Local News

Residents' utility bills may look a little different next month, according to City of La Porte Clerk-Treasurer Courtney Parthun. Parthun said City of La Porte utility customers can expect to see an increase for water and sewer services in the coming bill. Stormwater increases will impact larger customers only (i.e. commercial and industrial accounts). Parthun said even with these increases, City of La Porte utility costs remain below the state average. "Our water and wastewater infrastructure systems are over 100 years old and in desperate need of repairs," Parthun said. "We could not kick the can down the road any

Due to the recent severe weather that has affected much of the country and disrupted shipping services, La Porte County Health Department will not be receiving its weekly allotment of the COVID-19 vaccine as planned.  This has forced us to reschedule appointments that were originally scheduled for afternoon of Friday February 19th beginning at 1:30 pm on,  all day Saturday February 20th and all day Monday February 22nd.  These appointments are all in the process of being rescheduled as follows. Saturday appointments will be moved to the same times on Tuesday February 23rd. Monday appointments will be moved to the

La Porte County Advisory Level has changed to YELLOW.  All general requirements of Executive Order 21-02 are still in effect.  The following items are for YELLOW designated counties: Social gatherings are recommended to be no more than 100 people. Events and social gatherings may take place at up to 50 percent capacity when other guidelines, including social distancing, face coverings, and plans to mitigate COVID-19 are in place. For any social gathering or event where the total number of invited, requested or expected individuals (including staff) will exceed the recommended number of permitted attendees, the host of the gathering or

Yesterday, the Indiana State Department of Health updated the COVID-19 county advisory levels. Jasper County moved from the orange level to yellow. LaPorte, Porter, Lake, St. Joseph, and Newton, Counties remain at yellow. Starke County has moved from blue to yellow. Visit coronavirus.in.gov for more information.

Kevin Witherspoon was recently sworn in by Mayor Sue Lynch as the newest member of the city's Plan Commission. Witherspoon, a 16-year Portage resident, is a mechanic at NIPSCO's Schahfer Generating Station. He is also a former ironworker with Local 395. Witherspoon recently graduated from Purdue Northwest with a degree in mechanical engineering technology.

Donation To Franciscan Health Michigan City Center Of Hope Provides Needed Supplies To Sexual Abuse Survivors Thanks to a $1,000 gift card donation from the local Meijer store, Franciscan Health Michigan City officials got a chance to shop for items to help survivors of sexual abuse who come to the hospital’s Center of Hope. Franciscan Health’s Centers of Hope are designated spaces where victims are given one-on-one trauma care by SANE (sexual assault nurse examiner) nurses trained to handle sexual assault cases. In many cases, clothes and undergarments must be taken for the forensic kit from patients who are coping

Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO), a subsidiary of NiSource Inc., announced plans to retire two coal-fired units representing half of its R.M. Schahfer Generating Station capacity in Wheatfield, Ind. by the end of 2021. The retirements are part of NIPSCO’s broader, long-term electric generation strategy and customer-centric plan referred to as “Your Energy, Your Future.” The strategy outlines the company’s plans to become 100 percent coal-free by 2028, while transitioning to reliable, lower-cost and more sustainable energy options. NIPSCO projects the transition will result in an estimated $4 billion in cost savings over the long term. The Schahfer

The LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office says that a man was arrested following a domestic disturbance Sunday night in Fish Lake. Deputy Austin Epple was dispatched to a residence in the 300 block of Cherry Street in Fish Lake, in reference to a domestic disturbance. Responding units learned that 32 year Calvin H. Swanson had been battered and stabbed by his roommate, 65 year old Michael R. Brewer of Fish Lake.  Indiana Conservation Officer Alex Toth arrived and made contact with Swanson outside the residence.  Swanson had several cuts and abrasions, was bleeding, and appeared to have been severely battered.  Swanson

The Michigan City Civil Service Commission promoted four officers due to the recent retirements of Sergeants Gregory Miller and Kenneth Havlin. Both ranks became available and filled on January 15th , 2021 due to the retirement of Sergeant Gregory Miller:1. Corporal Steve Forker was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Sergeant Forker is a 15- year veteran and currently assigned to Michigan City High School as the School Resource Officer.2. Officer Kelley Kennedy was promoted to the rank of Corporal. Corporal Kennedy is a 13- year veteran and currently assigned to Uniform Patrol Shift 3.Both ranks became available and filled

 Purdue University Northwest (PNW) announced today (Feb. 16) plans for outdoor, in-person ceremonies, with appropriate health and safety protocols, to celebrate the academic achievements of the spring Class of 2021. Commencement ceremonies for all spring 2021 candidates will be held May 15 in the area south of the Nils K. Nelson Bioscience Innovation Building on PNW’s Hammond Campus. The rain date is May 16. “We are excited to return to in-person commencement ceremonies to allow our graduates to share this important experience safely with family and friends,” Chancellor Thomas L. Keon said in a message to students, faculty and staff. “Graduation

The Indiana Department of Health announced that more than 70 COVID-19 vaccine clinics are closed today due to inclement weather. A list of impacted sites can be found here and is posted at OurShot.IN.gov.Individuals who need to reschedule their appointments can click on the link in their last confirmation text message or email or call 211 if they need assistance. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says individuals who receive their second dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine within 42 days of the first dose will have full protection from the virus.Also today, the health department announced that 889 additional

Michigan city transit is suspending the transit triangle route due to severe weather and road conditions. Michigan City transit local routes will attempt to operate as long as weather permits. Please expect delays.

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