May 1, 2021.  The 11th Street Station closure will be in effect to help facilitate pre-construction third-party utility work and the Double Track NWI construction project (https://www.doubletrack-nwi.com/).  As part of Double Track, the 11th Street Station will be re-constructed to include a multi-story station/parking/retail building, new high-level platforms and track improvements. The closure is expected to last approximately two-and-a-half years, until the end of Double Track construction. As an alternative

Tuesday, May 4th from 10 a.m. – Noon, CT at Marquette Mall (outside of JCPenney), 201 W. US 20, Michigan City. Assorted food items are offered free of charge. All items are pre-boxed and pre-bagged. First come, first served, while supplies last for those in need of food assistance. One box per household. Distributions are drive-thru. Please remain in your vehicle and open your trunk to receive items. An area is available for self-loading if your trunk does not open.

On April 26, 2021, at 11:43 AM, deputies were summoned to the 3900 north block of US 35, rural Center Township, reference a personal injury crash. At 11:50 AM, Deputy Wade Wallace arrived at the scene and confirmed that one of the drivers had been killed in the crash. The initial crash investigation completed by Deputy Ken Etchison and other deputies determined the following had occurred. A red 2015 Volkswagen passenger vehicle, driven by Corbin GAYHEART (51 YOA) of Knox, Indiana, was traveling northbound on US 35. For an unknown reason, GAYHEART drove left of center and into the southbound

The Franciscan Health Foundation’s COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Fund has received a major boost with a $15,000 donation from Superior Ambulance Service. The gift is being directed to purchase more than 500 COVID-19 kits to help coronavirus patients continue their recovery at home. Franciscan Health’s medical leaders emphasized the difference this will make for patients battling COVID-19 and other ailments. “We have been able to purchase pulse oximeters and thermometers, which are part of a kit provided to COVID patients who are being sent home after evaluation and treatment in the emergency room, urgent care or receiving treatment in the

Lab results have confirmed the presence of parasites in wild white-tailed deer found on a private property in Newton County in late February and early March. About 40 deer were found on the property, dead, soon after heavy snow melted. According to Moriah Boggess, deer biologist for the Indiana DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife, the deer may have died days or weeks before being discovered. Lab results from diagnostic testing conducted at the Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab at Purdue University identified the parasites as lung worm, which Boggess says commonly occur throughout the range of the white-tailed deer

On April 27, 2021, at 8:53 PM, Deputy Alex Clemons was summoned to the area of US 421 and CR 870 South, rural Clinton Township, regarding a male subject walking northbound on US 421. At 8:58 PM while responding to the area, deputies learned the subject had been struck by a vehicle. The initial crash investigation completed by deputies determined the following had occurred. A gray 2016 Volkswagen passenger vehicle, driven by Max W. REIMBOLD (21 YOA) of Knox, Indiana, was traveling southbound on US 421. REIMBOLD had just passed CR 870 South and struck a pedestrian who was standing

Unity Foundation of La Porte County is pleased to announce the recipients for the 2020-2021 cycle of small grants for Michigan City educators. These grants aim to support teachers as they find innovative ways to make learning possible for students – particularly during the pandemic.   Since the mid-1990s, three grant programs, established by caring donors who believed in teachers as the critical factor for learning, have awarded grants to over 1,000 teachers for projects of their own design. “Our area schools are full of exceptional teachers who go above and beyond for their students. We are honored to facilitate

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) announced today that longtime Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) director of economic development, Don Babcock, will be joining the staff of Chancellor Thomas L. Keon part-time, as director of economic development and community relations, to expand the university’s efforts around community and economic development in Northwest Indiana, especially La Porte and Porter counties.   “We are thrilled to bring Don’s extensive expertise and skill in economic development to PNW,” Keon said. “He has made incredible impacts on the Region throughout his career at NIPSCO and has been a wonderful collaborator and friend of the university

The Ogden Dunes Police Department reminds you that summer parking restrictions take effect starting Saturday, May 1st 2021. All vehicles parked within the restricted area must display a valid 2021 beach area parking permit. Permits are available at Town Hall Monday thru Friday from 8:00AM to 3:00PM. Vehicles parked within the restricted area without a valid beach area parking permit are subject to being ticketed and / or impounded. If you live within the restricted parking area and are having a contractor do work, please remind them that they need to get a contractor parking permit from Town Hall. These permits

Two physical therapists at Northwest Health have been certified by the Physiological Oncology Rehabilitation Institute (PORi) as Oncology Rehabilitation Specialists. With these certifications, Northwest Health – La Porte now meets the standards to classify as an Oncology Rehabilitation Center of Excellence. Stacey Davis, PT, DPT, CLT and Lisa Jongkind, MSPT, CLT received certification as Oncology Rehabilitation Specialists. To earn this certification, Davis and Jongkind participated in specialized cancer rehabilitation training to address the unique needs of individuals undergoing or recovering from cancer-related surgeries, radiation and/or chemotherapy. Each completed over 200 hours of training to become certified Oncology Rehabilitation Specialists and

The DNR is offering free admission to state parks, recreation areas, forests, and reservoirs on Sunday, May 2, which is also a Free Fishing Day. On Free Fishing Days, all Indiana residents can fish the state’s public waters without a fishing license or trout/salmon stamp. All size and bag limits remain in effect. For public places to fish near you, see on.IN.gov/where2fish. Check out the fishing tips and videos at on.IN.gov/learn2fish to help maximize your experience. Free admission provides a great opportunity to enjoy your favorite DNR property or visit a new site. Find DNR properties across the state and

On April 25, 2021 at 4:05 AM, La Porte County Sheriff's Office Captain Andy Hynek was traveling west on US 20 near CR 450 East. He observed a vehicle traveling eastbound on US 20 quickly approaching him. A radar check of the approaching vehicle measured the violator’s speed at 105 miles per hour (MPH). This portion of US 20 has a posted speed limit of 45 MPH. Captain Hynek immediately turned around and began to travel eastbound on US 20 to catch up to the vehicle. He noted how the vehicle’s speed increased while continuing eastbound past the “Dogbone” Interchange

In 2020, extreme sports legend Travis Pastrana shared the driver’s seat of the 47-foot Miss GEICO Victory catamaran with childhood friend and world champion racer Brit Lilly. Co-competing in the cockpit with throttleman Steve Curtis, the trio clinched a world championship title during the 2020 World Offshore Championship Series.   Most races were forced to cancel in 2020 due to COVID restrictions. As conditions improved, OFFICIAL Miss GEICO Racing was able to participate in five separate events towards the end of the year. Due to travel restrictions, many of the international teams were unable to participate during the 2020 season.

Passengers are advised the following trains will be bused between Dune Park and Gary Metro Center stations April 27-29, 2021 (Tues-Weds-Thurs): Westbound: Tr 116 (arrives 12:39p @ Millennium); Tr 18 (2:14p @ Millennium); Tr 118 (4:21p @ Millennium); Tr 20 (6:13p @ Millennium). Eastbound: Tr 7 (departs 8:45a from Millennium); Tr 107 (10:15a from Millennium); Tr 9 (12:35p from Millennium); Tr 109 (2:25p from Millennium); Tr 11 (3:57p from Millennium). No bikes will be transported via bus during these occurrences. Buses will arrive and depart with passengers to match our published train schedule between Dune Park and Gary Metro. Westbound

With the launch of Indiana’s new Student Learning Recovery Grant Program and Fund, the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) is now accepting applications to fund community and school partnerships to help accelerate student learning this summer and beyond. “We are grateful to the Indiana General Assembly for this opportunity to quickly deploy resources to support strategic local partnerships aimed at accelerating learning for K-12 students who have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic,” said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education. “As we transition from pandemic response mode to recovery mode, this new grant creates an exciting opportunity to bring