Local News

DYER, Indiana -- Board-certified pediatrician Cristina Tumacder, MD, is now part of the Franciscan Physician Network and is accepting new patients in Dyer. Dr. Tumacder completed her undergraduate studies at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.  She attended medical school at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit. Dr. Tumacder’s pediatric residency was completed at the University of Chicago in Chicago. Her clinical interests include allergies, uncomplicated asthma, newborns, pediatrics, adolescents, young adults and patient education. Dr. Tumacder is accepting new patients at Franciscan Physician Network Family Medicine and Pediatrics at 2150 Gettler St., Suite 255, in

To show their gratitude, all active-duty military personnel and veterans are invited to ride the South Shore Line for free November 8-11, 2024, on all weekday and weekend trains. “We are honored to once again offer free rides to active-duty military personnel, veterans, and reservists, as a gesture of our sincere gratitude for their service and sacrifices,” said Nicole Barker, Director of Capital Investment and Implementation at the South Shore Line. “This small token of appreciation reflects the deep respect we have for those who have served our country, and we hope it makes traveling with us even more accessible

Valparaiso Police Department, IN, K9 Camo has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Camo’s vest was sponsored by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. and embroidered with the sentiment “Gifted by Charley Coleman”. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and NIJ

Police officers from the Lake County Sheriff’s Department and several law enforcement agencies across northwest Indiana have received commendations for their outstanding efforts during a manhunt for a man armed with a knife who was suspected of assaulting two females in unincorporated Lowell Aug. 31 and Sept. 1, 2024. Lake County Sheriff Oscar Martinez said in a statement that Dimas Yanes fled on foot into heavily wooded areas after the alleged assault. "The letters of commendation highlight the outstanding professional investigative and enforcement performance by law enforcement officers who participated in this operation which resulted in the subsequent arrest of

A Michigan City resident has been charged with attempted murder after a shooting that left one person with serious injures. On the evening of Wednesday Oct. 30, just after 6:50 p.m. dispatch received a 911 call of a gunshot being fired inside a residence located in the 100 block of Hendricks Street. A second 911 call was received from a person inside the residence who reported being shot. Officers responded to the scene and located a person fleeing from the residence. This person was quickly detained and identified as 33-year-old Martino Eldridge. Officers then discovered a person inside the residence

Hours of operation at Valpo compost site will be reduced beginning on Monday Nov. 4. In preparation of Daylight Savings, the Recycling and Waste Reduction of District (RWRD) will reduce the hours of operation at the Valparaiso compost site beginning on Monday, Nov. 4. The new hours of operation at the Valpo compost site, 2150 W. Lincolnway: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The hours of operation at the Portage and Boone Grove compost sites will remain unchanged until winter hours commence in December: *Portage compost site, 6451 U.S. 12: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Thursday, Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales announced that more than 1 million Hoosiers have already cast their ballots ahead of Election Day, by absentee mail ballot and early in-person voting, marking a significant milestone for early voting in Indiana. Early voting is currently available across the state, and Secretary Morales reminds voters that high turnout may mean longer lines. “Voting is one of the most impactful ways you can engage in civic responsibility and ensure that the values we uphold continue to shape Indiana’s future. If you find yourself waiting in line, please stay the course, as your vote

Press release, Indiana Department of Natural Resources: What do you think about Indiana State Parks? The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wants your feedback on your favorite activities and priorities for management of state parks. “Indiana State Parks belong to all of us as Hoosiers,” said Ginger Murphy, deputy director for stewardship for Indiana State Parks. “We continue to look to the future and want ideas and thoughts from Hoosiers about their interests and priorities for our parks. We really appreciate all who take the time to complete the survey.” The survey is available at dnr.IN.gov/state-parks/about-us/whats-new and will be

City Hall, 100 E. Michigan Blvd., and all other City of Michigan City offices will be closed to the public on Tuesday, Nov. 5 in observance of Election Day. However, Michigan City Transit bus service will continue to run its regular routes; and the Michigan City Refuse Department will be collecting trash and compost according to their regular schedules.

News release, NIPSCO: In recognition of Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month in November, NIPSCO urges customers to beware of the “Silent Killer” that claims the lives of hundreds of Americans each year. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, tasteless, and non-corrosive gas that is produced when fuels (such as gasoline, wood, natural gas, propane or oil) burn incompletely. While natural gas does not contain CO, it can be generated when there is insufficient oxygen for fuels to burn correctly. NIPSCO shares these tips to protect families from CO poisoning: Get a CO detector. The most reliable way to determine whether you

La Porte County Sheriff’s Office, IN, K9 Riot has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Riot’s vest was sponsored by Joyce Lingle of Brooklyn, IN and embroidered with the sentiment “This gift of protection provided by Joyce”. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S.

Chesterton, IN — The Duneland Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the establishment of the Duneland Chamber Foundation, Inc., a newly created 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to driving community development and supporting local projects. This foundation represents a significant milestone in the Chamber’s ongoing efforts to enhance economic growth and improve the quality of life across the Duneland area. The Duneland Chamber Foundation's mission is clear: to strengthen Duneland communities through philanthropy, workforce enhancement, leadership development, and education. With this mission, the Foundation will work to expand support for local businesses, workforce development, and community enrichment programs. Foundation Leadership: Chair

CROWN POINT, Indiana – Nurses and staff in the neonatal intensive care unit at Franciscan Health Crown Point are helping babies and families get into the Halloween spirit with costumes for their tiny newborns. Costumes include a mouse, football player, the Chick-fil-A cow, a grandpa, sugar plum princess, ladybug, bumble bee, Tinker Bell, Captain Hook and a girl enjoying a spa day. “It’s important for families experiencing a stay in the NICU to be able to celebrate milestones like dressing up baby for a first Halloween and we want to be able to give them that experience,” said Carrie Renschen,

Three people were arrested after a Sex Offender compliance check in La Porte County. On  Tuesday the LCSO coordinated a compliance check of a selected group of registered Sex Offenders across La Porte County. Agency personnel from the Criminal Investigations Division, Warrants Division, along with assistance from members of the Fugitive Apprehension Street Team and La Porte County Drug Task Force, participated in the operation. The unannounced check of 44 Sex Offenders deemed all of them compliant with their information on the Sex and Violent Offender Registry. As the checks were being completed, personnel also located three wanted subjects. Those

VALPARAISO – The Valparaiso American Legion Riders Post 94 held its inaugural Forever Our Heroes ride on August 10, 2024 with nearly 50 riders who stopped at American Legions in Michigan City, Kingsford Heights and Kouts. The ride raised $12,500 for VNA Hospice NWI in recognition of its We Honor Veterans program. A group of Legion Riders presented the check to VNA Hospice on Sunday, October 27, 2024 at its administrative offices in Valparaiso. “VNA Hospice is extremely grateful for this generous gift that helps us support even more veterans, not just those under our care but any veteran who

The Economic Development Corporation Michigan City and City of Michigan City are teaming with Better City Grant Writers to seek out grants that will bolster economic development and community-centered efforts and initiatives. “By putting a knowledgeable team into place, we are moving forward our capacity-building efforts,” said Michigan City Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch. “There are grant opportunities out there for the city, EDCMC and our community organizations, but it is challenging to not only find them, but also go through the application process. Our over-arching goal is to find funding for public projects.” As an economic development advisory firm, Better

Rittenhouse Village at Michigan City is hosting an All-American Luncheon on Wednesday Nov. 6 at 11:30 a.m. to the first 50 Veterans to RSVP at 219-872-6800. A spouse or one guest are welcome to attend. The menu is fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, baked beans, salad and dessert. There will be a special patriotic entertainment performed by Barker Middle School Elite Choir.  

The City of La Porte is reminding citizens that the city-wide Trick-or-Treat time has been updated. Trick or Treat in the City of La Porte will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on October 31. The city says as you get ready to take your little ones out in just a few days, remember that Trick-or-Treat in the City of La Porte is now one hour earlier for the safety of our kids.

The LaPorte County Sheriff's Office is notifying the public of a phone scam in the area. Police say a subject identifying himself as an administrator of the LCSO is calling citizens. The scammer is telling good people that they have missed grand jury duty and now must pay a hefty fine or face jail time. The La Porte County Sherriff's Officer is asking the public to not fall victim to this scam and immediately terminate the phone call.

Franciscan Health broke ground Tuesday for a new medical office building with a blessing by The Most Rev. Robert McClory, bishop of the Diocese of Gary. The two-story, 82,881-square-foot building is being built by Tonn and Blank Construction at 3400 Mariposa Drive at the southeast corner of State Roads 2 and 49. It will house an ExpressCare, primary care and specialty physician offices, diagnostic imaging, CT, MRI, ultrasound and laboratory services. The new medical office building construction is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2026.