Local News

The Town of Porter and its Environmental Sustainability Commission are inviting the public to celebrate Earth Day by participating in a cleanup of Waverly Road between U.S. 20 and U.S. 12 from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 26, the Town of Chesterton announced on its Facebook page. High-visibility vests will be made available to all volunteers. They ask those attending to bring gloves, grabbers, and pokers. Those attending should park at the Dollar General, 100 U.S. 20, Porter.

Annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon set for April 25 MICHIGAN CITY –  The Salvation Army of Michigan City will celebrate National Volunteer Month by hosting a Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon to recognize the hardworking individuals who volunteer at the non-profit organization throughout the year. This luncheon is free and open to anybody who has volunteered with The Salvation Army of Michigan City over the past year. It will take place on Friday, April 25 at The Salvation Army, 1201 S. Franklin Street, Michigan City, from 11:30am to 1:00pm. “April is National Volunteer Month and a great time for us to recognize those

Press Release, City of La Porte: The City of La Porte has recently drawn national attention for its low-cost, high-quality way of living, according to La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody. The City took the No. 2 spot for USA Today’s Best Small Town in the Midwest contest this spring. La Porte was one of just 20 communities nominated by the national news outlet’s panel of journalists and experts. In their description of La Porte, USA Today notes the city’s “year-round fun thanks to its three scenic lakes, historic downtown, and vibrant community events.” Dermody said La Porte was in good

The Town of Chesterton made the following statement on their social media regarding the closure of 100N to close between Fifth Street and 100E this summer: NIPSCO contractor Meade Gas should finish the relocation of a natural-gas main on 1100N—and re-open the road between South Fifth Street and 100E to daytime traffic—by the end of next week. Moving that gas main from the north side of 1100N approximately 10 feet to the south is the last pre-construction job in need of completion before work begins on Phase III(A) of the Westchester Liberty Trail: An eight-foot hike/bike trail along the north

During National Volunteer Month in April, the American Red Cross asks donors to help keep the blood supply stable by making an appointment to give blood now. Type O blood and platelets are especially needed to ensure hospitals are fully stocked with lifesaving blood products this spring. The Red Cross depends on thousands of volunteer donors to collect more than 12,000 blood donations every single day. Blood drives and donation centers also depend on the generosity and valuable time of those who make it possible for the Red Cross to help people in need. As spring travel and activities fill

The following is a public safety announcement from the Portage Police Department: "Over the weekend our officers responded to a local restaurant at approximately 9:45pm in reference to a report of a disturbance involving multiple subjects in the parking lot. The initial caller reported that two SUV’s had blocked in a sedan, preventing it from leaving. This caller next reported that one person was being chased through the lot by a group of armed subjects brandishing firearms. This initial report resulted in a significant police response to the area. Once officers arrived on scene, the subjects involved were thankfully compliant

Press Release, Indiana Department of Transportation: INDIANA – Indiana Department of Transportation crews deployed to Michigan over the weekend to assist the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) with cleanup efforts after a catastrophic ice storm in late March caused widespread damage in Northern Michigan. Through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), a formal agreement between all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, 45 INDOT personnel primarily from the agency's Northeast and Northwest districts were dispatched to Michigan. “We are proud to assist our neighbors to the north in this time of need,”

U.S. 20/31 is reduced to one lane in each direction between State Road 23 and U.S. 31 for approximately two weeks (April 30). The left passing lanes will be closed for urgent replacement of pipe and inlets on the inside shoulder.

LA PORTE COUNTY, Ind. -- Monday afternoon at 5:11 p.m., Deputy Sawyer Laffoon was dispatched to the 3600 north block of County Line Road in reference to an unconscious subject. A motorist traveling on County Line Road observed an individual lying on an access road just east of County Line Road. The subject was identified as 50-year-old Nicholas E. Irvine of Michigan City. Life-saving services were provided to Irvine at the scene by responding personnel. Irvine was transported by ground to an area hospital. A deputy located a vehicle that Irvine had recently been operating. The vehicle, a 2009 Chevrolet, crashed

La Porte County Sheriff's deputies are investigating a fatal crash that left one woman dead early Tuesday. At 2:51 a.m., deputies responded to County Road 300 East south of State Road 4 regarding a personal injury crash. The initial on-scene investigation determined that a 2019 Ford, driven by 22-year-old Macayla R. Boone of La Porte, was traveling south on County Road 300 East. The vehicle traveled left of center, off the east side of the roadway, and crashed into two tree stumps. Boone was ejected from the vehicle during the crash. Boone was pronounced dead at the scene. Toxicology test

Press Release, Michigan City Department of Vector Control: MICHIGAN CITY, IN — On this Earth Day, the Michigan City Vector Control Department is proud to recognize the collective strides made toward creating a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable community. As stewards of public health and the environment, the department continues to work diligently to reduce vector-borne risks while promoting environmental awareness and action throughout the city. Over the past 3 months, the department has: Cleaned over 5 tons (10,940#) of trash and debris from the ditches, roadways and easements throughout our beautiful city. Removed numerous abandoned tires from city neighborhoods,

News Release: Indiana State Police: On Friday, April 11th, the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division (CVED) conducted a focused enforcement blitz focused on U.S. 30 from the Illinois state line to the Ohio state line. The Lowell, Bremen and Ft. Wayne Posts also assisted. CVED primarily focuses on trucks over 10,000 lbs. and the enforcement of federal and state laws that pertain specifically to those vehicles. This blitz focused on the top 10 crash causation factors: 392.2FC – Following too closely 392.2C – Failure to obey a traffic control device 392.2LC – Improper/unsafe lane change 392.2S – Excessive speeding and speeding

Entrance fees to national parks are waived on Saturday April 19, 2025. National Park Week happening April 19 to April 27. More information on National Parks Week can be found at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/national-park-week.htm More information on Indiana Dunes National Park can be found at https://www.nps.gov/indu/index.htm

Indiana anglers are invited to participate in the 2025 Midwest Walleye Challenge, a virtual fishing tournament that offers the opportunity to win prizes and contribute to fisheries management while providing Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) fisheries biologists with valuable data on the state’s walleye, sauger, and saugeye populations. The tournament kicked off on April 1 and ends June 29. Only catches of walleye, sauger, and saugeye count in the tournament. The Midwest Walleye Challenge was piloted in Iowa three years ago. Additional Midwest states have joined in adding to the larger fisheries research project, creating a regionwide citizens science

Michigan City, IN – Michigan City Area Schools has announced the recipients of its 2025 Teacher and Employee of the Year award. The program, which debuted last year, recognizes five staff members who have gone above and beyond to serve students. The recipients include Elizabeth Schreeg (Elementary Teacher of the Year), Sue Ard (Secondary Teacher of the Year), Kathy Schroll (Support Staff Employee of the Year), Doriann Wiegand (Food Service Employee of the Year), and Jacob Miller (Transportation Employee of the Year). The five winners were surprised on Wednesday, April 9 by a “prize patrol” that included MCAS Superintendent Dr.

The La Porte County Sheriff’s Office proudly announces its recognition for excellence in policy management and training by Lexipol, the leading provider of solutions that empower excellence in public safety. The Lexipol Connect program tracks agency performance on five metrics proven to measure success in policy management.  The Sheriff’s Office achieved Bronze-level recognition for consistent and effective policy dissemination to personnel, timely processing of recommended policy updates as laws change, and personnel training on policies. “Strong policies and consistent training are vital to the success of operations and our commitment to serving the La Porte County.  Being recognized by Lexipol

A man was arrested after an hours long standoff at Meijer in Michigan City, according to police. On Saturday April 12, at approximately 9:03 p.m., Michigan City police officers were dispatched to room #126 of the Baymont Motel (4128 Franklin) in reference a report of children possibly being battered by a male in the room. Upon arrival, an officer proceeded to the room and spoke with the mother of the children. She explained she and her boyfriend, 27-year-old Nathaniel Gruntzel, were arguing. The argument was due to her finding out Gruntzel was currently wanted in the State of Wisconsin for

HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) invites prospective college students and their families to learn more information about attending PNW, campus life and paying for college during its free spring 2025 Open House Week events. Two on-campus sessions will allow prospective students to find their fit at PNW by gathering information about the PNW admissions process, academic programs and extracurricular opportunities. PNW is home to over 70 areas of study, over 80 student organizations and 23 athletics teams. PNW will host Start Your Journey: Westville from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on April 24 at its Westville

In Lake County, there will be lane closures on U.S. 20/Indianapolis Boulevard between U.S. 20/Michigan Street and U.S. 12/Columbus Drive beginning on or after Wednesday, April 16. There will be alternating lane closures on U.S. 20 through mid-September for a roadway resurfacing and ADA ramp replacement project. Short-term intersection closures will be in place as needed through this area as well. 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.

Valparaiso, IN – Ivy Tech Community College Valparaiso Campus raises $13,091 in support of students and programs on annual day of giving. More than 2,800 alumni, friends and partners across Indiana donated $483,813 on April 8 to support Ivy Tech Day – the third annual day of giving that supports scholarships and programs for Ivy Tech Community College’s more than 200,000 students across its 19 campuses. The Ivy Tech Valparaiso campus received 98 donations totaling $13,091. This year’s total exceeded the 2024 results and brings the three-year cumulative giving to more than $1 million since the first Ivy Tech Day