Local News

According to data from the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD): Indiana employment peaked in June with a record number of Hoosiers working (2,750,700) in the private sector. Unemployment fell to 3.2% in September—the lowest it’s been since December 2000. The percentage of jobless in Indiana remained unchanged for four consecutive months, closing out the year at that 3.2% level. The number of unemployment claims filed in 2019 fell to its lowest level (190,983) in more than 10 years. The biggest employment gains in 2019 came from Construction, adding 6,900 jobs for a total of 153,900; Private Education & Health

Governor Holcomb and fitness icon Jake Steinfeld announced nominations are now open for Indiana schools to apply for a $100,000 DON’T QUIT!® fitness center from the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils (NFGFC). The NFGFC seeks to encourage and reward innovation in the field of youth fitness by awarding fitness centers to schools that use new and unique methods to promote student physical activity and wellness. Three Indiana elementary or middle schools will each receive a $100,000 state-of-the-art fitness center from the NFGFC. The NFGFC envisions a nation that—through innovation and a “DON’T QUIT!” attitude—boasts the fittest kids in the

Indiana-licensed health maintenance organization, MDWise, has a new President and Chief Executive Officer. Jessica Cromer now leads one of Indiana’s largest HMOs, which services nearly 300,000 Medicaid members. MDWise is operated by Michigan-based McLaren Integrated HMO Group. Cromer previously served as executive director for Pittsburgh-based Gateway Health Plan, which has 284,000 members. Cromer also worked 18 years for Amerigroup, an Anthem-owned company.

The Economic Development Corporation Michigan City, (EDCMC) as part of it new Strategic Action Plan 2019-2023 is forming the Neighborhood Leadership Academy to assist in the development of neighborhood leadership associations or developing programs. This training program is intended to help build capacity within and among Michigan City neighborhoods with the vision of addressing local issues and opportunities in a productive and positive manner. Michigan City Neighborhood Leadership Academy (MCNLA) seeks to strengthen the communities by educating citizens on the various roles of city government and community partners; and encourages them to build strong neighborhood associations, communicate with city government

The House of Representatives Monday advanced State Rep. Jim Pressel’s (R-Rolling Prairie) legislation outlining and strengthening the rights of professional firefighters. Pressel said while some professional fire departments across the state have already implemented policies outlining the rights of their employees, others have not. He said this legislation would help level the playing field and better ensure these brave men and women are treated fairly.  “Our firefighters put a lot on the line to keep our communities safe,” Pressel said. “They’re willing to risk everything for the health, safety and welfare of the people they serve. Making sure they have

On Sunday morning at approximately 2:03 a.m., Trooper Dennis Griffin was dispatched to a single vehicle crash on I-80/94 east bound lanes at the 2.2 mile-marker. The vehicle, a white 2019 Chevrolet Camaro, had struck the impact attenuator which resulted in two lanes being blocked. Through Trooper Griffin’s investigation, he had reason to believe that the driver of the vehicle was impaired via alcoholic beverages. The driver, Anthony Van Norris, 35 years of age from Merrillville, IN, refused to submit to a chemical test and was taken into custody. At approximately 2:48 a.m., a secondary crash occurred in the back-up

The Indiana Department of Transportation has launched the 2020 Paint the Plow campaign and invites Indiana schools to submit an application to participate. Paint the Plow is open to all middle schools, high schools and career-technical schools across the state. Schools/programs will be paired with a local INDOT unit to paint an INDOT snow plow blade with original artwork representing their school. Applications and additional program details can be found here: painttheplow.indot.in.gov. In addition to being seen in full service during the winter weather months, the blades may be used at events within the school’s community to enhance public awareness,

The CASA Program is conducting their next volunteer training in February. LaPorte County Library (Coolspring Branch) 6925 W 400 N Michigan City, IN 46360 Wednesday:2/12/20 4:00 – 7:00 pm 2/19/20 4:00 – 7:00 pm Saturday: 2/15/20 9:30 am – 4:00 pm 2/22/20 11:00 am – 4:00 pm For children who’ve been abused or neglected having a CASA means having a voice in the decisions the adults are making. CASA means having a home instead of feeling invisible. For  volunteers, CASA is a life –changing experience that makes our community a better place.  Currently there are sixty-four children in need of services. Children who

The Valparaiso Police have identified the victim of the homicide that occurred on January 29, 2020 as 36 year old Travis Thompson, of Valparaiso. The investigation of this incident is on-going, under the cooperative efforts of the Valparaiso Police Department, the Porter County Sheriff’s Department, the Porter County Prosecutor’s Office, and the office of the Porter County Coroner. If you have any information related to this incident, please contact the Valparaiso Police Department at 219-462-2135. Information can also be texted to TIP411 (847-411) and enter “Valpo” in the message field prior to sending the message. Please use the word “Elm”

MICHIGAN CITY —Swanson Center announces the appointment of Clay Turner to their Board of Directors. Turner, a longtime resident of LaPorte County, currently serves as the Executive Director for the LaPorte County Solid Waste District.  Turner looks forward to serving on the board for Swanson Center, and to helping to continue their mission of improving lives by providing comprehensive, expert mental health services for the people who live and work in LaPorte County.  “I am happy to be part of a board that has helped so many in our community, I hope my experiences will be an asset to the

  The Ogden Dunes Beach is closed effective immediately until further notice per the Ogden Dunes Town Council. This is due to hazardous conditions created by erosion and ongoing construction work with heavy equipment working in the area. This is in addition to the previously announced closure of all beach accessways which is still in effect. Police are asking to please not go onto any beach access-ways or the Ogden Dunes Beach until this closure is lifted.Beach access is also closed at the Portage Lakefront & Riverwalk due to hazardous conditions resulting from erosion however the pavilion, fishing area, and

On January 29, 2020 at approximately 9:45 p.m. Valparaiso Police responded to the 700 block of Elm St. for the report of a man down. Upon police arrival, the male subject was found deceased and a death investigation was initiated.  As of Thursday morning, the investigation of this incident remains active and has been confirmed a homicide. It has been learned the participants were familiar with each other and therefore the incident was isolated to those involved.  There appears to be no threat to community safety at this time. If you have any information related to this incident, please contact the

In order to help alleviate some of the stresses of receiving a City Ordinance Violation, MCPD will now be accepting Credit/Debit Card payments over the phone for the following City Ordinance Violations: Parking Violations and Animal Violations.This now gives you three easy ways to pay your Ordinance Violation: In Person, US Mail, or over the phone.To pay an Ordinance Violation over the phone, please call 219-874-3221 and ask to speak with the Records Division during their normal business hours of: Monday-Thursday 8 AM-4:30 PM and Friday 7:30 AM-4:00 PM. Closed on Saturday and Sunday.

Bipartisan Caucus Will Focus on Increasing Presence of Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) this week launched the first ever Women in STEM Caucus, alongside co-chairs Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.), Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Mich.), and Rep. Debbie Lesko (R-Ariz.). The bipartisan House caucus was founded to increase the presence of women and underrepresented minorities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, or STEM. The caucus currently has 13 members from both sides of the aisle.  “STEM education is a driving force behind our nation’s 21st century economy, strengthening our workforce through hands-on learning, technical training,

LaPorte County officials today announced they have reached agreement with state officials on a $1 million Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) performance-based grant to support the connection of LaPorte County’s $6 million rail spur at Kingsbury Industrial Park (KIP) with the CSX mainline that is adjacent to the park’s southern border. The agreement to connect the KIP rail spur with the CSX mainline was approved at Wednesday’s county Redevelopment Commission meeting. “With this increased connectivity, KIP, which was previously designated by CSX as a ‘Select Site’ for prospective developers will be one of the few industrial parks in the nation

UPDATE from Michigan City Area Schools-Due to Illness on all levels Staffers and Students. All Michigan Area Schools will be on an e-learning day both Thursday 01/30/2020 and Friday 01/31/2020. Sports will be played ona case by case basis. According to Betsy Kohn all schools and areas will get a deep clean. School will be back open on Monday 02/03/2020

In conjunction with the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH), and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Porter County Health Department has identified an individual traveling through Porter County as potentially infected with the novel coronavirus. Final diagnosis awaits the results of laboratory tests to be performed by the CDC. Out of an abundance of caution, the individual has been placed in isolation and is currently under active medical supervision. In the interim, all applicable protocols have been implemented. Updated reports will be released as further information becomes available. Information on the novel coronavirus is posted on the Health

La Lumiere School and their national powerhouse basketball program will be hosting “Hometown Hero’s” at their game against Lake Forest Academy on February 8th beginning at 2:00 PM. The special event is for ALL police, fire, EMS, E-911, military personnel and any other first responders. All first responder guests will receive free admission and also be recognized during halftime. Any first responder planning to attend is asked to RSVP with Athletic Director Matt Marvin ( mmarvin@lalumiere.org ).

With the support of two generous gifts, the project to renovate Bauer Field, Valparaiso University’s baseball field, is off to a strong start. The two gifts total $550,000 and will provide the resources to install synthetic turf on the infield and down the foul lines. The total project will be done in two phases and, when completed, will transform Bauer Field into a quality Missouri Valley Conference facility. Lead gifts have been received from Valpo alumni Lynn Scheutzow ’74 Young and Carl Young ’73 and the Deetjen family. The renovation is scheduled to be completed in two phases, with a

As the annual Christmas Campaign comes to an end, The Salvation Army of Michigan City is happy to announce that 98.8 percent of its $200,000 goal was met this holiday season. The Salvation Army of Michigan City sets a campaign goal every Christmas season which raises money through red kettles, online/mail-in donations and sponsorship dollars. These funds help serve needy families during the holidays, but also help The Salvation Army operate throughout the year, Simmons said. Also supported by donations through the Christmas Campaign is the Pathway of Hope program, the newest implementation by the local Salvation Army. This program