On Tuesday La Porte Police Chief Drangmeister proudly swore in the newest member of the La Porte Police Department, Officer Stephen Bateman of Knox. Officer Bateman has served as a Military Police Officer with the Army National Guard. He will begin his next chapter of training at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy on September 2nd.
The Michigan City Police Department is looking for members of the community who would like to experience the inner workings of what it is like to be a police officer. Beginning Thursday, October 16th, through November 20th, 2025, from 6pm-9pm, we will be sponsoring an opportunity for members of the community to become closely acquainted with the roles and responsibilities of the Police Department. The Michigan City Police Department Citizen's Police Academy (MCCPA) brings the police and the community together in a setting that offers a sample of police training to each participant. Academy Participants will receive three hours of
Michiana Humane Society's fundraiser, Dollars 4 Doodles, taking place from Aug. 22 - Sept. 6, will turn your pet into a one-of-a-kind “Meow-sterpiece”. Donate $25 to Michiana Humane Society, send the Michiana Humane Society your pet’s photo, and get a one-of-a-kind portrait drawn by their staff and volunteers—from professional artists to kids. Proceeds help Michiana Humane Society give second chances to pets and the people who love them. To join in on the fun, click here: https://bit.ly/4fi8huy Photo credit: Michiana Humane Society Facebook page
Michigan City Area Schools will return to a regular in-person schedule on Thursday, August 21, and Friday, August 22. "We are grateful for the support of our neighboring districts during this challenging time, Michigan City Area Schools said in a statement. "Our sincere thanks go to Elkhart Community Schools, LaPorte Community School Corporation, Merrillville Community School Corporation, New Prairie United School Corporation, South Central Community School Corporation, and Warsaw Community Schools for generously providing additional buses to support our students."
Press Release, City of Valparaiso: The City of Valparaiso is inviting neighborhoods to submit applications for the annual Neighborhood Improvement Grant program, announced Maggie Clifton, Valparaiso’s Community Engagement Director. Guidelines have been updated for 2026, setting the maximum amount at $20,000 per neighborhood. Applications for the upcoming grant cycle will be due on March 1, 2026, with grant recipients announced by March 15, 2026. “The Neighborhood Improvement Grant program has succeeded in funding 139 projects since we introduced the program in 2018,” said Clifton. “The City is pleased to lead this program which brings neighbors together for a common project
The Indiana Toll Road has issued a Travel Advisory for I-94 road work to impact ITR's Lake Station, EXIT 21. The Indiana Toll Road gave the following info:
The #LCSO announces amended/additional charges being filed against 41-year-old Shawn Wesly Russell AKISON in connection with the May 8, 2025, serious bodily injury crash (SBI) that occurred at the intersection of US 20 and Fail Road. Agency detectives and crash reconstructionists have continued to investigate the circumstances of the crash, along with analyzing evidence. Investigators recently received the toxicology test results prompting amended/additional charges being filed through the La Porte County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and La Porte County Circuit Court against AKISON. The amended/additional charges are as follows: • OWI Causing Catastrophic Injury, L4 Felony • OWI Causing SBI, L5
Michigan City Area Schools had to close Tuesday due to around 20-25 catalytic converters being stolen from MCAS school buses. On Tuesday, at around 5:25 a.m., Officer Shane Washluske was dispatched to the Michigan City Area Schools Transportation Department, which is located at 1100 S Woodland Avenue. A Michigan City Area Schools (MCAS) employee reported that during the overnight hours the Transportation Department property was unlawfully entered, and approximately 20 to 25 catalytic converters were stolen from school buses parked on the premises. The theft was discovered early Tuesday morning as transportation staff began preparations for daily bus operations. While
Michigan City Area Schools gave the following information how how schools will run on Aug. 20: "We would like to give you an update regarding school operations for Wednesday, August 20. Little Wolves Early Learning Center will operate on a regular in-person schedule. Morning Developmental Pre-K will operate on a regular in-person schedule. All Elementary Schools will operate on a regular in-person schedule. Grades 7-12: Students will participate in synchronous eLearning. Teachers will provide live instruction and assignments online. Schedules are listed below: Middle School: Live Instruction: 8:30 AM - 11:50 AM Break for Lunch: 11:55 AM - 12:20 PM
The Ogden Dunes Police Department announced at 12:08 p.m. Tuesday that due to the storm and power outages Monday night, Indiana American Water issued a precautionary Boil Water Advisory. The advisory is expected to remain in effect for approximately 24 hours. ODPD stated the following: "It is recommended that all water used for cooking and drinking be boiled completely for five (5) minutes before use. You may continue to use water for bathing, washing, and other common activities as usual. "You will receive another notification if further action is needed or if conditions change. "We apologize for any inconvenience this
PORTER COUNTY, Ind. – A Jackson County homeowner suffered serious burns after a structure fire on Sunday night, according to the Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Department. Shortly before midnight on Sunday, Aug. 17, Liberty Township firefighters and automatic aid units from Westville and Washington Township were called to a structure fire in the 300 block of Cantigny Court in Jackson Township. Chief Brian Duncan arrived on scene and reported a working structure fire with heavy involvement on the attached garage. The intensity of the flames led to a roof collapse within minutes of fire crews arriving. Chief Duncan called for
Press Release, Purdue University Northwest: HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) has received $1.8 million in renewed federal funding that will support resources for first-generation and low-income students, as well as students living with disabilities, through its TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program. The program assists eligible PNW students with comprehensive services that support their college journeys through graduation and preparation for entering the workforce or graduate school. Students benefit from one-to-one mentorship through tutoring, financial assistance and planning, counseling, career exploration and more through TRIO SSS. Eligible students also have group learning and professional development opportunities
In Jasper County, an INDOT contractor will have overnight ramp closures on I-65 at State Road 14 (mile marker/exit 220) beginning on or after Thursday, Aug. 21. The ramps at this interchange will close one at a time for milling operations, reopening after each has been milled. Crews will then close each ramp for resurfacing. The schedule is weather dependent and subject to change, but milling is currently scheduled for overnight August 21 and resurfacing for August 22 through August 25. Only one ramp will be closed at a time, and work will occur during the overnight hours of 8
The Valparaiso Police Department recently thanked Project Linus for their donation of handmade blankets. The Valparaiso Police Department said the comforting blankets will be a great resource for children in crisis situations, helping provide warmth and a sense of security when they need it most.
A new program seeks to create a foundation of entrepreneurship in Michigan City by focusing on underserved residents ready to launch a small business. The Michigan City Entrepreneurship Development Program has its roots in the nationally recognized Urban Poverty and Business Initiative developed by the University of Notre Dame. An informational session will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday Sept. 9 at City Hall, 100 E. Michigan Blvd., in the EOC Room for anyone wanting additional details. “Small businesses have always helped fashion the unique flavor of a community through the exclusive offering of products and services,” said Economic
Over the weekend a truly incredible milestone for a resident of the VNA of NWI— Happy 105th Birthday to Ed! Ed was born to Larson Lee (1892) and Jesse Belle (1894) and grew up with his older brother, Lee. His childhood was shaped by the Great Depression while his father worked as a Game Warden to provide for the family. In high school, Ed played football, but his lifelong passion became fishing. He discovered his love for it on Lake Manataw, spent 25 years as a fishing guide in Florida, and was even featured in Outdoor Life with the article
Over 80 Artists and Artisans were a part of this past weekends Lubeznik Center for the Arts LAF Festival in Michigan City. Thank you to our Event Sponsors NIPSCO Arnett Construction & Roofing and Lubeznik Center for the Arts #wims #whfb #localradio
The Ogden Dunes Police Department says Norfolk Southern has posted a road closure sign at the tracks exiting town toward Highway 12. The sign indicates that the closure will begin on August 20, and is expected to last for five days. The Chief of Police has spoken with the head of maintenance for Norfolk Southern, who informed them that the dates are subject to change based on project progress and weather conditions. Police say to be aware that, during this period, you will need to enter and exit via the frontage road.
In September 2023, Daniel SHAFFER was charged with Attempted Murder, a Level 1 Felony, and Conspiracy to Commit Murder, a Level 2 Felony. In August 2025, the State of Indiana presented evidence in Laporte Circuit Court. Deputy Prosecutors Autumn Ferch and Katie Arnold presented evidence for the State of Indiana over a multi-day trial. Judge Havens was the presiding judge. After deliberations, the jury returned a verdict of Not Guilty for Attempted Murder, with a Guilty verdict for the Conspiracy to Commit Murder. Sentencing will be at a later date. Prosecuting Attorney Sean Fagan said: “The facts and circumstances of
The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) is sharing federal eligibility guidelines for free or reduced-price meals or free milk served under the federally-funded National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, Special Milk Programs, and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Household size and income criteria, which are used to determine eligibility, are available here. Each local school corporation office and organization participating in a School Nutrition Program or CACFP has a copy of the guidelines that may be reviewed by any interested party.
