Local News

LAKE COUNTY, Ind. - An Indiana Department of Transportation contractor will close U.S. 231 between Bell Street and Tenbrook Drive on or after Thursday, May 9 through early July for two consecutive projects. U.S. 231 will first be closed between Bell Street and Fathke Road for a small structure replacement project. After the first project is complete, the closure of U.S. 231 will be between Hendricks Place and Tenbrook Drive for a pipe lining project. INDOT says motorists should seek alternate routes. The official detour will follow U.S. 41, U.S. 30 and State Road 55. INDOT had previously announced that

La Porte County Indiana completed all pieces for Kingsbury Industrial Park’s newest rail spur connecting CSX, a Class 1 railroad. This connection will open the industrial park to 3 connections CN, South Shore and CSX, creating economic opportunities for new and existing businesses in the Kingsbury Industrial Park. “It is said that patience, hard work and determination are virtues. That statement exemplifies all those involved in helping to get a class 1 connection into the Kingsbury industrial park. As the switchers in the park, JBC rail services is thrilled to announce that CSX went live on April 1, 2024, and

Press Release, Duneland Chamber of Commerce: The Duneland Chamber of Commerce is excited to start its 21st year of Chesterton's European Market, a beloved tradition in Northwest Indiana since 2003. Located in the heart of Chesterton's business district and Thomas Centennial Park, the market will be open every Saturday from 8am to 2pm during May through October. Cathi Rogers, European Market Director, expresses her enthusiasm for the upcoming season: "We're thrilled to kick off another fantastic season of the European Market. This year, we have a host of exciting new activities planned, including engaging kids’ activities, local musicians playing a

News Release, Purdue University Northwest: Three innovators were awarded investment capital for their startup pitches after earning judges’ top picks April 27 in the 13th annual The PNW Big Sell pitch competition. The PNW Big Sell is hosted by PNW’s Office of Commercialization and Research and sponsored by PNW’s College of Business, Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) and Centier Bank. Jonathan Rose earned first place and $10,000 for the pitch for ModMath. The application is intended to assist students with dyslexia and dysgraphia complete math exercises with a digital interface instead of a physical writing utensil and paper. Emily

In order to accommodate construction, the South Shore Line will bus weekday eastbound train passengers between 10 p.m. – 3 a.m. through May 3, between Hegewisch, Hammond and East Chicago stations. Effective through 3 a.m. Saturday, May 4, busing includes the following trains: Weekday EB Trains 121, 123, 101 (Weekend Tr 601 early morning May 4) Buses will arrive and depart with passengers to match the SSL published train schedule between Hegewisch and East Chicago. Passengers on Tr 121, Tr 123 and Tr 101/601 will detrain at Hegewisch Station to board buses for their destination stations, or re-board South Shore

The 15th Street railroad crossing in Chesterton will remain closed until next week, according to the Town of Chesterton. "The contracted traffic manager for Norfolk Southern is reporting that the re-opening of the North 15th Street grade-crossing has been delayed for approximately a week," the Town of Chesterton said on its Facebook page Wednesday. It is now anticipated that the grade-crossing will be re-opened to traffic on Tuesday, May 7. The grade-crossing was closed on Wednesday, April 24, and at the time Norfolk Southern expected it would take crews approximately 10 days to complete the paving project.

The Porter County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a 10-year-old Liberty Township child, according to the Town of Chesterton Facebook page. At 2:37 p.m. Thursday, April 25, officers were dispatched to a residence in the 200 block of Falcon Way for a medical emergency. The child was transported to hospital but subsequently passed, police said. “The Detective Bureau is currently investigating this incident and we have no further information to release at this time,” the Porter County Sheriff's Office said. “Please keep the family and friends of this child in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult

The Valparaiso Police Department Wednesday added a new officer with the swearing-in of David Jolliff. Mayor Jon Costas performed the ceremony within the council chambers of City Hall, with numerous officers, civilian staff, and family present to witness the event.  During the ceremony, Chief Andrew McIntyre welcomed David to the Valparaiso Police Department family, recognizing the training and experience he brings with him to Valparaiso.  “We are extremely proud of our department, and honored to serve our community,” said Chief McIntyre.  “David brings the experience with him that will fit our department culture and we are eager to have him

News Release, Purdue University Northwest: Purdue University Northwest (PNW) announced Marie Mora will join the university as Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, effective July 15, 2024. Mora was selected following a national search. She most recently served as deputy provost at Metropolitan State University of Denver. She has played impactful roles in public higher education institutions for nearly three decades, including extensive experience at Hispanic-Serving Institutions. “I am excited to welcome Dr. Mora to Purdue University Northwest, where she will work collaboratively with our faculty and staff members to guide PNW’s continuing upward trajectory in academic excellence, sponsored

Two people from Texas were arrested Tuesday morning after a “trophy size load” of cocaine was seized after a traffic stop on the Indiana Toll Road, according to the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office. Just before 9:30 a.m., a highway interdiction deputy was traveling eastbound on the Indiana Toll Road in the area of the 54-mile marker.  A pickup truck was traveling ahead of the deputy in the driving lane. The pickup truck proceeded to move from the driving lane to the passing lane to overtake a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). While doing so, the pickup truck failed to correctly

Hydrant flushing is underway in Valparaiso. This flushing improves water quality and sustains the water distribution system. Flushing is between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and will continue for approximately 6 weeks. The City of Valparaiso says if you experience discolored water, run the cold water in the bathtub for 5-10 minutes. For questions, call the city’s Customer Service Center at (219) 462-6174.

As you may have noticed, The City of Michigan City is upgrading roadway infrastructure, and the City has received grant approval from INDOT’s Community Crossing Matching Grant Program for roadway reconstruction or repaving in several neighborhoods. As the Project Engineer, Global Engineering and Land Surveying would like to invite any feedback at this time to ensure we accommodate the needs of the neighborhood during this construction project. TEXT ALERTS FOR CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY To opt-in for SMS text message alerts about updates or changes in construction activity, please text: “MC2024” (no spaces) to (833)236-7421 *Note your number will be removed from

The Indiana State Police, Valparaiso Police Department and Porter County Sheriff's Office all gave updates Tuesday on an officer involved shooting that happened on April 25 in Valparaiso. Statement from Indiana State Police: Valparaiso- The Indiana State Police Criminal Investigations Division at the Lowell Post has completed their interviews of the officers involved in the shooting that took place in Valparaiso on April 25. The Indiana State Police can release the following information about the incident. On Thursday, April 25, 2024, at approximately 2:04 p.m., officers from the Valparaiso Police Department and the Porter County Sheriff's Department responded to the

Paving has begun on Lake Shore Drive near the Washington Park Zoo, and is anticipated to be complete by the end of this week. A traffic detour has been set up, as Lake Shore Drive will be closed from the zoo entrance to Krueger Road through Thursday, May 2. Access to Lake Shore Drive will be available from U.S. 12 through Center Street and Krueger Road.  

Donor participation in day-long event hits historic record Generous donors to Purdue University Northwest (PNW) contributed more than $2 million to support students during PNW’s 11th annual Day of Giving on April 24. A record number of over 2,000 donations were made during the 24-hour event. The Pride Athletics received almost 900 gifts alone. “We deeply appreciate the enthusiastic response of our community to PNW’s annual Day of Giving,” said Lisa Goodnight, vice chancellor of Institutional Advancement. “Day of Giving brings together PNW alumni, leading businesses and charitable organizations, friends of the university from all over the world, and our own students, faculty

Gov. Eric J. Holcomb today joined the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the town of Merrillville, and the Lake County Parks and Recreation Department to celebrate the official opening of the recently completed C&O Trail. The new trail marks the 100th mile of trail built under the Next Level Trails program (NLT). “One hundred miles is more than just a milestone achievement for Indiana,” said Gov. Holcomb. “The completion of this trail section in Lake County represents the incredible collaboration we’ve seen across the state as Hoosiers have come together with the support of our Next Level Trails program to

Franciscan Health has received funds to support healthcare-related programs for non-profit, health and human service organizations in at-risk communities, which will be allocated through Franciscan’s Social Impact Partnership Program (SIPP). SIPP funding applications will be accepted until May 31, 2024. Partner agencies will be announced in mid-July. Organizations may apply for up to $10,000 in monetary support and in-kind donations. Organizations may complete an application online at www.franciscanhealth.org/communityhealth. Qualified non-profit agencies must benefit vulnerable populations in communities served by Franciscan Health with a preference toward areas with high Area Deprivation Index scores identified on BroadStreet, a digital platform that tracks community

The Michigan City Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the appointment of Kurt Gillins as its new President. With a wealth of experience in chamber leadership and a commitment to the success of businesses in the community, Gillins is poised to lead the Chamber into a new era of growth and prosperity. Gillins brings over 15 years of chamber experience from his previous role at the Valpo Chamber. Kurt has collaborated with other chambers and businesses regionally, statewide, and nationally to exchange best practices. His leadership skills, understanding of economic trends and his dedication to fostering partnerships will undoubtedly

U.S. 12 eastbound will be closed under State Road 249 for approximately 2 weeks starting on or after Monday, May 6 for structural steel installation overhead on State Road 249. Traffic going eastbound on U.S. 12 will be diverted to southbound State Road 249 and can use the official detour of U.S. 20 and State Road 149. Traffic will have access to eastbound U.S. 12 from northbound State Road 249. This section of U.S. 12 was recently closed for an unrelated urgent repair. Due to the project timeline for State Road 249, this steel installation could not be done during

Franciscan WorkingWell is hosting a free, informative luncheon on May 15 to help attendees learn more about employer-based health and wellness programs. Franciscan HEALTHeACCESS is leading the region in advanced primary care models with more than 12 clinics and more than 40 company clients. As experts in the field, Franciscan representatives can explain how this medical model can improve the health of employees as well as a participating company’s bottom line. Luncheon topics include advanced primary care/employer-sponsored clinics, cost-saving medical models, HEALTHeACCESS, WorkingWell, advanced imaging, HEALTHeLIFESTYLE and more. The luncheon is scheduled to take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Central on Wednesday, May