News

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites you to celebrate National Public Lands Day weekend on Sept. 28 and 29 with events happening around the state. National Public Lands Day, on Saturday, Sept. 28, is the nation’s largest single day of volunteerism on public lands. See dnr.IN.gov/places-to-go/events or on.IN.gov/dnrvolunteer for listings of programs. Participants can also collect trash at a nearby DNR property for a rewarding way to protect wildlife and promote healthy natural resources. Sept. 28 is also National Hunting and Fishing Day and the last Free Fishing Day of the year. Indiana residents can fish public waters

The next phase of roadwork is underway between Mile Marker 10 and Mile Marker 15.6 eastbound, including the closure of the eastbound Gary West Exit 14A. This project continues through Oct. 16. Remember to stay vigilant and watch out for traffic pattern changes. For full tentative schedule for the mainline milling and filling and Gary West exit 14A closure visit: https://www.indianatollroad.org/travel-advisory/

LAKE COUNTY, Ind. - The Indiana Department of Transportation will hold a public hearing regarding an intersection improvement project at U.S. 41 and 151st Ave on Tuesday, October 1. The hearing will be held at Hanover Central High School, 10120 W 133rd Ave, Cedar Lake, IN 46303. An open house will begin at 5 p.m. where the project team will be available to answer questions regarding the project. A formal presentation will begin at 6 p.m., which will include the opportunity for people to make comments about the project for the public record. The project team will also be available

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) congratulates 16 Indiana schools for being honored as 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools. “It is one of the highest honors to be named a National Blue Ribbon School,” said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education. “This is only possible because of teachers, school leaders, parents and families who are working together to maximize their collective impact for students. Congratulations to these schools and everyone who made this recognition possible!” Indiana’s 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools are (local counties in bold): Daviess County - Barr-Reeve Middle/High School, Barr-Reeve Community Schools Inc. Floyd

Residents of Jay and Kosciosko counties are asked to contact Indiana 211 by calling 866-211-9966 to report severe storm damage from Sept. 20, 2024. To help establish a comprehensive assessment of damage, residents can call 866-211-9966 or visit the Indiana 211 website. Collecting assessments via this process will help IDHS determine damage estimates and develop the next course of action in the disaster recovery process. Currently, only residents in Jay and Kosciosko counties should utilize Indiana 211 to report damages incurred on Sept. 20, 2024 (no other dates apply). Other counties should reach out to their local emergency manager. Agricultural

HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) was ranked as a top public regional university in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 annual Best Colleges rankings (released Tuesday, Sept. 24), while also being recognized for student social mobility, a measure by U.S. News of how well institutions graduate Pell Grant recipients and first-generation college students. PNW ranked 36 on U.S. News’ list of the top Midwest public regional universities and ranked as a top institution among all recognized Midwest regional colleges and universities. “PNW is a student-centered institution where our faculty and staff seek innovative ways to help

La Porte—The La Porte Community School Corporation (LPCSC) announced the launch of its 2024 Fall Survey, a comprehensive initiative aimed at gathering input from all stakeholders to shape the future of education in the district. Superintendent Sandra Wood, who recently joined LPCSC, emphasized the critical nature of this survey. "Like many districts across Indiana, we are grappling with challenges such as declining enrollment, which significantly impacts our funding and overall operations," Wood stated. "As we navigate these issues and strive to optimize our resources, the insights from our community are more valuable than ever." The survey will be open until

LAKE COUNTY, Ind. - An INDOT contractor will close State Road 312 between Parrish Avenue and State Road 912/Cline Avenue on or after Wednesday, Sept. 25. State Road 312 will be closed through the end of October for a small box culvert replacement. INDOT says motorists should seek an alternate route. The official detour will follow U.S. 20, U.S. 12, and State Road 912. This project was originally announced earlier this year but was delayed due to utility conflicts.

CROWN POINT, Indiana – Franciscan Health Crown Point broke ground Monday for The Dean and Barbara White Cancer Center with a blessing by The Most Rev. Robert McClory, bishop of the Diocese of Gary. The project was made possible in part by a $30 million donation from The Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation in November 2023, the largest gift ever received by the Franciscan Health Foundation. "Health and wellness is one of the main focuses for our Foundation,” said Bill Hanna, executive director of The Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation. “The Cancer Center will add another asset for

Franciscan Health is hosting a virtual diabetes prevention program online starting Wednesday, Oct. 23 at 5 p.m. Central/6 p.m. Eastern. Franciscan Health’s Diabetes Prevention Program follows guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that have been proven to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is one of the top 10 leading causes of death in the U.S., impacting more than 37 million American adults. Few realize type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed with lifestyle changes, like those implemented through the Franciscan Health Diabetes Prevention Program. Groups meet weekly for a total of 16 sessions,

Press release, City of Michigan City: La Porte County Problem Solving Court, better known as “Drug Court,” recently celebrated its 100 th graduate since the program’s 2012 inception. Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch was honored to have celebrated the milestone with this cohort of graduates. The occasion marked not only a personal achievement for the grads but also served as a testament to the program's success in helping individuals transition from substance abuse to sobriety. "The journey these individuals have undertaken is nothing short of remarkable,” Mayor Angie said. "Each graduate has demonstrated resilience, commitment, and a willingness to rebuild their

Press release, Indiana Economic Development Corporation: FAIR OAKS, Ind. – State, regional and local leaders today announced plans to establish Marvella, the nation’s first sports complex dedicated to empowering girls sports and leadership, at Fair Oaks Farms in Newton County. The development, which is being supported by Indiana’s Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative 2.0 (READI 2.0), is expected to create approximately 1,000 new jobs and fuel tax revenue and economic momentum across the northwest Indiana region. Governor Eric J. Holcomb established the now $1.25 billion READI program in 2021, and it has since been nationally recognized for its success.

VALPARAISO, IN – The MAAC Foundation is proud to announce the graduation of 14 new Emergency Medical Technician students. The ceremony will be held on Monday, September 23, 2024, at 6:00 PM CST at the MAAC Foundation First Responder Training Campus. "The EMT profession is a tremendous responsibility, requiring quick thinking, calm under pressure, and a deep understanding of medical procedures, the MAAC Foundation said in a press release. "These graduates have risen to the challenge, demonstrating proficiency in vital areas such as patient assessment, trauma care, and emergency response protocols." "We are incredibly proud of our EMT graduates. Their

The Michigan City Area Schools Transportation Department will hold its annual mum and pumpkin sale on Friday, September 27, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the MCAS Service Building, 1100 S. Woodland Avenue in Michigan City. The popular sale will feature a large selection of mums and pumpkins, grown locally by Mark's Farm Market. Cash, credit, debit, Venmo, and Zelle payments will be accepted. This year, in addition to mums and pumpkins, items from other vendors will also be featured. Stop 3 Hot Dog Cart will be present at the event, offering hot dogs, chili dogs, chili, and ice

PORTER COUNTY, Ind. - Watch for lane closures on U.S. 20 between Dombey Road and Willowcreek Road beginning on or after Monday, Sept. 23. U.S. 20 will be reduced to one lane in each direction for approximately four weeks for a bridge deck overlay preventative maintenance project over CSX railroad. The eastbound lanes will be closed and westbound converted to two-way traffic during phase one. Traffic will switch to the eastbound side during phase two. 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

Press release, Franciscan Health: MICHIGAN CITY, Indiana – Franciscan Health Michigan City is hosting a free baby shower for expectant families and new parents. The Way to Grow Baby Shower is scheduled to take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12 at Franciscan Health Michigan City, 3500 Franciscan Way in the Maria Theresia Conference Room. Information and education on car seat safety, prenatal care, safe sleep, breastfeeding support and registering for childbirth classes as well as community resources will be offered along with tours of the Family Birth Center, a breakfast buffet and giveaways. Attendees will

PULASKI & STARKE COUNTIES, Ind. - Indiana Department of Transportation maintenance crews will be conducting seal coating operations resulting in two road closures on U.S. 35 beginning on or after Monday, September 23. U.S. 35 will first be closed during daytime work hours between State Road 14 and the west junction of State Road 10 for approximately three days on or after September 23. The official detour for this closure will follow State Road 10, U.S. 421 and State Road 14. U.S. 35 will then close between the west junction of State Road 10 and the east junction of State

On the fourth Thursday of September, pet owners join with the Michiana Humane Society to light luminarias dedicated to the memory of beloved pets, and of shelter animals that never found forever homes. Many of them attend our ceremony at dusk, as our kennel staff light all of the luminarias and then watch in silence as the sun sets and the glow emerges. The stories that participants tell about their pets, and the impact they've had on their lives, are truly heartwarming. Many people bring their current pets along so that the entire family can remember the one who died.

A motorcyclist succumbed to injuries sustained in a crash on Ind. 49 early Friday morning, the Porter County Sheriff’s Police and Town of Chesterton are reporting. Porter County Coroner Cyndi Dykes has identified the victim as 33-year-old Edward Naymon of Westville. According to police, at approximately 12:30 a.m. Naymon was southbound on Ind. 49 when for an unknown reason his 2008 Yamaha went down near the intersection of C.R. 600E in Center Township. Officers found Naymon in the grass and breathing but unconscious. He subsequently passed away in hospital, the PCSP said. “No other vehicles are believed to have been

LA PORTE, Ind. — Local law enforcement brought a fugitive into custody Thursday. On Sept. 19, the La Porte Police Department Emergency Response team (ERT), St. Joseph County Metro SWAT, and the Fugitive Apprehension Street Team executed a felony arrest warrant on a convicted felon in the La Porte Village Manufactured Home Community. During previous encounters and throughout the course of operational planning, it was learned that the wanted subject had several previous arrests for assaulting law enforcement officers and has made various statements about shooting or killing police. During a specific previous incident, the subject attacked two officers while