News

On Wednesday, May 8th, from 6 to 8 p.m., Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA) will present its 2nd Annual Curatorial Roundtable. A panel of established and emerging art curators will exchange ideas about the role of the curator in this public, moderated discussion. All are welcome to observe the roundtable discussion and explore LCA’s exhibitions.

As part of “Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day” on Thursday, April 25, the South Shore Line invites up to three youth 18 years of age and under to ride for FREE on all trains April 25 with a fare-paying adult. A fare-paying adult applies to any paying parent or guardian. The youth riding free do not need to purchase a train ticket during this promotional day, and may simply board the train with their paying adult.

The South Shore Line announces that construction is set to begin that will add a second entrance/exit to the East Chicago Station platform.The project is expected to begin Monday, April 29, through December 2019, and will help accommodate the large influx of passengers at East Chicago Station.The improvements include converting the low-level platform to the east of the station into a covered walkway to access a new head house, stairwell and tunnel leading to the eastern parking lot.Additionally, other East Chicago Station projects include improvements to the existing head house, and the installation in 2020 of higher speed track switches

Troopers from the Indiana State Police Lowell District coordinated with state police agencies from five other states, Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania and West Virginia last week on a joint ‘Six State Trooper’ enforcement project.  As part of this traffic enforcement concentration was also given to catching those drivers who failed to slow down and move over for emergency vehicles. During this same time period April 14-April 20th, troopers were also doing Human Trafficking interdiction.Their results were:Move Over Violation 24 ticketsMove Over Violation 28 warningsTotal traffic arrests 123 ticketsSpeeding arrests 36 ticketsTotal warnings 267 warningsPublic Services 65       Driving While Suspended 11Criminal

Last week, Senator Mike Braun embarked on a two-week Solutions Tour to listen to Hoosiers' thoughts about lowering prescription drug prices, lowering the cost of higher education, and enacting policies that spur economic growth.Upcoming Local stops include: Wednesday, April 24, at 6:30 PM ETLaPorte County Lincoln Day DinnerLa Porte Civic Auditorium1001 Ridge StLa Porte, Indiana Thursday, April 25, at 1:00 PM ETValparaiso Chamber LunchAberdeen Manor216 Ballantrae StValparaiso, Indiana Thursday, April 25, at 2:45 PM ETTour of Indiana Dunes National ParkIndiana Dunes National Park1215 N State Rd 49Chesterton, Indiana Thursday, April 25, at 4:15 PM ETVisit at Strack's GroceryStrack & Van

Attorney General Curtis Hill praised a decision this week by the Indiana Court of Appealsupholding the constitutionality of Indiana’s Right to Farm Act.Indiana’s statute limits the scenarios in which an agricultural operation may be sued for nuisance. The purpose, as the law states, is “to conserve, protect, and encourage the development and improvement of agricultural land for the production of food and other agricultural products” and “to reduce the loss to the state of its agricultural resources.”In a case decided Monday, property owners adjacent to an expanding livestock operation challenged the law on the premise that their residential properties lost

Barker Middle School’s Student Council on Saturday, April 13th, conducted video interviews of four Korean War Veterans. These four veterans were invited by the Student Council so that their legacy and sacrifices in the Korean War could be preserved and learned by future generations. Veterans that were interviewed were: Ed Werner of Michigan City, Indiana; Carl Grose of Valparaiso, Indiana; Jim Toutloff of LaPorte, Indiana; and Harold Broertjes of Hammond, Indiana.Barker’s Student Council acted as oral historians connecting the gap between the region’s generations. The Korean War is often remembered as the “forgotten war”, however, Barker’s Student Council wants to

The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) this week will submit to the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) its most recent list of teacher shortage areas. Including such areas as Exceptional Needs and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), Indiana’s list highlights the statewide struggle to find teachers for nearly 15 subjects.Beginning in 1990, USDOE began asking states to annually submit a list of areas highlighting the need for more teachers. IDOE’s submission includes: Business, Computer Education, Computer Science, CTE Licensure Areas (all), Early Childhood Education, Exceptional Needs (all), Fine Arts: Instrumental and General Music, Fine Arts: Vocal and General Music,

This Friday there will be an all you can eat fish fry from 5-8PM at American Legion Post #21 on Highway 421 in Westville. Dinner includes:hand breaded pollock, chicken strips, french fries, creamy coleslaw, salad, rolls and free homemade desserts.  Special veterans and senior pricing: Adults-$9.00, Seniors(60yrs+) & Vets-$8.00, Kids 12 & under-$5.00, Preschoolers-Free. Carry-outs are available.

Jasper County Economic Development Organization, Newton County Economic Development, the Northwest Indiana Workforce Board and WorkOne are continuing their partnership to host the 2nd Annual Jasper and Newton County Job Fair. The job fair will be held on Wednesday, May 1, at the Jasper County Fairgrounds in the West Building from 2:30-4:00pm. Jobseekers are encouraged to bring multiple copies of their resume and dress in business professional attire. Anyone needing free assistance to prepare for the event can stop by a WorkOne Center.  For a list of WorkOne locations visit www.gotoworkonenw.com or call 1-877-607-0680.

The South Shore Line plans to periodically bus passengers between Carroll Ave. and the South Bend Airport while they upgrade track and segments of overhead wire between Michigan City and South Bend. The temporary busing periods will occur at various times throughout the spring/summer, with the first of these periods being scheduled for Monday, May 6 through Friday, May 17, (this includes the weekend of May 11-12). Busing availability at the South Bend Airport will be limited, therefore westbound passengers are encouraged to board at Carroll Ave. Station or other western stations. Bus service to and from Hudson Lake will