Local News

The Salvation Army is proud to announce that La Porte County Sheriff Ron Heeg, along with his family, will serve as the 2025 Christmas Campaign Chair, helping lead the organization’s holiday fundraising efforts across La Porte County. This year marks a significant milestone for The Salvation Army, as two locations — The Salvation Army of Michigan City and The Salvation Army of La Porte — have come together under a single leadership team, Majors Dale and Becky Simmons. As a result, the 2025 Christmas Campaign will be a county-wide initiative, expanding efforts to support families in need throughout the county.

-The adult female succumbed to her injuries-see below Officers from Uniform Patrol Shift 2 responded to the area of 100 Water Street on October 4th at approximately 5:30 PM after the LaPorte County Regional Dispatch Center received a 911 call regarding a pickup truck that drove into Trail Creek.  Officers arrived on scene and learned the pickup truck was submerged in approximately 8’-10’ of water and that no one had surfaced. Divers from the Michigan City Police and Fire Departments were immediately deployed in the water upon their arrival.  Divers removed 2 adult occupants from the rear passenger compartment area

The La Porte Police Department Public Relations Committee is excited to host their 2nd Annual Trunk or Treat. Join them at the Civic Auditorium (Front Parking Lot) on Sunday, Nov. 2nd from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM. This year’s event will feature: Las Mamacitas Taco Truck DJD keeping the music going A bounce house provided by NWI Party Rentals And of course… plenty of candy! Bring your family, dress up in your favorite costumes, and enjoy a safe, fun-filled afternoon with your community!

MERRILLVILLE, Ind. – In recognition of Cybersecurity Awareness Month this October, NIPSCO encourages customers to take proactive steps to protect themselves and stay cyber safe. “Cybersecurity is a vital part of our responsibility to customers,” said Vince Parisi, NIPSCO President and Chief Operating Officer. “We invest in ongoing employee education and training, use advanced encryption and follow strict security protocols to keep data safe. As a first line of defense, we encourage customers to take proactive steps to protect their sensitive data and stay alert for phony calls, emails, and text messages. These are common methods used by cyber criminals to

The Portage Community Resource Hub is new website put together by the Portage Police Department’s Social Worker, Morgan Kobitka, as a tool for Portage residents or anyone who is seeking a starting point to connect with services, discover community events, or learn more about the various resources available throughout Portage and the wider Calumet Region. This site is a living resource that reflects the different needs within the community. It will keep building and updating over time as new resources are developed and as more community partners continue to join up. https://sites.google.com/.../city-of-portage.../home... PPD says if you use the drop-down menu

Check out "Well Beings" with Debbie Tatum and the Franciscan Health Foundation on Wednesday October 7th, 2025 at 9:10am. You can listen on AM 1420, 95.1FM, and 106.7FM in Valparaiso plus we stream on wimsradio.com. Don't forget to check us out on FACEBOOK LIVE as well. Thank you to our sponsor Captain Ed's Furniture & Mattress #wims

An update from the Michigan City Police Department on a vehicle that drove into Trail Creek-two adults were removed-see below for details. FOLLOW MCPD FACEBOOK page for the latest   Officers from Uniform Patrol Shift 2 responded to the area of 100 Water Street on today’s date at approximately 5:30 PM after the LaPorte County Regional Dispatch Center received a 911 call regarding a vehicle that drove into Trail Creek. Two adults were removed from the vehicle and transported to Franciscan Hospital for medical treatment. These two adults were then transported to a Chicago area hospital for more advanced medical

DYER, Ind. – More than 500 students from Catholic schools across Northwest Indiana and Chicago’s South Suburbs gathered at Franciscan Health Dyer Wednesday morning for the 32nd annual Respect Life Celebration. The event, co-hosted by Franciscan Health and the Diocese of Gary during Respect Life Month, aims to celebrate all life at all stages with an emphasis on individual life, with the goal of drawing attention to the lives lost to abortion. The theme for this year’s Respect Life Month is “Life, Our Sign of Hope.” The Very Rev. Christopher M. Stanish, vicar general/moderator of the curia/chancellor of the Diocese of Gary,

Benefit Ride for Dylan Anderson and Toni Stephens after they lost their lives over the weekend in a tragic accident. Thinking of you and your family and friends. In our thoughts and prayers. God Bless. Connect with Kim Wallace and the Guardian Riders if you can help. See flyer below for details on the October 11th Ride. #wims #helpmakeadifference Guardian Riders

Trick or Treat hours for the Town of Ogden Dunes will be from 5:00PM to 7:30PM on Friday, Oct. 31. The ODPD says to remember to wear something reflective or that lights up so you and your children can be seen while on the street and be sure to watch out for vehicles. ODPD also says if you are driving through town during this time, to please remember to be cautious and watch for pedestrians, especially children.

INDIANA — The Indiana Department of Transportation is accepting Fiscal Year 2026 applications for its Community Crossings Matching Grant program. The application window is open now through 5 p.m. ET on Friday, October 31. Community Crossings grants are available to cities, towns and counties in the State of Indiana. The following adjustments were made to the program following the 2025 legislative session: One call for projects per state fiscal year Starting in FY 2027, the call for projects will return to July. Program cap reduced to $100 million per year Annual cap reduced to $1 million per local unit of government per

Applications are open for grants to fund urban forestry projects throughout Indiana. Projects fundable through these grants include but are not limited to tree planting, tree inventories with management plans, urban tree canopy assessments, and storm response planning. Funds are awarded on a reimbursable basis, and a 1:1 match is required. Administered by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Division of Forestry’s Community & Urban Forestry program, the funding is available through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service Urban & Community Forestry program. There are three different grant opportunities available. Applicants may apply for more than

PORTER COUNTY, Ind -- A motorist and his passenger were transported to Illinois hospitals following a two-vehicle crash in Portage Township Friday afternoon, according to a Facebook post from the Town of Chesterton. According to the Porter County Sheriff's Police, just before 12:30 p.m. a Jeep SUV was southbound on State Road 149 when, near the intersection of County Road 600 North, it crossed the center line and struck a Chevrolet pickup hauling a flat trailer. The Jeep struck the pickup’s bumper, “causing heavy damage to both vehicles,” the PCSP said. The male driver of the Jeep was airlifted to

The City of La Porte is back again with another Minutes with the Mayor event. Join them Tuesday, Oct. 14, for an opportunity to share your feedback. 📅 Tuesday, Oct. 14 ⏰ 8-9 a.m. 📍 City Hall (801 Michigan Ave) "This will be an open house-style, one-on-one discussion hour to chat about issues facing our city, the City of La Porte said on a Facebook post. "Bring your concerns, questions and suggestions on how we can create a better La Porte, together. "Please note: dates and times for this event series will vary in order to allow more residents to

The Michigan City Department of Water Works will begin the semi-annual fire hydrant flushing on Monday, Oct. 6. The flushing is done to insure the hydrants are in proper working for the fall and winter months. The Department says the flushing should take eight weeks to complete. If anyone should experience any discoloration in their water, they should let it run for a short time and the water will clear.

Michigan City, IN – Michigan City Area Schools is now accepting nominations for its 2026 Teacher and Employee of the Year recognition program. The initiative, which the district launched last school year, celebrates outstanding educators and staff members who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, innovation, and commitment to students. It is a key element of the district’s Strategic Plan, Culture and Environment Pillar. The Teacher and Employee of the Year program honors individuals who have gone above and beyond, making a positive impact on students, colleagues, and the community. Recipients will include: Elementary Teacher of the Year Secondary Teacher of the

LA PORTE COUNTY, INDIANA - In recognition of Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month, the Partners for Healthier Babies (PHB) Council is calling on all parents, grandparents, caregivers, and community members to make infant safe sleep a top priority. By following the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines, families can significantly reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and accidental suffocation and strangulation. SIDS is the leading cause of death of infants 1 - 12 months of age, with most SIDS deaths occurring during sleep. The exact cause of SIDS is unknown, but there are known risk factors and proven ways to reduce

The Valparaiso Police Department and Mayor Jon Costas are reminding the public of their ongoing commitment to promote safe firearm storage, offering free gun safety locks for residents. “Safe firearm storage is one of the most effective ways to prevent accidental shootings, especially involving children, and to reduce the risk of firearm theft,” said Valparaiso Police Chief Andrew McIntyre. “Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for every gun owner in our community to store their firearms safely and responsibly." Free gun locks are available at the Valparaiso Police Department, located at 355 Washington St., Monday through

MERRILLVILLE, Ind. – Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (“NIPSCO”) announced today that additional energy assistance programs are now open for enrollment to income-eligible customers struggling to pay their gas utility bills. Available programs include NIPSCO Hardship, SERV (Supply Energy Resources to Veterans) and SILVER (Seniors in Indiana Low-Income and Vulnerable Energy Resources). Eligible customers can apply through May 31, 2026, or until funds are exhausted. Programs provide a one-time benefit of up to $550 per year to help cover NIPSCO residential gas utility bills. As the weather gets colder, customers using natural gas to heat their homes and businesses

Portions of Weller Avenue and Craven Drive are closed for utility work. Later this fall, following the completion of Weller and Craven, Lake Shore Drive will also be closed for construction. Work will continue into November. Those wanting access to the Stone Lake boat ramp or Lions Field should follow the recommended detour and enter the park off Orchard Avenue.