Local News

An Indiana Department of Transportation contractor will have lane closures on State Road 49 between County Road 1100 North and Porter Avenue beginning on or after Monday, April 1. Motorists should expect alternating lane closures through late October for a bridge superstructure replacement over Coffee Creek. During phase one, the inside passing lanes will be closed for work, and the outside driving lanes will be open for traffic. Traffic will switch to the inside passing lanes in phase two around mid-July, with the outside driving lanes closed. INDOT encourages drivers to allow extra time when driving through this area and

Press release, Porter County Community Foundation: The Porter County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of six new board members: Dean Cobble with GW Berkheimer, Jung Lee with Indiana Beverage, Lauren Kroeger with Hoeppner, Wagner & Evans, John Montgomery with Blox Digital, Rachel Stoner with East Porter County School District and Kari Zehner with Kittredge & Zehner CPA. "We are incredibly fortunate to have attracted such talented and passionate individuals to our Board," said Bill Higbie, President and CEO of PCCF. "Their diverse backgrounds and expertise will be invaluable as we continue to work toward strengthening Porter County

An Indiana Department of Transportation contractor will have lane closures on U.S. 20 between Salt Creek Road and State Road 149 beginning on or after Monday, April 1. U.S. 20 will have alternating lane closures through early May for a box culvert replacement. A detour utilizing I-94 will be in place for wide loads. INDOT encourages drivers to allow extra time when driving through this area and follow traffic directions carefully. INDOT says motorists should slow down, exercise caution and drive distraction-free through all work zones.

Press release, Franciscan Health: Franciscan Health Michigan City is presenting its free, faith-based church diabetes initiative, Fan Out Diabetes, beginning in April. Franciscan Health Michigan City’s Fan Out Diabetes program is a faith-based diabetes initiative that pairs minority LaPorte County church congregations with the healthcare system and community organizations to bring two-day diabetes education, prevention and detection mini workshops – free of charge – to the church after Sunday services. The events feature education, screenings, insurance enrollment assistance and more. April is National Minority Health Month, which aims to raise awareness about the health disparities that continue to impact racial

Press Release, City of La Porte: Residents and business owners of 39 North can expect to see City service vehicles in and around the neighborhood very soon, according to La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody. The city’s annexation of the 39 North Conservancy District took effect on Monday, March 11, 2024, following several years of studies and negotiations. Per state statute, the City has one year from the effective date to provide non-capital services. However, Dermody said services such as police and fire coverage, street maintenance, TransPorte pick-ups/drop-offs and code enforcement will begin for these new residents on Monday, Apr. 1.

The La Porte Community School Corporation (LPCSC) Board of Trustees announced Monday they have opened their search for a new superintendent. "The Trustees are committed to working together to identify and hire the best candidate to lead and serve the students, staff, and community," La Porte Community School Corporation said in a press release. Accompanying this search is a community engagement survey designed to gain input from the La Porte community. Applications are being accepted through May 15, 2024, by William Kaminski of Newby, Lewis, Kaminski & Jones, LLP. The Board anticipates naming the next superintendent this summer, with the

Two people that are suspected of being a part of a nationwide fraud organization were arrested in Michigan City on Saturday, according to Michigan City police. On Saturday at about 1:50 p.m. an officer received a notification from the city’s Flock Falcon Camera System that a 2015 white Toyota Sienna with a California license plate had entered the city limits of Michigan City that was suspected in multiple out of state felony financial crimes. The officer located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop on it near the intersection of East U.S. Highway 12 and East Michigan Boulevard. Police say

The public is invited to attend the annual State of the City address, Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch’s first since taking office, on April 10 at Holdcraft Performing Arts Center, 1200 Spring St. The mayor will share some of the highlights from her first hundred days in office, from the internal workings of various city departments to new programs and projects on the horizon. “The goal of the State of the City is to get buy-in from the residents, to earn their support for new initiatives and to get new ideas from them,” Nelson Deuitch said. “This is really a way

Franciscan Health’s free FIT-Together program, a family-centered approach to health and wellness, is back and open for registration. The unique, six-week fitness program is intended for households with children between the ages of 7 and 13. FIT-Together addresses the well-being of every participating family member, including children, siblings, parents and parental figures. The program includes a free six-week family membership to the Y, family fitness activities, family nutrition education, hands-on cooking demos, budget-friendly healthy recipes and tastings, meal kits for recreating recipes at home, family mindfulness and resilience strategies, giveaways and more. FIT-Together takes place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30

In order to accommodate work related to the West Lake Corridor Project, the South Shore Line will temporarily bus Saturday and Sunday evening train passengers between 9:30pm-3am to stations between Hegewisch and Dune Park. The temporary busing will take place March 23-24, and March 30-31, 2024, and will also include Hammond Station, East Chicago Station, and Gary/Chicago Airport Station. The busing is in addition to ongoing temporary busing between Gary Metro Center and Dune Park. Busing between Hegewisch and Dune Park includes the following evening/overnight trains 3/23-3/24 and 3/30-3/31: Weekend WB Train 510 Weekend EB Trains 511, 613, 601 Buses

Chesterton Fire Department’s C- crew were heroes after they saved a kitten from a storm drain recently. A resident in the area of Pinehurst Avenue and Quicksilver Drive heard the cries of a kitten coming from a storm drain. Fire department personnel were able to climb into the storm drain and rescue the kitten. The CFD said on their Facebook Friday that the concerned resident is taking care of the kitten.  

The Town of Chesterton announced on their Facebook page that County Road 200W between Robbins Road (County Road 875N) and U.S. 6 will be closed to through-traffic on Thursday, April 4. A contractor will be performing maintenance on a bridge located immediately south of Robbins Road. Motorists southbound on County Road 200W from County Road 1050N will still be able to access Robbins Road (as well as County Road 900N), while those northbound from U.S. 6 will still be able to access residences south of the bridge. The official detour for northbound through-traffic, however—including Duneland School buses—will be U.S. 6

Press Release, City of Valparaiso: The City of Valparaiso has announced several new appointments to its Advisory Human Relations Council. Established in 2011, the purpose of the Advisory Human Relations Council is to advise the Mayor on ways to promote a better understanding and improve the community’s acceptance of diversity in all its forms. “As a community, we envision a place where diversity is appreciated, differences are respected and all are included,” said Mayor Jon Costas. “Working with city leaders and staff, I sought to empower voices from a diverse background of experience to offer input and guidance to navigate

Two people from Maryland were arrested Thursday in La Porte County after a traffic stop led to police finding narcotics. Just after 11:20 a.m., a highway interdiction deputy was monitoring eastbound traffic along the Indiana Toll Road (I-80/90) in the area of the 47-mile marker. According to police, the deputy observed a passenger vehicle pass by following a commercial motor vehicle too closely.  In addition, the windows of the vehicle were tinted extremely dark and obstructed the view of anything inside the vehicle, police said. A traffic stop on the vehicle was initiated by the deputy near the 52-mile marker. 

A fire at the Merrillville-Griffith Airport on Thursday caused a hanger to collapse, the Lake County Sheriff’s Department said in a statement. Shortly after 11:30 p.m. on Thursday, a police officer with the Lake County Sheriff’s Department who was on patrol reported he observed a small fire at the Merrillville-Griffith Airport. Firefighters from 9 area jurisdictions responded to the scene. The flames caused the roof of one of the hangars to collapse. No one was hurt. The Indiana State Fire Marshal’s office is investigating to determine the cause of the fire and any possible damage to aircraft. By about 3:30

In LaPorte County, an Indiana Department of Transportation contractor will close the intersection of U.S. 421 and U.S. 6 beginning on or after Monday, April 1 for a roundabout project. This intersection is expected to be closed through late September. Motorists should seek alternate routes. The official detour will follow State Road 39, U.S. 30, State Road 49 and State Road 2. A public hearing regarding this intersection improvement project was held in February 2023. The presentation and documents shared at the hearing can be found on the INDOT website here.  

The Valparaiso Police Department announced that they have successfully completed their 2024 Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) assessment.  In February, they participated in an annual evaluation of their policies/procedures, along with demonstrating compliance with CALEA standards.  This week concluded the assessment with an onsite visit by the CALEA accreditation team. Chief of Police, Andrew McIntyre stated, “This achievement reflects the dedication, hard work, and professionalism demonstrated by each member of our department. Their commitment to excellence and adherence to the highest standards of law enforcement have been instrumental in this success.” Mayor of Valparaiso, Jon Costas reiterated,

In LaPorte County, an Indiana Department of Transportation contractor will have lane closures on State Road 2 between U.S. 20 and County Line Road beginning on or after Thursday, March 28. State Road 2 will be resurfaced in this area, resulting in alternating lane closures through early November. Work will include asphalt patching, pipe work, culvert, resurfacing and pavement markings. Motorists should be prepared for changing traffic patterns and delays during peak times. 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

La Porte Community School Corporation School Board released the following statement in regards to clarification on the former superintendent's role: Dear LPCSC Staff and Families, We are reaching out to address and clarify the presence of our former Superintendent, Dr. Francesconi, in our district office after last month’s announcement of his retirement and the introduction of Dr. Hinckley as Interim Superintendent. Dr Hinckley brings over thirty years of extensive experience that aligns with the initiatives and goals outlined in the district’s strategic plan. Her background not only shows a deep and insightful connection to the La Porte community, but also

Press Release, La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership: Emmy’s Bakery celebrated the opening of their 810 Lincolnway downtown La Porte location on March 20th at 10:00 a.m. The event was held in anticipation of the official opening day on March 22nd. Emmy’s Bakery is owned by Emily and Jacob Ferenczi. Emily’s goal is to make the bakery somewhere everyone feels welcome. They make cookies, muffins, donuts, cinnamon rolls, brownie squares, pretzel bites, and butter mints. Emily, Owner and Baker, said of the new location, “We want to treat La Porte to some sweet sunshine (aka my baked goods!) Since the moment