Local News

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its quarantine guidance for people exposed to COVID-19, providing two options for shortening the standard 14-day quarantine period. A person who has been exposed to and is identified as a close contact of an individual who tests positive for COVID-19 is required to quarantine, which involves staying home and away from other people, for a designated period in order to prevent further spread of disease. The CDC guidance, which is posted here, retains the option of a 14-day quarantine but allows people who do not have symptoms to reduce their quarantine

More than 1,000 Purdue University Northwest (PNW) students have successfully completed the requirements of their undergraduate and graduate degrees as the fall 2020 semester draws to a close. PNW celebrates with its graduates their determination in persisting to earn their degrees. “You’re in a very unique situation in that you’ve had to adapt and change significantly during the final period of time that you have been here at PNW,” Chancellor Thomas L. Keon said in a video address to the graduates. “You have … a big advantage over many, because you’ve had to adapt, you’ve had to change, and I’m

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) once again has been designated by the National Weather Service (NWS) and the Northern Indiana and Chicago StormReady Advisory Boards as a StormReady.The certification applies to both the Hammond and Westville campuses, as well as the Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest, and makes PNW one of only eight universities in Indiana that have been recognized as StormReady. PNW has been a StormReady university for more than eight years with certifications issued every three years.“We are proud to have earned this designation,” stated Brian Miller, director of Public Safety at PNW. “We have worked hard to develop

The treasures that had been first embedded in the stones of the old St. Anthony hospital a century ago, were finally revealed on Tuesday, Dec. 1, with the opening of time capsules at Franciscan Health Michigan City. Sister Petra Nielsen, Vice President of Mission Integration, carefully opened the containers in a conference room of the current hospital as other hospital officials watched. Crews from Tonn and Blank Construction removed the capsules as they continue work to reconfigure the Homer Street campus. A glass container had been originally placed in the original hospital building when the cornerstone was laid in 1903.

The Salvation Army of Michigan City has launched an online auction to help support its annual Christmas Campaign. This year, The Salvation Army has set a goal of $200,000 which would help provide Christmas toys and food to local families in need, as well as year-round services. The Rescue Christmas Holiday Auction is only available on social media by visiting The Salvation Army Michigan City Corps and Community Center page on Facebook. Twenty-four items are up for bid, several of which would make a wonderful Christmas gift, said Major Becky Simmons of The Salvation Army of Michigan City. “For those

This holiday season, the IBA is again partnering with Foster the Need for its annual giving project. Foster the Need was developed in 2018 by IBA-member bankers as part of an IBA Leadership Development Program project. The program provides much-needed items to foster children across Indiana, such as hygiene products, clothing and books, in coordination with the Indiana Department of Child Services. The need for diapers at local foster care agencies and DCS offices is extensive, and diapers are often the most expensive supplies that Foster the Need provides. For this reason, the IBA has selected the FTN Diaper Drive for this

The Indiana State Police - Public Information Office is now accepting applications for the 81st Recruit Academy. Individuals who are interested in beginning a career as an Indiana State Trooper must apply online at the link provided on the WIMS Facebook post. This website will provide a detailed synopsis of the application process as well as information on additional career opportunities with the Indiana State Police.Applications must be submitted electronically by 11:59 pm (EST) on Sunday, January 24, 2021. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted for the 81st Recruit Academy.Basic Eligibility Requirements and consideration factors for an

INDOT Northwest says that yesterday they had a close call with one of their maintenance crews working on Cline Ave. A vehicle crashed into the back of a truck mounted attenuator, causing major damage to the attenuator and the vehicle that struck it. Thankfully, the attenuator did it's job and there were no serious injuries reported.INDOT says they use truck mounted attenuators (TMAs) as a safety precaution when a crew is out working in the roadway. They help signal to traffic that workers are present and that motorists should slow down and move over. When struck, TMAs absorb the impact

Governor Eric J. Holcomb today signed Executive Order 20-49 to extend the public health emergency an additional 30 days. Click here to see the executive order: https://www.in.gov/gov/2384.htm

With blood supplies at critically low levels during the COVID-19 pandemic, an emergency appeal to donors is being made for three December blood drives scheduled at Franciscan Health Michigan City and Franciscan Health Fitness Centers in Schererville. The blood drives held by Versiti Blood Center will be 10AM to 3PM on Monday, Dec. 7 and Friday, Dec. 18 at Franciscan Health Michigan City. Donations will be taken in the Versiti Blood Drive Bus, which will be located outside Entrance A at the hospital at 3500 Franciscan Way. A third blood drive will be 3-7PM on Tuesday, Dec. 15 at Franciscan

On Friday, at 12:58 AM, deputies were dispatched to Franciscan Health - Michigan City Campus (3500 Franciscan Way), reference a subject being observed on camera exposing himself in the parking lot.   Captain Andy Hynek arrived and encountered hospital security staff near a subject in the parking lot.  The subject was identified as Eric K. MAJIED (56 YOA).  Captain Hynek quickly learned MAJIED had just defecated on a curb near his vehicle.  MAJIED was uncooperative and soon taken into custody.   Deputy Slawek Czupryna arrived and transported MAJIED to the LaPorte County Jail (LCJ).  He was arrested for Public Nudity (B-Misdemeanor) and remains

On Friday (11/27/20) at 2:35 PM, Deputy Wade Wallace was traveling west on US 20 in the 3500 east block.  Just ahead, a passenger vehicle was traveling west in the driving lane.  Near the 2800 east block, the vehicle merged from the driving lane to the passing lane.  While executing said lane change, the vehicle committed a traffic infraction.   A registration check conducted by Deputy Wallace determined the registered owner, Jeffery W. WADE, was a wanted person by authorities in Elkhart County.   In the area of US 20 and CR 150 East, Deputy Wallace paced the vehicle and noted it was exceeding the

Thank you INDOT NORTHWEST for the update on the roads Here is a look at U.S. 35 north of U.S. 6 and Boyd Blvd in LaPorte County. National Weather Service has indicated that the worst road conditions for traveling will occur this evening through mid-morning tomorrow.

Kim Nowatzke wrote a brilliant article in February’s weekly magazine “The Beacher”, honoring local hero Charles R. Westcott along with, Albertine Allen, Larry Gipson, Vernon Payne, Gene Simmons, and Allen Williams. The Michigan City Public Art Committee (MAC) commissions large posters of that article and put them in the kiosk at Charles R. Westcott Park for public viewing. In 2011, the Charles R. Westcott Park opened at U.S. Hwy 12 and East Michigan Blvd, the site of the former Elite Youth Center and Harborside Homes. The property was dedicated to his memory and his leadership in the community. Westcott is

Franciscan Health is thanking the generosity of the community for making the fourth annual Diaper Drive their most successful ever. Donations of diapers and monetary contributions combined for 44,198 diapers, which will be distributed to help meet the needs of families in Northwest Indiana and the South Suburbs. This year’s total far outpaces 2019’s total of 30,000 diapers that were delivered.All donations will be delivered to the following organizations in the coming weeks and will serve more than 3,000 families in Southern Cook, Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties: Franciscan Health Crown Point and Hammond Prenatal Assistance Programs, Duneland Healthy Families,

Boney will focus on business recruitment, supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs as well as putting into place housing strategies for Michigan City.“I am very excited to have someone of Jalen’s caliber and talent join our team. He has the professional drive and business acumen we need to advance our EDCMC 2019-23 Strategic Action Plan as well as a welcome addition to our team,” said EDCMC Executive Director Clarence L. Hulse. “We are looking forward to a long and productive relationship with him and I am sure that our Hoosier hospitality will make him feel right at home.”“I am honored to

The President of The Barker Welfare foundation announced on Friday, November 6, 2020, that the first recipient of the Barker Prize is Thomas P. McCormick. As stated by Alex Ross, President of the Barker Welfare Foundation, “The prize is awarded in memory of John H. Barker and Catherine Barker Hickox, both of whom valued good citizenship, entrepreneurship, community service and philanthropy. The winner must be a resident of or own a business in LaPorte County, Indiana, and will be chosen by the Directors of The Barker Welfare Foundation. The Winner will embody the above qualities.” Thomas P. McCormick has made

In observance of Thanksgiving Day, the Transit Department will be closed on Thursday, November 26, 2020 Due to the increase in COVID 19 Pandemic cases in La Porte County and out of an abundance of caution to protect driver and passengers, the Transit Department will be suspended service on Friday 27th and Saturday the 28th for deep cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing. Michigan City Transit bus service will resume our schedule service on Monday, November 30, 2020 at 6:30 AM. Reminder: LaPorte County Health Department Public Health Order Face Covering Mandate. Every individual must properly wear a face covering over their

Thanksgiving is normally one of the busiest travel times of the year. While the pandemic may have impacted plans with family this year, the Indiana State Police wants to remind motorists who do use the road to buckle up and drive sober this holiday season.  “Due to the pandemic, we anticipate fewer vehicles on the road, but precautions still need to be taken, like wearing a seat belt and designating a sober driver,” said Lt. Terry Gose, Indiana State Police Lowell Post Commander.  “Let’s work together to make sure everyone gets to their planned destination safely.” Many traffic deaths and

On November 20th at 4:32 PM, deputies were summoned to US 20 and CR 200 East, rural Kankakee Township, reference a personal injury motor vehicle crash.   The crash investigation conducted by Deputy Evan Doperalski determined the following had occurred.  A silver 2004 Ford, driven by Arthur C. MCNEELEY (61 YOA) of Mishawaka, was traveling east on US 20 in the passing (inside) lane.  A silver 2015 Cadillac, driven by Debra J. BIRKHOLZ (69 YOA) of LaPorte, was stopped in the passing lane facing east, yielding to westbound US 20 traffic to eventually execute a left turn to travel north