News

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. -- Franciscan Health is hosting a free car seat safety event on Saturday, Sept. 27 for Indiana residents.   The event -- cohosted by the Trauma Services Department and the Prenatal Assistance Program -- is scheduled to take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Central time at the Franciscan Health Michigan City Legacy Campus, located at 301 W. Homer St.   A nationally certified child passenger safety technician will teach participants how to properly install a car seat. The child who uses the car seat must be present at the appointment for the technician to provide

MICHIGAN CITY, Indiana – The Michigan City Transit Department will resume its regular fixed-route bus service beginning 6:30 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 22. Fare and route information is available on our website at https://michigancityin.gov/city-departments/transit/. Please direct any additional questions to the Transit Department at (219) 873-1502.

On Friday, at the conclusion of the school day, a large fight broke out amongst students at Michigan City High School, the MCPD said Friday afternoon. Officers from the Michigan City Police Department and surrounding police agencies responded to the scene to assist. Police said at 3 p.m. on Friday that the high school was secure and there was no threat to public safety.

An Indiana Department of Transportation contractor will close State Road 10 between County Road 900 West and State Road 110 on or after Monday, September 22. State Road 10 will be closed for approximately five weeks for a small structure replacement at Stover Ditch. Motorists should seek alternate routes. The official detour will follow I-65, State Road 2, U.S. 231 and State Road 10.

The Chesterton Street Department is discontinuing  the collection of brush from the alleys in Chesterton, according to a Facebook post from the Town of Chesterton. Street Commissioner John Schnadenberg spoke about the topic at the Town Council’s meeting on Monday. “We’re spending a lot of time in the alleys,” he said. “We have a grapple truck and with the power lines and the other utility lines, we’re having to physically move the piles in order to reach them and get to them. So we’re going to ask each resident to put their brush out in front now to make it

The Porter County Sheriff's Office said Friday evening that earlier in the day, their School Resource Officers working at Wheeler High School began investigating an alleged threat that was reported. Police said the threat was thoroughly investigated and found to be not credible. A report was been taken and police said they will continue to monitor the situation if there are further developments. Earlier in the day, Wheeler Athletics posted the following statement to their Facebook page on Friday at 3 p.m.: Please see the attached email from our superintendent: Attention UTSC Families and Staff, As shared earlier today, we

The selection process for the 2026 Indiana Teacher of the Year has been narrowed down to the Top 3 finalists— Martin Briggs of La Porte Community School Corporation, L.A. High of Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation, and Megan Johnson of Plainfield Community School Corporation. “Out of more 65,000 teachers across the state, we have identified three very impressive finalists for Indiana Teacher of the Year,” said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education. “Each and every day, they are creating real impact for students, whether that’s through their use of evidence-based instructional strategies, their commitment to lifelong learning, their mentorship of fellow

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