Local News

Fifteen organizations will receive grants from NIPSCO to help fund their safety education and training projects throughout northern Indiana. This year NIPSCO has granted a total of $50,000.  Since this grant program was initiated two years ago, a total of 28 projects have been funded with $100,000 in grant donations.  This year’s recipients include:-Angola Parks and Recreation, Trail Safety Education-Crown Point Fire Rescue, Safety Education-East Allen County Schools, Training-Franciscan Health, Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detectors-Hammond Indiana Police, First Responder Training-Idaville Volunteer Fire Dept., Firefighter Training-Indiana Operation Lifesaver, First Responder Training-LaGrange County Sheriff's Office, Safety Education-Pines Fire Department, CPR Community Safety-Poe Volunteer Fire Department,

Gov. Eric Holcomb announced yesterday, a three-prong strategy to reduce vaping among Hoosier youth, said State Sen. Ed Charbonneau (R-Valparaiso).Holcomb was joined by Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) Commissioner Dr. Kristina Box, students, local leaders, health professionals, stakeholders and others at Fishers High School for the announcement.During the event, state leaders unveiled the 2018 Indiana Youth Tobacco Survey (IYTS) results, which showed e-cigarettes are the most commonly used tobacco product among Indiana youth and vaping has increased 300% since 2012.Recent reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also link vaping to more than 200 respiratory illnesses nationwide,

The Duneland Chamber of Commerce is hosting Taste of Duneland on Saturday, August 31, from 10 am to 10 pm. This summer taste celebration will be held in Thomas Centennial Park in historic downtown Chesterton, Indiana.The event features food vendors Live entertainment will be performed all day in the gazebo by Dan Moore, Darrell Ritchea, and Johnny V & the Wildflowers (Tom Petty Tribute Band). Wine and beer will be available for purchase from Running Vines Winery and ''Hot Stuff'' Homemade Mexican Food. This is a family friendly event with bounce houses and face painting for the kids.For more information

Gen. John F. Kelly, USMC (RET.), opens the Purdue University Northwest (PNW) Sinai Forum 2019 season at 4 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 8 in the Stardust Event Center at Blue Chip Casino, Hotel and Spa in Michigan City, Ind.  A limited number of single program tickets for Gen. Kelly’s presentation remain available at pnw.edu/sinai-forum.A 4-Star Marine Corps General, former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security and former White House Chief of Staff, Gen. Kelly will provide insight into the evolving geopolitical landscape around the world. From the United Nations to the Pentagon, from the South China Sea to Washington, D.C., General Kelly

A public innovation educational seminar from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 19, at its headquarters located at 6100 Southport Road, Portage, Ind. The goal of the event is to introduce innovation concepts to organizations looking to improve. It will focus on how to get initiatives started and how to avoid common pitfalls and mistakes that impede project success. Area manufacturers, process improvement and quality leaders, and entrepreneurs are encouraged to attend. The content is suitable for those starting out, but provides advanced content as well for seasoned innovation professionals. The event is limited to 25 participants and

Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson is reminding eligible voters that September is National Voter Registration Month. Hoosiers who need to register should do so at www.IndianaVoters.com or on a smart phone using the Indiana Voters app.The National Association of Secretaries of State established September as National Voter Registration Month in 2002 to encourage voter participation and increase awareness of state requirements and deadlines for voting.Eligible citizens who are 18 years of age or older may sign up at their county voter registration office, online at www.IndianaVoters.com, or through the Indiana Voters app (available for Android and Apple users).The deadline to register or

Multiple fire departments were called to respond to a residential fire in the 600 block of East Long Lake Road in rural Liberty Township, Porter County, shortly before 3 o’clock on Wednesday. Chief Rob Huffstodt of Washington Township was first to arrive on scene with initial reports of possibly two structures involved. Chief Huffstodt reported the front of the structure being fully involved and a secondary exposure starting to catch fire nearby. A First Alarm was called; which brought in additional fire departments. Long Lake structures are close to each other in this area and proved to be difficult in

The Michigan City Yacht Club invites the community to a fun evening listening to live music, meeting the racing sailors and looking at visiting boats on Trail Creek. The event is Sunday September 1st at the Michigan City Yacht Club - in the Pavilion.  The public is invited- because it will be more fun if you’re there. No admission charge. Food will be on site and a cash bar served up by Fish Camp. “The Unit” will provide music and dancing, starting around 8:00 p.m. The Tri-State yacht race is a long standing boat race from Chicago to St. Joseph, MI

A Cincinnati Ohio man was arrested earlier this week when it was discovered he was driving impaired after “huffing paint”. On Monday afternoon, First Sergeant Terrance Weems was eastbound on I-80/94 in the left center lane (four lanes of traffic) west of Burr Street when he saw a red car overtaking him quickly.  The  Hyundai, overtook and passed Weems unmarked police car and began to follow another vehicle less than a car length. The Hyundai eventually moved to the left lane and began passing traffic on the left shoulder, cutting off another vehicle, and changing lanes without utilizing a turn

Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry a grant from the Indiana Sportsmen’s Benevolence Fund to be used to serve Indiana residents. These funds will help Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry pay processing fees for deer donations within Indiana. Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry says that according to the latest Feeding America Map the Meal Gap report, a third of Indiana residents who are food insecure can’t qualify for assistance. Founded in 2011, Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry asks area hunters and farmers to take their deer or livestock to a participating meat processor where the donation is processed, packaged and frozen (at no cost to

Two new regional leaders are being elected to serve on the Board of Directors of the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra (LCSO) Board of Directors.  Susan Aaron , Chairman of Vision Financial Services, and Dr. Thomas Keon , Chancellor of Purdue University Northwest will join the board at its September 9th meeting. Aaron and Keon will both serve on the LCSO's Engagement Committee.

Thursday, Aug. 29 & Friday, Aug. 30:The South Shore Line will operate a weekday train schedule.Bikes are permitted on WB Trains #6 and #106, and EB Trains #11 and #111.Alcohol is prohibited on all trains after 7 p.m. Glass bottles are prohibited at all times.Saturday, Aug. 31 & Sunday, Sept. 1:The South Shore Line will operate a weekend/holiday train schedule.Bikes are permitted on all bike-rack equipped trains.Alcohol is prohibited on all trains. Glass bottles are prohibited at all times.Monday, Sept. 2:The South Shore will operate a weekend/holiday train schedule in observance of Labor Day. Bikes are permitted on select weekend/holiday

A Michigan City man died Tuesday afternoon after he allegedly jumped off an overpass onto I-94 and struck a semi.Investigation revealed just before 1pm, Tuesday afternoon, witnesses stated that a burgundy Chevrolet pick-up driven by a 47 year old from Michigan City was northbound on County Line Road (Porter/LaPorte) when he stopped as he drove onto the overpass over I-94. The 47 year old got out of his truck went to the east side of the bridge onto the guard rail and allegedly jumped.The 47 year old hit the windshield of a semi tractor pulling a refrigerated trailer that was

On Monday, Attorney General Curtis Hill urged the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to encourage telecom companies to implement call blocking and call authentication solutions that would protect consumers from illegal robocalls and spoofing. Yesterday’s comment letter to the FCC comes after Attorney General Hill last week led a coalition of 51 attorneys general and 12 phone companies in unveiling the Anti-Robocall Principles to fight illegal robocalls.In comments to the FCC, the coalition of attorneys general states that telecom providers should:Offer free, automatic call-blocking services to all customers. The call-block services should be based on reasonable analytics and should not block

Blood and platelet transfusions can enable patients to receive critical treatments needed to fight and survive cancer.Platelet donors and blood donors of all blood types are urgently needed to replenish the blood supply following a summer blood shortage. As a thank-you, those who come to give Aug. 30-Sept. 3 will receive a unique Red Cross canvas tote bag, while supplies last. Make an appointment to donate by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. Blood drives are also essential in helping ensure blood

The DNR Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology invites you to celebrate Indiana’s past while looking to the future during Indiana Archaeology Month, which begins Sept. 1.This year is the 24th anniversary of a statewide celebration of archaeology in Indiana. The event started as Indiana Archaeology Week in 1996 and was expanded to a month in 2002.During archaeology month, people can meet archaeologists and learn about Indiana’s fascinating past. A variety of events for all ages will be held by universities, museums, organizations, and individuals throughout Indiana. A schedule and additional information can be found at dnr.IN.gov/historic/3674.htm.September is Childhood Cancer

The Michigan City Public Library is excited to collaborate with the Nest for the 2019 Writing Out Loud series.  The library is in the second phase of a remodeling project which will affect the library meeting room space.  The Nest at 803 Franklin Street will host all of the authors during the season.  Each program begins at 7:30pm and is followed by a reception hosted by the Friends of the Library. Writing Out Loud was created in 1984 with a grant from the Indiana Humanities to bring important  writers of varying genres to the community.to host authors to discuss their work.  For more information

The City of Valparaiso has announced the intersection of Silhavy and LaPorte will be closed through 11:00 p.m. on the 28th. The updated traffic patterns will include the altered timing of traffic lights in the area to minimize delay, and area businesses will remain open. Detour signage will be posted.

Air Quality Action Days are common in Indiana this time of year, and new research suggests they should not be disregarded. According to the largest-ever global study of its kind, air pollution can increase the risk of early death from cardiovascular and respiratory disease even at low levels of exposure. Jesse Kharbanda with the Hoosier Environmental Council says the findings confirm the need to continue to pursue policies that will improve air quality. The study published in the New England Journal of Medicine indicates that levels of particulate matter below the current air-quality guidelines and standards are still hazardous to

Portage Police Department’s K9 Nakir will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Nakir’s vest is sponsored by Officer Collin Rose Memorial Foundation and will be embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of Officer Collin Rose EOW 11/23/2016”. Delivery is expected within eight to ten weeks.The donation to provide one protective vest for a law enforcement K9 is $950.00. Each vest has a value between $1,744 – $2,283 and a five-year warranty, and an average weight of 4-5 lbs. There is an estimated 30,000 law enforcement