Local News

NIPSCO natural gas residential customers can expect their overall bills during this year’s winter heating season to be slightly higher when compared to last year , assuming normal weather and usage. The slight difference is largely due to the higher overall cost of natural gas – although the commodity cost of natural gas remains near historic lows. NIPSCO's customer care team will also work with customers to set up a personalized payment plan. Customers can call 1 - 800 - 4 - NIPSCO (1 - 800 - 464 - 7726) to discuss options. A full list of programs and tips

The MCHS Student Council is inviting everyone in our community (adults and students alike!) to wear "Wolves Wear" on Friday, and they are asking schools/businesses to help cheer on the Wolves with messages on signage, etc. Although the Homecoming festivities are being postponed (tentatively basketball season, date TBA),  this Friday is still a big day for our high school. They thank everyone for the support!Ticket Information: 750 tickets for the Wolves home game are for sale now from the MCHS Athletic Office. First-come, first-served all week long until they run out. Tickets are $6 each.  The Athletic Office is in the

A La Porte TransPorte employee recently tested positive for COVID-19, according to Mayor Tom Dermody. “We are disappointed to share that we've had a city employee test positive for the coronavirus," Dermody said. "This is a reminder to all of us that while things continue to open and regulations begin to relax, we cannot let up on protective measures to safeguard our employees and residents." The employee, Dermody said, was tested on Wednesday, September 30, but continued to work for the remainder of the week without notifying the City. Dermody said the individual alerted TrasnPorte and City officials this morning

Indiana joins eight other states as Governor Eric Holcomb officially declares October to be Careers in Construction Month. Indiana’s Careers in Construction Month is designated to help increase public awareness of the opportunities available in construction trades professions. “The importance of the construction industry’s role in moving Indiana’s economy forward is more prevalent than ever after COVID-19,” said Indiana Builders Association President Brett Harter. “Past, current and future leadership is what keeps Indiana a leader in the nation for housing affordability. Educating and promoting the next generation of the Hoosier workforce on the construction industry as a viable and worthwhile

PORTER COUNTY- On Sept 29th at approximately 2:00 a.m., Probationary Trooper Luis Alvarez was patrolling the Indiana Toll Road when he stopped to check on a disabled vehicle at the 31 mile-marker (Chesterton/Valparaiso Exit).  The vehicle, a green 2004 Toyota Camry had sustained a flat tire and was occupied by four individuals.  Trooper Alvarez contacted a local tow company to respond to the scene to assist with the vehicle.  As the tow operator was preparing to tow the vehicle, a gunshot was heard coming from inside the Camry.  Two individuals exited and began yelling that someone had been shot.  As Trooper

The announcement by Gov. Eric Holcomb that Indiana’s infant mortality rate fell in 2019 to the lowest level in recorded state history demonstrates that the work being done statewide and in Northwest Indiana is paying dividends. Part of the state’s effort has been more than $27 million in Safety PIN grants allocated to community partners. The Franciscan Health Foundation received a two-year $600,000 Safety PIN grant in 2018 to expand Franciscan Health’s Prenatal Assistance Program in Crown Point and launch the program in Hammond with an eye toward reducing infant mortality among rural residents of Lake and Porter counties and

Marquette Catholic High School is once again embracing October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. With breast cancer expected to attack over 276,000 women this year - and kill over 42,000 - all of us have been affected in one way or another by this terrible disease. In response, Marquette and the American Cancer Society will continue their partnership Friday, October 23rd when they host their annual Denim Day. Students, staff, and faculty are encouraged to wear pink tops with blue jeans on the 23rd in exchange for a minimum $5 donation to the American Cancer Society. This year, Marquette has

Indiana trial courts can now send text and email reminders, cancellations, and rescheduling notices to jurors. The Supreme Court’s Office of Court Technology added these enhancements to its Jury Management System, used by courts in 81 counties. As jury trials resume, trial courts are adapting to ensure a safe environment for staff, the public, case participants, and those called for jury duty. Measures may include social distancing, videoconferencing, more frequent cleaning, and now real-time communication with potential and selected jurors. Jurors opt in for the text and email notifications by responding to a USPS mailed questionnaire sent with the summons

The Salvation Army of Michigan City is seeking bell ringers to help staff the iconic Red Kettles that will soon make an appearance around the city. Given the tremendous financial impact of COVID-19, The Salvation Army has set a lofty goal of $200,000 for this year’s Christmas campaign, and they are hopeful that community members will help by ringing bells this year. There are two ways a person can become a bell ringer, according to Major Dale Simmons, who oversees the local  Salvation Army office. Those interested in applying to become a staff bell ringer this season can visit The

The Indiana Department of Health is encouraging Hoosiers to get vaccinated against influenza to help protect them from the contagious respiratory illness that sickens thousands of Hoosiers each year and claimed more than 130 lives in the 2019-2020 flu season. The CDC recommends that everyone age 6 months and older get a flu vaccine each year. State Health Commissioner Dr. Box said that because infants under 6 months can’t be vaccinated, it’s important that anyone in a household where a young baby lives or visits get a flu shot to protect the child. Healthcare workers also are urged to get

On Monday, October 5, Duneland Schools  say they will move to Level 3, with students attending in-person coming to campus on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Students selecting the remote learning model will continue to receive instruction without coming to campus. In an effort to provide families with choices throughout the pandemic, students were able to change their learning model preference prior to this level change. 631 students moved from remote to an in-person learning model and 325 students moved from an in-person to remote learning model. Schedule changes for the Level 3 transition are a work in progress and

Thursday morning, just after 10:30 a.m., a two-vehicle crash on the Indiana Toll Road (I-90) claimed the life of a 7-year-old Illinois resident.  Preliminary Investigation shows that before the crash, several vehicles were reportedly stopped partially in the right lane near the 12 mile-marker.  This portion of interstate is a bridge consisting of three lanes without berms (shoulders).  People were reportedly standing outside of their vehicles attempting to capture a stray dog that had run onto the interstate.  A Chevrolet Volt, driven by 38 year old Anthony M. Swanson, from Chicago, IL, was eastbound in the center lane approaching the

Captain Jeff Loniewski has identified the make and model of the suspect vehicle involved in the hit and run accident that took the life of Tara Stevens in front of Creekside Bar and Grill on September 12th. The suspect vehicle is a dark colored 2010-2017 GMC Terrain. The suspect vehicle should have damage to the right front headlight assembly. Damage could possibly be present on the hood and right front fender as well. If you see a vehicle matching this description, please contact Captain Jeff Loniewski at 219-874-3221 Ext: 1008 or Lieutenant Kevin Urbanczyk at Ext: 1042. Police would also

Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch announced 479 organizations will receive almost $10 million through the Arts, Cultural and Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) grant program. This initiative is made possible through a partnership between the Indiana Destination Development Corporation (IDDC) and the Indiana Arts Commission (IAC), providing operational support to local organizations whose operations were disrupted by COVID-19. "These organizations help enhance the quality of life here in our great state," Crouch said. "I am pleased to see the arts and cultural sector, which adds to Indiana's tourism economy, get this funding." A list of the awardees can be found here.

Yesterday Governor Eric J. Holcomb signed Executive Order 20-45 to extend the temporary licensing of health care workers who do not currently hold an active license. The following workers will be permitted to practice for an additional 90 days: -medical professionals who retired or became inactive in the last five years -medical professionals who hold licenses in other states -certain medical students and graduates These professionals must register with the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency via their website at www.in.gov/pla. They will be able to assist in screenings, telemedicine and other basic procedures to allow regularly licensed medical professionals to be

South Shore Line mobile app users are advised that a new app update is now available for download for iOS and Android via the App Store and Google Play Store. The update will modify the appearance of SSL tickets, and includes new features to improve the user experience: Revised ticket display;New tabs showing active tickets and ticket history;"Submit a Report" feature in the menu section, to be used for non-app related passenger comments/complaints/suggestions/questions;The "App Support" link is now an embedded submission box in the menu section, to be used for all app questions/comments (previously the link opened the phone’s email client).

The City of La Porte unveiled today its new logo and branding, according to Mayor Tom Dermody. "Our team has worked diligently over the last several months to create this new look and identity for our community, and we could not be more thrilled to finally share it today," Dermody said. "La Porte is a special place, and we believe these efforts will help to set us apart and make our community attractive as we look to bring in new businesses with high-wage jobs." Inspired by La Porte's natural resources, Dermody said the new logo is focused on the access

La Porte Hospital to be known as Northwest Health – La Porte La Porte, IN –Today, La Porte Hospital announced it is part of Northwest Health, a new healthcare system that will help residents look forward to more doctors, more locations and easier access to healthcare in Northwest Indiana. The local hospital’s name will change to Northwest Health - La Porte when the new $125 million replacement hospital opens in downtown La Porte on October 24. The new Northwest Health system combines the resources of the La Porte, Porter and Starke hospitals in a comprehensive system of in-person and telehealth

Yesterday, U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) applauded a partnership between the U.S. Department of Commerce and the RV Industry Association (RVIA) to help RV manufacturers boost exports to international markets. RVIA was awarded a grant and technical assistance through the International Trade Administration’s (ITA) Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP) to reduce trade barriers and regulatory hurdles in order to expand exports of American-made RVs to China, South Korea, and Japan

Last week, Officers from the Porter County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit and Crime Scene Investigators completed training with the new Faro S70 3D laser scanner. This scanner was purchased partly with grant funds awarded to the Porter County Sheriff’s Office through the Porter County Substance Abuse Council. It will assist the specialty units with processing scenes more efficiently and to provide the Prosecutor’s Office with enhanced ways to present fatal crashes and high profile criminal cases.  The scanner will provide views from the scene with overview maps, 3D video walkthroughs, and 360-degree photographic documentation.