News

NWI’s Safest Contractors to be Honored at Awards Banquet

When construction projects are completed safely, our entire economy benefits. Projects are more affordable, and better-quality jobs are available. Coming soon, the companies that work safest are going to be receiving some well-earned recognition for their hard work at the upcoming Construction Awards Banquet on August 19th. Held via partnership between the Construction Advancement Foundation (CAF) and the Northwest Indiana Business RoundTable (NWIBRT), the banquet is a celebration of the most outstanding achievements in construction and safety over the past year. Representatives from NIPSCO, U.S. Steel, Cargill, and many more leading companies, will be in attendance. Awards are given for excellence in

August 9th, 2021|Local News|

“Ready To Go” substance prevention curriculums being made available at no cost to educators by the Porter County Substance Abuse Council

The Town of Chesterton is reporting that the Porter County Substance Abuse Council is now making available, at no cost, several “Ready to Go” substance prevention curriculums for the classroom this fall. The evidence-based programs have been designed for middle and high school students and address a variety of issues: coping skills; opioid use, in particular prescription opioid use; a demystification of the advertising strategies used to promote alcohol and tobacco consumption; vaping; and a toolkit for identifying and helping those who may be struggling with mental illness. Teachers, principals, and superintendents are urged to acquaint themselves with the different

August 6th, 2021|Local News|

United Way volunteers complete 56 Day of Caring projects in three counties

Thanks to more than 530 volunteers, 56 nonprofit projects were completed on Friday, as part of United Way’s annual Day of Caring event. As the largest single-day volunteer event in Northwest Indiana, Day of Caring brings together residents and businesses to support their community by helping area nonprofits with clean-up projects and more. Volunteers worked on projects in Lake, Porter and LaPorte Counties and more than 35 nonprofits benefited. Projects included landscaping, painting, building, collection drives and more. The day kicked off with a free breakfast rally in Valparaiso.

August 6th, 2021|Local News|

Purdue Northwest shares plans for continued sustainability of Westville campus

At the request of the Purdue University Board of Trustees, Purdue University Northwest (PNW) leaders presented a set of recommendations aimed toward ensuring the ongoing sustainability of PNW’s Westville, Ind., campus. During its public meeting held on PNW’s Hammond campus today (Aug. 6), the Board of Trustees reviewed the plans, which PNW will begin implementing immediately. “Like our colleagues across higher education, the Purdue Northwest campuses have experienced significant impacts to our enrollment over the last decade due to many factors, notably a decline in the number of high school students nationwide. It is imperative that we position the Westville

August 6th, 2021|Local News|

Doctor John Lanman honored with Hammond clinic blessing, dedication

Franciscan Health honored the late Dr. John Lanman with a blessing and dedication of the clinic in his name this past Thursday. From its opening in 1996, John Lanman, MD, was a fixture at the Catherine McAuley Clinic, volunteering his time to help the uninsured and underinsured patients who walked through the doors. Dr. Lanman, who practiced internal medicine in Northwest Indiana for more than 40 years, continued treating patients at the volunteer-based Hammond medical clinic until six weeks before his death in 2014 at age 88. Many of those patients attended his funeral to pay their final respects. His

August 6th, 2021|Local News|

Holcomb announces $1.3 million in additional funding to distribute life-saving naloxone

Governor Eric Holcomb and the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration announced Thursday that the state will fund a $1.3 million distribution of the opioid reversal agent naloxone to ensure the medication reaches Hoosiers who are at-risk of drug overdose. Indiana reported a 33% increase in fatal overdoses in 2020, according to provisional data released in July by the CDC. Overdose Lifeline, Inc., an Indiana nonprofit dedicated to helping those affected by substance use disorder through advocacy, harm reduction, and prevention, will distribute 35,000 doses of naloxone to first responders, families, friends and others who are likely to be the

August 6th, 2021|Local News|

La Porte Park And Recreation Department give update on Stone Lake Shoreline improvements and more

Last week, the City of La Porte Park and Recreation Department celebrated the Stone Lake Shoreline Improvements project and announced the next phase of trail construction in Soldiers Memorial Park. The Stone Lake Shoreline Improvement project included the construction of a multiuse trail from the Stone Lake beach house to Craven Pond, including a bridge over the channel for pedestrians and bikes. Also included were a series of overlooks along the shoreline, with gliders and benches installed, and a nature boardwalk across from Craven Pond. The project was one of the recommendations included in the Soldiers Memorial Park Master Plan.

August 5th, 2021|Local News|

Healthcare Foundation of LaPorte Awards Grant to Lubeznik Center for the Arts

Lubeznik Center for the Arts’ (LCA) mission is to integrate art, education and community to provide access to compelling exhibitions and programs that explore contemporary ideas. LCA programs reach thousands of students and adults in local communities. Thanks to the support of the Healthcare Foundation of La Porte, LCA will continue to direct its efforts toward expanding art education in the La Porte community. These education and outreach programs expand horizons, improve literacy and fight adverse impacts of poverty by creating youth connections. One of LCA’s successful initiatives has been the delivery of Student Learning Tours to school children who were

August 5th, 2021|Local News|

Indiana Region of American Red Cross Sends, Prepares Volunteers to Respond to Western Wildfires

According to the National Interagency Fire Center, there are currently 97 large wildfires across 13 states. The American Red Cross is providing wildfire relief through shelters and evacuation centers, meals and snacks, and more. As the fires continue to grow, so does the need for more volunteers to support relief efforts. The Indiana Region of the American Red Cross has sent two volunteers with more in the pipeline to be deployed. If anyone is interested in becoming a disaster action team member, visit the Red Cross website for details.

August 5th, 2021|Local News|

La Porte County Master Gardener Class Enrolling Now

A Purdue Extension Master Gardener Basic training program will be offered in La Porte County beginning Thursday, September 9, 2021, and continuing until December 16, 2021, on Thursday afternoons from 1 to 4 p.m. central time.  The classes will be held at the Purdue Extension – La Porte County office on State Road 2 near the county fairgrounds in La Porte. The purpose of the Purdue Extension Master Gardener Program is to teach people about growing plants and to effectively share information related to plants with others. The specific aim is to enhance literacy and technical assistance in the areas

August 5th, 2021|Local News|

Great Lakes Grand Prix returns to Michigan City

The countdown is underway to the twelfth annual Great Lakes Grand Prix in Michigan City this weekend (August 7-8) with a double bill of offshore powerboat racing and personal watercraft action. The Grand Prix has become the city’s largest event and it returns to the delight of racers and fans alike. Jack Arnett, Executive Director of La Porte County Convention & Visitors Bureau, said: “After the enforced break last year, we are coming back bigger and better and have a full program of much-needed entertainment in store for everyone over the four days. There is a huge wave of anticipation

August 3rd, 2021|Local News|

National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program recognizes Franciscan Health Hammond

Franciscan Health Hammond was recently recognized by the National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program as a Gold Safe Sleep Champion for their commitment to best practices and education on infant safe sleep. The National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program was created by Cribs for Kids®, the only national infant safe sleep organization. Based in Pittsburgh, Pa., Cribs for Kids is dedicated to preventing infant sleep-related deaths due to accidental suffocation. As a Nationally Certified Safe Sleep Hospital, Franciscan Health Hammond is recognized for following the safe sleep guidelines recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and providing training programs for healthcare team members, and family caregivers. “Sleep-Related

August 3rd, 2021|Local News|

Horizon Donates to Urban League of Northwest Indiana

Horizon Bank awarded the Urban League of Northwest Indiana with 10 scholarships for graduating high school seniors totaling $10,000. The donation was presented on June 9th, 2021 to the following recipients: Josiah Miller, Jade Murphy, Alyssa Noland, Amanda Werner, Peter Webb, Melia Gordon, Zahrya Grimes, Justyce Reed, Damaari Rozier, and Mareeya Scully “Higher education is a key component to helping our students succeed in their future career pursuits,” said Dr. Vanessa Allen-McCloud, President and Chief Officer at Urban League of Northwest Indiana, Inc. “We are thankful for Horizon Bank investing in the future of our youth. These scholarships will help make

August 3rd, 2021|Local News|

Michigan City Police investigating after three people found dead in suspected overdose

Michigan City Police are investigating the deaths of three people who were found at an E. 6th Street apartment. On Wednesday July 28th at 3:45pm officers were dispatched to the 400 Block of E. 6th St for a welfare check. After arriving, police began their investigation and spoke with witnesses and confirmed that 50-year-old Debra Anderson, 59-year-old Mary Wilson, and 68-year-old Donnie Dennis, all Michigan City residents, were found to be deceased in an apartment. Officers immediately secured the scene and began canvasing the area for evidence. Detectives were contacted to assist. The initial investigation has ruled out foul play,

August 3rd, 2021|Local News|

Michigan City Teachers Invited to Apply for Project Grants

Teachers are invited to apply for grants to make learning and teaching more fun and impactful. Unity Foundation manages three grant programs for Michigan City school teachers established by caring donors who believed in teachers as the critical factor for learning. Together the programs have invested in more than 1,000 educators for projects of their own design, since the mid-1990s. These grants of $350- $400, aim to support teachers as they find innovative ways to make learning possible for students. Teachers are invited to complete a brief application at uflc.net/grants/teacher-grants for projects during the 2021-2022 academic year. The application deadline is September 10, 2021. The Michigan City Education Foundation (MCEF) makes

August 3rd, 2021|Local News|

Lane and Ramp Closures on I-94 in Porter County

Between IN 149 in Burns Harbor and Beam St in Porter. Bridge construction work is in progress. The left lane is closed. Until Friday, at about noon. The left lane closures are for construction at the bridge on I-94 over US 20. In addition to the left lane closures, the two lanes remaining open will shift as motorists approach the work zone and then shift back after passing the work zone. The traffic restrictions will then flip for the next phase of work the following week. The two left lanes of I-94 eastbound and westbound will be closed from approximately

August 2nd, 2021|Local News|

Northwest Health Hospital First in Northern Indiana Recognized for Excellence with American College of Cardiology Transcatheter Valve Certification

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) has recognized Northwest Health – Porter for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients receiving transcatheter valve repair and replacement (TAVR) procedures. Northwest Health – Porter is the first hospital in Northern Indiana awarded Transcatheter Valve Certification and one of only three hospitals in the state to earn this honor. The hospital received this certification In July based on evaluation of the staff’s ability to meet standards for multidisciplinary teams, formalized training, shared decision-making and registry performance. The ACC’s Transcatheter Valve Certification is an external review and certification process that pairs with established national clinical databases to monitor

August 2nd, 2021|Local News|

Purdue welcomes the largest economic development project to West Lafayette

Aerospace engine manufacturing giant Rolls-Royce will expand its already large footprint at Purdue, thanks to a new commitment among the university, the Purdue Research Foundation and the company. The enhanced partnership, announced Monday (Aug. 2), calls for Rolls-Royce to further expand its facilities in the Purdue Aerospace District, which is adjacent to the university. The new test facilities will be used to develop high-altitude and hybrid-electric engines to power the next generation of U.S. military aircraft. Rolls-Royce West Lafayette will be developed through a multimillion-dollar investment from the research foundation, Purdue University and Rolls-Royce North America. The partnership is a major

August 2nd, 2021|Local News|

Michigan City Area Schools Board of School Trustees Approve COVID Response Plan

The Michigan City Area Schools Board of School Trustees recently approved the district’s COVID Response Plan for the 2021-22 school year.  The school district says based on new guidance from the CDC, face masks will be required for all individuals at schools and on school buses, including students, staff, and visitors. This is regardless of vaccination status. Masks will not be required for school activities taking place outdoors. When MCAS is made aware of a confirmed positive case at school, they will notify any close contacts. However, based on guidance from the Indiana State Department of Health, individuals wearing masks

July 30th, 2021|Local News|

Purdue strengthens campus face mask protocols; masks required for all indoor spaces

Effective Monday, Aug. 2, face masks will again be required in all indoor spaces for everyone on the Purdue University campus, including students, employees and visitors, regardless of vaccination status. “We have a shared duty, part of the Protect Purdue Pledge, not only to preserve a manageable level of infection on campus so that we don’t have to suspend operations and interrupt our students’ education, but also to protect our surrounding community by doing everything we can to lessen the stress on local health care infrastructure, especially hospital capacity,” said Dr. Esteban Ramirez, chief medical officer of the Protect Purdue Health Center. On Tuesday,

July 30th, 2021|Local News|
Go to Top