News

Record Number of Indiana Schools Awarded Dual Language Immersion Program Grants

The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) announced Thursday that a record number of schools statewide will be receiving grants to establish or expand dual language immersion programs as part of Indiana’s Dual Language Immersion Program. The program provides grants to school corporations that establish or expand dual language immersion programs in Mandarin, Spanish, French, or other languages approved by IDOE. For the 2021-2022 school year, 18 school districts were together awarded $425,000. This includes 15 school districts receiving funds to expand their programs, and three districts receiving funds to launch new programs. Expanding programs local to our area include Valparaiso

July 23rd, 2021|Local News|

INDOT Offering Public Meetings To Offer Comments On I-80/I-90 Corridor

INDOT is hosting three public meetings to offer all interested parties an opportunity to comment on the I-80/I-94 corridor between Illinois 394 in Cook County, IL and I-65 in Lake County, Indiana. -Wednesday, July 28, 2021, starting at 5:00 pm at the 21st Century Charter School, 556 Washington Street, Gary, IN 46402. -Thursday, July 29, 2021, starting at 5:00 pm at the Purdue Northwest Campus, Alumni Hall, Student Union Library Building, Room 360, 2233 173rd Street, Hammond, IN 46323. -Tuesday, August 3, 2021, starting at 6:00 pm via WebEx For each in-person meeting, the doors will open at 5pm and

July 23rd, 2021|Local News|

Kankakee Valley REMC awards United Way of Porter County $10,000 thanks to CoBank matching grant

Kankakee Valley REMC recently awarded United Way of Porter County $10,000 to support United Way’s Backpacks United program, thanks to CoBank $5,000 Sharing Success matching grant program.   “Kankakee Valley REMC is guided by values that support the community and allow us the ability to work with others to improve the quality of life for all residents,” said Scott Sears, CEO of Kankakee Valley REMC. “Partnering with United Way of Porter County for programs like Backpacks United is a wonderful way to give back to families and youth who might need a little extra help throughout the year. We appreciate

July 22nd, 2021|Local News|

Indiana Arts Commission Invests Over $3M To Strengthen Communities Through Arts and Creativity.

Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA) is proud to be an Indiana Arts Commission's Arts Organization Support Merit Awardee. In addition to receiving annual operating support, LCA has received a $1000 award in recognition of innovation and dedication to providing public benefit in the last year. Thank you to the National Endowment for the Arts, the Indiana Arts Commission, Governor Holcomb, Lieutenant Governor Crouch, and LCA's Regional Arts Partner South Short Arts. "The projects and organizations that are receiving funding have major positive impacts on the cultural, economic, and educational climate of Indiana," says Alberta Barker, Chair of the IAC.

July 22nd, 2021|Local News|

Portage Police: More Reports of Distraction Burglaries

Portage Police are advising the public that there are more reports of distraction burglaries in the city. A distraction burglary is where a visitor comes to your home and tells you some lie to swindle their way into your home, or creates a ruse to distract the victim so an accomplice can slip in. The most frequent targets for these distraction burglaries are the elderly and vulnerable. PPD says that if you have even the slightest thought that you may be encountering such a scenario, call PPD for assistance.

July 22nd, 2021|Local News|

Officers Injured In Foot Chase

A routine traffic stop last night resulted in a long foot chase for officers, according to The City of La Porte Police Chief Paul Brettin.   The traffic stop occurred on the 800 block of Boyd Blvd. yesterday at approximately 8:54 p.m. For the safety of both the suspect and the officer, the suspect was being detained so the officer could investigate possible criminal activity. As they were being placed in handcuffs, the suspect began assaulting the officer and managed to break away, fleeing on foot to the Lewis Bakeries Factory, located at 800 Boyd Blvd.   A chase ensued

July 22nd, 2021|Local News|

HFL presents check to City for trail project at Clear Lake

Improvements are coming to the walking trail at Clear Lake, thanks to significant support from the Healthcare Foundation of La Porte. The foundation on Wednesday presented a check to the City of La Porte in the amount of $2,239,500 for the completion of the Clear Lake Greenway Loop and Trail connection project. Mayor Tom Dermody said this project is the centerpiece of the city’s comprehensive Heart of La Porte Plan. “Clear Lake plays a significant role in our efforts to make La Porte a healthier community,” Dermody said. “The completion of this loop project not only creates a new recreational

July 22nd, 2021|Local News|

Daisy Award from Franciscan Health Michigan City

Congratulations to Franciscan Health Michigan City ICU nurse Maggie Stevens, RN, on her recent nomination for a DAISY Award. Maggie had a patient who was vented. The daughters requested that the patient's dog come in so that he could say goodbye to his human. When the dog arrived the daughters were too afraid to place him in the bed. Maggie picked up the dog and placed him in the bed with the patient. She also picked up the patient's hand and placed it on the dog. The dog started to snuggle with the patient. This was extremely heart-touching by the

July 21st, 2021|Local News|

Horizon Donates $7,500 to Valparaiso’s Hilltop Food Pantry

– Horizon Bank awarded Hilltop Food Pantry a donation in the amount of $7,500 to support its mission of providing resources, support, and advocacy for food insecure individuals residing in Valparaiso, Indiana. The donation was presented to Hilltop Food Pantry President and CEO Jennifer Wright on May 14, 2021. “Feeding our neighbors is one of the most important things we can do and Hilltop provides food and resources for more than 600 individuals each month,” said Wright. “Every donation makes a difference, and we are grateful for the support provided by Horizon Bank because it allows us to continue providing quality food to help the members of our

July 21st, 2021|Local News|

Memorial Opera House 202 1 Mainstage Season

September 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26 October 1, 2, 3 Friday & Saturday, 8 pm Sunday, 2 pm Three unlikely friends take control of their office and learn there is nothing they can’t do, even in a man’s world. Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the 1980 hit movie, Memorial Opera House will present this hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era. Pushed to the boiling point, three female coworkers concoct a plan to get even with the sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot they call their boss. In a hilarious turn of events, Violet, Judy and Doralee live out their wildest fantasy–giving their boss the boot! While Hart

July 21st, 2021|Local News|

Excel Center Accepting Enrollment Applications

The Excel Center, a free public high school for adults, is currently accepting Enrollment Applications for Term 1 of the 2021-2022 School Year. Classes begin August 3rd at Excel’s Gary and Hammond locations. Applications are accepted at any time throughout each term and new students are integrated into the schedule. Those interested can apply online at: www.ExcelCenterHS.org. The application is free and takes less than 10 minutes to complete. New students are encouraged to contact The Excel Center for more information and assistance completing their application. Visitors are welcome from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm any day The Excel Center

July 21st, 2021|Local News|

Recover NWI Revolving Loan Fund Information

NIRPC is reminding businesses that the Recover NWI Revolving Loan Fund is a program to assist local businesses and organizations in preventing, preparing for, and responding to the impact of the coronavirus and to economic injury as a result of the pandemic in Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties. The fund has a total of $530,000 available for these loans. Loan funds can be used for working capital, fixed assets, marketing, inventory, staffing, job retention, building purchase, land purchase, and other eligible expenses. Details can be found on nirpc.org/RecoverNWI .

July 20th, 2021|Local News|

Multiple Beach Hazards Statements In Effect For Lake Michigan

Multiple Beach Hazards Statements Remain in effect from this evening through Wednesday afternoon. Forn, La Porte county and Berrien Counties, life threatening waves and currents expected. Those visiting the beaches should stay out of the water. Waves of 3 to 5 feet are expected tonight into Wednesday morning, subsiding to 2 to 4 feet in the afternoon. Strong currents can pull swimmers into deeper water and high waves can sweep people off piers. The National Weather Service says to stay out of the water, and stay away from dangerous areas like piers and breakwalls. There is also a beach hazards

July 20th, 2021|Local News|

Lubeznik Center for the Arts is excited to welcome their new Education Director

Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA) is excited to welcome Nelsy Marcano as their Education Director effective July 19, 2021! Nelsy, is a graduate of Columbia College of Chicago and holds a Master of Arts degree in Education from Indiana University Northwest. Most recently a staff member at the Tarkington School of Excellence in Chicago, she brings a wealth of arts education experience to LCA. Her experience includes teaching both adult and younger students, collaborating with sponsors and partners and curriculum development for programs. Nelsy was born and raised in Northwest Indiana and has had a love of the arts her

July 20th, 2021|Local News|

60% of Purdue students, 66% of employees so far have been fully vaccinated

Pledging to do their part for a staged return to normalcy on Purdue University’s West Lafayette campus this fall, 60% of incoming Purdue students and 66% of Purdue employees are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and have submitted proof four weeks in advance of the Aug. 13 fall semester deadline. Purdue announced the figures Tuesday (July 20) in its first release of overall campus vaccination rates. Calling it a “personal choice approach” for what is expected to be another record year of enrollment at the West Lafayette campus, Purdue is strongly encouraging all students and employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine

July 20th, 2021|Local News|

Purdue University Northwest adds honey bees to its campus communities

Earlier this spring, Purdue University Northwest (PNW) added several new housing units. The mini complexes were designed for the newest residents on the PNW campuses – honey bees. The PNW apiaries are a first for the university and include two hives at both the Westville campus and Gabis Arboretum and four hives on the Hammond campus. “It has never been more important for us to understand the significance of environmental stewardship,” said Kenneth C. Holford, PNW provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “Over the next several years Purdue Northwest will showcase sustainable environmental practices at all of our campus

July 20th, 2021|Local News|

IDEM issues Air Quality Action Day for Northwest Indiana 

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has issued an Air Quality Action Day (AQAD) and is forecasting high ozone levels for tomorrow, Tuesday, July 20, 2021 in the following region: Northwest Indiana – Lake, Porter, LaPorte IDEM encourages everyone to help reduce ozone while remaining safe during the COVID-19 health crisis by making changes to daily habits. You can: Drive less: carpool, use public transportation, walk, bike, or work from home when possible Combine errands into one trip Avoid refueling your vehicle or using gasoline-powered lawn equipment until after 7 p.m. Keep your engine tuned, and don’t let your engine

July 19th, 2021|Local News|

Lane Closure in LaPorte County

There will be rolling lane closures on US 20/35 at the I-94 interchange in LaPorte County on Tues, July 20 starting at approximately 7am to perform a thorough inspection of a beam that was struck on the I-94/US 20 bridge. Temporary ramp closures may need to be utilized.

July 19th, 2021|Local News|

Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs Reminding Veterans of Military Family Relief Fund

The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs is reminding eligible veterans about the Military Family Relief Fund. The applicant must: -Be an Indiana resident -Prove a genuine financial hardship -Not have a household exceeding 2 times the federal poverty guideline -Lifetime limit of 2,500 of assistance available to each veteran Rules that have changed are: -No longer have 12 months of active duty service -Military service can be during peacetime or war time -Hardship does not have to be connected to military service -Certain other than honorable discharge codes may be considered All eligible applications must be filled out completely. Be

July 19th, 2021|Local News|

United Way Day of Caring August 6 volunteer registration now open

United Way Regional Volunteer Center is seeking volunteers to help local nonprofits during its annual Day of Caring event on Friday, August 6. As the largest single-day volunteer event across Northwest Indiana, Day of Caring brings together nonprofits, families, local businesses, municipalities, churches, civic groups and individuals to change lives by helping local nonprofits with facility improvements and client-support projects. United Way is looking for more than 700 volunteers to help with 67 service projects. Volunteers can choose from in-person, virtual and donation drive opportunities. Projects include painting, landscaping, building, cleaning, hosting social activities, taking kids fishing, collection drives and

July 19th, 2021|Local News|
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