News

Bipartisan Agreement Makes COVID-19 Testing Free for Patients, Provides Emergency Paid Leave and Nutrition Assistance WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) today released the following statement after voting for H.R. 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, bipartisan legislation to provide relief to workers and families affected by coronavirus as well as additional resources to support response efforts: “As a country, we’re stronger when we work together. Congress and the Trump administration are putting politics aside and putting American families first. This bipartisan legislation will provide critical relief for working families impacted by coronavirus, including paid sick leave and nutrition assistance

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) Just as many of you are, Mayor Duane Parry is concerned with the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and the effect it may have on our community. Until more is known, it is best to use common sense as we are examining all information in order to pass helpful documents, research, policies, etc. along to you without creating unnecessary panic. Mayor Parry recognizes the important role our City plays in providing essential services to our citizens and community. The health and well-being of our valued residents and employees are our top priority. As we navigate the rapidly evolving

Earlier today, school leaders from across the region met with health department officials to discuss proactive plans to limit the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). As a result of that meeting, all LaPorte County public school corporations have agreed to cancel and all school related activities through April 10th. Schools are hopeful that they may be able to reconvene daily student attendance and related activities on Monday, April 13th. 

INDIANA DUNES NATIONAL PARK: To protect public health and slow the spread of the COVID-19 novel coronavirus, the National Park Service is cancelling this weekend’s Maple Sugar Time Festival at Indiana Dunes National Park’s Chellberg Farm. The park’s Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education has also been closed and all ranger-led public and school programs are cancelled until at least March 23. These actions have been taken based on the best available medical advice to limit gatherings of large numbers of people and to promote social distancing. At this time, the park’s trails and beaches remain open to the

For the first time in its nearly 50 year history, the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra is canceling a concert due to a worldwide pandemic caused by the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak.The Sunday, March 15 concert has been canceled.More information to follow. The LCSO Board of Directors, staff and musicians wish to thank you for your continued support.

Meals on Wheels La Porte County at this time will continue to deliver meals Monday-Friday while monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak.  Alternative service options are being developed and will be implemented if and/or when necessary. Clients have been provided 7 meal blizzard boxes—shelf stable meals for winter weather closings, 5 meals remain after 2 snow days in the event we are not able to deliver. We are reminding volunteers to wash their hands and reminding them that if they don’t feel well or safe, there is no harm in canceling. We are trying to find that thin line between being proactive

CANCELLED for this weekend-The Northwest Indiana Home & Remodeling Show 3/14-3/15 Home Builders Association of Northwest Indiana March 14th and March 15th from 9am-5pm at the Porter County Expo. Their address is 215 Division Road in Valparaiso. FREE PARKING . For more information call 219-464-2944. Visit their website at www.NWIHOMEREMOEDLINGEXPO.com. TEAM WIMS LIVE Saturday 03/14/2020 from 8:30am-10:30am.

Thursday morning, the Valparaiso Police responded to the 1300 block of Chesapeake Park Dr. to the report of a possible disturbance and concern for the actions of a household member. The police presence drew attention of neighbors as police investigated the incident. The overall safety of the immediate area was also part of the police response, which included notifying Valparaiso Community Schools and Immanuel Lutheran of an isolated incident in a nearby home. The investigation resulted in no arrests or criminal behavior. The incident ultimately concluded in checking on all members of the home and ensuring their safety. Schools were

In the interest of public health, Governor Holcomb has ordered that all non-essential gatherings must be limited to no more than 250 people. Until further notice events scheduled at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center are suspended. We will work in the coming weeks to reschedule those events that we can. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but the safety and health of our guests, staff and community are our top priority. A ticket refund policy is being developed and will be communicated when finalized. Please check back for updates.

Franciscan Health Michigan City will host the first of a series of community education days on March 24 focusing on advanced directives for healthcare and why they are important. The session will be led by the hospital chaplain from 2 to 3PM in the St. Clare of Assisi Conference Room at Franciscan Health Michigan City, 3500 Franciscan Way. Assistance will also be available to those who would like to complete their advanced directives. Advanced directives include a healthcare power of attorney, living will declaration and life-prolonging procedures declaration. These items can protect your wishes and remove the worry, anxiety and

Because the health of our families, citizens and employees is of utmost importance, the La Porte County Commissioners are working with all La Porte County cities, first responders and agencies to address and respond to the implications of COVID-19, the disease caused by a Coronavirus. To allow for the highest level of communication and cooperation amongst front line responders, public service staff, and service providers, the Commissioners have organized a La Porte County Coronavirus Task Force. Contributing to this effort is the La Porte County Health Department, mayors, EMA, EMS, 911 Dispatch, Human Resources, law enforcement, school districts, and other

A rollover crash on U.S. Highway 6 and County Road 75 West Wednesday night resulted in the roadway being shut down temporarily for a motor vehicle crash at approximately 9PM. Two vehicles were involved in a crash when a passenger vehicle turned in front of the small pickup truck; resulting in a roll-over causing one patient to become entrapped. The pickup truck rolled and landed on its roof resulting from the impact of the crash. The patient inside the pickup was still seat belted in while the vehicle landed on the roof and remained belted until first responders arrived on

The Michigan City, Refuse Department will conduct its Annual Spring Clean-Up beginning on March 23, 2020. Refuse Department requests that all residents separate the debris that is to be discarded into the following three (3) categories: Brush, limbs, shrubs, yard waste, and unpainted concrete (no black-top rubble);Rugs, lumber, furniture, mattress, and box-springs; andAppliances and tires.  Tires can be rimmed or un-rimmed, and appliances include items such as stoves, refrigerators, air conditions, water tanks, etc. Please keep the above items separated as described above.  Residents may place items on curbside or in the alleys, whichever is most convenient.  Please note that

The Michigan City Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire at the 400 block of E 9th Street early on Monday. Firefighters found a two-story residential structure fully engulfed. Firefighters took a defense attack on the fire, using master streams and laying large diameter hand lines in order to contain the blaze. The flames were contained and no injuries were reported. 

As you are aware, communities around the globe are working to address and respond to the implications of COVID-19, the disease caused by a coronavirus. Therefore, in prioritizing the health and safety of the entire PNW community, Purdue University Northwest is postponing Preview PNW at our Westville campus on March 28.Please be advised that Preview PNW at our Hammond campus is still scheduled to take place on April 18. We will keep you updated if there are additional changes and when a new date is scheduled for Westville. Purdue University Northwest Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is a student-centered university that values academic

Dear LCA Community,While the reporting for the COVID-19 virus remains relatively low in Indiana, Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA) is taking precautions to prevent the spread of the disease. The people we serve are our number one priority. All surfaces in the galleries and education rooms are being sanitized. Hand sanitizer is available, and all bathrooms are being stocked with soap, as hand washing is a strong preventative measure.At this time, we are planning to proceed with all scheduled events and classes, but please check our website for the latest updates. We are asking that you follow the guidelines recommended by the Center for

The Indiana State Police will be joining forces this week with Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia State Police agencies, for what is known as the Six-State Trooper Project. During this collaborative effort, troopers across northeast Indiana will be taking to the highways March 12th -14th with a primary focus on criminal interdiction through high volume traffic enforcement. During this period, motorists can expect to see an increased presence of troopers on the roadsides conducting traffic stops. Drivers are encouraged to not drive distracted, and to be increasingly aware of the need to move over or slowdown as required

Homicide Investigation- 100 Block of Herring Gull Lane During the early morning hours of Tuesday March 10th, 2020; Michigan City Police Department Shift 3 Patrol Officers were dispatched to the 100 Block of Herring Gull Lane located in the Canterbury House Apartments on the south side of Michigan City. The 911 caller indicated that a female had been shot and was not breathing. Responding officers arrived at the scene within minutes and encountered a subject in the parking lot in front of the apartment. This subject was detained and identified as 36-year-old Whaiun “Juan” Patterson. Officers then entered the apartment

The opening seminar in the Franciscan Health Family Birth Center’s “Baby Talks” OB/GYN lecture series has been canceled after recommendations to limit gatherings to avoid exposure to COVID-19 (novel coronavirus). The seminar was scheduled for Wednesday, March 11 at the Health Resource Center in Franciscan Health Hammond. Registration for the seminar was required, and those who registered have been notified. In addition, Family Birth Center tours and perinatal classes have been canceled for March and April at Franciscan Health Hammond, Crown Point and Michigan City. Franciscan Health continues to take proactive measures in preparation for possible local cases of COVID-19

Preview PNW events planned Mar. 28 in Westville and Apr. 18 in Hammond Purdue University Northwest (PNW) invites high school students and their families interested in learning more about the university to attend one of two upcoming Preview PNW events. Preview PNW provides a unique opportunity for future students and their families to gain a full understanding of the outstanding education, real-world experience, connections with faculty and vibrant student life PNW offers. Students and families attending these events have a chance to meet with faculty members, current students, staff and alumni to ask questions and to learn how PNW encourages