Local News

The Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) announced on Monday, July 12 an award of $9,530 to the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra (LCSO) through the Arts Organization Support grant program. During its June 25th Quarterly Business Meeting, the Commission approved funding recommendations for the Arts Project Support and Arts Organization Support grant programs. Over 590 applications were reviewed by 167 Hoosiers from around the state specializing in arts, community development, and finance. IAC Chair, Alberta Barker , stated, “The Commission is impressed at the work being done around the state and is excited to support investment in Hoosier communities.” In addition,

Thurs, July 22nd from 9am-11am Session to be held near the Lifeguard Station at Washington Park Beach in Michigan City, IN FREE to everyone! Please join the Michigan City Parks & Recreation Dept in collaboration with the Michigan City Piranhas Swim Team and the LaPorte & Michigan City YMCA Customer service team as they provide life-saving information on: Various dangerous conditions in Lake Michigan How to escape a Rip Current How to signal for help How to identify a drowning—it’s not always obvious Different swimming strokes (weather permitting) Mock water rescue!

Supplies Needed for Schools, Students The annual “Citywide Back to School Rally” will return to an in-person event this year, providing school supplies and an end of summer celebration for Michigan City families. The rally will take place on Saturday, August 14 from noon to 4 p.m. at Elston’s Gill Field, 317 Detroit Street, Michigan City. This event, which has taken place every summer for more than 10 years, is highly anticipated by the community every year, says Patricia Harris of the Indiana Black Expo, who chairs the Citywide Back to School Rally committee. “We know that many families in our community struggle to

On July 9, 2021, at 11:28 AM, Deputy Jake Pisowicz was traveling westbound in the 4000 west block of US 20. He observed a westbound passenger vehicle traveling just ahead of him drive left of center. A short time later, Deputy Pisowicz initiated a traffic stop along US 20. The driver was identified as Mustafaa S. EL’MALIK (22 YOA) of Gary, Indiana. The passenger was identified as Justin J. BURNSIDE (25 YOA), also from Gary. During a roadside conversation with EL’MALIK and BURNSIDE, Deputy Pisowicz quickly established probable cause that criminal activity was afoot. After Deputy Wade Wallace arrived to

Michigan-based Emagine Entertainment Inc. will open its first movie theater in Indiana today. The company, which operates more than two dozen theaters across the Midwest says Emagine Portage will begin showings while renovations continue throughout the summer. Emagine says it assumed the lease of the former GQT Portage 16, though it is not disclosing financial terms of the lease or the cost of renovations. The theater includes 16 traditional auditoriums and two EMAX auditoriums with floor-to-ceiling screens. Once renovations are complete, Emagine says the theater will include a full-service bar, lounge area and enhanced concessions, as well as heated reclining

Michigan City’s 91st annual golf tournament is just a couple weeks away, on July 24, 25, 31 and August 1, 2021. The event will be hosted at the Michigan City Municipal South Golf Course, a staple among the city’s golfers. Thanks to the sponsorship from Horizon Bank, this year’s tournament is looking to be one of the best tournaments yet. The sign-up fee will be $60, with the city also reducing the $42 green fee to under $25 thanks to the sponsorship of Horizon Bank. The tournament is open to all golfers. For nonmembers participating in the tournament, each of

INDIANA DUNES NATIONAL PARK:  Under the authority of 36 CFR 1.5(a), the Superintendent of Indiana Dunes National Park will close 1.5 miles of the Little Calumet River Hiking Trail for public safety and resource protection. The temporary closure begins on July 12, 2021 to allow a contractor to replace approximately 1,000 feet of boardwalk along the trail. This work is expected to last no more than 120 days. During this closure, hikers will still have access to the adjacent Bally/Chellberg Trails along with another 48 miles of trails located throughout Indiana Dunes National Park. These trails include Dune Ridge, Miller Woods, West Beach, Heron

When it comes to places to retire, Indiana landed into the top ten list, according to a study conducted by financial planning website Bankrate. The Hoosier State ranks 9th overall, mostly based on affordability. Bankrate wanted to gauge the best and worst states to retire. It looked at five broad categories: affordability, wellness, culture, weather, and crime. Each category was weighted differently, with affordability accounting for 40% of the ranking. Indiana ranks No. 7 in affordability, No. 41 in wellness, No. 45 in culture, No. 20 in weather and No. 22 in crime. The top five states are Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Missouri and Massachusetts.

Macy's has announced plans to hire approximately 300 full- and part-time workers at its seven Indiana stores. The department store chain says a majority of the roles are in customer sales, merchandising and operations. Macy's plans to hold a national hiring event July 15 at more than 500 locations across the country from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. Macy's says candidates are encouraged to apply online before the hiring event by clicking https://ebwh.fa.us2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1001/ . The company says most of the interviews will be conducted online, which will be about a 30 minute process, with candidates often receiving an offer the same day. Macy's says new employees may be

The MAAC Foundation receives $62,000 state-of-the-art K9 simulator from national non-profit organization, Vested Interest in K9’s, Inc. The Advanced Canine Medical Trainer named K9 Diesel by TraumaFX is a full-body K9 simulator. The simulator will be used for training Police, Fire, EMS, Military Working Dog (MWD) handlers, Veterinarians, and Veterinary Technicians. The Multi-Agency Academic Cooperative, (MAAC) will provide training specific to the level and needs of First Responders. This training will be available to any agency asking for tactical care and first aid for working K9’s. Designed in partnership with the Department of Defense (DOD), K9 Diesel is a state-of-the-art skills trainer that simulates active breathing, audio

Purdue Extension and Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant have opened registration for American Citizen Planner – Indiana, an online training course for local planning officials and interested residents. Participants learn about core planning issues, practices, and theories related to community planning and service as a public official. After completing online coursework and participation in two workshops, participants will earn the “Master Citizen Planner” certificate. The registration period ends July 30th. Participants are given four months to complete the course requirements and attend two workshops, hosted by a Purdue Extension Educator. The workshops offer deeper dives into course topics and the opportunity to hear

Community Healthcare System and Gabis Arboretum host Walk and Talk with a Family Medicine Practitioner Community Healthcare System and Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest are collaborating to help you walk your way toward wellness. Stroll through the beautiful grounds of Gabis Arboretum as a Community Healthcare System physician offers walkers of all ages health-related knowledge. The inaugural Walk and Talk steps off at 6 pm Wednesday, July 14 with Danielle Harris, DO, a family medicine physician with Community Care Network. She will offer tips on how to enjoy a healthy and safe summer. Attendees will meet at the Gabis Arboretum’s Celebration Rose Pavilion and walk the Heron Pond Trail (0.28 mile). This trail is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers suitable for mulch. Program participation is free and registration is encouraged. Arboretum fees will be waived for those participating in the walk. To register, visit brownpapertickets.com/event/5150998 For more information, call 219-462-0025.

Come for the talk, stay for the walk! Many research studies show walking to be among the most convenient and effective forms of regular exercise when it comes to overall fitness. If you are looking for a way to kick start your day or want to create a habit of daily exercise, join the Northwest Health wellness professionals for Wellness Walk and Talk. Wellness Walk and Talk will be held on Tuesday mornings, July 13 thru September 28, 2021 at Clear Lake Trail located on Clear Lake Boulevard in La Porte. Registration begins at 7:45 a.m. Then at 8 a.m. participants will learn about health and

Representatives from Patrick Industries joined Mayor Tom Dermody and the The City of La Porte La Porte City Council on Monday to announce plans to open a new facility in La Porte creating up to 31 new jobs in the community by 2025. “La Porte is a community on the rise. We are thrilled to partner with an industry leader such as Patrick Industries and this project will provide high-quality employment opportunities for our residents,” said Mayor Tom Dermody. Patrick Industries will invest several million dollars to equip a new 60,000 square-foot-facility in the Thomas Rose Industrial Park. The company