Local News

Through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, Indiana has deployed a team of first responders to Texas to assist with search and rescue operations. "This highly trained team will consist of five first responders from local agencies, led by Team Lead Chief Jeremy Pell of the White River Township Fire Department, along with three certified search dogs," the IDHS said in a statement. The team includes: Chief Jeremy Pell and K9 Rosie, White River Township Fire Department Officer Carter Pell, Speedway Police Department Lt. David Scholl, White River Township Fire Department Sergeant Matthew Zarrella and K9 Toby, retired Rhode Island State

The Town of Porter Police Department announced that in an effort to maximize the very limited parking opportunities for Porter Beach Permit holders, the Town of Porter has eliminated “parallel” parking in the town permit lot. All vehicles must be parked in a north-south manner. Vehicles parked in an east-west direction will be subject to citations. New signage has been posted to make permit holders aware of the change. 

In Lake County, an Indiana Department of Transportation contractor has lane closures on U.S. 41 between Kane Street and Michigan Street. U.S. 41 has alternating lane closures through late October for bridge painting and bridge deck overlay operations. INDOT says motorists should be prepared for changing traffic patterns in the area and delays during peak times. INDOT encourages drivers to allow extra time when traveling through this area and follow traffic directions carefully.

HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) Associate Professor of Nursing Julia Rogers was named a 2025 fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, one of the highest professional distinctions for nurses. Induction as an academy fellow is a prestigious recognition of a nurse’s contributions to health care through innovative, evidence-based solutions and advocacy for health outcomes in their communities. Rogers joins a distinguished cohort comprising nursing professionals who are leaders in health care policy, research, administration, practice and academia. Just over 3,200 professionals have been inducted from around the world since 1973. “I am deeply honored to be named

La PORTE, IN – Cheeseburger connoisseurs won’t want to miss the final event in the Friday Night Live series, according to Civic & Events Director Gregory Pietsch. Cheeseburger in Paradise will return to Downtown La Porte on Friday, August 8, from 6-10 p.m. Featuring local burger vendors, a beer garden and a live musical performance by the female-fronted yacht rock cover band the Yacht Rock-ettes, this event is free and open to all ages. After two successful downtown events, Pietsch said this one will be the perfect endcap to the summer. “We’ve had a great summer with all our downtown

The Town of Chesterton posted the following update to their Facebook page on Friday, regarding Conservation Officers investigating death of Hebron man at Marina Shores: Conservation Officers are investigating the death of a Hebron man who drowned at Marina Shores in Portage after experiencing an electrical shock, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources is reporting. According to the DNR, at 11 a.m. a Conservation Officer responded to the Marina Shores Marina after two men were electrocuted after entering the water. “One of the men went under the surface and was not immediately recovered,” DNR said. Conservation Officers subsequently learned that

It's Time for the 7th Annual "Play for Jake" Family 5K Run/Walk. This will be taking place at the Fox Park Amphitheater as a part of La Porte's Lakefest on Saturday July 26th. Check out www.laportelakefest.com for details  and information.

The Following press release is from the City of Michigan City: Michigan City, Indiana — In light of recent news from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) regarding incentive approvals for several planned data center projects across the state, including one in Michigan City, Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch offers the following clarification: Earlier this year, the City of Michigan City and the City Council were made aware of a potential data center development. Out of respect for the exploratory nature of the proposal, Mayor Nelson Deuitch’s administration and members of the Council entered into non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to review the

In Porter County an Indiana Department of Transportation contractor will close U.S. 12 under State Road 249 beginning on or after Monday, July 14. U.S. 12 will first be closed in the eastbound direction for approximately three days. Traffic going eastbound on U.S. 12 will be diverted to southbound State Road 249 and can use the official detour of U.S. 20 and State Road 149. Traffic will have access to eastbound U.S. 12 from northbound State Road 249. U.S. 12 will then be closed in the westbound direction for approximately three days on or after Thursday, July 17. The official

The Portage Police Department announced on social media Wednesday, the passing of former K9 Haro. The Portage Police K9 Units Facebook page made the following statement: “It is with great sadness that we have to inform everyone that retired Portage PD K9 Haro who has been bravely fighting cancer and other medical conditions for over a year, had to be euthanized last night and crossed over the rainbow bridge.  We want to send our condolences to his handler/partner/best bud Cpl Price and his loving family who miss him dearly. Haro was such a great partner and beloved member of our

Saturday, July 12 9:00 am: Horse & Pony judging; Draft Horse timed events 10:00 am - 6:00 pm: Curious Kids & Tractor Trail 10:00 am: Artisan Auction (Pioneerland) 11:00 am: Extreme Raptors 1:00 pm: Carnival ($35 rides) 2:00 pm: Extreme Raptors 2:30 pm: Extreme Raptors 3:00 pm: Silly Safari (Pioneerland) 4:00 pm: Neil Alliesee (Entertainment Tent) 5:00 pm: Silly Safari (Pioneerland) 6:00 pm: Antique Tractor Parade 6:30 pm: Live Shark Encounter 7:00 pm: Silly Safari (Pioneerland) All Week Community Conservation Walk tours – sign up at the Soil & Water Booth

To accommodate passengers attending the Chicago Fire FC match taking place at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Soldier Field, the South Shore Line plans to stop select trains at Metra’s 18th Street Station, which connects passengers directly to the Soldier Field entrance via a pedestrian walkway. As 18th St. Station is not a regularly scheduled stop, SSL passengers utilizing 18th St. for this event should purchase tickets for Museum Campus/11th Street. The following trains will serve 18th St. Station on July 12 (Please cross-reference the SSL train schedule to find all station stop times for your selected train):

The LaCrosse location of Heinold & Feller burned last night and appears to be a total loss. From the FACEBOOK page of Heinold & Feller Tire Company & Lawn Equipment  "The LaCrosse location of Heinold & Feller burned last night and appears to be a total loss. God is so good. No one was hurt, we believe all the fire department people are safe even though they work so hard. How thankful we are for the community where we live. There were at least 13 volunteer fire departments and the hazmat department working together like hand in glove, and so

On Wednesday, July 09, Porter County officials and staff held a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the newly renovated areas of the Porter County Administration Building, including the Health Department, Veterans Service Office and Coroner’s Office. The $1.48 million project began in October 2024 and wrapped up in June, 2025. With support from ARPA, Health First Indiana and COVID immunization funding, the upgrades improve both the workspaces and services provided to Porter County residents. “We’re excited to welcome people into a space that truly meets the needs of our patients and staff,” said Carrie Gschwind, administrator for the Porter County Health Department.

In Lake County, an Indiana Department of Transportation contractor will close State Road 2 between Marshall St and State Road 55 on or after Monday, July 14. State Road 2 will be closed for approximately two weeks for bridge repairs at Spring Run Creek. Motorists should seek alternate routes. The official detour will follow U.S. 41, State Road 10 and I-65.

Press Release, Michigan City Police Department: The LaPorte County Regional Dispatch Center received a 911 call on July 9th at 07:13 PM regarding an adult male discharging a firearm towards two adult females in the 1200 block of Elston Street. The suspect then drove away from the scene prior to officers arriving. There were no reported injuries in the 1200 block of Elston Street as it pertains to the initial call for service. An officer from Uniform Patrol Shift 2 later located the suspect vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. The male driver of this vehicle stopped at the intersection

Friday, July 11 9:00 am: 4-H Livestock Auction; 4-H Pie Auction & Horse/Pony judging 10:00 am - 7:00 pm: Curious Kids & Tractor Trail; Petting Zoo & Buildings open 11:00 am: Extreme Raptors 12:00 pm: Pioneerland opens 1:00 pm: Carnival ($35 rides) 2:00 pm: Extreme Raptors 3:00 pm: Silly Safari (Pioneerland) 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm: Jim Post Band (Entertainment Tent) 5:00 pm: Silly Safari (Pioneerland) 6:00 pm: Antique Tractor Parade 6:30 pm: Extreme Raptors 7:00 pm: Silly Safari; The Aftermath (Entertainment Tent); Demolition Derby ($15) For more information check out www.lpfair.com

Michigan City & La Porte, IN – The Collective invites families to Farmed & Forged Market for a weekend filled with fun, learning, and fresh local food as they launch Curious Chefs, a new program designed to inspire kids to become healthy eaters and enthusiastic supporters of local food. Kids Weekend begins Saturday, July 12 in Michigan City and continues Sunday, July 13 in La Porte. Both events feature free activities, live demonstrations, and special giveaways designed to make the farmers market even more engaging for kids of all ages. Michigan City Market – Saturday, July 12 | 8 AM

In Michigan City, the long-awaited repair of the CSX rail crossing at Woodland Avenue has been scheduled, CSX officials confirmed to the city Wednesday. Weather permitting, repairs are expected to begin on Monday, July 14 and be complete by Saturday, July 19. That segment of Woodland will be closed during repairs, so motorists are advised to seek an alternate route of travel throughout the week.

Valparaiso, IN—Shirley Heinze Land Trust is proud to announce the achievement of a milestone in land preservation. Following the recent acquisition of the Big Eastern property in rural Starke County, Shirley Heinze Land Trust now protects more than 4,000 acres of land in northwestern Indiana. “For over sixty years, the Lucas family has treasured and provided stewardship for this fascinating and biodiverse sand country landscape,” said Marty Lucas, President of Big Eastern, Incorporated, on behalf of the Lucas family. “When we learned of the Next Level Conservation Trust program, we realized the time had come for us to pass the