Local News

 Amendment to the PRESS RELEASE FOR TRANSIT Just so there is no misunderstanding for the holiday, Michigan City Transit will be closed on Saturday December 31st, and CLOSED on Monday January 2nd. They will however operate their Complementary Paratransit Service (Dial-A-Ride) on both Saturday and Monday for regularly scheduled medical treatment appointments. Chris J. Yagelski Administrator to the Mayor CITY OF MICHIGAN CITY Email: cyagelski@emichigancity.com Phone: 219-873-1400 Mobile: 219-898- 0738 100 E. Michigan Blvd. Michigan City, IN 46360 www.emichigancity.com

Congressman Frank J. Mrvan has announced that over $20 million in Community Project Funding requests have been included in the final Fiscal Year 2023 appropriations package. As the House and Senate have both approved this package, it is expected to be signed shortly into law by President Biden. Congressman Mrvan stated, “One of the fundamental lessons I have experienced in my first term of Congress is how success requires partnership and collaboration. I am grateful for all of these community partners for putting in the work to successfully identify and advocate for how the federal government can best help them

The Indiana Department of Transportation is updating the Planning Public Involvement Plan, and they want to hear your feedback. This PPIP update emphasizes the importance of public outreach and engagement as they plan for the future of Indiana’s transportation infrastructure. Additionally, it serves to guide planning efforts to ensure that a high level of public engagement is achieved agency wide. View the draft and leave comments through January 14, 2023: https://www.in.gov/.../the-public-involvement-process/

The past few days presented challenging travel for motorists that chose to drive in conditions that were often treacherous at best. To those people that listened to our warnings about the road/weather conditions and decided to delay their travel, we sincerely thank you for being safe. Troopers found themselves responding to crashes, slide offs, and stranded motorists from Thursday afternoon through Sunday morning. The following statistics have been compiled for your review. All of us at the Indiana State Police Post would like to thank several agencies, but if we try to name them all we would leave someone out.

The Chesterton Police Department is investigating a fatal accident this morning, Tuesday, Dec. 27, at the intersection of Ind. 49 and Indian Boundary Road. Porter County Coroner Cyndi Dykes has not yet released the name of the victim, pending notification of the family. According to the CPD, at approximately 11 a.m. the deceased—the sole occupant of a Chevrolet passenger vehicle—was southbound on Ind. 49 and rear-ended a semi-tractor trailer stopped in traffic just north of Indian Boundary Road. “The driver of the Chevrolet was not ejected from the vehicle but was pronounced deceased at the scene,” the CPD said. The

Throughout Sheriff John T. Boyd’s 30 plus year law enforcement career, many have come to know how skillful and accurate he is firing his duty pistol. From his days as a member of the agency’s Emergency Response Team and until now, Sheriff Boyd has continued to train and hone his skill set as a shooter. Earlier this year during a qualification shoot, Sheriff Boyd shot a perfect score. Agency Firearms Instructors pleaded with him to take the target as a keepsake knowing his retirement was nearing. He humbly declined and departed from “The Range.” Knowing just how important Sheriff Boyd’s

The Michigan City Police Department is still collecting winter items for those in need. They are in need of hats, scarfs, gloves, socks, backpacks etc. This is for new items only. Any items can be dropped off in the lobby at MCPD. The collection date ends on Jan. 15 See the departments flyer for contact information.

On Saturday, January 21, 2023, Burn ‘Em Brewing is hosting “Long Johns On Winter Warmer Bash.” The event will take place from 12-5 PM CST at 718 Freyer Road, Michigan City, IN. They will be serving new barrel aged variants as well as the return of The Gluhwein Ljo, served warm! Food will be provided by: Barebones. Doors open at noon with LIVE music starting at 12:30 PM. Live music includes: JANKY LIMO, SYPIAN FAMILY BAND, MG BAILEY. VIP: $75.00, GA Presale: $20, $25 At the door. Purchase your tickets at www.ontaptickets.com

Tickets are on sale now for the NIBC LaPorte Invitational on Jan. 5-7 at the LaPorte Civic Auditorium. This three-day event features 10 of the best high school basketball programs in the nation, featuring 30 of ESPN’s top-ranked recruits. This is your chance to see the future all-stars of the NCAA and NBA, right here in the City of La Porte. Buy tickets at: www.viewstub.com/LaPorte-NIBC.

The Michigan City Police Department is collecting winter items for those in need. They are in need of hats, scarfs, gloves, socks, backpacks etc. This is for new items only. Any items can be dropped off in the lobby at MCPD. The collection date ends on Jan. 15 See the departments flyer for contact information.

LOCAL FAVORITE RICH HARDESTY AND HIS BAND PLAYING DECEMBER 30 CONCERT  WITH HEAD HONCHOS AT LA PORTE CIVIC AUDITORIUM  The La Porte Civic Auditorium welcomes hometown musical artist Rich Hardesty and his band, the Little Nashvilles, for a concert on Friday, December 30. The concert begins at 6 p.m. with Head Honchos. Doors open at 5 p.m. The concert is part of the La Porte Civic Auditorium Event Series. Many music fans around La Porte and the Hoosier state know and love Rich Hardesty, who will bring his talented band to rock his hometown venue. With a musical magnetism about him, Hardesty

The 2022 calendar year has been a good one for the LPUEA, with many different board-supported projects having taken place. These projects improved upon building facades, local infrastructure and workforce development initiatives. According to La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody, such projects are critical to the overall improvement and momentum of the city. “The La Porte Urban Enterprise Association is an integral part of the development of La Porte,” Dermody said “Over the years, the LPUEA has made incredible investments in our Downtown, and our community is so much better thanks to their great work and dedication to our community.” During

The Indiana Toll Road has issued a winter weather ban now until Saturday, Dec. 24, at Midnight  (12-24-22 11:00 p.m. CST) This ban affects travel from Illinois line up to and including the Ohio line (MM 156.9). This ban impacts only: All triple tractor-trailers All doubles (long & small pups) High-profile oversize permit loads - All other vehicles are permitted. Be advised: Oversized/overweight vehicles cannot exit at La Porte Plaza (MM 49).

Please leave plenty of time if you must travel. Call ahead on your flights to check on status.  Be safe. "The National Weather Service reminds travelers about winter weather impacting northern Indiana/Southwest Michigan and Chicago through Saturday, Dec. 24. "The notices state that hazardous conditions are expected, with heavy snow and high winds causing blowing and drifting, along with sub-zero wind chills. "Due to this predicted weather, the South Shore Line is closely monitoring conditions as ice and heavy snow can adversely impact track, overhead wire, and other mechanical components. SSL employees will be working continuously to minimize the severe

Watch for with extremely cold temperatures and potentially high winds. We want to ensure that everyone has the resources available if we have a power outage or stranded motorists. I have spoken with the Superintendent for MSD of New Durham Township. They will allow us to use their building if the need arises. I’ve also been in contact with the American Red Cross who will provide us with their resources in the event they’re needed. "As we brace ourselves for this winter storm, I would ask that everyone be patient, take care of themselves and to look out for each

In observance of the Holidays and winter weathe conditions, Michigan City Transit Department will not be operating today, Friday, Dec. 23. Transit will be closed on Saturday, December 24, and Monday, Dec. 26. Transit will resume normal service on Tuesday, Dec. 27.  

"An extremely dangerous combination of bitter cold temperatures, measurable snowfall, and sustained winds, will create blizzard-like whiteout conditions ultimately impacting any type of travel. "DO NOT venture out into these life-threatening conditions for unnecessary reasons.  If you choose to do so and become stranded, the response time by a deputy will be lengthy, even if he or she can get anywhere close to you and your vehicle. "The only type of travel shall be ESSENTIAL only! "DO NOT call the #LCSO or the LaPorte County E911 Center to inquire about roadway conditions.  Rather visit 511in.org for travel impacts, interstate cameras

BEWARE-BLIZZRD WARNING. * WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches. Winds gusting as high as 55 mph. * WHERE...Portions of northern Indiana and southwest Michigan. * WHEN...From 4 PM EST /3 PM CST/ Thursday to 7 AM EST /6 AM CST/ Saturday. * IMPACTS...Travel will be very difficult to impossible. Widespread blowing and drifting snow will significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact holiday travel. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches and cause power outages. Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 15 below to 30 below zero will cause frostbite on exposed skin

From The City of La Porte- For the safety of its drivers and riders, TransPorte has made the tough decision to close on Friday, December 23 due to the impending snow storm. The bus service tentatively plans to continue with its holiday hours for Saturday, Dec. 24. However, this will be dependent upon the weather and is subject to change. Reminder: TransPorte will be closed on Sunday, Dec. 25 and Monday, Dec. 26 in observance of Christmas.

WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY EVENING THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING... * WHAT...Blizzard conditions possible. A wintry mix Thursday transitions to all snow by Thursday evening. Snow will be moderate to heavy at times Thursday night into Friday before transitioning to lake effect snow through Saturday. Storm total snow amounts will be quite varied, exceeding well over one foot near Lake Michigan to a few inches in northwest Ohio. West winds could gust as high as 55 mph, and will cause significant blowing and drifting snow. * WHERE...Portions of northern Indiana, southwest Michigan and northwest Ohio. * WHEN...From Thursday