News

A swamp chestnut oak tree in Jennings County has been recognized as the largest of the species in the country by the National Champion Tree program, with a height of 95 feet, a circumference of 318 inches, and a canopy spread of 118 feet. The record swamp chestnut oak is on the family farm owned by Richard and Kris Schepman outside of Crothersville. Today, Governor Mike Braun and Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) leaders presented the Schepmans with a certificate recognizing their family’s stewardship of this impressive tree. “Over the last century, Indiana’s forested land has substantially grown as

The La Porte County Extension Homemakers are hosting a free clothing giveaway on September 19 and 20 at the La Porte County Fairgrounds. See the flyer for details.

IDEM hosting a series of regional open houses to share information as part of the process in developing Indiana's State Materials Management Plan (MMP). The plan will serve as an anchor for the vision and infrastructure of materials management in the state. The MMP will replace the state's Solid Waste plan, which dates back to 1990 and focused primarily on traditional recycling and waste disposal. When complete, Indiana's new MMP will focus on a more sustainable materials management approach that includes better access to recycling, organics management, and waste reduction. The plan will also address strategies to help Indiana reach its

A motorcyclist was airlifted to an Illinois hospital with severe injuries following a two-vehicle accident Thursday afternoon at the intersection of U.S. 6 and North Calumet Avenue in Liberty Township, the Porter County Sheriff’s Police and Town of Chesterton are reporting. The Town of Chesterton says that according to PCSP, at approximately 1:03 p.m. a male motorcyclist was westbound on U.S. 6 when he disregarded the traffic signal at the intersection of North Calumet Ave and collided with an SUV turning eastbound onto U.S. 6 from southbound North Calumet Ave. The motorcyclist was flown by Lutheran Air to Advocate Christ

Yesterday, members of the Valparaiso Police Department participated in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, joined by the Valparaiso Fire Department and the Porter County Sheriff's Department. “Together, we climbed in honor of the 343 firefighters, 60 law enforcement officers, and countless other heroes who selflessly ran toward danger on September 11, 2001,” the Valparaiso Police Department said on its Facebook page. “Each step we took today was a tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering spirit of those first responders who gave everything that day. We will never forget their bravery — and we will always stand united in their

News Release, Purdue University Northwest:  HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) welcomed 1,816 new undergraduate students, which represents a 6% increase in the incoming undergraduate class. The First Time in College (FTIC) cohort increased 10.5%. PNW also noted a record 70.5% retention rate for returning second-year students for the 2025-26 academic year. PNW’s core enrollment grew to 6,101. Core enrollment measures the number of students attending classes in-person on the PNW campuses. Indiana residents make up almost 83% of PNW’s total enrollment. More Northwest Indiana high school graduates are choosing Purdue Northwest, and enrollment of transfer students

CROWN POINT, Ind. – Board-certified family medicine physician Latifa Barti, MD, is now part of the Franciscan Physician Network and is accepting new patients in Crown Point. Dr. Barti earned her medical degree from the American University of Antigua in Saint John’s, Antigua. She completed her residency in family medicine in Chicago at Mount Sinai Hospital and Holy Cross Hospital. Her clinical interests include medical weight management in pediatric and adult populations; alcohol use/tobacco use disorder treatment and lifestyle medicine with implementation of physical activity, healthy nutrition and proper sleep. In addition to English, Dr. Barti is also fluent in

MICHIGAN CITY – Hess Irrigation is partnering with The Salvation Army of Michigan City to donate a residential irrigation system (valued at up to $3,000) to a La Porte County senior citizen who has faced hardship in recent years. The gift is part of a local initiative to support and uplift members of the community who may be in need. Nominations will be accepted throughout the month of September, and one recipient will be selected in October. Installation will be completed by the end of the year. “We believe in supporting the people who make this community what it is,”

The LaPorte County Solid Waste District's 7-in-1 Collection event, is taking place this Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Fairgrounds from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. For a list of accepted items, click here: https://www.solidwastedistrict.com/5-in-1 A small fee is charged only for the tire collections – participation in all other collections is free.

CROWN POINT, Ind. – Board-certified interventional spine and pain management physician Ashraf Hasan, MD, is now part of the Franciscan Physician Network and is accepting new patients in Crown Point. Dr. Hasan earned his medical degree from Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in North Chicago, Ill. He completed his residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital in Chicago. Dr. Hasan is board-certified in pain medicine, sports medicine, physical medicine and rehabilitation. His clinical interests include interventional spine care, non-surgical sports medicine and joint and musculoskeletal pain. Dr. Hasan is accepting new patients

The Porter County Sheriff's Office says they have been receiving reports that citizens have been getting telephone calls in which people were fraudulently claiming to be Law Enforcement Officials recently. "Sometimes callers can mask the caller ID information to make it appear as if the call is coming from a police department or other government entity," the department said on Facebook. "If you receive a call from a person claiming to be one of our Officers and are concerned they are not who they say they are, please hang up and call 219-477-3170 to verify their identity." "If you receive

The Portage Police Department is seeking the whereabouts of a man who allegedly shot a firearm after leading police on a vehicle pursuit early Wednesday. At about 1:31 a.m. officers were notified of a vehicle pursuit occurring in the city of Portage. Officers responded to the area and attempted to deploy stop-sticks but the pursuit ended near the intersection of Plaza Avenue and Plymouth Street just as Portage officers were arriving. As the vehicle pursuit concluded, the driver exited his vehicle and discharged a handgun several times while fleeing on foot. An occupied home near the intersection was struck by

An Elkhart, Indiana man was charged in Sunday's shooting that took place at a Michigan City gas station, police announced Tuesday. On Sunday just before 6:30 p.m. the LaPorte County E-911 Regional Dispatch Center received a 911 call regarding a person who was shot at BP gas station, located at 1302 East Michigan Boulevard. The victim was then transported to the Michigan City Police Department for medical treatment by a witness at the scene. Officers provided medical treatment to a 40-year-old Michigan City resident who was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the left leg. LaPorte County EMS arrived at

Chesterton, IN — The Duneland Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to host the 5th Annual Vino al Fresco Wine Tasting Festival on Saturday, September 13, from 5 to 8 PM in Thomas Centennial Park. This signature event offers an unforgettable evening filled with fine wines, local flavors, and entertainment under the lights in the heart of downtown Chesterton. Your ticket includes festival entry, unlimited wine tastings, and a commemorative wine glass to take home. Guests will enjoy selections from an impressive lineup of regional wineries, including Aftermath Cidery and Winery, Avinados (poured by (219) Taproom), Four Corners Winery, Lambstone Cellars

The final Free Fishing Day of 2025 in Indiana is Saturday, Sept. 27. While there are no licenses or stamps required on Free Fishing Days, all regulations, such as seasons, bag limits, and size limits, still apply. These special days offer Indiana residents the opportunity to try fishing for the first time without having to purchase a fishing license or trout/salmon stamps. "If you already have your annual fishing license, this is a perfect opportunity to take friends and family fishing who haven’t gone before," the DNR said in a statement. Additionally, you can plan a fishing trip with the

Galveston’s Giveback for the Friends of the Library is on September 11. There’s no need to present a coupon to your server- just tell them you’re there to support the Friends of the Library, and they will receive a percentage of your bill. Enjoy a scrumptious meal while supporting the library! Galveston’s is located at 10 Commerce Square in Michigan City.

VALPARAISO, IND. — The Women’s Fund of Porter County, held at the Porter County Community Foundation (PCCF), is awarding $57,500 in grants to local organizations that meet the needs of women and children. The Caring Place and Porter County Aging and Community Services will receive $25,000 each to support high-impact programs. Dressed For School, Our Greater Good, and Parents As Teachers of Porter County will each receive $2,500 for general support. The Caring Place provides inclusive services, shelter, and ongoing support for people experiencing domestic violence. This grant will support The Caring Kitchen, which provides daily, nutritious meals to survivors in

Michigan City, IN –  Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch Monday announced a change in leadership at the Michigan City Police Department. Chief Marty Corley will return to the rank and file, and Steve Forker has been appointed as the new Chief of Police, effective September 14 to facilitate the transition of department leadership. “Chief Corley has served this community with dedication, passion, and commitment over many years,” said Mayor Nelson Deuitch. “He is one of the most engaged leaders in Michigan City, balancing his work in law enforcement with service on the school board and several community organizations. I want to

One person was injured and a suspect arrested in connection to a shooting Sunday in Michigan City. On Sunday just before 6:30 p.m., the dispatch center received a 911 call regarding a person who was shot at the BP gas station, located at 1302 East Michigan Boulevard.  The victim was then transported to the Michigan City Police Department for medical treatment by a witness at the scene.  Officers provided medical treatment to a 40-year-old Michigan City resident who was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the left leg.  LaPorte County EMS arrived at the Michigan City Police Department and transported

In the Town of Porter, Carlson Corners is now closed around the clock through approximately Oct. 3 for stormwater project, according to the Town of Chesterton Facebook page. After a on-site inspection Thursday, the contractor for a stormwater project on Carlson Corners has determined that the road will need to be closed to through-traffic 24/7, in order to stage materials adequately and shorten the project’s timeline. As part of the project, sewer pipe is being installed on the south side of Carlson Corners from Mineral Springs Road to Peterson Ditch on Pearson Road. The three residents who live on Carlson