News

The Healthcare Foundation of La Porte to present a check to City of La Porte officials for the Clear Lake Greenway Loop and Trail connection project. WHO: Healthcare Foundation CEO Maria Fruth, La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody, City Engineer Nick Minich, and other representatives from the Healthcare Foundation and City of La Porte WHEN: Wednesday, July 21 at 4 p.m. WHERE: Hoelocker Drive near the Clear Lake Boardwalk & Trail Head For questions, please contact Communications Director Jessica Bruder at 219-325-8368 or jbruder@cityoflaportein.gov.

The City of La Porte Park and Recreation Department is sending a friendly reminder that Park Department policy prohibits smoking and vaping within 50 feet of playgrounds, splash pads and the skate park as well as baseball/softball fields and tennis courts during youth programs, including games, practices and lessons. Additionally, at Stone Lake Beach, smoking/vaping and alcohol consumption are prohibited in the Family Section.

— This Saturday evening, Michigan City community leaders will host a Good Trouble Candlelight Vigil for Democracy on the one-year mark of the passing of Rep. John Lewis. We join more than 100 vigils happening around the country. We will celebrate his extraordinary legacy and call on Congress to pass critical legislation to protect the freedom to vote, end gerrymandering, and get money out of politics to realize Rep. Lewis’ vision for a democracy that works for all of us. We demand that Congress pass a suite of laws to safeguard Voting Rights nationwide, including the For the People Act (S1), the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act,

On July 13th, 2021 at approximately 9:20pm, Officers from Uniform Patrol Shift 2 were dispatched to the 1100 block of Buffalo Street regarding an unconscious male bleeding from the head. Officers arrived on scene and discovered 39-year-old Michigan City resident Aaron Luncsford lying on the floor with a severe head injury. Luncsford had a faint pulse and was immediately transported to Franciscan Health Michigan City Hospital by LaPorte County EMS where he was later pronounced deceased. Officers from Uniform Patrol Shift 2 were then dispatched to the 100 block of West Homer Street 40 minutes later regarding a person who was shot. Responding officers located a 43-year-old Michigan City resident shot in the neck

The City of La Porte Police Department are pleased to announce that an arrest was made in the burglary that occurred at Mucho Mas! Fresh Mex Grill over the past weekend. Due to the ongoing investigation no further details will be released at this time. “Arrests and criminal charges are mere accusations. Every person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.”

Three Chesterton Police Officers were commended for outstanding professionalism under dire circumstances at a meeting last week. The incident occured on June 9, as officers walked into a kitchen on the west side of town where a 14-year-old autistic boy, who minutes before had become violent with his family, had armed himself with a knife. Those officers would later walk that boy out of the kitchen, disarmed and unharmed, having used only words and kindness to deescalate the crisis. At its meeting Friday, the Police Commission agreed unanimously to authorize formal letters of commendation for Lisoski, Jesse, and Wracker. This

The La Porte County Sheriff's Office Jail Administration has announced the reopening of the public video visitation room. The public video visitation room is located just outside the lobby of the La Porte County Sheriff's Office in the La Porte County Annex Building. Anyone visiting the Annex Building must first report to the security screening area located within the courthouse. La Porte County Jail inmates, who are eligible, are permitted one free in-person video visit per week. For more information, including terms and conditions along with how to schedule a visit, find the link provided on the LaPorte County Sheriff's

The Indiana State Police Commercial Motor Vehicle Enforcement Division (CVED) along with the Lowell, Toll Road, Indianapolis, and Sellersburg Posts will be conducting a Trooper-in-a-Truck enforcement patrol on July 14. The Trooper-in-a-Truck initiative places a trooper in a commercial motor vehicle operated by a highly trained and qualified CDL driver. The trooper will observe for violations as the CMV driver drives the selected route. While no dangerous traffic violation will be ignored, the trooper-in-a-truck will be observing primarily for violations of Indiana’s “hand free” law.

Mayor of La Porte Tom Dermody is reminding the public that those in need rental assistance support due to covid or other unexpected difficulty can call Geminus at 888-357-4264 The requirements are if you have children under 18 at home; you cannot have an open case with the Department of Child Services, Juvenile Probation or cannot be a participant of the Healthy Families Program. Find more information at www.geminus.care .

Monday, the Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) announced it has awarded over $3,038,000 to 390 nonprofits to fund arts projects and organizations around the state through the Arts Project Support and Arts Organization Support grant programs. The Commission approved the funding recommendations for the two grant programs. Applications were reviewed by 167 Hoosiers from around the state with expertise in arts, community development, and finance. The commission awarded $1,000 merit awards to 52 organizations receiving Arts Organization Support to recognize their innovation and dedication to providing public benefit in the last year. The commission also voted to distribute funds from the

The Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) announced on Monday, July 12 an award of $9,530 to the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra (LCSO) through the Arts Organization Support grant program. During its June 25th Quarterly Business Meeting, the Commission approved funding recommendations for the Arts Project Support and Arts Organization Support grant programs. Over 590 applications were reviewed by 167 Hoosiers from around the state specializing in arts, community development, and finance. IAC Chair, Alberta Barker , stated, “The Commission is impressed at the work being done around the state and is excited to support investment in Hoosier communities.” In addition,

Thurs, July 22nd from 9am-11am Session to be held near the Lifeguard Station at Washington Park Beach in Michigan City, IN FREE to everyone! Please join the Michigan City Parks & Recreation Dept in collaboration with the Michigan City Piranhas Swim Team and the LaPorte & Michigan City YMCA Customer service team as they provide life-saving information on: Various dangerous conditions in Lake Michigan How to escape a Rip Current How to signal for help How to identify a drowning—it’s not always obvious Different swimming strokes (weather permitting) Mock water rescue!

Supplies Needed for Schools, Students The annual “Citywide Back to School Rally” will return to an in-person event this year, providing school supplies and an end of summer celebration for Michigan City families. The rally will take place on Saturday, August 14 from noon to 4 p.m. at Elston’s Gill Field, 317 Detroit Street, Michigan City. This event, which has taken place every summer for more than 10 years, is highly anticipated by the community every year, says Patricia Harris of the Indiana Black Expo, who chairs the Citywide Back to School Rally committee. “We know that many families in our community struggle to

On July 9, 2021, at 11:28 AM, Deputy Jake Pisowicz was traveling westbound in the 4000 west block of US 20. He observed a westbound passenger vehicle traveling just ahead of him drive left of center. A short time later, Deputy Pisowicz initiated a traffic stop along US 20. The driver was identified as Mustafaa S. EL’MALIK (22 YOA) of Gary, Indiana. The passenger was identified as Justin J. BURNSIDE (25 YOA), also from Gary. During a roadside conversation with EL’MALIK and BURNSIDE, Deputy Pisowicz quickly established probable cause that criminal activity was afoot. After Deputy Wade Wallace arrived to