News

Press Release, Unity Foundation of La Porte County:  LA PORTE COUNTY, IN— After a comprehensive national search, Unity Foundation of La Porte County is proud to announce the appointment of philanthropic leader Jeri Pat Gabbert, CFRE, as the Foundation’s next President & CEO, effective November 3, 2025. Jeri Pat will succeed Maggi Spartz who served Unity Foundation as President for more than 33 years and who announced her intended retirement earlier this year. Jeri Pat Gabbert comes to Unity Foundation after more than 22 years working at the intersection of philanthropy, education and community engagement. She currently serves as the

The 26th annual Sunflower Fair takes place from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. this Saturday along Michigan Avenue in Downtown La Porte. The following streets will be closed from 6 p.m. Friday until 6 p.m. Saturday: Michigan Avenue, from Lincolnway to Osborn Street Jefferson Avenue, from Indiana Avenue to Monroe Street Maple Avenue, from Indiana Avenue to Monroe Street Harrison Street, from Indiana Avenue to Monroe Street Noble Street, from Michigan Avenue to Monroe Street No street parking is allowed during this time. Vehicles must be off the street by 6 p.m. Friday and may not return until after 6 p.m. Saturday.

In Portage, the intersection at Central Avenue and Willowdale Road is closed for construction. It will remain closed until the reconstruction work is complete, which the City of Portage hopes will be in November. Access to Calvary Cemetery will be from Willowdale Road and access to Dari Dip will be from Central Avenue. Contact the Department of Planning & Community Development for more information: 219-764-5746.

On September 17, 2025, Alvin Speakes was convicted in Superior Court 1 for crimes against children.  A jury found Mr. Speakes guilty on 4 counts: Child Molesting-A Felony, Child Molesting-C Felony, Sexual Misconduct with a Minor-B Felony, and Sexual Misconduct with a Minor-Level 4 Felony.  Mr. Speakers was charged in March 2021 for multiple acts that occurred between 2007 and 2014. Mr. Speakes is scheduled for sentencing in October 2025. Prosecuting Attorney Sean Fagan said:  “Crimes against children are hideous.  The harm against victims can never totally be healed.  However, I am pleased at the result: a Guilty Verdict.” Prosecutor

The Michiana Humane Society’s annual Fur Ball returns Friday, October 3 at White Oak Farm Venue in Michigan City. This year’s theme brings a playful Country/Western/Disco mashup, where cowboy boots and glitter disco balls share the same dance floor. Event proceeds will give a second chance to the nearly 1,000 pets the Michiana Humane Society will care for this year. Guests will enjoy woodfired pizzas, hearty fare, and a full bar, along with silent and live auctions, raffle prizes, and plenty of music and dancing. Arrested Sounds will spin disco classics, and the Sunset Coast Country Dancers will lead line

JOIN RIC FEDERIGHI AND TEAM WIMS LIVE from the Sunflower Fair! La Porte will usher in the fall season with its 26th Annual Sunflower Fair this weekend, according to La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody. Celebrating community and creativity, the fair will take place along Michigan Avenue in Downtown La Porte from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. With over 140 craft and specialty vendors, Dermody said the Sunflower Fair boasts one of the largest festivals in the area. “With 25 years under its belt, the Sunflower Fair has become an important tradition in the heart of our downtown,” Dermody said. “We

Michigan City, IN -- The Michigan City Police Department, Michigan City Fire Department, and Michigan City Area Schools will once again be “United for the United Way” as they hold their traditional Car Wash fundraiser on October 1. Representatives from the three entities will be stationed at the MCAS Plant Planning parking lot across from Ames Field from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Again this year, a “waterless wash” option is available for those who prefer to donate but do not want to have a vehicle washed. In addition, all donations made online on October 1 at https://www.unitedwaylpc.org/ will be

A man was arrested after allegedly breaking into a residence and assaulting a person, according to the New Buffalo, Michigan Police Department. On Tuesday Sept. 16, at approximately 8:00 a.m. the New Buffalo City Police Department was dispatched to the area of the CSX railroad tracks on South Whittaker Street for a report of a naked man walking a dog near the railroad tracks. While police were attempting to locate the subject CNB PD received further information that the same man had broken into a residence and assaulted a person inside. When police arrived, the man had barricaded himself inside

News Release, Indiana State Police - Lowell:  Hammond - On September 16, 2025, Rogelio Herrera Jr., 22 of Hammond, was arrested by members of the Indiana State Police on an outstanding warrant issued by the Porter County Sheriff’s Department. This arrest was the result of an extensive investigation which originated in California.  The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office received a report that an unknown individual had been communicating with an eleven-year-old boy via multiple social media applications. The child was determined to be safe, and no physical contact was ever made.  Multiple search warrants and subpoenas were issued, and several

Congratulations to the LaPorte County Convention and Visitors Bureau's Dale Cooper on receiving the 2025 Book of Golden Deeds Award from the Michigan City Exchange Club. The honor recognizes her servant heart and all she does for our community.

The Michiana Humane Society says they have a wide range of fun, festive, fall activities coming up.  See the flyer for a list of upcoming events and visit their Facebook page for the latest at the shelter. Visit their website, www.michianapets.org, shoot them a message, or call them at 219-872-4499 if you have any questions. 

The Michigan City Parks and Recreation Department announced a new fence has been installed to block the basketball court from the street at Water Tower Park. Right after the playground was completed, the department said they knew this was a priority to ensure the safety of everyone enjoying the park—especially young hoopers. The department said the new fencing creates a safer, more enjoyable space for play and relaxation.

In Jasper County, there will be overnight ramp closures on I-65 at State Road 14 (mile marker/exit 220) beginning on or after Monday, September 22. 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. Only one ramp will be closed at a time, and work will occur during the overnight hours of 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. These ramp closure were originally scheduled in August but were postponed. The schedule is weather dependent and subject to change. This is part of the

Michigan City High School will host its Senior Information Night on Wednesday, October 8 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at MCHS. This event is open to seniors and their parents/guardians. Breakout sessions will cover Paying for College (including FAFSA and Indiana Financial Aid Programs), Applying to College (how to apply in Indiana and beyond, writing a winning essay), and a FAFSA Workshop with real-time staff assistance. Session times are 4:00–4:50 p.m., 5:00–5:50 p.m., and a wrap-up from 6:00–6:50 p.m., with short breaks in between. A Resource Fair will also provide information about scholarships, apprenticeships, and military pathways. More information

Hollywood Legend Robert Redford has passed at the age of 89-our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and fans #robertredford Charles Robert Redford Jr. (August 18, 1936 – September 16, 2025) was an American actor, producer and director. He received numerous accolades such as an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, and two Golden Globe Awards, as well as the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1994, the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award in 1996, the Academy Honorary Award in 2002, the Kennedy Center Honors in 2005, the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016, and the Honorary César

The La Porte Police Detective Bureau is seeking the public’s help in identifying the individuals pictured, believed to be involved in an active burglary investigation. Police say video footage from the time of the incident depicts one male suspect in a light-colored hooded sweatshirt with pants and tennis shoes. The second male suspect is wearing a white hooded sweatshirt, light-colored baseball cap, and possible camouflage pants with flip-flop style shoes. Both suspects are of average height and build. The La Porte Police Department says if you recognize them or have any information that may assist in this investigation, contact Detective

Michigan City, IN — The Rotary Club of Michigan City will host a community trivia night Wednesday, Nov. 6, at the FOP Dunes Lodge No. 75, with a theme that’s all about Michigan City. “So You Think You Know City” will feature questions highlighting the people, places, and history that have shaped the community. Categories will include Sports & Recreation, Locally Owned Businesses, History, Landmarks, Politics, Famous Residents & Celebrities, Schools, Festivals & Events, Food & Drink, and Architecture – with a few bonus rounds added throughout the night. “This is a chance for the community to come together, have

The Indiana State Police - Lowell Post says troopers arrested seven drivers for driving under the influence over the weekend and made several other arrests for various criminal offenses. Speeding was again an issue with three drivers being cited for reckless driving, as well as unsafe lane movement, following too closely, and driving while suspended to name a few. A total of 184 contacts were made by the midnight shift; 90 citations and 94 warnings were issued.  Troopers also made 10 criminal arrests and charged those 10 defendants with 17 total criminal charges.  Those charges included drug offenses, O.W.I. (felony

On the South Shore Line, in order to accommodate system testing related to the West Lake Corridor Project, the South Shore Line will provide temporary busing substitution for late evening/overnight train passengers overnight Friday, Sept. 19, and overnight Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. The temporary bus bridge will be in place for all train passengers between 8 p.m. - 3 a.m., between Hegewisch, Hammond Gateway, and East Chicago. No bikes will be permitted on buses. FRIDAY, SEPT. 19, 2025, 8 p.m.-3 a.m.: · Weekday EB Tr Tr 33, Tr 133, Tr 35 & Tr 101/601 passengers bused between Hegewisch, Hammond Gateway,

CROWN POINT, Ind. – The Franciscan Health Pet Therapy Program received a $13,000 boost thanks to a donation from the newly established Franciscan Health Foundation Circle of 1875. The Pet Therapy program, which is fueled entirely by volunteers, is nearly 10 years old and boasts 16 volunteers and 17 dogs. It provides visits for interested patients, family members and staff at Franciscan Health’s Crown Point, Dyer, and Munster hospitals as well as the Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) program in Dyer. A 2024 analysis of 16 studies published in the National Institutes of Health found therapy dogs