Local News

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) Chancellor Thomas L. Keon has been elected to the board of directors of the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra (LCSO).The LCSO has served the residents of La Porte County and beyond for 47 years with its esteemed orchestra of 60 musicians. The orchestra performs a variety of acclaimed concerts, including the annual Holiday at the Pops event, as well as educational concerts for the children of La Porte Community Schools and nearby school corporations, senior living centers, and agencies working with individuals with disabilities.Keon is a longtime advocate of engaged partnerships between universities and local communities

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) Chancellor Thomas L. Keon has been elected to the board of directors of the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra (LCSO).The LCSO has served the residents of La Porte County and beyond for 47 years with its esteemed orchestra of 60 musicians. The orchestra performs a variety of acclaimed concerts, including the annual Holiday at the Pops event, as well as educational concerts for the children of La Porte Community Schools and nearby school corporations, senior living centers, and agencies working with individuals with disabilities.Keon is a longtime advocate of engaged partnerships between universities and local communities

In Michigan City, Bulbs, Buzzers, and Silk Wires: Electrifying the Barker Mansion is taking place Wednesday, September 18th, 7-8:30 pm. This tour explores the history of electricity through the Barker Mansion. Guests will see the inner working of original electrical outlets in the floors and walls as well the 1905 switchboard, hidden call buttons in the walls, Tiffany lamps, nickel-plated telephones, and many more details normally hidden to the public. The tour will use the original work orders and contracts used by the Barkers' electricians in 1905. Cost is $5 for general admission.

In Michigan City, Bulbs, Buzzers, and Silk Wires: Electrifying the Barker Mansion is taking place Wednesday, September 18th, 7-8:30 pm. This tour explores the history of electricity through the Barker Mansion. Guests will see the inner working of original electrical outlets in the floors and walls as well the 1905 switchboard, hidden call buttons in the walls, Tiffany lamps, nickel-plated telephones, and many more details normally hidden to the public. The tour will use the original work orders and contracts used by the Barkers' electricians in 1905. Cost is $5 for general admission.

The decision to expand Michigan City’s 2019 Great Lakes Grand Prix with both new and additional races paid off in a big way for the community, with this year’s event setting all-time records for both attendance and earnings, according to a report released by Visit Michigan City LaPorte Convention & Visitors Bureau. A total of 212,600 people visited the 11th annual event held Aug. 2-4, generating $13.6 million for LaPorte County’s economy. “Attendance was over the top, and we couldn’t be happier,” said Jack Arnett, Executive Director of Visit Michigan City LaPorte. “We had visitors from around the world, representing

Homecoming season is officially upon us and the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office is increasing enforcement and presence throughout the County in an effort to keep students and motorists safe.  For the next several weeks, New Prairie, Michigan City, South Central and La Porte High Schools will be celebrating their homecomings, and each is a week-long celebration culminating with football games and dances.  Traditionally, class rivalries and competitions occur during this week and at times have carried over in the form of incidents of underage drinking, reckless driving and criminal behavior such as vandalism.  The Sheriff’s Office reminds students and

Homecoming season is officially upon us and the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office is increasing enforcement and presence throughout the County in an effort to keep students and motorists safe.  For the next several weeks, New Prairie, Michigan City, South Central and La Porte High Schools will be celebrating their homecomings, and each is a week-long celebration culminating with football games and dances.  Traditionally, class rivalries and competitions occur during this week and at times have carried over in the form of incidents of underage drinking, reckless driving and criminal behavior such as vandalism.  The Sheriff’s Office reminds students and

Remains Found on Illinois Property After Death of Dr. Ulrich Klopfer, Who Performed Abortions for Decades in Indiana U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) today released the following statement on reports that more than 2,000 fetal remains were found on the Illinois property of Dr. Ulrich “George” Klopfer, who for decades performed abortions in South Bend, Ft. Wayne, and Gary, Ind.: “Reports that more than 2,000 fetal remains were found on the property of longtime South Bend abortion doctor Ulrich Klopfer are sickening beyond words. He was responsible for thousands of abortions in Indiana, and his careless treatment of human remains is an

Remains Found on Illinois Property After Death of Dr. Ulrich Klopfer, Who Performed Abortions for Decades in Indiana U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) today released the following statement on reports that more than 2,000 fetal remains were found on the Illinois property of Dr. Ulrich “George” Klopfer, who for decades performed abortions in South Bend, Ft. Wayne, and Gary, Ind.: “Reports that more than 2,000 fetal remains were found on the property of longtime South Bend abortion doctor Ulrich Klopfer are sickening beyond words. He was responsible for thousands of abortions in Indiana, and his careless treatment of human remains is an

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is hosting a statewide hiring fair Tuesday, Sept. 17th, for seasonal plow drivers. There are a number of locations statewide, including three right here in the Northwest District: Gary, LaPorte and Plymouth. All fairs run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. local time. These seasonal positions pay $16 per hour and offer $250 sign-on and $500 retention bonuses for eligible candidates. Applicants need a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and a high school diploma or GED certificate is preferred, but not required. More information is available at indotjobs.com and interested candidates are encouraged to

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is hosting a statewide hiring fair Tuesday, Sept. 17th, for seasonal plow drivers. There are a number of locations statewide, including three right here in the Northwest District: Gary, LaPorte and Plymouth. All fairs run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. local time. These seasonal positions pay $16 per hour and offer $250 sign-on and $500 retention bonuses for eligible candidates. Applicants need a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and a high school diploma or GED certificate is preferred, but not required. More information is available at indotjobs.com and interested candidates are encouraged to

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) today announced Indiana as the recipient of a $495,000 State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) grant,  supporting the state's efforts to develop and expand export-related activities among small businesses and open up new markets for Hoosier-made goods around the world. The STEP program, which is administered by the SBA's Office of International Trade, is designed to increase the number of small businesses that export goods and to increase the value of exports from small businesses. Since its initial launch, the STEP program has awarded  approximately $157 million in grants to U.S. small businesses. Under

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) today announced Indiana as the recipient of a $495,000 State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) grant,  supporting the state's efforts to develop and expand export-related activities among small businesses and open up new markets for Hoosier-made goods around the world. The STEP program, which is administered by the SBA's Office of International Trade, is designed to increase the number of small businesses that export goods and to increase the value of exports from small businesses. Since its initial launch, the STEP program has awarded  approximately $157 million in grants to U.S. small businesses. Under

Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA) in Michigan City, Indiana has received a grant of $33,000 from the NiSource Charitable Foundation. The foundation’s mission is “to help create strong and sustainable communities where NiSource employees and customers live and work.” This funding will support a comprehensive technology upgrade that will dramatically enhance LCA’s educational programs. Phase I of this project included the purchase of 30 iPads, a charging station and other related supplies. This new technology was already put to the test by a group of 8 to 13-year-olds in a one-week “Lights, Camera, Action” summer camp.

State health officials are urging Indiana residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites in response to the detection of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus activity in northern Indiana.Since mid-August of this year, three horses and one group of mosquitoes from Elkhart County have tested positive for EEE virus. No human cases of EEE virus disease have been reported in Indiana in 2019; however, three human cases have been reported in southwest Michigan this year, one of which was fatal.State health officials recommend the following preventive measures:-Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are active (especially late afternoon, dusk to dawn and early

State health officials are urging Indiana residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites in response to the detection of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus activity in northern Indiana.Since mid-August of this year, three horses and one group of mosquitoes from Elkhart County have tested positive for EEE virus. No human cases of EEE virus disease have been reported in Indiana in 2019; however, three human cases have been reported in southwest Michigan this year, one of which was fatal.State health officials recommend the following preventive measures:-Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are active (especially late afternoon, dusk to dawn and early

La Porte Hospital reached another milestone yesterday, with a Topping Out celebration. Construction tradition celebrates the last steel beam being hoisted into place during a Topping Out ceremony. In just over three months, more than 3 million pounds of steel have been assembled to create the structure of the new La Porte Hospital.  Hospital leadership, volunteers, board members, contractors, and construction workers attended the event as the last beam was placed at the top of the structure. The beam, which was placed inside the lobby of the existing hospital earlier this week, was signed by many employees, community members and others.

On Wednesday, September 11, at approximately 1:50 P.M. (CST), deputies were dispatched to the area of US 20 and Wiley Road reference a personal injury crash. Upon arrival, deputies discovered a passenger vehicle wedged underneath a trailer that was being pulled by a semi-tractor. The crash investigation determined both vehicles were traveling west on US 20 in the construction zone of the “Dogbone” interchange project.  The semi-tractor, a Freightliner, was slowing for congested traffic in the westbound single lane of travel. Evidence and further obtained statements revealed the passenger vehicle, a 2006 Pontiac, driven by 30 year old Zachery Sims

On Wednesday, September 11, at approximately 1:50 P.M. (CST), deputies were dispatched to the area of US 20 and Wiley Road reference a personal injury crash. Upon arrival, deputies discovered a passenger vehicle wedged underneath a trailer that was being pulled by a semi-tractor. The crash investigation determined both vehicles were traveling west on US 20 in the construction zone of the “Dogbone” interchange project.  The semi-tractor, a Freightliner, was slowing for congested traffic in the westbound single lane of travel. Evidence and further obtained statements revealed the passenger vehicle, a 2006 Pontiac, driven by 30 year old Zachery Sims

The Valparaiso Police Department would like to inform citizens of financial scams that have recently been reported in the area.  Within the last few weeks, Valparaiso Police have received numerous complaints where citizens have been fraudulently encouraged to pay large sums of money for a variety of circumstances.  Please remember, government agencies will not contact you by phone to demand immediate payment, nor will financial institutions or billing companies take pre-paid credit cards or gift cards as restitution.  These same institutions will not utilize fear or threaten immediate arrest for failure to comply with these requests.  Prior to using any