Local News

This past Friday, the Porter Police Department hosted its annual Inspection and Awards Ceremony at Hawthorne Park. Following the ceremony, an appreciation dinner was held to honor staff and their families. Awarded were the following: -Appreciation Award- Custodian Shelia Manning Former IT Coordinator Rav Singh Reserve Officer Jeremy Bogue Part-Time Officers Jamie Copollo, John Ryan, Charlie Mathewson, Tim Lucas -Letter of Commendation- Dispatcher Jen Jolley -Outstanding Performance- Dispatcher Kaylee Nugent -Years of Service and Dedication- Chief Todd Allen Assistant Chief Jason Casbon -Officer of the Year- Officer Austin Haynes

On August 16, the La Porte Police Department, Michigan City Police Department and the La Porte County Sheriff's Office are going head to head at the 1st Annual Police Youth Field Day. The event is free to attend, and lunch will be provided. Ages 10-17 are welcome to register. Registration closes July 5, sign up here: https://forms.gle/DdWsxXpvzYyDCzbr9 Contact ckalisik@lpcitypd.com or (219) 362-9446 x2016 with any questions.

The Portage Police Department says over the weekend officers took a report regarding a telephone scam. The victim received a phone call claiming their NIPSCO services were about to be turned off unless an immediate payment was made. The caller then sent the victim pictures of barcodes to her cellphone and had the victim scan the barcodes at self-service checkout at local store to make payment. PPD says NIPSCO has publicly stated previously that they do not make phone calls to customers demanding immediate payment.

Michigan City, IN – June 2025 – The Barker Mansion invites guests of all ages to step into a summer season of elegance, exploration, and enchantment. With the launch of a brand-new exhibit and an exciting lineup of programs, the historic mansion continues its mission to bring the Gilded Age to life and engage visitors in fresh and meaningful ways.  Now Open:  From Parlor to Heirloom: Silver Traditions of a Gilded Age Family Visitors can now experience The Barker Mansion’s newest exhibition, From Parlor to Heirloom: Silver Traditions of a Gilded Age Family. This captivating display showcases a remarkable selection of silver from

La PORTE, IN – La Porte residents will once again be able join in on the Independence Day fun a little early, according to Park Superintendent Mark Schreiber. As the Exclusive Presenting Sponsor, the LaPorte County Convention & Visitors Bureau will partner with the City of La Porte to host the Independence Celebration Fireworks Show over Clear Lake on Thursday, July 3. This free show will take place at dusk, immediately following the Arts in the Park concert at the Dennis F. Smith Amphitheater. Schreiber said this event will be the perfect kick-start to the holiday weekend. "The 4th of July celebrations

The Town of Chesterton on Friday gave an update on work taking place on Westchester Liberty Trail. F.H. Paschen, is the general contractor on Phase III(A) of the Westchester Liberty Trail, has been staging and preparing the site. The Town of Chesterton reported Friday that Chesterton Town Engineer Mark O’Dell estimated that it will still be another two or three weeks at the earliest before F.H. Paschen begins pouring the sidewalk itself. 1100N will remain closed to all but local traffic for approximately 90 days. The post detour: South Fifth Street (C.R. 50E) to C.R. 1050N to C.R. 100E.

LAKE AND NEWTON COUNTIES, Ind. - Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Superior Construction will conduct lane closures on U.S. 41 between 241st Ave and C.R. 1150 N starting today. U.S. 41 will be reduced to one lane in each direction for a bridge deck overlay preventative maintenance project over the Kankakee River. Motorists should expect alternating lane closures while the project is ongoing through mid-September. INDOT encourages drivers to allow extra time when driving through this area and follow traffic directions carefully. Motorists should slow down, exercise caution and drive distraction-free through all work zones.

Wheeler, IN – In partnership with the Northwest Indiana District 1 Firefighter Training Council, the MAAC Foundation announced the graduation of the newest Volunteer Fire Academy class. The graduation ceremony took place at Friday evening at Wheeler High School, honoring the hard work, dedication, and commitment of 40 new volunteer firefighters representing departments across Northwest Indiana. This milestone marks the culmination of intensive hands-on and classroom training designed to prepare recruits for service in their local fire departments. Each graduate has demonstrated the knowledge, skill, and heart required to serve their communities with courage and professionalism. “Every one of these

An INDOT contractor will have lane closures on U.S. 30 between Mississippi St and Colorado St beginning on or after Wednesday, June 18. Alternating lane closures will be conducted at Ring Rd/Mall Entrance B for a culvert replacement. Motorists should expect changing traffic patterns while this work is occurring through mid-September. Access to Southlake Mall at Mall Entrance B will be impacted so plan alternate routes. INDOT encourages drivers to allow extra time when driving through this area and follow traffic directions carefully.  

La PORTE COUNTY – With a message of “Need knows no season,” La Porte County sites of The Salvation Army will host an annual “Christmas in June” event again this summer in hopes of raising funds to support programs and services offered to residents of La Porte County. Red kettles will be stationed at all Al’s Supermarkets stores in La Porte County – including the Franklin Street and Karwick Plaza locations in Michigan City, and the Lincolnway location in La Porte. Volunteers will be ringing a bell at red kettles on Friday, June 27 and Saturday, June 28 from 10

The Michigan City Human Rights Commission recognized Chief of Operations Steve Forker and Chief of Services Dave Cooney with the prestigious 2025 Unsung Hero Award. The award was presented by Chief Marty Corley, who also serves as a Commissioner on the Human Rights Commission, during a ceremony surrounded by family, friends, and community leaders. "This honor reflects the unwavering dedication and tireless service that Chiefs Forker and Cooney have shown—not only to the men and women of the Michigan City Police Department but also to the broader Michigan City community," MCPD said on its Facebook page. "These two leaders are

SOUTH BEND –  Jonathan Alan Peters, 33 years old, of Mishawaka, Indiana, was recently sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco after pleading guilty to one count of production of child pornography and one count of distribution of child pornography, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay. Peters was sentenced to 420 months in prison, 15 years of supervised release.  Restitution will be imposed at a later date. According to documents in the case, Peters took photographs depicting images of child sexual abuse material. He then distributed the images to other people on the Internet. The investigation revealed

Applications are NOW OPEN for the 2025–26 KV REMC Junior Board of Directors Lead. Serve. Score a $1,000 scholarship toward your future! Join a team of driven students for inspiring guest speakers, immersive field trips, and meaningful service projects. This leadership program is your chance to stand out on college applications and make a real impact in your community. Deadline to apply: August 25, 2025 Apply now: https://www.kvremc.com/.../you.../junior-board-of-directors/

Chesterton, IN — The Town of Chesterton and the Duneland Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, June 13, to celebrate the opening of two new public parking lots in the downtown district.   Community leaders, business owners, and residents gathered at 101 N Calumet Road to mark the completion of the project, which includes a 60-space lot in the 100 block of Grant Avenue and a 51-space lot in the 100 block of East Indiana Avenue. The additional parking is designed to increase accessibility and support continued business growth in downtown Chesterton.   “This project represents

On Friday, five local leaders were honored with awards during the Indiana Black Expo, Inc. Michigan City Chapter's fifth annual corporate luncheon. Michigan City Police Department Detective Taylor Tillman received the 2025 "I" Rise Award. Common Councilman At-large Bryant Dabney received the Community Spirit Award. Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Also, recent MCHS grads Brianna Bonds and Jamere Steele received college scholarships. WIMS congratulates all who were honored.

LA PORTE COUNTY, Ind. - Indiana Department of Transportation maintenance crews will be conducting seal coating operations resulting in the closure of State Road 39 beginning on or after Tuesday, June 17. State Road 39 will be closed between U.S. 20 and the Michigan State Line for approximately two days. The official detour for this closure will follow U.S. 20 and I-94. Through traffic should utilize the detour or seek an alternate route. Local traffic should exercise caution and follow traffic directions carefully in the area where work is occurring. This work is weather sensitive so the schedule is subject to

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – The path of projects and city’s prosperity, stemming from downtown development and the South Shore Train Station, were at the core of the conversation during the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Update. Panelists Economic Development Corporation Michigan City Executive Director Clarence L. Hulse and Michigan City Director of Redevelopment Skyler York centered on updates, momentum and what is next for the city. The newly constructed South Shore Train Station - Double Track Project continues to spark inquiries and new projects. This development includes a new parking garage and renovated train station along with the adjacent The Franklin

MICHIGAN CITY, IN – June 12, 2025 – The 30th annual commencement ceremony of Michigan City High School took place on Sunday, June 8, in the Wolves Den gymnasium. 311 MCHS students received a high school diploma. In his remarks, Principal Dr. Mo Mroueh proudly called the class “a group of remarkable young individuals whose dedication, perseverance, and growth [are] proudly recognized.” Dr. Wendel McCollum, Superintendent of Michigan City Area Schools, addressed the graduates, saying, “It’s clear you know how to come together, raise your voice, and effect meaningful change.” He also emphasized the class’s role in shaping the MCAS

Michigan City Area Schools Office of Food Services is participating in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). Free meals will be made available to all children 18 years of age and under and to persons over 18 years who are enrolled in a state-approved educational program for the mentally or physically disabled. Free meals will be provided to all children without charge and are the same for all children. Children must be present to receive their meals. There will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service. For a full list of sites, times, and menus, please visit

In order to accommodate track construction, the South Shore Line will provide busing substitution for late evening eastbound train passengers between Carroll Ave. and South Bend Airport stations Monday, June 16, through Friday, June 20, 2025. No bikes will be permitted on buses. Weekday EB Tr 33 & Tr 35 bused between Carroll Ave. & South Bend 6/16-6/20. EB Tr 33 & EB Tr 35 WILL NOT serve Hudson Lake Station 6/16-6/20. Weekday WB Tr 432 & Tr 400 are canceled 6/16-6/20. All other train service operates as regularly scheduled between Carroll Ave. & South Bend. Buses will arrive and