News

U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) has reintroduced the Senior Citizens’ Freedom to Work Act, legislation to end a penalty on seniors who continue working after claiming Social Security benefits. The Senior Citizens’ Freedom to Work Act would eliminate a penalty on Social Security Old-Age (OASI) beneficiaries who choose to enter, remain in, or return to the labor force. Specifically, the bill would eliminate the Retirement Earnings Test (RET) that affects younger seniors who choose to continue working after claiming Social Security benefits.In 2000, Congress eliminated the RET for those who are at or above their full retirement age. This bill

INDOT is hosting a public hearing 6 p.m. today, at Heavilin Elementary School, 2300 N. 50 W., Valparaiso, IN, 46385, to present information about and receive public comment on a proposed intersection improvement for State Road 2 and Heavilin Road in Valparaiso.INDOT's preferred alternative to the current configuration would convert the T-intersection to a single-lane roundabout in order to increase safety. Since 2010, 25 crashes have been documented at this location.The event will feature a formal presentation followed by a public comment period. There will then be an open house where attendees can ask INDOT personnel questions about the project.The

Franciscan Health staff, members of the St. John Chamber of Commerce and local officials welcomed the newest Franciscan ExpressCare and WorkingWell location during a blessing and open house on Wednesday, May 8. The new location at 8345 Wicker Ave., across the street from Lake Central High School, replaces the former St. John ExpressCare location on 97th Lane, which closed on April 12. The new location will be open to the public in June. No appointment is needed, and the facility is open Monday through Saturday. For more information, visit FranciscanExpressCare.org

A community-based CPR course that includes the practice and demonstration of CPR skills, AED use, use of barrier devices, choking rescue skills, information about the chain of survival and EMS activation. Participants will be required to demonstrate the skills in order to receive a two-year American Heart Association completion card. $60; Must pay prior to the class to be registered. Call 219.326.2322 to register. Next class is May 21, 5 – 8 pm in the La Porte Hospital Auditorium (lower Level)

Camp leaders are announcing, the application process for the 2019 Northwest Regional Sheriff's Camp is now closed. They are however still allowing applicants to send in applications without a check to be 'wait-listed,' in the event that there are openings. Any applications received or postmarked will be wait-listed and will be notified by July 19th if there is an opening for them. Porter County Sheriff’s Office stated that those that have applied and sent in checks will be hearing from assigned camp counselors in the next month.

NICTD is evaluating properties that may be affected by the West Lake Corridor Project. They will be holding two open houses that will allow residents who will be potentially impacted to meet with representatives and discuss any questions in regards to the West Lake Corridor project. Below is the information for dates and locations of each open house. May 22: Dyer Town Hall 1 Town Square, Dyer, IN 46311 Lower Level Meeting Room 1-7 PM  May 23: Jean Shepherd Community Center 3031 J.F. Mahoney Dr., Hammond, IN 46323 Cafeteria 1-7 PM All parties who will potentially be affected are encouraged to attend and bring along any pertinent information to their property

The natural childbirth class is for expectant parents who are interested in a non-medicated birth plan. This class will provide physical and emotional coping techniques how to practice hands-on comfort measures. The class is the third Tuesday of every other month, in the Birthing & Family Care Center on the second floor of La Porte Hospital. Next class is May 21. Class sizes are limited and advanced registration is required at laportehealth.com/childbirth. 

Yesterday, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) announced that Evansville Regional Airport and Fort Wayne International Airport will each receive Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP) supplemental grants totaling $18.1 million. Senator Young urged Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao to support funding for these important Hoosier airports. 

This month troopers from the Lowell District of the Indiana State Police, and Districts across the state will join law enforcement agencies across the nation to increase enforcement of seat-belt laws for Click It or Ticket. Multiple weeks of highly visible patrols will be watching for unrestrained passengers in cars and trucks, both children and adults, the front seat and back, both day and night.Click It or Ticket continues through the Memorial Day holiday and the start of the summer travel season. Overtime police patrols are paid with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration funds administered by the Indiana Criminal Justice

The Burns Harbor Redevelopment Commission has acquired land for development near the former Westport Community Center. A partnership between the RDC and Holladay Properties led to the 32-acre purchase from the Duneland School Corporation. The property lies along State Road 149 and Haglund Road.RDC President Eric Hull says the site is where the founders incorporated the town in 1969.The project will be done in phases, with a pre-development phase kicking off the plans to allow for integration of prior Town plans. Current trail infrastructure projects and the most recent market data would then be added into the Westport Sub-Area plan

Governor Eric J. Holcomb is directing flags across the state to be returned to full-staff at sunset on Wednesday, May 15 after lowering them to honor former U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar.

U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) has reintroduced the Senior Citizens’ Freedom to Work Act, legislation to end a penalty on seniors who continue working after claiming Social Security benefits. The Senior Citizens’ Freedom to Work Act would eliminate a penalty on Social Security Old-Age (OASI) beneficiaries who choose to enter, remain in, or return to the labor force. Specifically, the bill would eliminate the Retirement Earnings Test (RET) that affects younger seniors who choose to continue working after claiming Social Security benefits.In 2000, Congress eliminated the RET for those who are at or above their full retirement age. This bill

INDOT is hosting a public hearing 6 p.m. tomorrow, at Heavilin Elementary School, 2300 N. 50 W., Valparaiso, IN, 46385, to present information about and receive public comment on a proposed intersection improvement for State Road 2 and Heavilin Road in Valparaiso.INDOT's preferred alternative to the current configuration would convert the T-intersection to a single-lane roundabout in order to increase safety. Since 2010, 25 crashes have been documented at this location.The event will feature a formal presentation followed by a public comment period. There will then be an open house where attendees can ask INDOT personnel questions about the project.The

Regarding HEA 1015 Gov. Holcomb made the following statement:“Gaming is a highly regulated industry that once had little competition, but now does from surrounding states and new technology. By modernizing our laws, this legislation will spur positive economic growth for our state and for an industry that employs over 11,000 Hoosiers. Additionally, it will bring in new revenue and create hundreds of new jobs – both permanent and in construction. I will direct the Indiana Gaming Commission to monitor for potential effects of this bill so that we can make necessary changes in future legislative sessions.” Details on the bill

U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Mike Braun (R-Ind.), and U.S. Representatives Pete Visclosky (D-Ind.-01), Jim Banks (R-Ind.-03), Jim Baird (R-Ind.-04), and André Carson (D-Ind.-07) applauded the announcement that Swedish aerospace and defense manufacturer Saab will launch its new advanced manufacturing facility at Purdue University-affiliated Discovery Park District Aerospace in West Lafayette.On January 23, 2019, members of the Indiana delegation led a letter to Saab urging the company to select Indiana for their new U.S. defense manufacturing facility which represents more than $37 million in planned Indiana investments in the coming years. The facility is expected to employ up to

The State of Indiana has received a $159,349 payment from Sephora USA Inc. to settle a fraud lawsuit against the international retail chain, Attorney General Curtis Hill announced today.The lawsuit alleged that Sephora, which specializes in cosmetics and other beauty products, violated the Indiana False Claims Act by making false statements in connection with its failure to collect gross retail taxes on shipping and handling charges for its internet sales to Indiana consumers. This investigation and settlement resulted from the coordinated efforts of the Litigation Division of the Office of the Attorney General. This case is captioned State of Indiana

This month the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office will join law enforcement agencies across the nation to increase enforcement of seat belt laws for Click It or Ticket. Multiple weeks of highly visible patrols will be watching for unrestrained passengers in cars and trucks, both children and adults, the front seat and back, both day and night.Click It or Ticket continues through the Memorial Day holiday and the start of the summer travel season. Overtime police patrols are paid with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration funds administered by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI).Indiana law requires the driver and all

The Porter County Government Prosecutor's Valparaiso Office is hiring a full time Assistant Court Manager with accounting experience. Interested parties may complete an application found on this site and submit to:Porter County Prosecutor 16 Lincolnway Suite 546 Valparaiso, IN 46383or via email to sheila.matney@porterco.org Applications will be accepted until Friday May 10th at 4:30 PM.

Camp leaders are announcing, the application process for the 2019 Northwest Regional Sheriff's Camp is now closed. They are however still allowing applicants to send in applications without a check to be 'wait-listed,' in the event that there are openings. Any applications received or postmarked will be wait-listed and will be notified by July 19th if there is an opening for them. Porter County Sheriff’s Office stated that those that have applied and sent in checks will be hearing from assigned camp counselors in the next month. 

The League of Women Voters La Porte County will feature Representative Pete Visclosky for their Annual Meeting on Saturday, June 15. You do not have to be a member to attend this brunch and special program at the Pottawattomie County Club, 1900 Springland Ave., Michigan City. Cost for members is $25, and $35 for non-members. For further information, contact the League at LWVlaporte@gmail.com or call 219-874-9939.