Local News

(Porter County, Indiana) - The Porter County Health Department, in partnership with Valparaiso Parks, Valparaiso Fire Department, and the Zac Mago Foundation, has begun placing publicly accessible automated external defibrillators (AEDs). This initiative marks a significant step toward Porter County's goal of becoming a "HEARTSafe community" by enhancing AED accessibility. The first of five new AED machines was installed on Friday, August 15. The installation took place at Central Park Plaza, near the Northwest Health Amphitheater, specifically in the area adjacent to the public restroom facilities. The remaining four SaveHeart stations will be strategically placed in areas with high foot

Community support needed as “Meeting a Growing Need” campaign continues: MICHIGAN CITY – The Salvation Army of Michigan City is inviting community members to step up and serve during this year’s Oktoberfest, held at Washington Park over Labor Day Weekend, as part of its ongoing “Meeting a Growing Need” campaign. With the demand for services up 60% in recent years, the organization will place a Red Kettle at the festival and is urgently seeking volunteer bell ringers to cover shifts from noon to 8:00 pm on Friday, August 29 through Sunday, August 31, and noon to 6:00 pm on Monday,

The La Porte Police Department is pleased to announce the upcoming Citizens Police Academy, set to begin on Wednesday, September 24, and run through October 29. Classes will be held Wednesday evenings from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM at the La Porte Police Department. The Citizens Police Academy is designed to strengthen the relationship between the police and the community by providing residents with insight into the operations, procedures, and challenges of modern law enforcement. Upon completion, participants will gain a deeper understanding of police work and the department’s role in public safety. Application Information: Applications are available on the

The La Porte County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) Facebook page issued a scam notice regarding a document a resident received. A La Porte County resident visited the LCSO  this week and produced this document. The “Notice of Lien” recently arrived in the mail. Growing suspicious, the citizen brought it to the Sheriff’s Office where it was confirmed to be scam related material. For more information related to property lien scams, visit https://www.irs.gov/.../taxpayers-should-beware-of...

LAKE COUNTY, Ind. - Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Superior Construction will move to phase four of pavement patching work on I-65 between 93rd Ave and Central Ave next week. Overnight lane closures will occur on I-65 northbound during the hours of 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for approximately four nights beginning on or around Sunday, August 24. During this overnight work, traffic will be moved from the left inside lanes to the right outside lanes. All lanes of northbound I-65 will be shifted to the right of the work zone, and there will no longer be a counterflow lane

Press Release, Michigan City Police Department: The Michigan City Police Department is proud to announce that they are the newest “SAFE PLACE” location in LaPorte County. Safe Place is a program of the Youth Service Bureau of LaPorte County which provides a network of locations throughout the community where youth in need of immediate help and safety can receive assistance. According to MCPD Lt. Mike King, “Having the designation of Safe Place is more than a title – it’s a promise. It reflects our unwavering commitment to the youth of our community. It means that any child in crisis who

On Tuesday La Porte Police Chief Drangmeister proudly swore in the newest member of the La Porte Police Department, Officer Stephen Bateman of Knox. Officer Bateman has served as a Military Police Officer with the Army National Guard. He will begin his next chapter of training at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy on September 2nd.

The Michigan City Police Department is looking for members of the community who would like to experience the inner workings of what it is like to be a police officer. Beginning Thursday, October 16th, through November 20th, 2025, from 6pm-9pm, we will be sponsoring an opportunity for members of the community to become closely acquainted with the roles and responsibilities of the Police Department. The Michigan City Police Department Citizen's Police Academy (MCCPA) brings the police and the community together in a setting that offers a sample of police training to each participant. Academy Participants will receive three hours of

Michiana Humane Society's fundraiser, Dollars 4 Doodles, taking place from Aug. 22 - Sept. 6, will turn your pet into a one-of-a-kind “Meow-sterpiece”. Donate $25 to Michiana Humane Society, send the Michiana Humane Society your pet’s photo, and get a one-of-a-kind portrait drawn by their staff and volunteers—from professional artists to kids. Proceeds help Michiana Humane Society give second chances to pets and the people who love them. To join in on the fun, click here: https://bit.ly/4fi8huy Photo credit: Michiana Humane Society Facebook page

Michigan City Area Schools will return to a regular in-person schedule on Thursday, August 21, and Friday, August 22. "We are grateful for the support of our neighboring districts during this challenging time, Michigan City Area Schools said in a statement. "Our sincere thanks go to Elkhart Community Schools, LaPorte Community School Corporation, Merrillville Community School Corporation, New Prairie United School Corporation, South Central Community School Corporation, and Warsaw Community Schools for generously providing additional buses to support our students."

Press Release, City of Valparaiso:  The City of Valparaiso is inviting neighborhoods to submit applications for the annual Neighborhood Improvement Grant program, announced Maggie Clifton, Valparaiso’s Community Engagement Director. Guidelines have been updated for 2026, setting the maximum amount at $20,000 per neighborhood. Applications for the upcoming grant cycle will be due on March 1, 2026, with grant recipients announced by March 15, 2026. “The Neighborhood Improvement Grant program has succeeded in funding 139 projects since we introduced the program in 2018,” said Clifton. “The City is pleased to lead this program which brings neighbors together for a common project

The Indiana Toll Road has issued a Travel Advisory for I-94 road work to impact ITR's Lake Station, EXIT 21. The Indiana Toll Road gave the following info:

The #LCSO announces amended/additional charges being filed against 41-year-old Shawn Wesly Russell AKISON in connection with the May 8, 2025, serious bodily injury crash (SBI) that occurred at the intersection of US 20 and Fail Road. Agency detectives and crash reconstructionists have continued to investigate the circumstances of the crash, along with analyzing evidence. Investigators recently received the toxicology test results prompting amended/additional charges being filed through the La Porte County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and La Porte County Circuit Court against AKISON. The amended/additional charges are as follows: • OWI Causing Catastrophic Injury, L4 Felony • OWI Causing SBI, L5

Michigan City Area Schools had to close Tuesday due to around 20-25 catalytic converters being stolen from MCAS school buses. On Tuesday, at around 5:25 a.m., Officer Shane Washluske was dispatched to the Michigan City Area Schools Transportation Department, which is located at 1100 S Woodland Avenue. A Michigan City Area Schools (MCAS) employee reported that during the overnight hours the Transportation Department property was unlawfully entered, and approximately 20 to 25 catalytic converters were stolen from school buses parked on the premises. The theft was discovered early Tuesday morning as transportation staff began preparations for daily bus operations. While

Michigan City Area Schools gave the following information how how schools will run on Aug. 20: "We would like to give you an update regarding school operations for Wednesday, August 20.  Little Wolves Early Learning Center will operate on a regular in-person schedule.  Morning Developmental Pre-K will operate on a regular in-person schedule.  All Elementary Schools will operate on a regular in-person schedule.  Grades 7-12: Students will participate in synchronous eLearning. Teachers will provide live instruction and assignments online. Schedules are listed below: Middle School: Live Instruction: 8:30 AM - 11:50 AM Break for Lunch: 11:55 AM - 12:20 PM

The Ogden Dunes Police Department announced at 12:08 p.m. Tuesday that due to the storm and power outages Monday night, Indiana American Water issued a precautionary Boil Water Advisory. The advisory is expected to remain in effect for approximately 24 hours. ODPD stated the following: "It is recommended that all water used for cooking and drinking be boiled completely for five (5) minutes before use. You may continue to use water for bathing, washing, and other common activities as usual. "You will receive another notification if further action is needed or if conditions change. "We apologize for any inconvenience this

PORTER COUNTY, Ind. – A Jackson County homeowner suffered serious burns after a structure fire on Sunday night, according to the Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Department. Shortly before midnight on Sunday, Aug. 17, Liberty Township firefighters and automatic aid units from Westville and Washington Township were called to a structure fire in the 300 block of Cantigny Court in Jackson Township. Chief Brian Duncan arrived on scene and reported a working structure fire with heavy involvement on the attached garage. The intensity of the flames led to a roof collapse within minutes of fire crews arriving. Chief Duncan called for

Press Release, Purdue University Northwest: HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) has received $1.8 million in renewed federal funding that will support resources for first-generation and low-income students, as well as students living with disabilities, through its TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program. The program assists eligible PNW students with comprehensive services that support their college journeys through graduation and preparation for entering the workforce or graduate school. Students benefit from one-to-one mentorship through tutoring, financial assistance and planning, counseling, career exploration and more through TRIO SSS. Eligible students also have group learning and professional development opportunities

In Jasper County, an INDOT contractor will have overnight ramp closures on I-65 at State Road 14 (mile marker/exit 220) beginning on or after Thursday, Aug. 21. The ramps at this interchange will close one at a time for milling operations, reopening after each has been milled. Crews will then close each ramp for resurfacing. The schedule is weather dependent and subject to change, but milling is currently scheduled for overnight August 21 and resurfacing for August 22 through August 25. Only one ramp will be closed at a time, and work will occur during the overnight hours of 8

The Valparaiso Police Department recently thanked Project Linus for their donation of handmade blankets. The Valparaiso Police Department said the comforting blankets will be a great resource for children in crisis situations, helping provide warmth and a sense of security when they need it most.