News

The Duneland Chamber of Commerce announced the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for Velvet Tiki Lounge will take place on Friday, May 31st at 4:30 p.m. at 791 Indian Boundary Road in Chesterton. "Velvet Tiki Lounge offers a unique twist on the traditional Tiki bar experience, drawing inspiration from the small Pacific Island of Devileese," the Duneland Chamber said in a press release. "Guests can indulge in a variety of Tiki drinks with an Irish twist, as well as Devileese Bites that blend island and Irish flavors." Owner Misty Banzen shared her excitement about the new venture, stating, "A

The City of La Porte Park and Recreation Department is looking for volunteer groups to spread safety surface on playgrounds. Other volunteer opportunities available as well. Visit https://laporteparkandrec.com/volunteer/ or contact Emily Archambault at 219-326-9600 or by e-mail at earchambault@cityoflaportein.gov for more information.

Community Crossings paving projects commence on and just off South Fifth Street Milestone Contractors North began milling today, Tuesday, May 14, and by noon had completed Hunters Court, Bittersweet Court, and a portion of South Fifth Street south of 1100N. Weather permitting, Milestone will move into Chestnut Hill tomorrow, Wednesday, May 15. “They will hopefully be paving right behind the milling, a day behind, obviously weather permitting,” Chesterton Assistant Street Commissioner reported to the Town Council at its meeting Monday night, May 13. “The milling will continue in rain, unless it’s storming. Unfortunately, paving will only be done once it’s

Governor Eric J. Holcomb is directing flags to be flown at half-staff statewide in honor of the Peace Officers Memorial and Police Officer week. Flags should be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset in Indiana on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. Gov. Holcomb is asking Indiana businesses and residents to lower their flags as well.

MUNSTER, Indiana -- Franciscan Health is offering prediabetic patients the opportunity to help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes with its year-long Diabetes Prevention Program. Franciscan Health’s 12-month Diabetes Prevention Program follows guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that have 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 for 16

In Portage, Tulip Avenue is closed between May Street and Cooley Street until 3 p.m. Wednesday May 15, weather permitting. Barricades are in place. Alternative routes are necessary.

Sergeant Todd Kobitz of the Valparaiso Police Department this past week was awarded the North American Police Work Dog Association William Faus, Jr. Master Trainer of the Year award at the National Workshop, held in Tampa Bay, FL. Kobitz works as the commander of the K9 Unit, in addition to his current assignment as the Community Services Officer. “Sgt. Kobitz regularly goes beyond his required duties, assisting our handlers with his vast experience and knowledge, often providing all training to the team, as well as providing services to K9 teams from across the county,” the Valparaiso Police Department said on

The Michigan City Police Department Administration welcomes the public to come to Coffee With the Chiefs at McDonalds. This is an opportunity for the public to learn more about the operations of the Michigan City Police Department and have conversations with the Executive staff and officers of MCPD. Other local, county and state officials will be available to conversate with the public. The schedule is below: Tuesday, May 14, 2024. 8:00-9:00 a.m. McDonalds located at 5816 S. Franklin Street Tuesday, June 11th, 2024. 8:00-9:00 a.m. McDonalds located at 3507 S. Franklin Street Tuesday, July 9th, 2024. 8:00-9:00 a.m. McDonalds located

Gary Miller Station, Ind. – Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced the commencement of the Double Track Northwest Indiana project, one of the largest public transit investments in Indiana’s history. Gov. Holcomb’s Next Level Agenda prioritized the $650 million double tracking of the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District’s (NICTD) existing South Shore Line from Michigan City to Gary and the companion $950 million West Lake Corridor project, which will be competed in May 2025. The on time and under budget project will add nearly 18 miles of new track over a 26-mile pathway, an enhanced train schedule and improved service

ROAD CLOSURE - State Road 130/State Road 51/Hobart Rd and State Road 51/Cleveland Ave in Lake CountyRoundabout construction at this intersection will be done in phases, beginning on or after Monday, May 13 through mid-October. Phase one of the project will consist of a road closure on State Road 130/State Road 51/Hobart Rd from State Road 51/Cleveland Ave to Hickey St through early July. The detour will follow U.S. 6 and State Road 149

Congratulations to Sgt. Todd Kobitz, who was awarded the North American Police Work Dog Association William Faus, Jr. Master Trainer of the Year award this past week at the National Workshop, held in Tampa Bay, FL. Sgt. Kobitz is a valued member of the Valparaiso Police Department, working as the commander of our K9 Unit, in addition to his current assignment as the Community Servies Officer. Sgt. Kobitz regularly goes beyond his required duties, assisting our handlers with his vast experience and knowledge, often providing all training to the team, as well as providing services to K9 teams from across

The leader of the LaPorte County Democratic party, Angela Henzman, has resigned from her position as County Party Chair, effective May 13, 2024. Henzman was elected to lead the party in December of 2022. “My goal was to open the party to those who had previously felt excluded, such as women, minorities, young people, and the LGBTQ community.” Under Henzman’s leadership, the LaPorte County Democratic Party has become more inclusive. Henzman ended exclusionary policies that were aimed at keeping individuals out, and welcomed all Democrats. Henzman helped to charter the LaPorte County Young Democrats to focus on outreach and engagement

The Michigan City High School (MCHS) Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MJROTC) conducted an awards ceremony at the high school on May 8th. Cadets were recognized for service to the community and school, for superior performance in JROTC and school extracurricular activities, and outstanding academic achievement. Many representatives of veterans and civic organizations attended to personally present their awards. Major Tom McGrath, the Senior Marine Instructor, noted the high number of parents who attended. “The great attendance of parents, who also brought a significant amount of food for the celebration of their sons and daughters, shows what they

La Porte - For the fourth year in a row, all eight elementary schools in the La Porte Community School Corporation have been recognized as 2023-24 Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished Schools for STEM curriculum and career readiness. This honor is given to a select number of elementary schools across the U.S. for providing broad access to transformative learning experiences for students through PLTW Launch, an elementary STEM curriculum. PLTW is a national nonprofit organization that serves millions of PreK-12 students and teachers in schools across the U.S., aiming to make every child in every grade STEM successful.  

The return of the third annual Singing Sands Sand Sculpting Festival, June 7-9 in Washington Park, will bring back some familiar faces, as well as welcome some new talented sculptors.  Bill and Marianne Knight of the Sand Lovers, LLC, have released the artist line-up for this year’s festival.   “This year we have a total of 17 competing sculptors representing nine different states and two countries,’” said Bill Knight. “The Singing Sands Sand Sculpting Festival has quickly become a recognized competition within the sand sculpting industry. Michigan City is the perfect place to host a sand sculpting competition; from the

South Shore Line passengers are advised that the western parking lot at Miller Station will be closed for a special event Saturday, May 11, through Monday evening, May 13. From May 11-13, passengers should utilize the Miller eastern parking lot (east of McDonald’s). Appropriately tagged vehicles parked in designated ADA spots in the western parking lot may continue to utilize those spaces throughout the closure. All other parking in the Miller western lot will be prohibited during this time, and vehicles remaining in the lot will be towed to the Miller eastern parking lot if necessary.  

In Lake County, the right lane and shoulder of I-65 northbound will be closed between Ridge Road and I-94 on or after Sunday, May 12 through late May. Access to ramps will be maintained. Closures are for ITS and fiber optic repairs.

The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) Thursday announced 20 schools are newly certified as leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. This year’s cohort also includes four schools that renewed certifications, as well as 11 additional schools that are making strides to create an engaging STEM culture. Created in 2015, the STEM Certification program recognizes schools committed to teaching STEM disciplines beyond the classroom. STEM Certification exemplifies a highly innovative approach to education, employing a great deal of inquiry, project-based learning, community engagement, entrepreneurship, student-centered classrooms, integration into humanities and related arts and out-of-school STEM activities. For secondary

Press Release, Economic Development Corporation Michigan City MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – Construction company F.H. Paschen has expanded with a new regional office at 2146 N. Karwick Road, Suite D, with an initial investment of approximately $250,000 in the space’s build-out. F.H. Paschen has its roots in Chicago with more than 500 total employees who work at offices across the country, including Texas, Georgia, Illinois, Florida, Ohio, Michigan and Washington, D.C. The construction company teams with private and commercial clients in a range of industries to work on repairs, renovations and rebuilding of facilities. Projects include bridge repairs, school renovations, transit

News Release, Purdue University Northwest: The Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest will host John H. Davies, the author of “Extraordinary Ordinary Innovators,” for a book signing and networking event from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on June 12 at Anderson’s Winery and Vineyard, 430 E. U.S. Highway 6, Valparaiso, IN. John Davies’ new book, “Extraordinary Ordinary Innovators,” demonstrates the importance of truth and ideas through innovation. Innovators see things that others do not see by “thinking differently” – new, improved and different ways of doing things. Through his book, Davies aims to inspire everyday people to embrace innovation to