Local News

Due to frigid temperatures across the state, the Michigan Agency for Energy is alerting utility customers that major gas and electric providers will not shut off services to customers this week. DTE Energy Co., Consumers Energy Co., and SEMCO said they have temporarily suspended shutoffs due to inclement weather. Utilities are required to file with the Michigan Public Service Commission their policies on extreme weather shutoffs. For DTE, temperature forecasts must be below 15 degrees and/or wind chills below zero for two or more consecutive days. For Consumers, it's actual temperatures below 15 degrees and/or wind chills below zero degrees.

La Porte County remains under a Travel Watch until Thursday evening. The Sheriff’s Office Stated if at all possible, citizens should stay home and avoid venturing out into the dangerous conditions.

The following Social Security offices will be closed or have delayed openings on Thursday, January 31 due to inclement weather. Consider visiting online at www.ssa.gov . Local Closures: South Bend (Closed) Gary (Closed) Elkhart (Closed) Hammond (Closed) Michigan City (Closed) Valparaiso (Closed) Merrillville (Closed)

Michiana Humane Society said with 25 dogs and 55 cats at the shelter, they could not allow the extreme weather to keep staff away.The Humane Society Stated “We thought you might like to see some of the animals relaxing, oblivious to the fact that David, Greg, Miranda, Brad and Joseph fought the awful weather on Monday and Wednesday to get into the shelter. Everyone got their potty breaks, clean bedding and two meals, as well as some enrichment time because they're not having any visitors. The kittens and cats are all cozy warm, and some of the dogs got one-on-one

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is warning drivers of potentially hazardous road conditions lasting through Thursday evening due to high winds and the challenges that historically low wind chills will present to plow crews in clearing roadways. Wind chills reaching -40 and below are expected to severely limit, if not negate, the effectiveness of salt and de-icers spread by INDOT crews to combat slick spots. The extreme temperatures are also expected to cause challenges in keeping some INDOT vehicles and plows operational. As a result, INDOT crews will be limited in how effective they can be at fighting back

As we prepare for the subzero extreme arctic temperatures in the following days Mayor Meer has made a decision to close City Government on Thursday, January 31st. Therefore, all City offices will be closed to include, schools, the Michigan City Library, the Senior Center. LaPorte County Emergency Management Director Larry Butcher has issued a Travel Watch declaration. This declaration urges residents of LaPorte County to remain at home with the only essential travel for example to and from work or an emergency travel reason. Washington Park main parking lot has been closed to prevent the public from walking the pier or the

“With the extreme cold snap almost here people are wondering whether they should run a trickle of water to keep pipes from freezing. And some worry about the cost of doing it. Running a trickle of water is far less costly than paying a plumber to repair frozen pipes or to thaw them out.The crew repaired a water main break Monday and is in the process of repairing another one Tuesday but those are caused by the forces in the ground from frost heave or penetration to greater depths. This movement in the ground sometimes puts too much force on

LaPorte County Emergency Management Director Larry Butcher has issued a Travel Watch declaration. This declaration urges residents of LaPorte County to remain at home with the only essential travel for example to and from work or an emergency travel reason. Washington Park main parking lot has been closed to prevent the public from walking the pier or the shelf ice. This is not a State of Emergency Declaration. Emergency Management is urging everyone to remain indoors where they are warm and safe.

The shelter is asking residents to please, focus on your pets and be aware of the dangers. They stated, “Frostbite can happen in a matter of minutes with the extreme temperatures headed our way. If anyone needs assistance with their pets like food, short term shelter etc, please call 219-326-1637. Animal Control Officers will be impounding animals left outside as County Ordinance prohibits this”.

With temperatures dropping for the first time this winter, and chilly temperatures expected, Fire Chief Randy Novak is advising caution with space heaters and other forms of alternative heating, as well as a review of smoke alarms. Space heaters should always be kept away from loose or flammable objects such as clothing, curtains, bedding and furniture. There should be at least a three-foot perimeter around space heaters at all times. Avoid using candles or appliances, such as a stove or oven, to heat the home. Fireplaces should be regularly cleaned and inspected by a certified professional, such as a chimney

The South Shore Line has suspended all train service effective Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019, and is extending the service suspension through Thursday, Jan. 31, due to extreme sub-zero temperatures. Normal service is expected to resume Friday, Feb. 1, with westbound Train 102. As a reminder, substitute busing remains in effect between Carroll Ave. and South Bend until at least Train 7 on Friday, Feb. 1. If additional busing is required, this message will be updated. Trains impacted by busing on Feb. 1 include WB Train 6 and Train 14. EB Trains 401 & 403 will be canceled. Service is suspended

“Due to this extreme weather, City Offices will be closed until at 12:30pm on Thursday, January 31st.Garbage and Recycling routes will be canceled for Wednesday and Thursday this week. If you have extra garbage or recycling next week, it will be picked up on your regular scheduled day, and you will not receive an extra charge for the excess. Since City Hall will be closed Wednesday and ½ day Thursday, January Utility bills will not incur late fees as long as they are paid by Monday, February 4th. As a reminder, Woodland Park is open as a warming shelter 24/7

As we prepare for the subzero extreme artic temperatures in the following days Mayor Meer has made a decision to close City Government on Wednesday, January 30th, and Thursday, January 31st. Therefore, all City offices will be closed to include, schools, the Michigan City Library, our Senior Center, and we would assume several businesses throughout the community. LaPorte County Emergency Management Director Larry Butcher has issued a Travel Watch declaration. This declaration urges residents of LaPorte County to remain at home with the only essential travel for example to and from work or an emergency travel reason. Washington Park main parking lot

Both PNW campuses at Hammond and Westville will be CLOSED on Wednesday, Jan. 30. Classes and activities will be canceled. All campus facilities will be closed to students, guests and university personnel, except those responding to weather-related matters.Forecasts are being closely monitored to determine the status of operations for Thursday. For updates about the status of PNW campus operations, please monitor www.pnw.edu.PNW homecoming activities scheduled for this week are being rescheduled and extended! Please visit www.pnw.edu/homecoming for scheduling changes and updates.

Michigan City Schools - ClosedDuneland Schools - ClosedSouth Bend - ClosedValparaiso - ClosedWestville - ClosedHammond - ClosedHobart - ClosedPortage - ClosedMarquette Catholic - ClosedGriffith - ClosedSouth Central - ClosedSocial and Learning Institute - Closed *No Meals on Wheels Service - Customers are asked to use their Blizzard Box.

The shelter is asking residents to please, focus on your pets and be aware of the dangers. They stated, “Frostbite can happen in a matter of minutes with the extreme temperatures headed our way. If anyone needs assistance with their pets like food, short term shelter etc, please call 219-326-1637. Animal Control Officers will be impounding animals left outside as County Ordinance prohibits this”.

With temperatures dropping for the first time this winter, and chilly temperatures expected for the next week, Fire Chief Randy Novak is advising caution with space heaters and other forms of alternative heating, as well as a review of smoke alarms. Space heaters should always be kept away from loose or flammable objects such as clothing, curtains, bedding and furniture. There should be at least a three-foot perimeter around space heaters at all times. Avoid using candles or appliances, such as a stove or oven, to heat the home. Fireplaces should be regularly cleaned and inspected by a certified professional,

Michigan City will feel the brunt of a historically cold outbreak this week. In an effort to remove the already fallen snow and in preparation for more heavy snow forecast to hit the area starting tonight, Mayor Ron Meer has declared the following: Sec. 94-254-Parking restrictions during a snow removal condition. Snow removal conditions have been declared by the Mayor, the following traffic regulations shall be in effect immediately. (1) No vehicle shall be parked on a designated “snow route.” (2) On even numbered days, no parking shall be permitted on that side of the street with even numbered addresses

The Indiana Breast Cancer Awareness Trust has awarded $59,380 in grants to support Franciscan Alliance programs that provide screenings and post-diagnostic services. The grants assist lower-income, medically underserved Hoosier women who have had a breast cancer diagnosis, with food, transportation, rent and utilities.* A $24,880 grant will go to providing breast cancer screenings 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 Health Women’s Center Chesterton, Franciscan Health Munster Cancer Center and Franciscan Health Crown

Due to the extreme cold approaching with current forecasts calling for temperatures as low as 20 degrees below zero, the Ogden Dunes Water Department is reminding residents to allow a small stream of water to run from your faucet to prevent your pipes from freezing. The Ogden Dunes Fire Department would also like to ask residents to make sure that your local fire hydrant is clear of snow 3 feet in all directions as this will save firefighters valuable time during an emergency. Additionally, do not park vehicles within 15 feet of fire hydrants. The Ogden Dunes Police Department advises