Press Releases
April Events & Exhibits at the La Porte County Historical Society Museum
Rolling Prairie History Pop-UpLearn about Rolling Prairie in the third of our 'Towns of La Porte County Pop-Up' exhibits. Highlights include influential residents, long time businesses, and the fascinating history of the town itself. This exhibit will be on display from April 2 to April 30. Rolling Prairie Free Admission DayAll Rolling Prairie residents will receive Free Admission to the Museum on Saturday, April 13! Come see the Rolling Prairie Pop-Up exhibit to learn more about your town! Spring Artisan
Schedule For Fourth Annual LakeFest Announced
La PORTE, IN (Mar. 27, 2024) - The LakeFest planning committee today released the festival's schedule of events for its fourth annual season, according to Park Superintendent, Mark Schreiber. Back again at La Porte's Stone, Pine and Clear likes July 26-28, LakeFest will feature watersports, music, art and food, all while showcasing the city's parks and lakes. Schreiber said some changes and additions to this year's lineup should offer an exciting shakeup for visitors of all ages. "As LakeFest continues to
Northwest Health Shares Annual Community Benefit Report
Valparaiso, IN – Northwest Health has released its annual community benefit report, outlining the contributions it made to the health of its patients and the impact on the region’s economy last year. Over the course of 2023, Northwest Health shared that the organization provided care at 933,400 patient encounters across its three hospitals, Northwest Medical Group and other sites of care. As a major employer and tax-payer, the report shows the organization was a significant contributor to the economic
La Porte to Begin Servicing 39 North Following Successful Annexation
La Porte, IN (Mar. 25, 2024) - Residents and business owners of 39 North can expect to see City service vehicles in and around the neighborhood very soon, according to La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody. The city's annexation of the 39 North Conservancy District took effect on Monday, March 11, 2024, following several years of studies and negotiations. Per state statute, the City has one year from the effective date to provide non-capital services. However, Dermody said services such as police and fire coverage,
Make A Difference - Volunteer at Reins of Life Therapeutic Riding Center
Reins of Life Therapeutic Horseback Riding Center is growing and needs more volunteers! Their mission is to improve the quality of life for children and adults through equine-assisted services and activities. Whether you assist a rider during their riding or carriage driving lesson, do classroom activities with local special education students, take a pony to a local nursing home, or feed the herd, volunteering at Reins of Life is a great thing to do with your time. Here are some testimonials from their
New York Blower Announces Investment in New Office Building and Greenspace
La Porte, IN – New York Blower today announced plans for a $5,000,000 capital investment in a new office building and greenspace at their current location at 171 Factory Street. New York Blower opened in Chicago as a humble sheet-metal shop in 1889 and opened their first plant in La Porte in 1919. Since then, the La Porte facilities have expanded over nine times. Currently consisting of three plants and over 205 employees, it is the central location for manufacturing, engineering, and quality. According
Lubeznik Center for the Arts Hosts Artist Talk with Exhibiting Artists Shirley Guay, Rosalie Koldan & Kelly Daisy
MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA) is hosting an Artist Talk with exhibitors Shirley Guay, Rosalie Koldan and Kelly Daisy. Learn all about the work in their exhibits on April 7, 2024 at 1 PM Central in LCA's NIPSCO Art Education Studios. Collaboration by Shirley Guay and Rosalie Koldan consists of paintings and assemblages, and Collective Perception features paintings by Kelly Daisy.Visual artist Shirley Guay was born in Chicago. After having travelled the United States, she now
2024 Annual Spring Artisan Fair at the La Porte County Historical Society Museum
The La Porte County Historical Society Museum will be hosting its annual Spring Artisan Fair on Sunday, April 14! From 10:00 to 3:30, over 20 artisans will be at the Museum selling their unique pieces. Admission to the Museum will be by donation that day. You don’t want to miss this fantastic assortment of goods made by local artisans! The La Porte County Draft Horse Association will also be putting on their annual Plow Day that day! Come see the field between the Museum and the Door Prairie barn plowed the
Health Foundation of La Porte Names Eric DeWald CEO
La Porte, Indiana – Following a comprehensive national search, the Board of Directors of Health Foundation of La Porte is pleased to announce the appointment of Eric DeWald as the organization’s next President & CEO. DeWald brings over two decades of exemplary leadership experience within foundations committed to community health and well-being. DeWald has been President of HealthPath Foundation of Ohio for the past eight years, based in Cincinnati. Previously, he served for 15 years as CEO of Central
LCSO Board of Directors Announces Music Director Carolyn Watson's Contract Renewal
La Porte, March 14, 2024 - The La Porte County Symphony Orchestra's Board of Directors is pleased to announce the renewal of Music Director Dr. Carolyn Watson's contract for a period of three years, through the 2026-2027 Season. Watson was named Music Director in 2021 after a lengthy nationwide search process, and will soon complete her third season as Music Director. Under Dr. Watson's leadership, the orchestra has presented three incredibly successful concert seasons with diverse and engaging
Northwest Health - La Porte and Starke Appoints New Director of Quality to Lead Patient Care Initiatives
La Porte, IN – Simon Ratliff, Chief Executive Officer at Northwest Health- La Porte and Northwest Health– Starke, has appointed Andrea Back, BSN, as its new Director of Quality and Patient Experience Champion. In her new role, Back will oversee all aspects of quality assurance, patient safety and patient experience initiatives at Northwest Health – La Porte and Starke. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for improving patient outcomes, she will work closely with the medical staff and
La Porte County Public Library Partners with Howmet Aerospace Foundation to Promote Lifelong Learning
LA PORTE COUNTY, IN – La Porte County Public Library has been awarded a $60,000 grant from the Howmet Aerospace Foundation with $20,000 for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and $40,000 for new Makerspace equipment at the LPCPL Exchange. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is open to all children from birth until their fifth birthday. Through this remarkable early childhood literacy program, any child who lives in La Porte County can register to receive a free, new, age-appropriate book by mail once a
Dermody Presents at Purdue Road School
PHOTO CAPTION 1: City of La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody (second from right) poses for a photo with members of the La Porte Street Department and Baker Tilly following his presentation at Purdue Road School on Tuesday, Mar. 12, 2024 at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. Purdue Road School is a transportation expo and conference that welcomes thousands of industry professionals, elected officials, and government agencies each year to discuss best practices. Pictured, from left: Street Department
March 19th Historical Society Meeting at the La Porte County Historical Society Museum
Join us at the Museum on Tuesday, March 19 at 7pm for the fascinating program 'The Lost Towns of La Porte County," presented by Chris Maniel, a librarian at the La Porte County Public Library. Learn about the various towns that no longer exist. All are welcome to attend this free event.
PNW Celebrates Student, Faculty and Staff Achievements
HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest recognized several exemplary students, faculty and staff members, nominated by their institutional peers, for accomplishments relating to their on-campus community-building and leadership.The awards were announced at the university’s 2024 Founders Day celebration. PNW’s Founders Day is an annual campus tradition celebrating the anniversary of the university’s founding and the institutional mission of delivering transformational change for the
Northwest Health Announces CEO for Hospitals in Knox and La Porte
La Porte, IN – Simon K. Ratliff has been named the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Northwest Health – La Porte and Northwest Health – Starke. Ratliff has served as Interim CEO for the hospitals since February 5 of this year. Ratliff has more than two decades of healthcare leadership experience serving at both large and small organizations. Most recently he served as President and CEO at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital in Northeastern Pennsylvania, where he was responsible for a 412-bed hospital with a
La Porte Fire Department Now Accepting Applications
La PORTE, IN (Mar. 11, 2024) – The City of La Porte Fire Department is currently accepting firefighter applications, according to Chief Andy Snyder.As the testing procedure occurs just once every two years, Snyder said the time is now for anyone who has been considering a career in firefighting.“Because our application process and testing procedure do not take place every year, it is all the more important for those interested to apply now,” Snyder said. “If you’ve been considering a career change or are
Free LGBTQIA+ Event on Sunday, March 24 from 11 AM-1 PM CST & 2-4 PM CST
Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA) is excited to announce a free workshop, Craftivism 101 - Bringing the Pride, on Sunday, March 24, 2024. The workshop will be led by Stitched, Woven and Hooked artist, Shannon Downey. There will be two sessions: the first from 11 AM to 1 PM Central, and the second from 2 PM to 4 PM Central.This family-friendly workshop is intended for the LGBTQIA+ community and all allies! Get acquainted with craftivism, learn to embroider, stitch something brilliant and make
13 La Porte County Nonprofit Leaders Complete Third Leadership Academy Funded by HFL
La Porte, IN - The third cohort has completed the Nonprofit Leadership Academy, funded by Health Foundation of La Porte (HFL) through a partnership with the O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University. The Academy consisted of ten full-day classes, held at HFL's Conference & Learning Center, from September 2023 through February 2024. Nineteen local nonprofit leaders participated in the Academy, and 13 received a certificate of completion from IU for attending all 10
March 2024 Events & Exhibits at the La Porte County Historical Society Museum
Women's History Month Exhibit Visit the Museum during March to learn about the many women's clubs and societies of La Porte County. This exhibit will be on display the entire month of March. Kingsford Heights History Pop-UpLearn about Kingsford Heights in the second of our 'Towns of La Porte County Pop-Up' exhibits. Highlights include KOP, local businesses, and the fascinating history of the town itself. This exhibit will be on display from March 1 to March 30. Kingsford Heights Free Admission DayAll
Annual Spring Artisan Fair at the La Porte County Historical Society Museum
The La Porte County Historical Society Museum will be hosting its annual Spring Artisan Fair on Sunday, April 14! From 10:00 to 3:30, over 25 artisans will be at the Museum selling their unique pieces. Admission to the Museum will be by donation that day. You don’t want to miss this fantastic assortment of goods made by local artisans!The La Porte County Draft Horse Association will also be putting on their annual Plow Day that day! Come see the field between the Museum and the Door Prairie barn plowed the
LEAP's Third House Session Helps La Porte Residents Connect with Their Elected Officials, Get Questions Answered
As a voter, it’s important to stay up to date on local, state, and national policies that could affect your life. Every year, the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership (LEAP) brings together politicians who have a say in what happens in La Porte County for an informative, interactive session to keep La Porte residents informed. This year’s session featured City of La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody, La Porte City Council President Tim Franke, La Porte County Council President Randy Novak, State
City of La Porte Announces Plans for $12M Residential Development
La PORTE, IN (December 4th, 2023) – The City of La Porte in conjunction with residential developer Park Street Community, LLC, today announced plans for a $12 million capital investment in townhomes and single-family homes on the City’s east side. Based out of Indiana, Park Street Community LLC will develop 34 acres adjacent to the Thomas Rose Industrial Park that were recently annexed into the city limits of La Porte. Park Street Community LLC plans to build 118 townhomes and 19 single family homes on the
G. M. Fedorchak & Associates Architects & Developers Hold Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for New Residential Development
La Porte, IN – G.M. Fedorchak & Associates, La Porte-based architects & developers held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the East Shore Preserve Townhomes, a new residential development on McClung Road in La Porte, on April 5th at 169 McClung Road, Unit 302 from 4-5 p.m. CDT with the ribbon cutting officially taking place at 4:15 p.m. CDT followed by tours of the development.“Increasing options for residential housing continues to be a priority for our city,” said 1st Ward City Councilwoman Julie
La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership Announces Adult Certification Program for Welding
La Porte, IN – The La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership in conjunction with Ivy Tech Community College and New York Blower are pleased to announce a new program launching in La Porte this fall. This project is a true collaboration of efforts between numerous partners such as the La Porte Community School Corporation, Center of Workforce Innovations and the City of La Porte. Over the past three years, LEAP’s Workforce Taskforce, working closely with our employer partners and stakeholders, have
Tubekraft USA Announces Plans to Build in the City of La Porte
LA PORTE, Ind. (May 16th, 2022) – Tubekraft USA announced plans to build a new plant in the City of La Porte in conjunction with Mayor Tom Dermody and the La Porte City Council at Monday’s Meeting. “In the City of La Porte, we have made it our priority to attract high-wage, quality job opportunities that bring value to our community,” Mayor Dermody said. “With an average wage of $25 an hour, the positions that TubeKraft is creating in our city will undoubtedly have an impact. We are grateful to them for
U.S. Chamber Awards the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership with 5-Star Accreditation
La Porte, IN – The United States Chamber of Commerce, at its board meeting this week, awarded the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership with 5-Star Accreditation for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on the community. “Accredited chambers are organizations that hold themselves to the highest industry standards. They are recognized for their work to create and expand business opportunities in their communities” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, U.S. Chamber vice
Quincy Development Begins Construction in the Thomas Rose Industrial Park
Quincy Development begins Construction in the Thomas Rose Industrial Park Quincy Associates Industrial Development has broken ground in the Thomas Rose Industrial Park in La Porte, Indiana. This speculative development will begin with the construction of a 150,000 square foot building that can house either one or multiple tenants. The building is designed to be expandable to 300,000 square feet if so desired. The 23-acre property is located in the heart of the Thomas Rose Industrial Park along the new
Dermody Announces Agreement with Rural King to Open in La Porte
May 11th, 2020—Rural King, America’s Farm and Home Store, has announced plans to open in La Porte, Indiana by March 2021. The new store will open in Maple Lane Mall, 1340 West State Road 2. Significant renovations to the 221,000 sq. ft. structure are scheduled to begin in early spring. Although other tenants are not identified at this time, renovations to additional tenant spaces will be completed as a part of this project. La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody said, the rehabilitation and renovation of this area will
Downtown La Porte Gets Community Treatment with Help of La Porte County Family YMCA & LEAP
The City of La Porte and the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership (LEAP) have been working to revamp the downtown district and have partnered with the La Porte County Family YMCA to make it happen. Recently, local businesses began making improvements and investing in their property, so it only made sense for the YMCA and LEAP to get out and start beautifying the city with the help of the community. Groups headed out from the 618 Plaza to surrounding blocks to paint, pick up trash, sweep, rake, pull
21st Annual Sunflower Fair in Downtown La Porte
The Sunflower Fair celebrates its twenty-first year in the heart of Downtown La Porte on Saturday, Sept. 21. The festival that celebrates community and creativity will begin at 8:00 a.m. and will last until 4:00 p.m. This unique festival is situated along beautiful Michigan Avenue between Lincolnway and Noble Street. With over 130 craft and specialty vendors, the Sunflower Fair is one of the largest area festivals. Attendees can eat delicious food from a variety of non-profit organizations and local
La Porte Farmer's Market Announces New Managers
The La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership (LEAP) is excited to announce that they have been selected to manage the La Porte Farmer’s Market for the 2020 season. LEAP is the organization formed through the partnership between the Greater La Porte Chamber of Commerce and the Greater La Porte Economic Development Corporation earlier this year. “We are very excited the La Porte Urban Enterprise Association (LPUEA) has chosen LEAP to coordinate the market. The Farmer’s Market is a tremendous initiative
La Porte and Sullivan Named INspire Idea Competition Recipients
Today, the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs announced the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership and the Heart of Sullivan Main Street organizations as recipients of the INspire Idea competition at the Great Lakes Regional Main Street Conference. “It was exciting to see the creative ideas that came out of our Main Street organizations," said Jodi Golden, Executive Director of OCRA. "These projects demonstrated a definite need, but will also improve quality of life for residents and
Flaherty & Collins Properties Announces Updated Plans For The Strand A $35M Mixed-Use Development
Flaherty & Collins Properties has announced The Strand, a $35M mixed-use development, will start construction next month. The City of La Porte Redevelopment Commission selected Flaherty & Collins Properties last year to build a 200-unit multifamily development in the heart of the City’s NewPorte Landing redevelopment project. “The City of La Porte is very excited to be partnering with Flaherty & Collins through this development, said Mayor Mark Krentz. “Flaherty & Collins Properties has a long history of
INspire Idea Competition Selects Five Finalists
Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs announced five Indiana Main Street organizations as finalists for the INspire Idea competition. “I am excited to see what these five organizations present at the conference in the coming months,” Crouch said. “It is always inspiring to see the original ideas communities come up with to highlight the uniqueness of their area.” The goal of the competition is to encourage the Indiana Main Street network of communities and
GLPCC and GLEDC Forge a New Alliance Designed to Grow La Porte's Competitive Advantage
In an effort to build a high-functioning, multi-faceted economic development and business support center, the Greater La Porte Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and the Greater La Porte Economic Development (GLEDC) Board of Directors agreed recently to combine expertise under one umbrella and form a new alliance. The new alliance will continue to operate chamber of commerce and economic development functions independently with oversight from the two boards of directors, but will share staff,
LEAP News
- La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership Announces Ready2Work Childcare Voucher Program
- Resort Apartments Expansion Sought
- Patrick Industries Announces Plans to Open a New Facility in La Porte, Indiana
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce Awards the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership with 5-Star Accreditation
- Quincy Development begins Construction in the Thomas Rose Industrial Park
- Dermody Announces Agreement with Rural King to Open in La Porte
- Downtown La Porte Gets Community Treatment with Help of La Porte County Family YMCA & LEAP
- La Porte and Sullivan Named INspire Idea Competition Recipients
- INspire Idea Competition Selects Five Finalists
- Flaherty & Collins Properties Announces Updated Plans For The Strand A $35M Mixed-Use Development
- GLPCC and GLEDC Forge a New Alliance Designed to Grow La Porte’s Competitive Advantage