Local News

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Division of Fish & Wildlife has made changes to previously announced rainbow trout stocking plans because of a shortage of that species at the hatchery. Nineteen streams across 13 counties were stocked with trout before April 26, the opening day of trout season, but some locations didn’t receive the planned amount of rainbow trout. Some were supplemented with brown trout. The streams affected will receive no more rainbow trout this spring; however, nine of them will be stocked with brown trout this month. The brown trout to be stocked range from 8 to 12

MERRILLVILLE, Ind. — May is National Electrical Safety Month, and Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (“NIPSCO”) is committed to helping the public stay safe by sharing essential electrical safety tips and guidelines. Electrical Safety Month is a time to raise awareness about the importance of preventing electric-related injuries, deaths and fires. “It’s essential to remember that electrical safety begins with education,” said Orville Cocking, Senior Vice President of Electric Operations at NIPSCO. “Awareness and quick action can prevent injuries and save lives at home and in the workplace.”   What to Do if You Find a Downed Power Line

Michigan City, IN |  This spring, Danny Gokey is doing more than sharing his powerful voice on the Sound of Heaven Tour — he’s helping The Salvation Army bring real hope to communities across the country. Thanks to a partnership between The Salvation Army, Awakening Foundation, and Altrua HealthShare, each stop of Gokey’s 15-city tour — running from April 11 through May 10, 2025 — will include a $500 donation to the local Salvation Army serving that city. These gifts will directly support programs that meet the most urgent needs, from feeding hungry families to providing shelter for those experiencing

PORTER COUNTY, Ind. - Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Hawk Enterprises Inc. will have further restrictions on I-94 eastbound near U.S. 20/Exit 22 this week as part of the replacement of the box truss structure in this location. The right lane of eastbound I-94 will be closed approaching U.S. 20/Exit 22 from approximately 9 p.m. Wednesday, May 7 to 6 a.m. Thursday, May 8th for temporary barrier wall removal. Overnight the evening of Saturday, May 10, there will be two rolling slow downs on I-94 eastbound starting at U.S. 6/State Road 51 to U.S. 20 to remove the current overhead box

The La Porte Police Department on Friday congratulated Officers Matthew Buell and Sean Mattmann on graduating from the Northern Indiana Law Enforcement Academy. "We’re proud of their hard work and dedication, and we’re excited to welcome them back as they begin the next step in their careers," LPPD said on its Facebook page. Both officers began their Field Training Program this past Monday.

Local health departments are required by statute (IC 13-23-16) to inform the public of the discovery of released regulated substances at an underground storage tank site or above ground storage tank, in the surrounding area or a spill or overfill. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) was notified on May 2, 2025, of such an incident from the owner or operator of the Speedway #6673 facility located at 473 West US Hwy 30 in or near Valparaiso, Indiana in Porter-Valparaiso County. • For further information on the Petroleum Remediation Program, please go to https://www.in.gov/idem/tanks/. • Or contact the Indiana

The Valparaiso Police Department announced that several officers graduated from the Northern Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, Class 25-53. Friday marked the successful completion of their basic training. Graduating officers are: Patrol Officer Austin Arias Patrol Officer Madison Patrick Patrol Officer Nicholas Houston (Class Treasurer/Secretary) Patrol Officer Kaleb Ellingham

Valparaiso, IN – Ivy Tech Community College’s will honor over 1,000 graduates at the annual commencement ceremony on Thursday May 8, 2025, at 6pm CT. The ceremony will take place at the Valparaiso University Athletics Recreation Center located at 1009 Union Street, Valparaiso, IN. Students earned almost 1,700 degrees and certificates during the 2024-2025 academic year. Commencement ceremony will highlight distinct honors and awards to Distinguished Graduates and Alumnus of Ivy Tech. Ceremony will also feature keynote speaker Dean Mazzoni, President/CEO of Franciscan Health Michigan City. “We are incredibly excited and proud of all our students and their many accomplishments.

Michigan City, IN – May 5, 2025 - The Michigan City Chamber is pleased to announce that Monica Komasinski will be joining the Chamber as Membership Director, effective June 2, 2025. In her new role, Komasinski will lead the Chamber’s efforts in membership recruitment, engagement, and retention. She will also oversee the Chamber's Ambassador Committee, a vital group of volunteers who support member outreach and business engagement. “We are excited to welcome Monica to our Chamber team,” said Kurt Gillins, President of the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce. “Her leadership experience, dedication to professional development, and strong community ties make

MUNSTER, Ind. -- Franciscan Health Munster has achieved Primary Stroke Certification through Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) for stroke care. Certification is a process through which healthcare organization demonstrate compliance with national standards. Certification by ACHC reflects an organization's dedication and commitment to meeting standards that facilitate a higher level of performance and patient care. ACHC is a nonprofit organization that has been as a symbol of quality and excellence since 1986. “Franciscan Health Munster is proud to continue our dedication to patient centered evidence-based quality care for our stroke patients,” said Emily Demario, RN, program coordinator for the

The Michigan City Police Department Family announced that Officer Shane Motshagen has officially graduated from the Northwest Indiana Law Enforcement Academy (NILEA). Officer Motshagen distinguished himself by earning the Academic Excellence Award for achieving the highest overall score in his class. He also earned top marks on the Criminal Law test, leading his class in that area as well.

Project part of Better World Day observance   MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – Students at Joy Elementary School came together this spring to bring a little extra cheer to new parents and babies born at the Franciscan Health Michigan City Family Birth Center as part of their Better World Day project.   The students collected new baby books, toys, blankets and reusable bags, which they placed in paper bags they decorated with hand-drawn pictures and inspirational phrases.   The bags were presented to Franciscan Health Michigan City staff during an all-school assembly last week.   “These bags were created and designed

The Town of Ogden Dunes is informing residents that parking restrictions are currently in effect now through September 30. Permits will now be required to park within the restricted area. The Town of Ogden Dunes says to remember to stop at Town Hall to pick up your permits. The Town says the permits will not be automatically sent to you. Town Hall Window Hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. "Residents are eligible for one (1) vehicle parking sticker at no cost when home association dues are paid, the Town of Ogden Dunes said in a press

Porter County Environmental Health Director, Dan Boyd, will be sharing his wealth of knowledge about septic systems on May 28 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Ivy Tech Community College Auditorium in Valparaiso. Dan has helped countless local homeowners understand their systems better and avoid costly mistakes. This session is geared to help you: -Understand septic system installation -Learn proper maintenance techniques -Prevent expensive repairs -Protect our local water resources Please register by May 21st - Reach out to jacob.tosch@in.nacdnet.net or call 219-462-7515 ext. See more information on the flyer.  

If you have partially used craft supplies, The Michigan City Public Library is hosting their 2nd annual craft exchange. Bring your surplus craft supplies to swap, exchange, or donate for this weekend’s event!Yarn, art supplies, beads, paper crafts, fabric, etc are all welcome, as long as they are in usable shape, to be shared with fellow crafters.Donations will be accepted on Wednesday, May 7th and Thursday, May 8th, from 3-6 pm in the Literacy Department.Please contact Jessica at (219)873-3043, or stop by the Literary Department for questions and more information.

Experience summer evenings under the stars at Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest’s (PNW) 2025 Acorn Concert Series, featuring five outdoor family-friendly music shows. The concert series kicks off June 20 with Kashmir, a high-energy Led Zeppelin tribute band. The 2025 lineup also features performances celebrating the music of the Rolling Stones, the Grateful Dead, Prince and other classic rock hits spanning four decades. All Acorn Concert Series programs take place at Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest, 450 West 100 North, Valparaiso, Ind. Performances are set in the picturesque natural setting of the arboretum’s restored prairies and woodland landscapes, creating a

Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Rieth-Riley Construction will conduct alternating lane closures on U.S. 20 between C.R. 250 E and Oak Knoll Rd beginning on or after Monday, May 5. Phase one will consist of alternating lane closures for approximately one week to set up the traffic configuration for phase two. On or around Saturday, May 10, the eastbound lanes will be converted to two-way traffic so that construction can occur in the current westbound lanes. Left turns will be permitted only at county road intersections through the work zone. Phase two will be ongoing through approximately the end of

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security has opened applications to the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) for residents who incurred damage to their homes or property located in qualifying jurisdictions from any of the following disaster events: •    March 1, 2025: Mine Collapse •    March 15, 2025: Severe Storms •    March 19, 2025: Severe Storms •    March 30 – April 2, 2025: Severe Storms/Flooding Applications to help with immediate needs will be capped at $2000 initially, although eligible homeowners could receive additional assistance after a complete damage assessment is finished. The SDRF is not currently accepting applications for the Public

PORTER COUNTY, Ind. - Indiana Department of Transportation contractor F H Paschen S N Nielsen & Associates LLC will begin work on the State Road 49 bridge over State Road 2 on or after Monday, May 5. State Road 49 and State Road 2 will both maintain two lanes of travel in each direction during daytime hours, but lanes will be narrowed to make room for the work area. State Road 49 and State Road 2 will have overnight lane closures during the hours of 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. as needed from late May to late July. Bridge repairs and

Franciscan Health’s Social Impact Partnership Program (SIPP) is opening applications for funding to support healthcare-related programs for nonprofit health and human service organizations in at-risk communities. SIPP funding applications will be accepted from May 5-30. Partner agencies will be announced in mid-July. Organizations may apply for up to $10,000 in monetary support. Organizations may complete an application online at this link starting May 5. Serving populations most in need and in accordance with Franciscan’s mission should be the focus of supported activities. These include people who have endured systemic racism; refugees and immigrants; the chronically low resourced; at-risk youth and others impacted