Local News

Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Department is proud to announce the launch of its first-ever official website: www.libertyfd.org. This milestone marks a major step forward in the department’s commitment to public service, transparency, and modern communication. With the launch of its first-ever online presence, the department aims to make critical fire safety resources and service information more accessible to residents, businesses, and visitors. The website features direct contact options, information about its service area and responsibilities, Department news and community outreach initiatives, emergency alerts, and more! “This is a historic moment for our department, “said Corporation President Nicholas Wineland. “Since 1955,

April Denise (Bibb) Norman Gallaher April 12, 1956 - October 12, 2025 April Denise (Bibb) Norman Gallaher, 69, Cypress Inn, Tennessee, passed away on Sunday, October 12, 2025 at 10:00 p.m. in Florence, Alabama. There will be no funeral services, cremation will take place. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. The Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, Michigan City, IN is handling the arrangements. To sign a guest book and leave condolences online visit our website at www.otthaverstock.com.

Update-Michigan City Police Department conducting a double homicide investigation On October 19th, 2025 at 1:11 AM, the LaPorte County E-911 Regional Dispatch Center received a 911 call regarding a motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Johnson Road and County Road West 300 North in LaPorte. Deputies from the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and learned a juvenile involved in this crash investigation was suspected of a double homicide that occurred at a residence in the 100 block of Schofield Court in Michigan City. This information was then quickly relayed to the Michigan City Police Department. Officers

Lakeshore Drive will be closed at the intersection with Greenleaf Street starting today, with access only allowed for those who reside between Greenleaf and Craven Drive. The closure is necessary to allow the ongoing watermain project to continue through the intersection of Lakeshore and Craven. Park patrons needing access to the Stone Lake boat launch or Lions Field are to continue using the detour and enter Soldiers Memorial Park from the entrance off Orchard Avenue .

On October 20, 2025, in the midst of Jury Selection, Jeremiah Miller pled guilty to Domestic Battery (a Level 5 Felony) in Circuit Court in Laporte. Mr. Miller was originally charged in October 2023 with Domestic Battery (Level 5 Felony) and Strangulation (Level 6 Felony), after allegedly striking his own mother. Mr. Miller will be sentenced at a later date in November. A Level 5 Felony carries a maximum penalty of 6 years. Prosecuting Attorney Sean Fagan said: “Domestic Violence is a serious issue in our County. These cases can be difficult to take to trial, for a number of

Stop Arm Violation Awareness Campaign Urges Drivers to Prioritize School Bus Safety  In a continued effort to protect students and raise public awareness, the Valparaiso Police Department, Porter County Sheriff's Office, and the Indiana State Police—working in cooperation with Valparaiso Community Schools—will participate in a week-long Stop Arm Violation Awareness Campaign from October 20–24, 202

This Saturday, October 25th, the Indiana State Police will be accepting your unused drugs from 10a-2pm at the Lowell Post. Pills, tablets, and capsules accepted. No needles, sharps, or liquids. This free and anonymous event is a safe way to prevent prescription drug misuse and protect our community and environment. Indiana State Police-Lowell Post

An update from Ott Haverstock Funeral Chapel in Michigan City regarding Frances Jane Dierdorf   Frances Jane Dierdorf March 12, 1945 - October 13, 2025   Frances Jane Dierdorf, 80, Trail Creek, Indiana, passed away Monday, October 13, 2025.   A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are being entrusted with the Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, 418 Washington St., Michigan City, Indiana.   In lieu of flowers, donations on her behalf can be made to the Michiana Humane Society 722 Indiana Highway 212 Michigan City, IN 46360 or to , Meals on Wheels, Inc. 301

The Town of Porter Police Department recently announced a new procedure for abandoned and junk vehicles and stated the following on their Facebook page: The Porter Police Department, in collaboration with the Town of Porter Code Enforcement, has implemented a new procedure for handling abandoned and inoperable vehicles within the Town of Porter. This updated process improves coordination between departments, streamlines complaint handling, and helps maintain the safety and appearance of our community. How the Process Works Town Code Enforcement will handle complaints on private residential property. The Porter Police Department will handle complaints on public right-of-way and private business

The DEA will host National Prescription Drug Take Back Day at locations across the country on October 25th, 2025. The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible method of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications. DEA and their partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs during this event. For more than a decade, the event has helped Americans easily rid their homes of unneeded medications—those that are old, unwanted, or expired—that too often become a gateway

The City of Valparaiso will begin curbside leaf collection Oct. 27–Dec. 5 (weather permitting). Crews will rotate continuously through four collection zones. This year, crews will again use the high-capacity truck-mount leaf vacuum, which allows for faster collection and fewer trips to the compost site. To find your zone and see progress updates, visit tinyurl.com/ValpoLeaf or check the Valparaiso City Services – Public Works page at valpo.us The City of Valparaiso would like the public to remember: • Rake leaves to the curb area, not into the street. • Keep piles free of sticks, rocks, or debris. • After Dec.

VALPARAISO, Ind. – Board-certified family medicine physician Leena Aljobeh, MD, is now part of the Franciscan Physician Network and is accepting new patients in Valparaiso. Dr. Aljobeh earned her medical degree from the Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis. She completed her residency in family medicine at Indiana University Health Arnett Hospital in Lafayette, Ind. Her clinical interests include women’s health, child and adolescent medicine, wellness and preventive care. In addition to English, Dr. Aljobeh is also fluent in Arabic. Dr. Aljobeh is accepting new patients at the Glendale Health Center, 1101 Glendale Blvd., Suite 101 in Valparaiso. For

The Town of Porter Police Department announced on Friday that for the next two weeks, they'll be collecting candy donations "to help make Halloween extra sweet for our community’s little ghouls and goblins." Donation Details: All candy must be sealed and in its original packaging. Drop off donations at the Porter Police Department anytime before Halloween. On Halloween night during Trick-or-Treat hours (5:30-7:30pm), donated candy will be: Handed out at the Porter Police Department "Shared by our officers out on patrol — so don’t be shy! the PPD said on Facebook. "If you see our squad cars, your little monsters

The La Porte County Sheriff's Office is congratulating Detective Derrick Deck, who was recently named “Deputy of the Year” by the Michigan City Rotary Club. "Detective Deck was nominated by Sheriff Ronald C. Heeg for not only his outstanding work in criminal investigations, but also for serving as the South Central High School Track and Field Head Coach and facilitator of the Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy," the LCSO said on their Facebook page. Derrick is in his fourth year as head coach and second year of organizing the agency’s citizens academy. His leadership, integrity, and commitment to mentoring youth and

****See PREVIOUS STORY BELOW and CHECK WIMS FACEBOOK and MCPD FACEBOOK PAGE On October 19th, 2025 at 1:11 AM, the LaPorte County E-911 Regional Dispatch Center received a 911 call regarding a motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Johnson Road and County Road West 300 North in LaPorte. Deputies from the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and learned a juvenile involved in this crash investigation was suspected of a double homicide that occurred at a residence in the 100 block of Schofield Court in Michigan City. This information was then quickly relayed to the Michigan City

From the Michigan City Police Department FACEBOOK Page. Follow them for the latest information. On October 19th, 2025, at approximately 1:30am the Michigan City Police Department conducted a welfare check at a residence in the 100 block of Schofield Court. Two adults were found deceased inside the residence from foul play. One juvenile male is currently in custody. The incident is under active investigation. There are no known additional threats to public safety. Additional updates will be provided when they become available.

The La Porte City Park Foundation is pleased to announce the return of its annual “Picnic Under the Stars” Gala, taking place on Friday, November 21, 2025, from 6-10 p.m. at the La Porte Civic Auditorium. This year’s event will feature a romantic, garden-inspired atmosphere with music, art and meaningful community connection—all in support of La Porte’s parks. The Gala is designed to be both elegant and accessible, with pricing that reflects the Foundation’s commitment to inclusivity. Individual tickets are $50, and a Date Night Special offers two tickets for $75, making it easier for couples and friends to enjoy

CROWN POINT, Ind. – Franciscan Health is partnering with the Lake County Health Department to provide a free, four-week outdoor walking program this fall. Path to Wellness will take place Mondays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 27 through Nov. 21. Registration begins on-site at 9:45 a.m. at the main entrance of the Lake County Health Department, 2900 W. 93rd Ave. in Crown Point. In case of inclement weather, the walks will be canceled. The events will begin with brief wellness-related informational talks followed by guided light stretching and a walk on the Erie Lackawanna Trail. Topics to

Child Support is an important matter to many: to parents and to children. When parents are having trouble or need assistance with their child support obligations, the Laporte County Prosecuting Attorney stands in the gap. The Office acts on behalf of children, helping to ensure that parents, whether they are unable or unwilling to pay child support, can meet their obligations for child support. In Federal Fiscal Year 2025, the Laporte County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office met or exceeded Federal/State Benchmarks for Performance. The Office exceeded in 3 categories, while meeting the standard in 1 other category. In FFY 2024, the

LA PORTE COUNTY, IN – La Porte County Public Library is thrilled to welcome acclaimed author Greg Neri for a special evening event on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the Holdcraft Performing Arts Center in Michigan City. This event, which runs from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.), is designed for families and students in grades 5 through 12. Admission is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Greg Neri, known for his powerful storytelling and ability to connect with young readers, will share stories from his global journey as a writer – from