Local News

Purdue University Northwest’s (PNW) 2019 fall semester Dean’s List recognizes 1,763 undergraduate students for their academic achievement.  Students who have completed 12 credit hours, including at least six during the spring, qualified for Dean’s List recognition by sustaining an overall grade point average of at least 3.5 and a semester grade point average of at least 3.0 (4.0 scale). The fall semester Dean’s List consists of 1,250 Indiana residents from 86 communities; 367 Illinois residents from 154 communities; 28 residents from Ohio; 19 residents from Wisconsin; 12 residents from Michigan; eight from California; two each from Arizona, Florida, Iowa, North

The Indiana Breast Cancer Awareness Trust (IBCAT) has awarded $42,240 in grants to Franciscan Health Foundation to provide free screenings and diagnostic services for low-income Hoosier women, as well as material support for those with a breast cancer diagnosis, including food, transportation and housing payments. Franciscan Health Foundation has received IBCAT funding for several years. •        A $16,140 grant will provide breast cancer screenings and diagnostic services for women whose household income is at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty level and lack sufficient insurance. Enrollment and screenings for this program are available at Franciscan Health Michigan City, Franciscan

Some Indiana farms and businesses are hopeful for a brighter future, thanks to the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Last week, President Donald Trump signed the trade deal, which is similar to the former NAFTA treaty. Greg Ellis, vice president for energy, environment and federal affairs with the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, said it's great news for the state, which exported nearly $13 billion worth of goods to Canada, and more than $5 billion worth to Mexico in 2018. Indiana farmers are expected to be able to increase exports by more than $2 billion, and an estimated 60,000 thousand Hoosier manufacturing

Students at Michigan City High School seeking to pursue a career in advanced manufacturing can graduate as a Certified Production Technician with specific industry credentials and work experience now that the school has been certified as a State Earn and Learn (SEAL) program. The school has partnered with several compressed air companies in the area to launch the Compressed Air Academy, where high school students get industry-tailored instruction, hands-on experience with equipment, on-the-job training and opportunities to continue their education or enter the workforce upon graduation. The Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) is helping to skill-up the state’s workforce by developing

On Tuesday January 28th our own Randy Russell, Superintendent of the Michigan City Water Works, was presented with the prestigious George Warren Fuller Award. This honor was presented at the annual American Water Works Association meeting held in Indianapolis. The prestigious George Warren Fuller award is presented annually to only selected members in the United States and Canada for their distinguished service to the water supply field. This award is the most highly regarded recognition within the AWWA organization. Superintendent Randy Russell has served Michigan City for over 45 years, beginning his career at 17, mowing lawns at the water

The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) is leading the state’s efforts to educate Hoosiers about the 2019 novel coronavirus that originated in China, ensuring that the public, healthcare providers and local health departments have the latest information available to keep themselves and their communities healthy. “There continues to be no confirmed cases of 2019 novel coronavirus in Indiana at this time,” Governor Eric J. Holcomb said. “At my direction, the Indiana State Department of Health is working in close coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as other federal, state and local partners, to share

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR PALADIN'S SPLASH OF COLOR GALA AND AUCTION ON SATURDAY APRIL 4, 2020. THE SPLASH OF COLOR GALA WILL BE HELD AT SAND CREEK COUNTRY CLUB BEGINNING AT 6 PM. THE EVENING WILL BE DESIGNED FOR THE COMMUNITY TO COME TOGETHER TO SUPPORT PALADIN'S MISSION: TO ADVOCATE FOR CHILDREN, PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, SENIORS AND THEIR FAMILIES TO PROVIDE SUPPORTS AND OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN, GROW AND ENJOY A MEANINGFUL LIFE. PALADIN ARTISTS AND ARTWORK WILL BE ONSITE, ALONG WITH COCKTAILS, HORS D'OEURVES, AND ENTERTAINMENT. PALADIN IS ACTIVELY SEEKING SPONSORSHIPS AND SILENT AUCTION ITEMS. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT ERIN.MOONEYHAN@PALADIN.CARE.

An initiative launched two years ago by the Wellness Council of Indiana and the Indiana Chamber of Commerce is expanding. The chamber says Indiana Workforce Recovery is partnering with mental health and addiction treatment services provider Centerstone to bring an award-winning program statewide. Centerstone developed the Workforce Investment Program to help employers throughout the country assist employees with substance use issues. The program is now being offered through Indiana Workforce Recovery to give hands-on consultation to Hoosier businesses that want to implement recovery programs.The program gives potential or current employees who test positive on their drug screen the option to

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