Governor Eric Holcomb has directed flags to be flown at half-staff to honor and pay our respects to the U.S. service members and other victims killed in the terrorist attack on August 26, 2021 in Kabul, Afghanistan. Flags should be flown at half-staff until sunset on Monday, August 30. Gov. Holcomb also asks businesses and residents to lower their flags to half-staff.
A new report jointly released today by Hoosier Action and Community Change Action outlines the anticipated positive impacts of the recently expanded child tax credit for Hoosiers. For the past two months, the vast majority of Hoosier families with children under the age of 18 have been receiving monthly cash payments of $250-$300 per child as a part of the landmark expansion of the child tax credit through the American Rescue Plan. Using recently released data from the Niskanen Center, this new report outlines the widespread economic and fiscal benefits to Hoosiers which redound well beyond individual family units. It is estimated that the child tax credit will result in a $701,861,037 incremental increase in consumer
In Lake County, rolling slow downs will be performed on I-80/94 during the overnight hours, from approximately 10p.m.-12a.m. on Saturday, Aug 28 between S.R. 912/Cline Ave and S.R. 51/Ripley while NIPSCO replaces an overhead conductor. INDOT says traffic will be temporarily slowed so expect delays in the area.
The Michigan City Parks and Recreation Department has announced that the Food Truck Festival that was scheduled for Sept. 5 and 6 in Fedders Alley has been cancelled. The department explained on their Facebook page that the event was canceled by the promoter who was having trouble finding enough food trucks to participate due to COVID.
The Franciscan Health Breast Care Center at Crown Point is welcoming Sean DeSilva, MD, as the new director of the program. DeSilva is a board eligible, fellowship-trained breast radiologist. He is trained in comprehensive diagnostic and interventional breast radiology, including complex MRI-guided interventions, general diagnostic radiology, nuclear medicine and emergency radiology. DeSilva completed his fellowship training in advanced breast imaging at Harvard Medical School in Boston, his residency training at the State University of New York in New York City, his internship at Stanford University in Stanford, Calif., and his medical degree at Boston University. The Franciscan Health Breast Care
The 16th Annual Hoosier Star vocal competition will take place on Saturday, September 11 at 7:00 p.m. at La Porte’s Civic Auditorium located at 1001 Ridge Street . Doors open at 6:00 p.m. (CDT). Ten finalists will compete for the title of Hoosier Star. New this year is a $15 Pay-Per-View virtual/live-stream option in addition to the standard In-Person admission. Balcony seats are $15 for adults and $5 for children ages 12 and under. All voting will take place online. In-Person patrons may vote via a QR code or website address (URL) to be provided in the show pamphlet the
A cancer drug repurposed to treat malaria has been shown to be nearly 100% effective in helping defeat the disease in just three days, according to the results of a Phase 2 clinical trial. The results of the trial were published Thursday (Aug. 26) in the Journal of Experimental Medicine. The trial shows that the addition of the drug Imatinib to the customary malaria therapy enables clearance of all malaria parasites from 90% of patients within 48 hours and from 100% of patients within three days, says Philip Low, Purdue University’s Presidential Scholar for Drug Discovery and the Ralph C. Corley Distinguished Professor of
A quarter of Indiana’s economic output is based in manufacturing, and the transition to becoming data-driven and using artificial intelligence holds the possibility for broad economic impact among manufacturers, who, at this point, are missing a golden opportunity and lagging behind national trends. That is a finding of a Purdue University study, which also found that those not using the advanced technology are not against the idea. Around 36% of manufacturers responding to the study’s survey said they are interested in learning more. “They’re sitting on a very valuable asset that they have to convert into information,” said Ragu Athinarayanan,
When Franciscan Health and Beacon Health System collaborated on a new hospital in La Porte, Tonn and Blank Construction had the challenge of renovating and adding on to the existing Beacon Medical Group facility. That work was recognized as Project of the Year award at the annual award ceremony held in partnership between the Construction Advancement Foundation (CAF) and the Northwest Indiana Business Roundtable (NWIBR). The banquet, which celebrates the most outstanding achievements in construction and safety over the past year, was held on Thursday, Aug. 19, at Avalon Manor in Merrillville. “First and foremost, we want to thank the
To accommodate passengers attending University of Notre Dame 2021 home football games, the South Shore Line has announced train service, with South Bend Transpo offering free shuttle bus service between the South Bend International Airport and Notre Dame Stadium. Service for the Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin game at Soldier Field on Sept. 25 will be announced in the coming weeks. Visit the South Shore Line website for additional information.
The heat continues as another heat advisory is in effect for portions of our area from 11a.m. to 7p.m. central time Thursday. This includes LaPorte, St. Joseph and Starke counties. Heat index values up to 103 expected. Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur. Clouds with showers and storms may bring some relief from the heat and humidity Thursday. Hot temperatures and high humidities are expected Friday and Saturday with additional heat headlines possible.
Homeward Bound, Inc. says that according to the latest census facts, LaPorte County, IN median household income levels are $53,658 and there are 13.4% or nearly 15,000 people living in poverty. As a result, many within our community are living paycheck to paycheck and when the paycheck ends, they quickly become victims of eviction or foreclosure. Within the past year agencies supporting those in need have helped over 200 people obtain full time jobs. Many of these jobs begin at minimum wage, and even though employed, many of these people are sleeping in automobiles, couch surfing or using emergency overnight
Northwest Health has announced the addition of a new cardiovascular & thoracic surgeon to Northwest Medical Group. Izza Rezek, M.D., cardiothoracic surgeon, joins cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Walid Khabbaz in Northwest Medical Group at their location on the Northwest Health – Porter campus in Valparaiso. Northwest Health CEO, Ashley Dickinson explained, “With the addition of Dr. Rezek we can continue caring for the increasing number of patients needing cardiothoracic surgery in our region. The incidence of two conditions in particular, lung cancer and heart disease, seem to be increasing and we know if patients can be diagnosed early and receive surgery
Mayor of Valpo Matt Murphy has sworn in members of the inaugural Mayor's Youth Council. The Council was introduced with support from Valparaiso Community Schools to introduce students to city government, develop leadership skills and encourage civic engagement. For the names of the first Council and additional details see the link on the Valparaiso Now Facebook page.
The La Porte County Sheriff’s office announced the passing of retired K9 Jäger, a 10-year-old German Shepherd. From 2013-2021, Jäger served the citizens of La Porte County. Throughout his career, he was responsible for numerous drug seizures and apprehensions. Jäger participated in dozens of public demonstrations for various civic organizations and was a popular “pup” throughout La Porte County. The Sheriff’s Office stated, “During retirement, Jäger remained happy at home and was surrounded by many who loved him dearly, none more so greater than his handler, Deputy Andy Morse.”
Multiple heat advisories are in effect Wednesday until 8pm for. The National weather service of Northern Indiana says heat index values could be up to 103 degrees. Local counties under an advisory include LaPorte, Porter, Lake, St. Joseph, Starke, Berrien, Newton and Jasper. Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur. The national weather service says to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Take extra precautions if you
Horizon Bank announced the recent sponsorship of the 16th Annual Hoosier Star, a benefit concert that will be held on Sept.11 at the La Porte Civic Auditorium in La Porte. Hoosier Star is a unique event for LaPorte County, a showcase of talented singers who will be able to perform with the orchestra, an evening of music and fun for the community and an opportunity to raise funds for the orchestra. “Horizon Bank has been a proud sponsor of the Hoosier Star event, which is extremely popular and now in its 16th year. Hoosier Star gives many of our local
Northwest Medical Group is spreading awareness of Kidney Stones and their risks. Northwest Medical Group says that if you feel a sharp pain in your back, side, lower abdomen, or groin, or have blood in your urine, you may have a kidney stone – a condition that is common and on the rise. Left untreated, kidney stones can cause serious complications in addition to severe pain. John Lynam, DO, FACOS a urologist with Northwest Medical Group, is making sure patients know timely treatment can prevent permanent damage. Kidney stones are hard, pebble-like pieces of material that form in one or
The Indiana Bankers Association has recognized 17 members of the Indiana banking community with Leaders in Banking Excellence awards, the Association’s highest honor. The awards ceremony took place Aug. 16 at the IBA Annual Convention in French Lick. Honorees represent both the classes of 2020 and 2021, since last year’s ceremony was delayed due to the pandemic. At the honors ceremony, presentations were made by dignitaries including: U.S. Sen. Mike Braun; Director Thomas C. Fite, Indiana Department of Financial Institutions; IBA Chairman Michael S. Zahn; and Amber R. Van Til, IBA president and CEO. Additionally, each honoree was invited to make comments, and each was presented
The Office of Mayor Duane Perry released the following statement regarding Short Term Rentals: "Within the City of Michigan City, any property owner operating a Short-Term Rental (Any rental less than 30 days-typically advertised on websites like AIRBNB, VRBO, HomeAway, etc.) MUST REGISTER for a permit. THIS ORDINANCE IS CURRENTLY IN EFFECT What is a short-term rental? A short-term rental is a rental of all or a portion of your home for periods of less than 30 nights. For a more complete overview, read the Short-Term Rental Ordinance 4585. You must register with the City as a short-term rental You may only offer
