News

The Indiana Department of Health announced today that more than 2 million Hoosiers are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19.   As of today, a total of 4,395,106 doses have been administered in Indiana. This includes 2,389,057 first doses and 2,006,049 individuals who are fully vaccinated. The fully vaccinated number represents individuals who have received a second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines and those who received the single Johnson & Johnson vaccine.   “Doubling the number of Hoosiers who are fully protected from COVID-19 in just over two months is a reason to celebrate, but we need to continue

 The committee of local business leaders that organizes the NWIBRT Hard Hat Charity Golf Outing is currently seeking suggestions for charities that will receive donations after this year’s event. The outing will be taking place on Friday, September 17, 2021 at the White Hawk Country Club in Crown Point, IN. “NWIBRT is very proud to support other community organizations through our fundraising events, and we’d be glad to get the public’s input about charitable organizations that we should consider supporting with our donations,” said Ryan Reithel, committee chairman. Those interested in sending their suggestion to golf committee officials can do

A new physician specializing in Family Medicine is the most recent addition to Northwest Medical Group, the multi-specialty physician group affiliated with Northwest Health. Dr. Alex Alvarez, who had been practicing at Northwest Health Urgent Care, is now accepting new patients at the Northwest Medical Group – Primary Care location at 401 NewPorte Boulevard in La Porte. Alex Alvarez M.D. Family Medicine Northwest Medical Group – Primary Care 401 NewPorte Boulevard La Porte, IN 46350 219-326-1775 Dr. Alvarez specializes in preventing, diagnosing and treating conditions and diseases in adults and children with the goal of helping them live a healthy

The Indiana Department of Labor’s Bureau of Youth Employment announced today that Hoosier employers must adhere to new requirements regarding minor employees younger than 18 years old, beginning July 1, 2021. The announcement comes just weeks before the school year ends, and the biggest youth-employment season begins. The new requirements will eliminate the need for work permits and replace them with a new employer registration platform known as the Youth Employment System, or YES. “Schools will no longer be responsible for issuing work permits, or tracking and registering minor employees,” said State Labor Commissioner Joe Hoage. “That latter responsibility will

The Indiana Sheriffs’ Association (ISA) will be celebrating their 41st Annual ISA Youth Leadership Camp in June and July this year. There will be two camp sessions this year. The first session will be held June 28 – July 1 at Pine Creek Camp in Pine Village, Indiana (Warren County), serving the northern part of the state. The second session will be held July 6 – 8 serving the southern part of the state at Waycross Episcopal Camp in Morgantown, Indiana (Brown County). The ISA Youth Leadership Camp is a program for boys and girls who are currently in the

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) has launched a virtual tour to give potential Purdue Northwest students and their families a new opportunity to see all that the university has to offer. “This past year has limited the opportunity for prospective students and their families to visit Purdue Northwest, but campus visits are an important part of the college search process,” said Yohlunda Mosley, PNW vice chancellor for enrollment management and student affairs. “We encourage students who are interested in learning more about PNW to take advantage of this resource and begin exploring how the university fits into the next phase of

The Indiana Department of Transportation announces lane closures for U.S. 41 near 157th Ave beginning Tuesday, May 11. There will be alternating lane closures in the area through late July, 2021 to replace a culvert. A culvert is a structure that allows water to flow under a road, railroad, trail, or similar obstruction from one side to the other. INDOT urges drivers to stay alert near crews and follow traffic directions carefully. Drivers are encouraged to allow extra time when driving through this area. Drivers should slow down, use extra caution and drive distraction-free through all work zones.

Community Partners will host two free provider fairs featuring local social service and community providers in May. Community Partners, a family service program of Geminus, finds agencies, professionals, support groups and assistance programs that keep families healthy, happy and together. These programs include job counseling, parenting classes, and advice on how to make use of community services. “With all of the new and continuing challenges parents and children are facing, we hope to connect Northwest Indiana families to free community social services and affordable local providers,”said Nicholas Neal, director of program development at Geminus Corporation. Attendees will engage with professionals

If residents have not yet begun their spring cleaning, now is the time, according to La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody. Monday, May 10 through Friday, May 14, city residents will be able to discard of their large and heavy trash through the city's Spring Clean Up. Dermody said this service plays a significant role in improving the community. "Our goal from day one has been to clean up La Porte," Dermody said. "This service gives residents a chance to get rid of heavy trash and unwanted household items and keeps them from cluttering city dumpsters and streets. We hope many

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) has launched a virtual tour to give potential Purdue Northwest students and their families a new opportunity to see all that the university has to offer. “This past year has limited the opportunity for prospective students and their families to visit Purdue Northwest, but campus visits are an important part of the college search process,” said Yohlunda Mosley, PNW vice chancellor for enrollment management and student affairs. “We encourage students who are interested in learning more about PNW to take advantage of this resource and begin exploring how the university fits into the next phase of

The La Porte County Drug Task Force (LCDTF) announces the arrest of an individual on gun and drug charges. Omar T. GLOVER Jr., 21, of Michigan City, was arrested by Michigan City Police on Tuesday (April 27th) after a foot chase. On this particular evening, Detectives from the LaPorte County Drug Task Force and Officers from the MCPD Patrol Division were working a Violent Crimes Reduction (VCR) Initiative. The Violence Crimes Reduction Initiative was instituted in 2021 by Chief Dion Campbell in response to the high number of shooting events in and around the Michigan City area. While working this

It’s that time of year again to find the best bargains in Amish Country. The Shipshewana Auction & Flea Market will kick of the 2021 season on Tuesday, May 4th.   Shipshewana Flea Market boasts nearly 700 spaces of vendors selling their wares on 40 acres.   “There’s so much to do here,” said Market Director Michael Christner. “You can come to the flea market and spend the day shopping; you can bid at the Antique Auction and you can explore the town.”   Last season, the market had a delayed start to be sure safety measures were in place

Passengers are advised the following trains will be bused between Carroll Ave. and Gary Metro Center stations May 3-8 (Monday through Saturday): Weekday Westbound: Tr 116 (arrives 12:39p @ Millennium); Tr 18 (2:14p @ Millennium); Tr 118 (4:21p @ Millennium); Tr 20 (6:13p @ Millennium). Weekday Eastbound: Tr 7 (departs 8:45a from Millennium); Tr 107 (10:15a from Millennium); Tr 9 (12:35p from Millennium); Tr 109 (2:25p from Millennium); Tr 11 (3:57p from Millennium). Saturday Westbound: Tr 606 (arrives 11:10a @ Millennium); Tr 506 (2:39p @ Millennium); Tr 608 (5:23p @ Millennium); Tr 508 (7:11p @ Millennium). Saturday Eastbound: Tr 503

 Indiana recently awarded more than $1 million in state matching grants to LaPorte County communities for road and bridge improvements, according to State Rep. Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie). Through the Community Crossings Matching Grant program, 218 Hoosier cities, towns and counties received a combined total of over $100 million. This program was expanded in 2017 through a law Pressel supported. The Indiana Department of Transportation oversees and distributes these grants twice each year. "The condition of our infrastructure affects our economy as a whole," said Pressel, chair of the House Roads and Transportation Committee. "As the Crossroads of America we have

More than 30 Indiana schools have been designated as 2021-2022 Family Friendly Schools by the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE). These schools — which span across the state, and include public and nonpublic schools — are demonstrating excellence in engaging families in their children’s education.   “We know that educating a child is a team effort that involves all of us, with families at the core,” said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education. “These schools have jumped in to evaluate their practices and engage a variety of stakeholders, ensuring students receive the well-rounded support they need at school, at

The Michigan City Area Schools Transportation Department will be holding an Open House for anyone interested in learning more about driving a school bus or working as a bus monitor. Visitors will have an opportunity to tour the facility, see one of our buses up close, and speak with Transportation staff about this career path and our free training program. The open house will take place in conjunction with the MCAS Transportation Department's annual Mother's Day Flower and Plant sale on Friday, May 7 from 9:00am to 5:00pm. The Transportation Department is located at 1100 S. Woodland Avenue, Michigan City.

La Porte residents now have new tools at their disposal to pay city utility bills more easily and quickly, according to Clerk-Treasurer Courtney Parthun. Parthun said the city recently partnered with Invoice Cloud, an online payment platform, to make online bill payment a more user-friendly experience for utility customers. In addition to online payments, residents can now pay their bill using Apple Pay or Google Pay, or by phone or text using a credit/debit card. These options are available in both English and Spanish. Customers can also sign up for email and text alerts to notify them when their bill

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) received more than $800,000 in contributions from more than 850 generous supporters during the 2021 Purdue Northwest Day of Giving on Wednesday, April 28. Gifts to PNW, as designated by the donors, will be used to support student scholarships, academic programs, athletics, student organizations and other strategic initiatives. The College of Nursing raised the most money of any unit within PNW. PNW once again was among the top 15 of a total 70 various participating groups across the entire Purdue system in both dollars raised and number of gifts, resulting in additional “bonus money” awarded to

Kaitlyn and Andy Govert have turned their personal tragedy into support for others that have suffered the loss of an infant. In honor of their daughter Peyton Jean, who died at 25 weeks gestation, the Crown Point couple donated books, pre-made scrapbook pages and heartbeat recorder stuffed animals to Franciscan Health Crown Point. The family also donated to the fetal maternal medicine office at Franciscan Health Crown Point. “This was made possible by our friends and family who wanted to help us honor Peyton.  We decided the best way to do that was to help other families who were grieving

As a reminder, the Michigan City 11th Street Station and parking lots will be CLOSED with no train service for an extended period of time effective at 3 a.m. Saturday, May 1, 2021.  The 11th Street Station closure will be in effect to help facilitate pre-construction third-party utility work and the Double Track NWI construction project (https://www.doubletrack-nwi.com/).  As part of Double Track, the 11th Street Station will be re-constructed to include a multi-story station/parking/retail building, new high-level platforms and track improvements. The closure is expected to last approximately two-and-a-half years, until the end of Double Track construction. As an alternative