News

Press Release, Indiana Department of Education:  Math Proficiency Continues to Increase Across All Grade Levels; English/Language Arts Proficiency Remains Relatively Flat Year-Over-Year INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) today presented results from the spring 2025 administration of the Indiana Learning Evaluation and Assessment Readiness Network (ILEARN). Results show that math proficiency continues to increase across all grade levels, while English/Language Arts proficiency remained relatively flat year-over-year. “The literacy and numeracy skills developed in early grades are essential as students begin to explore career options, engage in hands-on learning, and ultimately, make decisions about their next steps after graduation,” said

The Indiana Natural Resources Commission (NRC) Wednesday granted final adoption of rules overseeing carbon sequestration and carbon dioxide transmission pipelines. Carbon sequestration involves the capture of carbon dioxide produced through industrial facilities and its injection deep underground into porous rock, with the purpose of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In 2022, the Indiana General Assembly passed legislation (HEA 1209-2022) to allow for carbon sequestration projects in Indiana, and in 2023, passed legislation (HEA 1626-2023) directing the DNR to adopt rules for their implementation. The adopted rules establish permitting processes, operational requirements, and compliance standards for industry participants, as well as protections

Kyle Dean Named Principal at Kingsbury Elementary La Porte — La Porte Community School Corporation is pleased to announce the appointment of Kyle Dean as Principal of Kingsbury Elementary School for the 2025-26 school year. Mr. Dean has most recently served as Principal of Michigan City High School since 2021. Under his leadership, the school achieved significant improvements in academic performance and graduation rates through innovative student support programs, including MTSS, Success Team initiatives, and enhanced Professional Learning Communities. He previously served as Assistant Principal at Westville Middle/High School and holds a Master's degree in School Administration and Supervision from

In order to accommodate INDOT bridge construction near South Shore Line tracks in Portage, the SSL will provide temporary busing substitution for late evening/overnight train passengers beginning Tuesday, July 22, through overnight Friday, July 25, 2025. The temporary bus bridge will be in place for eastbound passengers between 9 p.m. – 3 a.m., between Miller, Portage/Ogden Dunes, and Dune Park. No bikes will be permitted on buses. The temporary busing includes the following trains: Weekday EB Tr 33, Tr 133, Tr 35 & Tr 101 bused between Miller, Portage/Ogden Dunes, and Dune Park 7/22-7/25. All other train service operates as regularly

Press Release by Statement PR: Public-Private Team Behind $50M Water and Wastewater Projects Comes Together Again—This Time for Play WESTVILLE, IN – A team of public and private sector partners who recently completed more than $50 million in critical water and wastewater infrastructure improvements for the Town of Westville is giving back in a new way—by donating a community pickleball facility. Construction begins tomorrow on two new lighted pickleball courts at Prairie Meadow Park on US 421. The facility is expected to be completed and ready for public use by the end of August. The project is being entirely donated to

In Porter County, an Indiana Department of Transportation contractor has begun a pipe lining project on State Road 49 between U.S. 6 and C.R. 600 N. Work has begun with shoulder closures in the area until approximately early August for pre-phase construction activities. There will then be alternating lane closures from early August through mid-October. INDOT encourages drivers to allow extra time when driving through this area and follow traffic directions carefully. Motorists should slow down, exercise caution and drive distraction-free through all work zones.

PORTER COUNTY, Ind. -- The Chesterton Fire Department was one of multiple agencies responding to Sagers Lake on Monday afternoon, after a paddleboarder went missing, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources reported according to the Town of Chesterton Facebook page. Just before 5:20 p.m. the CFD and others were dispatched to Sagers Lake—located northeast of the intersection of Sager Road and Martinal Road—after the 63-year-old Illinois man was seen to go underwater and not surface. The man was recovered approximately 30 minutes later by a Conservation Officer diver. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. “A preliminary investigation shows the

Alex Barr from Kankakee Valley High School with Kankakee Valley Kougars Baseball becomes the first player in school history to be selected in the MLB draft! Alex has been selected by Athletics in the 12th round! WAY TO GO Alex. Congratulations. Proud of you. #wims KVHS Athletics

The City of Valparaiso on Monday celebrated the grand opening of their newest pickleball facility — the ValPlayso PicklePlex. The upgrade brings six new pickleball courts next to ValPlayso Park. Located next to ValPlayso Park, the new PicklePlex is part of the $10 million RePlay initiative by Valpo Parks, which is upgrading 10 parks citywide this season.  

There will be a booster and car seat safety event Friday, July 18 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the La Crosse Volunteer Fire Station. More information can be found below on the flyer.

In La Porte County, an Indiana Department of Transportation contractor is conducting alternating lane closures on State Road 4 in two locations. State Road 4 is reduced to one lane between County Road 925 E and County Road 1000 East through mid-September for a bridge deck overlay preventative maintenance project over the Kankakee River. State Road 4 will also be reduced to one lane between County Road 500 East and Taylor Road on or after Monday, July 21 through early October for a bridge deck overlay preventative maintenance project over the Little Kankakee River. Temporary traffic signals are installed to

The Town of Chesterton provided the following update regrading the June 18 officer involved shooting: The Indiana State Police is continuing its investigation of the officer-involved shooting outside the Hilton Garden Inn on Wednesday, June 18. So Chesterton Police Chief Tim Richardson told the Police Commission at its meeting Thursday afternoon, July 10. The ISP “did reach out to me yesterday,” Richardson noted, “and by all indications I expect that the department will get the officers’ handguns back sometime next week. As maybe not everybody knows, when an officer is involved in a shooting, the State Police takes their guns

Closures to affect Mishawaka (EXIT 83), South Bend West (EXIT 72), and Elkhart East (EXIT 96) for toll lane safety improvements ELKHART, Ind., - ITR Concession Co. LLC (ITRCC), the concessionaire and operator of the Indiana Toll Road, is announcing overnight closures at three toll plazas for toll lane safety improvements. The closures will take place in a three-phased approach through the end of September. Toll Plaza Closure Schedule is as follows: •Mishawaka (EXIT 83) on Monday, July 21 – Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. E.T. •South Bend West (EXIT 72) on Monday, August 4

Through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, Indiana has deployed a team of first responders to Texas to assist with search and rescue operations. "This highly trained team will consist of five first responders from local agencies, led by Team Lead Chief Jeremy Pell of the White River Township Fire Department, along with three certified search dogs," the IDHS said in a statement. The team includes: Chief Jeremy Pell and K9 Rosie, White River Township Fire Department Officer Carter Pell, Speedway Police Department Lt. David Scholl, White River Township Fire Department Sergeant Matthew Zarrella and K9 Toby, retired Rhode Island State

The Town of Porter Police Department announced that in an effort to maximize the very limited parking opportunities for Porter Beach Permit holders, the Town of Porter has eliminated “parallel” parking in the town permit lot. All vehicles must be parked in a north-south manner. Vehicles parked in an east-west direction will be subject to citations. New signage has been posted to make permit holders aware of the change. 

In Lake County, an Indiana Department of Transportation contractor has lane closures on U.S. 41 between Kane Street and Michigan Street. U.S. 41 has alternating lane closures through late October for bridge painting and bridge deck overlay operations. INDOT says motorists should be prepared for changing traffic patterns in the area and delays during peak times. INDOT encourages drivers to allow extra time when traveling through this area and follow traffic directions carefully.

HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) Associate Professor of Nursing Julia Rogers was named a 2025 fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, one of the highest professional distinctions for nurses. Induction as an academy fellow is a prestigious recognition of a nurse’s contributions to health care through innovative, evidence-based solutions and advocacy for health outcomes in their communities. Rogers joins a distinguished cohort comprising nursing professionals who are leaders in health care policy, research, administration, practice and academia. Just over 3,200 professionals have been inducted from around the world since 1973. “I am deeply honored to be named

La PORTE, IN – Cheeseburger connoisseurs won’t want to miss the final event in the Friday Night Live series, according to Civic & Events Director Gregory Pietsch. Cheeseburger in Paradise will return to Downtown La Porte on Friday, August 8, from 6-10 p.m. Featuring local burger vendors, a beer garden and a live musical performance by the female-fronted yacht rock cover band the Yacht Rock-ettes, this event is free and open to all ages. After two successful downtown events, Pietsch said this one will be the perfect endcap to the summer. “We’ve had a great summer with all our downtown

The Town of Chesterton posted the following update to their Facebook page on Friday, regarding Conservation Officers investigating death of Hebron man at Marina Shores: Conservation Officers are investigating the death of a Hebron man who drowned at Marina Shores in Portage after experiencing an electrical shock, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources is reporting. According to the DNR, at 11 a.m. a Conservation Officer responded to the Marina Shores Marina after two men were electrocuted after entering the water. “One of the men went under the surface and was not immediately recovered,” DNR said. Conservation Officers subsequently learned that

It's Time for the 7th Annual "Play for Jake" Family 5K Run/Walk. This will be taking place at the Fox Park Amphitheater as a part of La Porte's Lakefest on Saturday July 26th. Check out www.laportelakefest.com for details  and information.