News

Franciscan Health offering cancer support groups throughout 2026   NORTHWEST INDIANA – Franciscan Health is offering free cancer support groups for patients and their caregivers across Northwest Indiana throughout 2026.   Support groups provide an opportunity to openly share with other patients and caregivers who have experienced a cancer journey. Franciscan facilitators will help guide the discussion.   Space is limited and registration is required. Participants may attend as many sessions as they’d like and need not be Franciscan Health patients to attend. In the interest of the health and safety of attendees and patients, attendees may be asked to

MUNSTER, Ind. -- Franciscan Health Munster is presenting a free suicide prevention course in December aimed at saving lives. The entry-level question, persuade and refer, or QPR Suicide Prevention Course, is based on a curriculum developed by the QPR Institute. The course aims to save lives and reduce suicidal behaviors by providing innovative, practical and proven suicide prevention training. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, with one suicide taking place every 11 minutes. According to the QPR Institute, just as people trained in CPR

Holiday “Drive-Through” Food and Book Drive to Take Place on December 20 MCHS Student Council spearheading major food collection effort Michigan City – The Michigan City High School Student Council is once again coordinating a city-wide “drive-through” food drive. Students and staff throughout Michigan City Area Schools are collecting food, and the community is invited to participate. Donations of non-perishable food items will be collected at The Salvation Army of Michigan City (1201 Franklin Street) on Saturday, December 20, from 9:00 am to noon, and all items collected will benefit The Salvation Army of Michigan City's food pantry. The food

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) seeks nominations of passionate outdoor recreation enthusiasts to serve on the Indiana Trails Advisory Board (TAB). The TAB openings are for representatives of trail-user groups including hikers, mountain bikers, trail support groups, users with disabilities, and more. Nominees should be involved with a regional or statewide organization, club, or association related to the trail-user group they would represent. Selected board members would serve a three-year term starting in March 2026 and attend quarterly meetings at varying locations around the state. TAB meetings are in person and take place on the first Thursday of

Michigan City, IN — Effective December 1, 2025, Michigan City Transit is proud to announce the official launch of the Michigan City Zero-Fare Transit System, providing free public transportation for all riders. On November 17, 2025, the Michigan City Board of Public Works & Safety approved a new Operating Policy authorizing the elimination of all passenger fares. This major policy change allows Michigan City residents, workers, students, seniors, visitors, and the general public to utilize the entire public transit system at no cost to the rider. “This initiative reflects the strong leadership and vision of Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch,” Transit

Holiday at the Pops with the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra on 12/13   Holiday at the Pops with the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra is coming back to the La Porte Civic Auditorium on Saturday December 13th from 7pm-9:30pm. For tickets and information visit www.lcso.net or www.laportecivicauditorium.com. La Porte County Symphony Orchestra -Phone 219-362-9020-Email executive@lcso.net La Porte Civic Auditorium 1001 Ridge St. La Porte. Call (219) 362-2325. La Porte Civic Auditorium La Porte County Symphony Orchestra The City of La Porte #wims #nwi #localradio

The Salvation Army Michigan City Corps and Community Center announced on Friday that they have raised $128,097 toward their $250,000 Christmas Campaign goal in Michigan City. Just over 51% of the way there. With only 19 days until Christmas, they still need your help to ensure local families have the support they need this season. You can sign up to ring a bell at www.RegisterToRing.com or make a donation to our Virtual Red Kettle at salarmy.us/mcvrk2025

The City of Valparaiso has listed warming centers available. See the photo below for the list of locations. In addition, the Valparaiso Police Department offers a special program for individuals who may need special help during weather emergencies. The Contact Assistance Referral (CARE) Program means the VPD will check on residents during harsh weather. To register yourself or a loved one for CARE please visit https://www.ci.valparaiso.in.us/384/Senior-Care-Program or contact Social Worker Natalie Beare at nkasberger@valpopd.com or (219) 476-7943 if preferred.   The Salvation Army of Michigan City is letting the public know they are available Monday through Thursday from 9am to 3pm

The La Porte County Health Department recently recognized Ahilleahi Ashbrook for her quick action during a sudden cardiac arrest at Meijer in Michigan City earlier this year. She used the store’s AED with guidance from 911, helping revive a customer before EMS arrived. "Her response is a powerful reminder of how early CPR and quick access to an AED can make all the difference," the LaPorte County Health Department said on Facebook. "Congratulations to Ms. Ashbrook on receiving the La Porte County Emergency Medical Service Citizen of the Year award, pictured here with EMS Administrator Eric Fenstermaker."

HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest's (PNW) College of Technology has been awarded over $3 million through two separate U.S. Department of Defense grants that will supplement the college’s ongoing initiatives to advance education and workforce development in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI). PNW’s Center for Cybersecurity, a research center administered by the College of Technology, received $3 million in continued support for its AI-cybersecurity workforce certification training online programs. The programs facilitate opportunities for transitioning military, first responders, government employees and other adult trainees to earn core cybersecurity skills. By completing PNW’s training, participants are prepared for

Santa's mailbox is officially open at Thomas Centennial Park in Chesterton. “Bring your little ones to send their letters straight to the North Pole,” the Duneland Chamber of Commerce said on their Facebook page. “Drop off addressed letters any time before December 17 to make sure Santa gets them in time! Don’t forget to include your return address!”  

Indiana Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner announced Thursday a "major" public–private investment of nearly $75 million dedicated to advancing Indiana’s statewide education priorities. This coordinated effort includes $40 million from Lilly Endowment Inc. and $35 million in state funding to accelerate literacy, expand high-quality summer learning, strengthen STEM pathways, modernize and expand career advising, and sustain critical digital learning tools for Hoosier students. The Indiana Department of Education says this combined investment represents one of the most significant public–private education commitments in state history—reinforcing Indiana’s aim of ensuring every student is prepared for long-term academic, professional, and personal success.

The City of La Porte Park and Recreation Department recently announced information on Ice Skating Lessons for children at the Downtown La Porte Ice Rink. Classes available for Tots (ages 3-5) and Beginners (ages 6-12). Choose your day for lessons, either Tuesdays or Saturdays. For more information, see the flyer below, visit www.laporteparkandrec.com or call 219-326-9600. Registration can be done at the link above, by scanning the QR code or by calling the Park Office.

U.S. 231 reopened to through traffic at Cline Avenue in Lake County Monday afternoon. Cline Ave will remain closed north and south of the intersection through next week. Roundabout construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2026.

At Tuesday night's City Council meeting, members of Michigan City Fire Department, La Porte County Emergency Medical Service, and the Michigan City Police Department were recognized for their exceptional work during a water rescue operation on Oct. 4 at 100 Water Street following a report of a vehicle submerged in the water. During the presentation, Fire Chief Taylor read a letter written by Assistant Chief John Mellen, who led the response during the incident. In the letter, he wrote: "Although the outcome was tragic, it is important to recognize that both victims regained pulses due to the rapid, coordinated, and

The Indiana Dunes National Park is reminding the public of the dangers of shelf ice. On their social media, Indiana Dunes National Park said the following: “As winter takes hold of Lake Michigan, ice formations can envelope the beach. Waves may still pummel the shore, but once temperatures drop for long enough, the shoreline slowly crystalizes. The ice formations, often made by freezing, thawing, and re-freezing, leave a terrain with unreliable safety. Though the ice may feel or appear strong, inconsistencies riddle shelf ice and thin spots may be hidden from view. “Do not risk your life! Stay on the

The City of New Buffalo is currently holding a food drive. See the flyer below for more information.  

Michigan City Festival of Lights Celebration Expands for 2025 this Friday 12/5 and Saturday 12/6   MICHIGAN CITY, IN- Michigan City Special Events, in coordination with the Michigan City Parks & Recreation Department, will kick off the Christmas Season with the annual Festival of Lights Celebration, Friday, December 5 and Saturday, December 6. This year’s celebration has expanded to two days, which will include multiple visits from the big man himself, Santa Claus! “The Festival of Lights has always brought a special kind of magic to our city, and this year we’re taking it to the next level,” said Mayor

MERRILLVILLE, Ind. – As the weather turns colder, the potential increases for hazards such as ice, snow and frigid temperatures, Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO) is reminding customers to prepare now so that they can keep their homes and families safe and warm this winter. “Your meters, regulator and outdoor piping can withstand harsh winter weather, but hard-packed snow, icicles and water dripping on outdoor equipment can create a safety risk,” said Vince Parisi, NIPSCO President and Chief Operating Officer. “We encourage our customers to know what to do to protect themselves and their families and also keep the

Michigan City, IN – As homelessness continues to challenge cities statewide and nationally, Michigan City is responding with compassion and coordinated action. “Our goal is to connect individuals with the services and support that help them move toward stability,” said Michigan City Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch. “We are grateful for the many organizations serving our unhoused neighbors. Solving this issue requires all of us — local government, nonprofits, businesses, and residents — working together.” During a presentation at the Michigan City Common Council meeting on December 2, the Mayor’s Chief Administrator, Kelley Smith, outlined efforts underway regarding homelessness. City Leadership