Local News

Waste Not, Want Not! As part of an on-going drive to help clean our community and reduce unwanted household clutter, Michigan City has developed a Waste Not, Want Not Fall Campaign. This program will give the community an opportunity to safely and responsibly rid their homes of unwanted and unused items. Beginning Wednesday, Sept. 10, the City will host a drop-off center located at our Michigan City Municipal Airport at Phillips Field 1300 North Highway 212 to dispose of approved various unwanted household items. The Waste Not, Want Not Fall Campaign is clearly designed with community care in mind, offering

On Thursday, the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration’s Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning (OECOSL) announced revised Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher reimbursement rates. These adjustments address a $225 million funding gap through 2026 created by the prior administration’s unsustainable use of temporary COVID relief funds and ensure continued compliance with federal requirements. To establish equitable rates, OECOSL received surveys from 25 percent of licensed childcare providers and analyzed their cost data, arriving at reimbursement levels that reflect current operating realities. “We made this decision to protect the children and families that depend on CCDF vouchers.

Troopers assigned to the Lowell Post were on high alert this past Labor Day weekend for aggressive and impaired drivers. As a result, several drivers were cited for reckless driving due to extremely high speeds. Following too closely, unsafe lane changes, operating while intoxicated and passenger restraint violations were also cited at a higher rate than other offenses.  A brief summary of the weekend’s activity is below. Operating While Intoxicated           11 Speeding                                      123 Speeding (100+ mph)     

Press Release by Indiana DNR: Registration is open for this fall’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Community and Urban Forestry Tree Stewards workshops. Dates and locations are listed below. Sept. 11 and 12, Goshen (registration) Oct. 11 and 18, Muncie (registration) Nov. 6 and 7, Evansville (registration) Tree Stewards workshops are offered periodically throughout the state. They teach the basics of urban tree care and advocacy. After attending the workshop, attendees are asked to put their knowledge into practice by volunteering 15 hours of service in their local community. The mission of the Tree Stewards program is to educate participants

As the weather turns cooler and nights become longer, we’re embracing the season with Vino al Fresco! Enjoy wine tastings from a variety of local wineries, live art demonstrations, and specialty food available for purchase. On Saturday, September 13th, Vino al Fresco will be hosted in downtown Chesterton, at Thomas Centennial Park. Your ticket includes festival entry, unlimited tastings, live music and commemorative glass.   Purchase your tickets here: https://event.ontaptickets.com/events/vino-al-fresco-2025-9-13-2025

 Franciscan Health is hosting a free car seat safety event on Friday, Sept. 19 for Indiana residents. The event -- cohosted by the Trauma Services Department and the Prenatal Assistance Program -- is scheduled to take place from 3-6 p.m. in the St. Joseph Church rear parking lot at 5314 Hohman Drive in Hammond. A nationally certified child passenger safety technician will teach participants how to properly install a car seat. The child who uses the car seat must be present at the appointment for the technician to provide appropriate guidance. Expectant mothers are welcome and must be at least 34

In Lake County, the ramp from northbound I-65 to U.S. 231 will close for one day on/after Monday, September 8. The ramp from U.S. 231 to northbound I-65 will close for one day on/after Tuesday, September 9. These short-term closures are needed for highway lighting work at this interchange, which is also resulting in ramp shoulder closures in the area. This schedule is weather dependent and subject to change.

HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is inviting nominations for impactful university alumni to be recognized and inducted into the PNW Alumni Hall of Fame. The PNW Alumni Hall of Fame honors distinguished graduates from across the history of the university’s campuses in Hammond and Westville. PNW seeks nominations of alumni who are high-achieving leaders in their fields, involved members of their community and who have engaged with PNW well beyond their time as students. “As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Purdue University Northwest, we look forward to honoring our future 2026 PNW Alumni Hall of

Earlier this week Michigan City Area Schools introduced their new monthly newsletter,  Next Level News. The school district says the newsletter highlights important updates, school celebrations, and the great work happening across MCAS. Check out the first edition here: EducateMC.net/MCASNews Community members can subscribe at: educateMC.net/NextLevelNews

Michigan City police said in an update that the victim of Wednesday's shooting has passed away. The Investigative Division was notified Thursday afternoon that Jacob Addison passed away just after 2:30 p.m. from injuries sustained in this incident. Police said this homicide investigation is ongoing. Based on information collected thus far, it has been determined this incident was not a random act of violence and therefore was an isolated incident with no additional danger to the community, police said.

I-94 will have alternating overnight lane closures at U.S. 6/State Road 51 (between Central Ave and State Road 249) for approximately two nights beginning on or after Monday, Sept. 8. These closures will occur during the hours of 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. to set barrier wall. Once complete, the left inside shoulder will be closed between Clay St and the Indiana Toll Road for bridge construction work underneath U.S. 6/State Road 51 through the end of October. Additional impacts to traffic are planned as bridge demolition and construction activities take place and will be communicated in advance. Construction on

LA PORTE, IN - La Porte Community School Corporation is proud to announce that Martin Briggs has been selected as one of three finalists for the prestigious 2026 Indiana Teacher of the Year award. The Indiana Department of Education delivered the news through a surprise classroom visit to Crichfield Elementary School this afternoon. Mr. Briggs, who has dedicated 47 years to educating students within La Porte Community School Corporation, has advanced from seven finalists to the final three candidates. The Indiana Department of Education officials observed his classroom lesson before delivering the exceptional news. "We are incredibly proud of Mr.

The Porter County Health Department in partnership with the Zac Mago Foundation, continues to expand access to life-saving SaveHeart Stations. On Aug. 21, an AED was installed at Fairgrounds Park in Valparaiso near the concession stand (Old Fairgrounds). And Wednesday, another AED was placed at Thomas Centennial Park in Chesterton, with representatives from the Chesterton Fire Department and Chesterton Parks and Recreation joining the effort to make their community safer. "These AEDs are part of our mission to build a HEARTSafe Community, ensuring lifesaving equipment is accessible in high-traffic areas and during community events," the Porter County Health Department said

Indiana Dunes National Park has announced that the superintendent has closed a portion of the Marquette Trail due to ongoing construction on the trail. Indiana Dunes National Park says this closure is necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety. The closure of the Marquette Trail from North Grand Boulevard going east to North County Line Road remains in effect through December 31st, 2025, or until further notice. Image: Screenshot of map with a red line over the Marquette Trail showing closure area.

La PORTE, IN – Local seniors, retirees and caregivers are invited to explore local resources and opportunities at an upcoming expo, according to Assistant Director of the La Porte Park and Recreation Department Emily Archambault. The La Porte Activity Center for Older Adults will host A Gallery of Lifestyle & Health: Expo for Older Adults and Caregivers from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 1 at the La Porte Civic Auditorium. Archambault said whether you seek information or assistance, interested residents are sure to find the resources they are looking for at this event. “At the ACOA, our philosophy

La Porte County Family YMCA is helping celebrate Grandparents Day with another exciting and fun-filled Bingo event! Join them this Sunday for an afternoon of laughter, refreshments, and heartwarming memories. Whether you're a Bingo pro or trying it out for the first time, everyone is welcome to join in the fun. Don't miss out on this chance to show your grandparents how much they mean to you. Sunday September 7th 1-3PM La Porte Branch Teen Center Register here!>> https://lpymca.org/program-type/youth-family-programs/

A stormwater project involving piping and ditch work on North/South Bailey Drive begins today, Sept. 4, the Town of Porter is reporting. Crews are working from north to south, commencing on North Bailey Drive and continuing to the intersection of South Bailey Drive and Fleming Street; then moving south on Fleming Street to Ballard Avenue, then west on Ballard Avenue to Waverly Road. In the last phase of the project, the stormwater sewer will cross Waverly Road east to west, at which time Waverly Road will be closed. Temporary road closures are also be implemented as the project moves south,

Needle Arts Club meets on Thursdays in September, starting at 5:30 pm. Hello crafters! Join fellow artists for community building through the needle art of your choice. A variety of crafts are included. All skill levels and ages are welcome, and the sharing of skills is encouraged.

On September 3, 2025, at approximately 4:48am, the LaPorte County E-911 Regional Dispatch Center received a 911 call advising a man had been shot at a residence in the 1300 block of Franklin Street. Multiple Officers from Uniform Patrol Shift III responded to the scene as did the Michigan City Fire Department and LaPorte County Emergency Medical Services. The first responding units arrived on scene and found twenty-five-year-old Michigan City resident, Jacob Addison, inside. Mr. Addison had been shot and critically injured. Life-saving measures were immediately started. Mr. Addison was transported from the scene, by LaPorte County EMS, to Franciscan

The City of La Porte is informing residents that large/heavy trash pick-up with WM is taking place next month. The clean up will run Monday, Oct. 6 through Friday, Oct. 10, and will take place on your regular trash day. Different from our previous Fall and Spring Clean Ups, the large/heavy trash pick-ups will take place once annually and include some different guidelines that residents should be aware of: The clean up is for residential customers only; All loose items must be placed in bags or cans - piles will be left behind; Bags placed for collection must not exceed