News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Lake County Sheriff’s Department has completed a thorough internal administrative review into the January 30th off-duty arrest of Officer Thaddeus Bilski. Upon notification of the arrest, Officer Bilski was immediately placed on administrative leave while the department conducted its internal administrative review.  Following this review, Bilski was suspended without pay for three days and was ordered to complete additional training.  He returned to full duty as a patrol officer today, February 4, 2026. It’s important to note that the criminal case related to the officer’s arrest is still pending in court.  As with any member of the

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – Transit-Oriented Developments will take center stage at the 4th Annual EDCMC Power Breakfast from 7:30 to 10 am Wednesday March 25 at the Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa, 777 Blue Chip Drive. Michigan City Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch and Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott will outline the routes their cities have taken toward the development of TOD’s, how the designation and projects are impacting their communities and what opportunities are expected in the future. Tickets for “Beyond the Station – The Power of TOD’s” are $40 and available online at www.tinyurl.com/PowerBreakfast2026. Proceeds from ticket sales help support sending Michigan

Today A 40 percent chance of snow, mainly after 11am. Cloudy, with a high near 27. South wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Tonight A chance of snow before 10pm, then a slight chance of snow and freezing rain between 10pm and 4am, then snow likely after 4am. Cloudy, with a low around 24. South wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Little or no ice accumulation expected. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible. Friday Snow likely, mainly before 1pm. Cloudy,

Fishing for winter steelhead and salmon is a great way to beat cabin fever and enjoy Indiana’s outdoors during the colder months. Lake Michigan and its tributaries offer excellent opportunities to target these hard-fighting fish well into winter, with multiple public access sites available to anglers of all experience levels. For shoreline anglers, popular access points include the Michigan City Pier, Trail Creek Marina, and the Port of Indiana. Those who prefer moving water can find productive fishing on the East Branch of the Little Calumet River and Salt Creek. Public access to Salt Creek is available at Imagination Glen

Moyer, Neary Named Evans Scholars -Pair Completed Caddie Program to Earn Full-Tuition Plus Housing Scholarships   For the fifth consecutive year, at least one Marquette High School student will graduate as a Chick Evans Scholar. Seniors Trenton Moyer and Liam Neary took full advantage of the Western Golf Association’s partnership with Long Beach Country Club (LBCC) in securing a full-tuition plus housing scholarship after completing the caddie program.   Richard McNamee has championed dozens of Michigan City-area students in pursuing the life-changing opportunity over the last several years. The Western Golf Association’s caddie program is open to students with excellent

The La Porte County Jail Contraband Suppression Team (CST) was established in April 2025. Since its inception, the CST has conducted more than 60 searches of jail cell blocks, issuing 192 general violation, and 23 major violation citations to inmates. The CST also located and recovered a large amount of damaged property resulting in $8,612.42 being assessed to inmates for restitution. The CSTs continued success plays an important role in strengthening accountability, safety, and overall security of the LCJ.

On February 7, 2026, the LCSO will present the second subscription concert of the season, The Roaring 20s: A Celebration of America’s Jazz Age, at La Porte High School Performing Arts Center. This toe-tapping program will include songs by Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, and Cole Porter featuring acclaimed vocalist Rebekah Howell, as well as Shostakovich’s Tea for Two and Jazz Suite No. 2. Travel back in time and celebrate the silent film era as the orchestra plays Roussanova’s The Great Chaplin Suite, an homage to silent film star Charlie Chaplin. Date: February 7 Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm CST Website: https://www.showclix.com/event/the-roaring-20s

Today Isolated snow showers before 3pm, then scattered flurries after 3pm. Cloudy, with a high near 24. East northeast wind around 5 mph becoming west northwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Tonight Mostly cloudy, with a low around 13. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 10 mph. Thursday Scattered snow showers, mainly after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 28. South southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Thursday Night Scattered snow showers after midnight. Mostly

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – The Moore housing development’s initial phase is on track to welcome its first residents in May 2026 as eight townhomes are heading toward completion. Developed by Pyramid Properties, the maintenance-free community will mix villas, townhomes and single-family units with initial townhomes offered in two layouts: The Dunehaven, with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2-car garage, 3-season room and open concept, and The Retreat with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 1-car garage, 3-season room and open concept. “The project is located on an 8.59-acre site that was formerly owned by a church and represents the largest tract of land zoned for

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   Convicted Felon Arrested in Gary Drug Bust The Lake County Sheriff’s Drug Task Force – Regional Enforcement Team conducted an operation that led to the arrest of a convicted felon suspected of dealing narcotics in Gary. This morning, the Lake County Sheriff’s DTF-RET executed a narcotics search warrant at a home in the 3800 block of Maryland Street in the Glen Park neighborhood in Gary. Officers confiscated: 816 grams of cocaine 15 grams of crack cocaine 40 grams of marijuana 3 guns 38-year-old Marlon Russell Jr. was arrested and booked into the Lake County Jail. A

La Porte City Police Officers were recognized Monday night at the La Porte City Council Meeting and presented with awards in recognition of their professionalism, dedication, and service to the community. Captain’s Awards are presented by shift Captains to officers who consistently demonstrate a positive attitude and strong work ethic over a six-month period. The following officers received a Captain’s Award: Specialist Triston Kajer Specialist Ryan Dziewicki Corporal Detective Dylan Barden Corporal Dalton Pflughaugt In addition to the Captain’s Awards, the following honors were also presented: Officer of the Year: Corporal Dalton Pflughaugt Life Saving Award: Officer Branden Pittman Commendation

HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) Nils K. Nelson Endowed Professor of Integrative Human Health John Durocher has been named a 2026 Fellow of the American Physiological Society (FAPS). Durocher was recognized with esteemed member status from the American Physiological Society (APS) in the category of Teaching of Physiology. As a member of the FAPS class of 2026, he joins a prestigious group of members honored for their outstanding scientific contributions, significant impact on physiology and dedicated service to the society. “I’m honored to join the Fellows of the American Physiological Society,” says Durocher. “I know several professors who are

Final FlexRoad environmental document available for review Construction to start spring 2026   The environmental document for 80/94 FlexRoad is final and available for review on the project website. A Categorical Exclusion Level 4 (CE-4) document was prepared. It includes all environmental documentation and preliminary design information for the project.   The final document also includes responses to comments received during the formal comment period. Two public hearings, one in Hammond, IN and one in Homewood, IL, were held in July and the comment period ran through Aug. 8, 2025.   Construction to Begin This Spring 80/94 FlexRoad is an

Captain - Jail Commander Andrew Hahn announces the recent promotions of three Jail Division Deputies. Maggie Williams began her employment with the Sheriff’s Office in May of 2023. On September 12, 2024, she was promoted to the rank of corporal. On January 1, she was promoted to the rank of sergeant. Sergeant Williams will now command the Afternoon Shift for the division. Mathew Ballman was hired by the agency in April of 2024. On January 1, he was promoted to the rank of corporal. Corporal Ballman will now assist the other supervisors on the Afternoon Shift for the division. James

The Latest from OTT Haverstock and Funeral Chapel in Michigan City   Russell Caddo, Sr., 79, Three Rivers, Michigan, passed away Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 8:20 am in La Porte, IN.   Private family services will be conducted. The Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, Michigan City, IN is handling arrangements.   Contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.   To sign a guest book and leave condolences online visit our web site at www.otthaverstock.com.

Indiana Department of Education Encourages Participation in Summer Meal Program   The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) encourages schools and qualified community organizations to participate in the 2026 Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). In addition, IDOE is looking to expand access to free meals in eligible rural areas that have no congregate summer meal service sites and could benefit from the provision of non-congregate meal service as well as service to areas with a concentration of migrant farm workers.   The SFSP reimburses local eligible sponsors that serve healthy free meals and snacks to children 18 years old and younger.

La Porte—Sixty-six La Porte High School students demonstrated exceptional musical talent at the Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) Vocal and Piano Solo and Ensemble Contest on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Portage High School, earning an impressive 109 Gold Division medals. Eleven solos and four ensembles will advance to represent La Porte High School at the State Solo and Ensemble Contest in Indianapolis on February 21, 2026. "Watching these students pour their hearts into their performances and seeing that hard work recognized is truly humbling," said Tom Coe, La Porte High School Choir Director. "Each one of these young

Secretary of State Diego Morales Reminds Candidates: One Week Left to File for Office INDIANAPOLIS-  With just one week remaining before the candidate filing deadline, Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales is urging individuals seeking public office to submit their paperwork as soon as possible. The deadline to file a declaration of candidacy is Friday, February 6th, at noon. Under Indiana law, election officials are prohibited from accepting filings after the deadline. “Time is running out for Hoosiers who wish to place their name on the ballot.  Filing early helps avoid last-minute issues and ensures candidates are fully prepared for the

PNW’s online RN-to-BSN program earns top 50 national ranking from U.S. News and World Report HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — The Purdue University Northwest (PNW) College of Nursing online programs received top national recognitions through U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Online Programs rankings, including a No. 38 placement for its RN-to-BSN program. U.S. News & World Report’s rankings were released Tuesday, Jan. 27. PNW’s nationally recognized RN-to-BSN online program was included among the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs in the 2026 rankings, placing 38 among 359 surveyed online bachelor’s programs. The ranking was an increase from No. 51 on the 2025 listing. PNW’s program offers an avenue for

Duneland Chamber of Commerce Invites Candidates to Participate in 2026 Candidate Forum (Chesterton, IN – January 29, 2026) The Duneland Chamber of Commerce is inviting candidates who are seeking elected office in the 2026 election cycle to participate in its upcoming Candidate Forum, designed to provide an opportunity to share their priorities and perspectives directly with the community. The Candidate Forum will take place on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM at the Porter County Expo Center, located at 215 E. Division Road, Valparaiso. This forum is open to candidates who have filed or plan to file for open positions