Local News

Portage Mayor Austin Bonta gave the following statement on Friday regarding tree limb pickup: "Tree limb pickup announcement: After this weekend, we will have a company coming in that is going to take over the process of picking up the remaining tree limbs across our city. This company will be working on limbs from sunup to sundown every day, seven days a week, until all the debris has been picked up. I will have more to say in detail by Monday when it comes to how this will run and will make sure information gets our in ways beyond just

The National Weather Service has issued multiple beach hazards statements: Coastal Hazard Message National Weather Service Northern Indiana Northern La Porte-Northern Berrien-Southern Berrien- ...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING THROUGH SUNDAY EVENING... * WHAT...Dangerous swimming conditions expected. Waves 3 to 5 feet. Strong rip and structural currents expected. * WHERE...In Indiana, Northern La Porte county. In Michigan, Northern Berrien and Southern Berrien counties. * WHEN...From Saturday morning through Sunday evening. * IMPACTS...Strong currents can pull swimmers into deeper water and high waves can sweep people off piers. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming

LA PORTE COUNTY, Ind. - A traffic stop on the Indiana Toll Road earlier this week resulted in several charges to include weapons and drug charges for a Flossmoor, IL man, according to the Indiana State Police Toll Road post. On Wednesday at approximately 8:36 pm CST, a trooper made a traffic stop on a 2017 BMW traveling eastbound for having no taillights on the Indiana Toll Road near mile marker 50 in LaPorte County. According to police, while speaking to the driver of the BMW, the trooper could smell the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. A search

Today Sunny, with a high near 77.   Tonight A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 63. Chance of precipitation is 40%.   Saturday A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 75.   Saturday Night A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 61.   Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 72.

Tour de La Porte is almost here the La Porte County Family YMCA would like the public to be aware of temporary road closures and traffic impacts on Saturday, August 22. To help you plan your travels, they have included the official road closure press release with all the details on affected roads, closure times, and reopening information. See the press release for complete road closure information.

CROWN POINT, Ind. -- Franciscan Health Crown Point is hosting a DONA International Birth Doula workshop over two weekends in October. Doulas are trained professionals who provide continuous physical, emotional and informational support to their clients before, during and shortly after childbirth. A doula may help communicate a woman's birth plan, create a comfortable environment during delivery or simply provide the general support a family may seek during this pivotal time. A doula does not perform clinical tasks. The Franciscan Health Crown Point Family Birth Center offers doula services to families free of charge via a volunteer doula program. The

LA PORTE COUNTY, Ind. — Following severe storms and widespread power outages across La Porte County, Farmed & Forged Producers Market is expanding its SNAP matching program this weekend to provide additional food purchasing support for households already facing food insecurity.   For participating shoppers, that means $20 in SNAP benefits can provide up to $80 in total purchasing power for SNAP-eligible food from local farmers and food producers. The enhanced match will be available this weekend only at: ● Farmed & Forged Michigan City: Saturday, August 22, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ● Farmed & Forged La Porte: Sunday,

DEVELOPING SITUATION A confirmed derecho impacted the state and resulted in widespread damaging winds, at least two tornadoes, large hail, and flash flooding. Persistent rainfall remained in the area due to high moisture and extreme instability that began on Aug. 11, 2026. The State Emergency Operations Center increased staffing levels on Aug. 12 for coordination and resource support, increasing to a Level III (Emergency Conditions). Governor Mike Braun issued a statewide disaster declaration for the severe weather and flooding on Aug. 13, 2026. County Emergency Declarations: The following twenty-two (22) counties have issued county emergency declarations: Carroll, Cass, Dearborn, Delaware,

Press Release, Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs:  INDIANAPOLIS — At the direction of Governor Mike Braun, a new program has been created to provide critical financial assistance and resources to veterans and their families displaced by recent severe weather across the state. "Indiana stands with our Hoosier veterans, especially in times of crisis when natural disasters disrupt lives and threaten the security of families across our state," said Governor Braun. “No veteran should face these challenges alone, and Indiana is here to support those who have served with the same dedication they have shown to our great nation. The Indiana

Today Sunny, with a high near 76.   Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 59.   Friday Sunny, with a high near 77.   Friday Night A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 63. Chance of precipitation is 40%.   Saturday A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 75.   Saturday Night A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 61.

LA PORTE COUNTY, Ind. - Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Dunnet Bay Construction Company will conduct overnight lane closures on I-94 between U.S. 421 and U.S. 20/35 (mile marker 34-40) during the hours of 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. over the next two weeks. Lane closures will first occur for two evenings beginning on or after  tonight Thursday, August 20. Crews will be removing the work zone configuration currently in place to put traffic back into the standard three-lane configuration in both directions, as well as conducting guardrail repairs. Overnight lane closures will occur for four nights starting on or

Chesterton, IN – The Duneland Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that the 6th Annual Vino al Fresco Wine Tasting Festival will take place as planned this Saturday, August 22, from 5 to 8 PM in Thomas Centennial Park. After a difficult week for the Duneland community, the Chamber is looking forward to bringing people together for an evening in downtown Chesterton. Guests are invited to enjoy wine tastings, live music, local food and time with friends while also showing some extra support for the downtown businesses that have weathered a challenging week. “This community has been through a

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. - Dunebrook, Inc. is pleased to announce Kimberly D. Smith, MSW, as its new Executive Director. Smith brings more than 30 years of nonprofit experience and more than 25 years of leadership experience serving children, families, and communities throughout Northwest Indiana.   “We are very excited to have Kim leading Dunebrook,” said Dunebrook Board President Sarah Konieczny. “Her experience, leadership, and commitment to children and families really stood out to us. She knows Northwest Indiana and understands the importance of strong community partnerships. We are confident she will be a great leader for Dunebrook and help us

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – Franciscan Health Michigan City is now offering shoulder replacement surgeries using the new Stryker Mako robotic-arm-assisted surgery system. Mako SmartRobotics expanded its technology into shoulder replacement with the limited-market launch of Mako Shoulder in 2025 and a full commercial launch in early 2026. Franciscan Health Michigan City is the first hospital in Northwest Indiana to use the new Stryker Mako robotic-arm assisted surgery system to perform shoulder replacement surgeries. “Patients and their families no longer have to travel to large cities and endure additional stress and expense to receive the latest in state-of-the-art advanced surgical procedures,”

Good afternoon, Michigan City. This morning I joined a coordination call with NIPSCO leadership, area mayors, and local officials to get a direct update on power restoration across our region. Here is what I can share with you: What Happened This storm was a derecho, essentially an inland hurricane, with sustained winds over 100 mph. NIPSCO's own team, many of whom have worked hurricanes across the South, said the damage rivals what they have seen in major hurricane restoration. At the peak, more than 400,000 customers across NIPSCO's territory lost power. LaPorte, Lake, and Porter counties took the brunt of

Today Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. Northwest wind around 5 mph.   Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 60.   Thursday Sunny, with a high near 76.   Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 59.   Friday Sunny, with a high near 77.   Friday Night A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 63. Chance of precipitation is 40%.   Saturday A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 75.

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA) is hosting their free First Friday program with special guest Joe Rauen, an artist and musician who makes working musical instruments from household items, on September 4, from 5 to 8 p.m. (Central). After graduating from the Berklee College of Music Joe Rauen set out to find a way to combine his love for music and for visual art into a single practice. Rauen began experimenting with making playable musical instruments from everyday items. His "unlikely musical objects" include instruments made from shovels, suitcases, plumbing, sports equipment, old toys, and

In Lake County, the ramp from northbound State Road 912/Cline Ave to westbound I-94 remains closed through approximately September 20. The ramp from eastbound I-94 to northbound State Road 912 is closed through the end of August. Detour: take eastbound I-94 and then utilize the Burr St interchange to turn around to access westbound I-94 or northbound State Road 912. All other ramps at I-94 and State Road 912 are now open.

As the weather starts to turn cooler and nights become longer, we’re embracing the season with our 5th Annual Vino al Fresco! Enjoy wine tastings from a variety of local wineries. Your ticket includes entry, unlimited tastings, live music and commemorative glass. • Check-In for the event will take place at the entrance to Thomas Centennial Park on Broadway. This Saturday 8/22 at 5pm. • Please bring a printed copy of your email confirmation or show it on your mobile device. • This is a standing wine tasting event that takes place in Thomas Centennial Park. Limited seating will be

Patricia May Caddo October 20, 1941 - August 13, 2026 Patricia M. Caddo of Michigan City, Indiana, passed away Thursday, August 13, 2026. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, 418 Washington Street, Michigan City, Indiana. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral chapel. To sign a guest book and leave condolences online, visit our website at www.otthaverstock.com.