News

Press Release, City of Valparaiso: The City of Valparaiso has announced several new appointments to its Advisory Human Relations Council. Established in 2011, the purpose of the Advisory Human Relations Council is to advise the Mayor on ways to promote a better understanding and improve the community’s acceptance of diversity in all its forms. “As a community, we envision a place where diversity is appreciated, differences are respected and all are included,” said Mayor Jon Costas. “Working with city leaders and staff, I sought to empower voices from a diverse background of experience to offer input and guidance to navigate

Two people from Maryland were arrested Thursday in La Porte County after a traffic stop led to police finding narcotics. Just after 11:20 a.m., a highway interdiction deputy was monitoring eastbound traffic along the Indiana Toll Road (I-80/90) in the area of the 47-mile marker. According to police, the deputy observed a passenger vehicle pass by following a commercial motor vehicle too closely.  In addition, the windows of the vehicle were tinted extremely dark and obstructed the view of anything inside the vehicle, police said. A traffic stop on the vehicle was initiated by the deputy near the 52-mile marker. 

A fire at the Merrillville-Griffith Airport on Thursday caused a hanger to collapse, the Lake County Sheriff’s Department said in a statement. Shortly after 11:30 p.m. on Thursday, a police officer with the Lake County Sheriff’s Department who was on patrol reported he observed a small fire at the Merrillville-Griffith Airport. Firefighters from 9 area jurisdictions responded to the scene. The flames caused the roof of one of the hangars to collapse. No one was hurt. The Indiana State Fire Marshal’s office is investigating to determine the cause of the fire and any possible damage to aircraft. By about 3:30

In LaPorte County, an Indiana Department of Transportation contractor will close the intersection of U.S. 421 and U.S. 6 beginning on or after Monday, April 1 for a roundabout project. This intersection is expected to be closed through late September. Motorists should seek alternate routes. The official detour will follow State Road 39, U.S. 30, State Road 49 and State Road 2. A public hearing regarding this intersection improvement project was held in February 2023. The presentation and documents shared at the hearing can be found on the INDOT website here.  

The Valparaiso Police Department announced that they have successfully completed their 2024 Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) assessment.  In February, they participated in an annual evaluation of their policies/procedures, along with demonstrating compliance with CALEA standards.  This week concluded the assessment with an onsite visit by the CALEA accreditation team. Chief of Police, Andrew McIntyre stated, “This achievement reflects the dedication, hard work, and professionalism demonstrated by each member of our department. Their commitment to excellence and adherence to the highest standards of law enforcement have been instrumental in this success.” Mayor of Valparaiso, Jon Costas reiterated,

In LaPorte County, an Indiana Department of Transportation contractor will have lane closures on State Road 2 between U.S. 20 and County Line Road beginning on or after Thursday, March 28. State Road 2 will be resurfaced in this area, resulting in alternating lane closures through early November. Work will include asphalt patching, pipe work, culvert, resurfacing and pavement markings. Motorists should be prepared for changing traffic patterns and delays during peak times. 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

La Porte Community School Corporation School Board released the following statement in regards to clarification on the former superintendent's role: Dear LPCSC Staff and Families, We are reaching out to address and clarify the presence of our former Superintendent, Dr. Francesconi, in our district office after last month’s announcement of his retirement and the introduction of Dr. Hinckley as Interim Superintendent. Dr Hinckley brings over thirty years of extensive experience that aligns with the initiatives and goals outlined in the district’s strategic plan. Her background not only shows a deep and insightful connection to the La Porte community, but also

Press Release, La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership: Emmy’s Bakery celebrated the opening of their 810 Lincolnway downtown La Porte location on March 20th at 10:00 a.m. The event was held in anticipation of the official opening day on March 22nd. Emmy’s Bakery is owned by Emily and Jacob Ferenczi. Emily’s goal is to make the bakery somewhere everyone feels welcome. They make cookies, muffins, donuts, cinnamon rolls, brownie squares, pretzel bites, and butter mints. Emily, Owner and Baker, said of the new location, “We want to treat La Porte to some sweet sunshine (aka my baked goods!) Since the moment

An Indiana Department of Transportation contractor will close State Road 114 between County Road 200 East and State Road 55 on or after Thursday, March 28. State Road 114 will be closed through mid-June to resurface this section of roadway, with the intersection of State Road 55 and State Road 114 also closed through the duration of the work. This is a continuation of the project that began last year when State Road 114 was resurfaced to the west between U.S. 41 and County Road 200 East. Local access will be maintained, but through traffic should seek an alternate route.

In partnership with Girl Coalition of Indiana, the Michigan City Police Department is hosting a 4-session Junior Detective series. The series kicks off on April 9 at 5:00 p.m., hosted at MCPD's Community Room. The event is offered at no cost and welcomes girls, ages K-12. Snacks will be provided. Register using the QR on the flyer. For inquiries, please direct all communications to MCPD's Social Worker, Jocelyn, at 219-221-2050.

Life is not measured by the breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away! This is one of those moments as Eloise Blint celebrates her 100th birthday at Rittenhouse Village where she resides. She is the first in her family to reach this major milestone of turning 100! She was born on March 21, 1924, to the parents of Frank and Clara Oshinski Wagner.   Eloise is a proud 1941 St. Mary’s High School graduate.  She married the love of her life, Gordon Blint on November 19, 1949, where she was married for 57 blissful years.

Press Release, Indiana State Police Lowell Post: This past weekend, troopers at the Indiana State Police Lowell Post participated in targeted patrols focused on identifying and apprehending impaired drivers that chose to operate a vehicle in our district. As a result of their efforts, a list of the statistics that were compiled from Friday, March 15th through Sunday, March 17th is being provided. 116 traffic citations and 113 warnings were issued 17 arrests for O.W.I. (Operating While Intoxicated) 18 crash investigations 24 arrests for various criminal offenses. (Battery by Bodily Waste on a Public Servant, Reckless Driving, Indecent Exposure, Possession

Starke County Sheriff’s Office K9 Robby will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Robby’s vest is sponsored by Kimra and Tom Kidd of Indianapolis, IN and will be embroidered with the sentiment “Born to Love-Trained to Serve-Loyal Always”. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States.  

In honor of National Social Work Month the Michigan City Police Department is recognizing their Police Social Worker, Jocelyn Colburn. Jocelyn is a native of LaPorte, Indiana and graduated from LaPorte High School in 2016.  She then went on to get her Bachelors in Social Work from Indiana University Northwest in 2020 and then Master's in Social Work in 2023. Jocelyn has been employed with the Michigan City Police Department since May of 2023, and has been working with the men and women of the Michigan City Police Department. “The Michigan City Police Department appreciates the services and support that

News Release, Michigan City Area Schools: In a month known for its “madness” due to basketball tournaments, the cadets of the Michigan City High School (MCHS) Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC) cadets displayed their cool demeanor and unwavering bearing while supporting school and community activities.  The cadets worked the Indiana High School Athletic Association boys basketball Regional and Semi State championship tournaments. Additionally they provided Color Guards for the Lions Convention and the Michigan City St. Patrick’s Day parade.  The MCJROTC supported the Lake Hills Elementary School Career Day, the Barker Middle School Science, Technology, Engineering and

On Tuesday, March 19th, around 6:04 P.M., Chesterton Police were dispatched to the 100 block of Jeffrey Street for a shots fired complaint. Shortly after the arrival of patrol officers, a male suspect was identified and detained by patrol officers. Detectives were summoned to the scene and a search warrant was obtained for a home in the 100 block of Jeffrey Street. Detectives recovered evidence consistent with the allegation of shots being fired. The suspect, a 49-year-old Chesterton resident has been arrested and preliminary charged with Intimidation, Level 5 Felony. This investigation remains ongoing and no additional information will be

The Pottawattomie Country Club in Michigan City is hosting a job fair this Saturday, March 23rd from 8:00a-11:00a. Available positions include: servers, bartenders, short order cooks, pool attendants, snack cart, and more. Make your appointment by calling Matt, at 219-872-8624.   Address: 1900 Springland Ave, Michigan City, IN 46360

  On March 15th in the Stardust Room at Blue Chip Casino, the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) held its annual dinner and awards celebration. During the event, the Chamber recognized the achievements of various members as legacy-owned businesses or milestone years of membership in the Chamber. The Chamber also announced winners in several different awards categories. The winners (pictures provided of each of the award recipients) included: Large Business of the Year: 1st Source Bank Small Business of the Year: Sacred Dunes Integrative Health Community Impact of the Year: The Salvation Army of Michigan City Young Professional of

Indiana Department of Transportation Contractor Milestone Contractors North Inc will have overnight lane closures on U.S. 30 between State Road 55 and State Road 51 beginning on or after Sunday, March 24 through late November for a resurfacing project. Lane closures will be in place during the overnight hours of approximately 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., with alternating intersections closed temporarily when work is occurring in that area. Work will begin on U.S. 30 between State Road 55 and I-65 through late May, at which point crews will switch to work on U.S. 30 between I-65 and State Road 51.

CSX Transportation will have lane closures on U.S. 30 between Calumet Ave and Keilman St beginning on or after Monday, March 25. Alternating lane closures will be in place for approximately five days while they replace the asphalt approaches at their grade crossing. Motorists should be prepared for changing traffic patterns and delays during peak times. 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.