Local News

Duneland Chamber Celebrates 23rd Year of the European Market – Opening Day Set for Saturday, May 2

Chesterton, IN — The Duneland Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the Opening Day of the 23rd season of the beloved Chesterton European Market. The 2026 market season kicks off on Saturday, May 2, and will run every Saturday through October from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM in downtown Chesterton. An annual tradition that draws locals and visitors alike, the European Market offers an eclectic mix of artisan breads and pastries, boutique creamery cheeses, gourmet foods, locally crafted art, fresh meats, spices, oils, clothing, accessories, handcrafted jewelry, and fresh-from-the-farm produce and flowers. Guests can also enjoy live performances by

April 30th, 2026|Local News|

Deadline extended for Michigan City Area Schools Year 3 Strategic Plan Survey

Michigan City Area Schools has extended the deadline to complete the Year 3 Strategic Plan Survey to Friday, May 1. MCAS says there is still time to share your feedback, and they encourage all members of the MCAS community to participate: CLICK HERE to complete the survey or visit EducateMC.net/Year3Survey MCAS says this short survey will help us better understand your experiences and priorities as we continue implementing our Strategic Plan. MCAS says responses are anonymous and will guide future decisions.

April 30th, 2026|Local News|

La Porte County Sheriff’s Office announces deputy transfer from Jail Division to Patrol Division

La Porte County Sheriff Ronald C. Heeg officially has announced the transfer of Deputy Michael Matzke from the Jail Division to the Merit (Patrol) Division. Deputy Matzke is a 1999 graduate of La Porte High School.  From September 2001 to November 2009, he was enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he attained the rank of Staff Sergeant.  His military service also includes time with the Indiana Army National Guard from October 2020 to October 2021. Deputy Matzke began his employment with the Sheriff’s Office on January 4, 2023, where he was initially assigned to the Jail Division.  His

April 30th, 2026|Local News|

Indiana State Parks offer free admission on May 3

Celebrate the start of the outdoor recreation season with free admission to all Indiana State Parks properties on Sunday, May 3, the second day of Welcome Weekend. Find an Indiana State Parks property and see what’s new at on.IN.gov/stateparks. If you’ve never visited, on.IN.gov/dnr-welcome offers helpful tips. “To longtime visitors and brand-new visitors alike, we warmly welcome everyone to the parks,” said Brandt Baughman, director of Indiana State Parks. “Our parks offer beautiful natural getaways, camping under the stars, healthy outdoor activities, and delicious dining and restful lodging at our inns.” Campgrounds and comfort stations are open and water is

April 30th, 2026|Local News|

Person shot in the 3000 block of Springland Avenue

On April 28th at approximately 10:00 PM, the LaPorte County Regional Dispatch Center received a 911 call regarding a person that was shot in the 3000 block of Springland Avenue. Officers from Uniform Patrol Shift 2 responded to the scene and located a 34-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound to the left leg. Officers provided medical care to the victim before LaPorte County EMS transported him to Franciscan Health Hospital in Michigan City with a non-life-threatening injury. Investigators processed multiple scenes for evidence and interviewed several witnesses. Detectives continue to interview witnesses, attempt to identify a suspect(s), search for

April 29th, 2026|Local News|

Here is your Wednesday forecast

Today Mostly sunny, with a high near 53. North wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 41. Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 55. Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 40. Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 51. Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 39.

April 29th, 2026|Local News|

Elkhart Man Sentenced to 51 Months in Prison For Bank Robbery

SOUTH BEND – On April 21, 2026, Jerry Boomershine, 62 years old, of Elkhart, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to bank robbery, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.   Boomershine was sentenced to 51 months imprisonment with 48 months to be served consecutively and 3 months to be served concurrently with his state sentence, followed by 1 year of supervised release and ordered to pay $8,450.00 in restitution.   “The Defendant thought he got away with it when he robbed a Goshen Bank in May of 2018, as he

April 29th, 2026|Local News|

Proposals sought for City of La Porte’s Public Services Program

The City of La Porte’s Office of Community Development is currently seeking proposals for its Public Services Program funded through the federal Community Development Block Grant program. Proposed projects must be able to demonstrate a clear role in improving the quality of life for low- and moderate-income citizens of La Porte and must further the goals of self-sufficiency and self-reliance for La Porte residents. The deadline to submit a proposal is noon on Friday, June 26, 2026. A technical assistance meeting for those organizations that are new to the process will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 1:30

April 29th, 2026|Local News|

DNR offering free annual state park passes to foster families

The DNR is offering free annual state park passes to foster families, according to a post from the Town of Chesterton Facebook page. The Town of Chesterton shared the following information: If you are hosting foster children, you and your family are eligible for free entry for a year into all Indiana State Park properties. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is offering a free Indiana state park annual entrance pass to qualified foster families. To get a pass, families need to complete a short form at https://forms.in.gov/Download.aspx?id=15643 On completing the form, submit to PermitApplication@dnr.IN.gov “Indiana State Parks are a

April 29th, 2026|Local News|

State Comptroller Elise Nieshalla Issues Statement on Budget-Neutral Hoosier START Employer Match Update

Press Release, Indiana State Comptroller: Indiana State Comptroller Elise Nieshalla issued the following statement after the governor ceremoniously signed SEA 14 into law, authorizing an increase to the employer match for Indiana’s Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan, Hoosier START. STATEHOUSE – “SEA 14 received unanimous, bipartisan support in both chambers of the Indiana General Assembly, underscoring the legislature’s shared commitment to providing updated, fiscally responsible benefits for state employees. When we identified that the match amount was still at $15, the original amount when the benefit started 26 years ago, we got to work finding a budget-neutral way to bring it

April 29th, 2026|Local News|

Man arrested after allegedly threatening neighbor while armed in La Porte County

The La Porte County Sheriff's Office says they arrested a man who allegedly threatened a neighbor while being armed with a rifle. On Saturday at 10:00 p.m., a deputy was dispatched to a residence located in the 2500 east block of County Road 500 South in reference to a neighborhood disturbance. Police say information was provided that a citizen had emerged from a residence armed with a rifle and threatened a neighbor. Several deputies arrived and met with the 37-year-old victim. The victim was hosting an event where he and several of his friends had gathered around a bonfire. The

April 28th, 2026|Local News|

OPERATION MOTOWN BLUES DISMANTLES MULTI-STATE FENTANYL TRAFFICKING ORGANIZATION

Michigan City, IN–A long-term, multi-agency criminal investigation led by the LaPorte County Drug Task Force (LCDTF), an Indiana HIDTA Initiative, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), has resulted in the dismantling of a violent, multi-state drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing fentanyl and firearms throughout LaPorte County and the surrounding region. Beginning in September 2023, investigators identified a structured drug trafficking organization operating throughout LaPorte County, with leadership based in Michigan City, Indiana. Investigative efforts determined the organization’s source of supply originated out of Detroit, Michigan, establishing a pipeline responsible for the transportation and distribution of fentanyl pills and illegal

April 28th, 2026|Local News|

Here is your Tuesday forecast

Today Partly sunny, with a high near 63.   Tonight Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47.   Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 60.   Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 45.   Thursday Partly sunny, with a high near 58.

April 28th, 2026|Local News|

Town of Porter announces paving projects

The Town of Porter has announced a list of paving projects, according to the Town of Chesterton Facebook page. The Town of Porter will commence its 2026 paving season in early May. The roads slated for paving: *23rd Street between Wood Street and Washington Ave., a joint project with the Town of Chesterton. *Oak Street between Arbre Croche Court and Dunes View Ave. *Dunes View Ave. between Oak Street and U.S. 12. The tentative work schedule, weather dependent as always: *Tuesday, May 5: Concrete sidewalk preparation (new sidewalk at 23rd Street and Marquette Road). *Wednesday, May 6: Concrete sidewalk installation

April 28th, 2026|Local News|

Firearm arrest made on South Central school property

The La Porte County Sheriff's Office says they made an arrest this past Saturday on South Central High School school property. During the evening of April 25, South Central High School held its “Prom Grand March” in a gymnasium on the school’s campus, with an estimated 1,000 people in attendance. The event was open to the public and involves introducing prom attendees to the crowd. A parent of a student attending the event observed a man openly carrying a handgun on his hip. The parent immediately reported the matter to a detective who was attending the event. The subject was 

April 28th, 2026|Local News|

City of Michigan City gives update on storm damage

The City of Michigan City gave an update on storm damage Monday night. The City said crews were  actively responding to impacts from Monday’s storm, which caused tree damage and scattered power outages throughout Michigan City. The City reported Monday night: ▪️Downed trees have been reported in multiple locations across the city. ▪️Several power outages are being reported and are currently spotty citywide. ▪️Crews have responded to at least seven fallen trees, with five already cleared. ▪️Two of those incidents involved damage to NIPSCO utility lines, and utility crews have been notified. ▪️Two vehicles have also been damaged due to

April 28th, 2026|Local News|

Blood Drive in Valparaiso TODAY April 28

Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas has announced a Blood Drive TODAY April 28, hosted at Valparaiso City Hall. The American Red Cross is taking appointments for the Blood Drive, on TODAY Tuesday, April 28, 9:00 am to 3:00 p.m. To schedule your appointment at City Hall or another site, visit redcrossblood.org

April 28th, 2026|Local News|

DSC Named 2025 Best Community for Music Education

News Release by Duneland School Corporation:  The Chesterton Music Program finished the 2024-2025 school strong while adding an exciting new distinction for its students and staff. Duneland School Corporation (DSC) was named among the 2025’s Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) in the country by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation! This year NAMM has named 935 school districts as the nation’s Best Communities for Music Education, including only 18 school districts in Indiana. This is the 1st year that the Duneland School Corporation has been included on this list. The award program recognizes and celebrates outstanding efforts by

April 27th, 2026|Local News|

Here is your Monday forecast

Today Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69.   Tonight Showers likely, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51.   Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 59.   Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 46.   Wednesday Partly sunny, with a high near 60.

April 27th, 2026|Local News|
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