News

LA PORTE, IN - La Porte Community School Corporation is proud to announce that Martin Briggs has been selected as one of three finalists for the prestigious 2026 Indiana Teacher of the Year award. The Indiana Department of Education delivered the news through a surprise classroom visit to Crichfield Elementary School this afternoon. Mr. Briggs, who has dedicated 47 years to educating students within La Porte Community School Corporation, has advanced from seven finalists to the final three candidates. The Indiana Department of Education officials observed his classroom lesson before delivering the exceptional news. "We are incredibly proud of Mr.

The Porter County Health Department in partnership with the Zac Mago Foundation, continues to expand access to life-saving SaveHeart Stations. On Aug. 21, an AED was installed at Fairgrounds Park in Valparaiso near the concession stand (Old Fairgrounds). And Wednesday, another AED was placed at Thomas Centennial Park in Chesterton, with representatives from the Chesterton Fire Department and Chesterton Parks and Recreation joining the effort to make their community safer. "These AEDs are part of our mission to build a HEARTSafe Community, ensuring lifesaving equipment is accessible in high-traffic areas and during community events," the Porter County Health Department said

Indiana Dunes National Park has announced that the superintendent has closed a portion of the Marquette Trail due to ongoing construction on the trail. Indiana Dunes National Park says this closure is necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety. The closure of the Marquette Trail from North Grand Boulevard going east to North County Line Road remains in effect through December 31st, 2025, or until further notice. Image: Screenshot of map with a red line over the Marquette Trail showing closure area.

La PORTE, IN – Local seniors, retirees and caregivers are invited to explore local resources and opportunities at an upcoming expo, according to Assistant Director of the La Porte Park and Recreation Department Emily Archambault. The La Porte Activity Center for Older Adults will host A Gallery of Lifestyle & Health: Expo for Older Adults and Caregivers from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 1 at the La Porte Civic Auditorium. Archambault said whether you seek information or assistance, interested residents are sure to find the resources they are looking for at this event. “At the ACOA, our philosophy

La Porte County Family YMCA is helping celebrate Grandparents Day with another exciting and fun-filled Bingo event! Join them this Sunday for an afternoon of laughter, refreshments, and heartwarming memories. Whether you're a Bingo pro or trying it out for the first time, everyone is welcome to join in the fun. Don't miss out on this chance to show your grandparents how much they mean to you. Sunday September 7th 1-3PM La Porte Branch Teen Center Register here!>> https://lpymca.org/program-type/youth-family-programs/

A stormwater project involving piping and ditch work on North/South Bailey Drive begins today, Sept. 4, the Town of Porter is reporting. Crews are working from north to south, commencing on North Bailey Drive and continuing to the intersection of South Bailey Drive and Fleming Street; then moving south on Fleming Street to Ballard Avenue, then west on Ballard Avenue to Waverly Road. In the last phase of the project, the stormwater sewer will cross Waverly Road east to west, at which time Waverly Road will be closed. Temporary road closures are also be implemented as the project moves south,

Needle Arts Club meets on Thursdays in September, starting at 5:30 pm. Hello crafters! Join fellow artists for community building through the needle art of your choice. A variety of crafts are included. All skill levels and ages are welcome, and the sharing of skills is encouraged.

On September 3, 2025, at approximately 4:48am, the LaPorte County E-911 Regional Dispatch Center received a 911 call advising a man had been shot at a residence in the 1300 block of Franklin Street. Multiple Officers from Uniform Patrol Shift III responded to the scene as did the Michigan City Fire Department and LaPorte County Emergency Medical Services. The first responding units arrived on scene and found twenty-five-year-old Michigan City resident, Jacob Addison, inside. Mr. Addison had been shot and critically injured. Life-saving measures were immediately started. Mr. Addison was transported from the scene, by LaPorte County EMS, to Franciscan

The City of La Porte is informing residents that large/heavy trash pick-up with WM is taking place next month. The clean up will run Monday, Oct. 6 through Friday, Oct. 10, and will take place on your regular trash day. Different from our previous Fall and Spring Clean Ups, the large/heavy trash pick-ups will take place once annually and include some different guidelines that residents should be aware of: The clean up is for residential customers only; All loose items must be placed in bags or cans - piles will be left behind; Bags placed for collection must not exceed

In the Town of Porter, Carlson Corners will be closed to through-traffic for a stormwater project, beginning on Thursday, Sept. 4, the Town of Chesterton announced. The three residents on Carlson Corners will have access to their homes during construction. Sewer pipe will be installed on the south side of Carlson Corners from Mineral Springs Road to the Peterson Ditch on Pearson Road. “This will require complete daily closures of Carlson Corners while the project is underway,” the Town of Porter said. Road closure barricades will be placed at the intersections of Marquette Road and Mineral Springs Road; and of

Just after 6 o’clock on Monday, September 1, 2025 Liberty Township firefighters were sent to Long Lake in lower Liberty Township for a missing male subject on the lake. Chiefs Brian Duncan and Michael Wineland arrived on scene and started investigating to gather information to assist water rescuers in being able to locate the subject quickly. The male subject was reported last seen approximately 100 feet off the West shoreline, just out from the lily pads that hugged the shore. Porter County Dive Team members quickly deployed a rescue boat and rescuers in the water in search of the man.

On Sunday, August 31, 2025, at approximately 7:58 p.m., Chesterton Police Officers were dispatched to the 1000 block of S. 23rd Street for a welfare check involving a 29-year-old Valparaiso man who was reported to be suicidal and armed with a handgun. The report was made after the man’s girlfriend fled her residence with her two children. Upon officer’s arrival, the male subject had already left the scene. Corporal Darren Conley then met with the reporting female, a 30-year-old Chesterton resident, who advised that during their 10-month relationship, the male had allegedly sexually abused her and threatened her with a

Check out what's happening this month at 219 Taproom

VALPARAISO, IN – The City of Valparaiso and Valpo Parks are thrilled to announce the continuation of their partnership with Indiana Beverage for another ten years. This renewed agreement ensures that the facility at Central Park Plaza will continue to be known as the Indiana Beverage Activity Center, solidifying a long-standing commitment to community recreation and engagement. The initial ten-year partnership, which has seen the Indiana Beverage Activity Center become a vibrant hub for residents of all ages, has been a testament to the shared vision of Indiana Beverage, Valpo Parks, and City of Valparaiso in fostering a healthy and

The Food Bank of Northern Indiana will have mobile food distributions at the following for September (local to WIMS locations):   Tuesday, September 2, 2025 – St. Joseph County 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. ET *While supplies last. Where: The former Kroger parking lot, 4526 W. Western Ave., South Bend, IN 46619 *This distribution is sponsored by Indiana OCRA and will serve 150 households.   Wednesday, September 3, 2025 – La Porte County 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. CT *While supplies last. Where: Kingsford Heights Community Center, 515 Wayland Dr., Kingsford Heights, IN 46346 *This distribution is sponsored by Indiana

The City of Portage is collecting food items for 500 Turkeys again this year. You may drop off your donations at Portage City Hall front lobby, M-F 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. See the flyer for specific items needed.

The Michigan City Public Art Committee (MAC) will be hosting our annual artist reception on Thursday, September 25 at Vita del Lago, 521 Franklin Street starting at 5:30 pm. Hope you can join us.

Robert M. “Bob” Daum, 69, of LaPorte, IN, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on August 26, 2025. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, 418 Washington St., Michigan City, IN, with a visitation from 10:00 am till service time. In lieu of flowers, Bob’s family invites you to honor his life by enjoying a hike outdoors or by supporting a cause he cared deeply about - the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, the Shirley Heinze Land Trust, or The Nature Conservancy. To sign a guest book and leave condolences online, please

Valparaiso, IN – Ivy Tech Community College recently announced Fall Chancellors’ Scholarship Event taking place on September 18, 2025, at Avalon Manor Banquet Center, located at 3550 E. Lincoln Highway, Merrillville, IN. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. CT. Event includes dinner, presentation of this year’s scholarship winners and recognition for the 2025 benefactors of the year. Northwest Health, and Linde are the 2025 Benefactors of the Year. Tickets are currently available for purchase at $90.00. $45.00 of the ticket price is tax-deductible, and can be purchased at Chancellors’ Scholarship Link  through September 12, 2025. “Last year our event was so wonderfully received

Side street approaches to Coolspring Avenue will be paved beginning in Tuesday in the early afternoon. Coolspring will remain open to traffic with temporary closures on the following side streets: Cleveland Avenue Boyd Circle Tilden Avenue Maple Street Oak Street Virginia Court The city is asking the public to be mindful of construction crews working in these areas. All roadway construction is weather permitting and subject to change.