Press Releases
The Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest Announces the 2025 Innovators Award Winners
HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. – The Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest has announced winners of the 2025 Innovators Awards. Winners will be inducted into the Society during the group’s annual luncheon starting at 11:30 a.m. CST on Oct. 29 at Avalon Manor Banquet Center, 3550 E. Lincoln Highway, Merrillville, Ind. “For 20 years, the Innovators Awards have celebrated the people and ideas that shape Northwest Indiana’s future,” said Jason Williams, CEO of the Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest.
LP County Sheriff Ron Heeg Named Chair of County-Wide Salvation Army Christmas Campaign
LAPORTE COUNTY, IN, October 6, 2025 — The Salvation Army is proud to announce that La Porte County Sheriff Ron Heeg, along with his family, will serve as the 2025 Christmas Campaign Chair, helping lead the organization’s holiday fundraising efforts across La Porte County. This year marks a significant milestone for The Salvation Army, as two locations — The Salvation Army of Michigan City and The Salvation Army of La Porte — have come together under a single leadership team, Majors Dale and Becky Simmons.
Volunteers Needed at Reins of Life Therapeutic Riding Stables in Michigan City
Reins of Life therapeutic horseback riding center has provided equine-assisted services for children and adults with varying abilities for 47 years. It relies heavily on the support of the community volunteers for all aspects of its operations. Reins is located at 9375 W. 300 N., Michigan City, and provides therapeutic riding, therapeudic carriage driving, interactive vaulting, K12 school program, veterans program, and other equine-assisted services. Reins is seeking volunteers aged 13 and older to assist
Museum Trick or Treat 2026 at the La Porte County Historical Society Museum
Time traveling Halloween guests are set to visit the Museum again this year! Come trick or treat through time at the Museum on Saturday, October 25 from 2:00-4:00pm. We are also opening the event a little earlier from 1:00-1:45 for children with disabilities or those who prefer a more quiet environment to enjoy trick or treating at the Museum. Trick or treat will only be on the main level of the Museum. The upper and lower levels will be closed to visitors during the event. Admission is FREE
Burke Costanza & Carberry Expands with New Office in La Porte
La Porte, IN — Burke Costanza & Carberry is excited to announce the opening of its newest office in La Porte, located at 607 Jefferson Avenue. To celebrate, the firm is hosting an Open House on October 22, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with a Ribbon Cutting ceremony at 5:00 p.m. Friends, clients, and community members are warmly invited to attend. Founded through the 1988 merger of two of Northwest Indiana’s most distinguished law firms, Burke Costanza & Carberry is a full-service law firm with more
Lubeznik Center for the Arts' October First Friday Features Fall Harvest Market
MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. - Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA) is hosting its free First Friday on October 3, from 5-8 p.m. (Central) For October, LCA is excited to partner with NWI Food Council to offer a market style selection of fall harvests including flowers, pumpkins, vegetables and more. At 6 p.m., hear from the NWI Food Council as they share about their "FarmHer to Mama" program. This initiative connects female farmers, nurses, nutritionists and first-time mothers who are working together to strengthen
HFL Announces Second Round of 2025 Grants, Surpasses $50M Invested in La Porte County
Health Foundation of La Porte (HFL) is excited to announce its second round of 2025 grants awarded. In this round, HFL has awarded 43 grants totaling $2,310,943, which brings HFL’s total investment in the community since 2017 to more than $50M! “Since our first grants in November 2017, we have had the privilege of collaborating with dedicated partners throughout La Porte County working to make this a healthier place to live,” said Eric DeWald, HFL President & CEO. “We are so grateful to all of our
Unity Foundation President Maggi Spartz Honored with State Award and Permanent Park Dedication
LA PORTE COUNTY, IN— More than 200 community members gathered last night to honor Maggi Spartz, founding President of Unity Foundation of La Porte County, for her more than three decades of leadership and impact. The evening included multiple tributes, culminating in the presentation of the prestigious Circle of Corydon Award and the announcement of a permanent dedication in her name at Unity Park. Spartz, who has served as Unity’s president since its inception in 1992, will retire later this year. Under
Public Invited to Blow Away Breast Cancer Event at Northwest Health - La Porte on October 6
La Porte, IN – Northwest Health – La Porte will hold a “Blow Away Breast Cancer” rally at the hospital to commemorate breast cancer awareness month in the community, to celebrate and honor those who have been affected by a breast cancer diagnosis, and to discuss the importance of early detection. The event will take place at noon on Monday, October 6 at Northwest Health – La Porte, 1331 State Street, La Porte, on the front lawn near the flag poles. In case of inclement weather, meet in the hospital’s main
CLH, CPAs Strengthens Accounting Team with Hiring of Former Interns
CLH, CPAs & Consultants is excited to welcome brothers Matthew Flanigan and Colin Flanigan as staff accountants, following the successful completion of internships with the firm. Both Matthew and Colin graduated from Purdue University, where they earned dual degrees in accounting and finance. The twin brothers were dedicated to careers in the industry from an early age, graduating from high school with credits for associate’s degrees in business administration from Ivy Tech Community College. Between
Ribbon Cutting for New Mural in Honor of the Sullair 60th Anniversary
MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. - Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA), in partnership with Hitachi Global Air Power, invites the public to a ribbon cutting on Tuesday, September 30, at 12 p.m. (Central) to unveil a new mural on the 900 block of Michigan Boulevard. Hitachi Global Air Power, makers of Sullair air compressors, has been proudly headquartered in Michigan City since 1965. The mural is a gift from Hitachi Global Air Power to the City of Michigan City in honor of the Sullair 60th anniversary. As a centerpiece
Purdue University Northwest Recognized Among 2026 Best Midwest Universities
HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) earned recognitions as a top public regional university for academic quality and social mobility in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 annual Best Colleges rankings, released Tuesday, Sept. 23. PNW also received notable rankings for its undergraduate engineering and nursing programs.PNW is ranked 37th among top public Midwest regional universities.PNW’s undergraduate engineering programs are among the top 50 in the country for their category,
Horizon Bank Recognizes Advisors for Community Service - Piotrowski, Beals, Nacht, Shelley
Michigan City, Indiana – Horizon has recognized Advisors Dee Piotrowski, Jessica Beals, Pleya Nacht, and Josh Shelley with the Go Beyond Community Service Award.Dee Piotrowski, VP, Sr. Technical Project Manager, was honored for her ongoing commitment to serving both inside the bank and throughout the community.Piotrowski has lent her time and energy to countless causes, including Run for Hope for suicide awareness, SAG stops for the Tour de La Porte, and the Dragonboat Races supporting Dunebrook. Her
Purdue University Northwest Offers Campus Preview Event for Prospective College Students
HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) invites prospective college students and their families to attend Preview PNW from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18 on the Hammond campus, 2200 169th Street, Hammond, Ind. The event provides valuable information about the university’s academic programs, admissions process and paying for college. The open-house experience offers prospective students the opportunity to explore the campus, meet PNW faculty and staff, and learn how the
Philanthropic Leader Jeri Pat Gabbert, CFRE, Named President & CEO of Unity Foundation
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
Purdue University Northwest Reports Gains in Fall Enrollment
HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) welcomed 1,816 new undergraduate students, which represents a 6% increase in the incoming undergraduate class. The First Time in College (FTIC) cohort increased 10.5%. PNW also noted a record 70.5% retention rate for returning second-year students for the 2025-26 academic year.PNW’s core enrollment grew to 6,101. Core enrollment measures the number of students attending classes in-person on the PNW campuses. Indiana residents make up almost 83%
Northwest Helath - La Porte Announces Employee Recognition Awards
La Porte, IN – Northwest Health – La Porte has announced its selections for Employee of the Year, Clinical Manager of the Year and Non-Clinical Manager of the Year, honoring individuals who were nominated by their peers for their outstanding performance and exemplary service. “Each of these honorees represents the very best of who we are as a hospital,” said Mark Casanova, Chief Executive Officer for Northwest Health – La Porte. “Their commitment to excellence and compassion makes a difference every day in
The City of La Porte celebrates opening of Chipotle
La PORTE, IN (Mar. 24, 2025) – Local officials gathered for a ribbon cutting this morning to celebrate the much-anticipated opening of La Porte’s newest restaurant. Chipotle Mexican Grill, located at 150 Pine Lake Avenue, will open its doors today at 10:45 a.m. The multinational, fast casual chain specializes in made-to-order bowls, burritos and tacos with fresh ingredients. Mayor Tom Dermody said La Porte residents have been eagerly awaiting the restaurant’s grand opening since the day the project was
Northwest Health Offers Support Groups for the General Public
La Porte, IN – Northwest Health is pleased to offer support groups for individuals with diabetes and those seeking to lose weight. All are open to the general public. Diabetes Support Group in La Porte The Diabetes Support Group provides a place to share ideas, experiences, and challenges related for those with diabetes, as well as their support team. The group meets from 11 a.m. – Noon, the fourth Monday of the month in the Lilly Lake Conference Room, at Northwest Health – La Porte, 1331 State Street in
Immediate Movers & Storage Provides Support to Habitat For Humanity in La Porte County
La Porte, Indiana — January 16, 2025 — Immediate Movers & Storage is pleased to announce its partnership with Habitat for Humanity. This collaboration reflects a shared dedication to supporting our community by providing affordable housing. "At Immediate Movers & Storage, we understand the importance of a smooth transition into a new home. We are honored to make a contribution to Habitat for Humanity by providing much needed storage space to house essential supplies required to fulfill their mission: to
Bella Largo Senior Living Breaks Ground on 39 North Development
Bella Largo Senior Living, located in La Porte, Indiana, is set to be the first regional senior health care facility specifically designed to be resistant to COVID and other airborne viruses. Situated in the Hi-Point business park near Exit 49 of Interstate I-90, this single-story, lakefront assisted living and memory care facility will span 48,000 square feet and feature 63 units. The project is expected to open in early 2026. Developed by John English, the facility's design emphasizes resident safety,
Mayor Tom Dermody Announces New Development Along 39 North
La Porte, IN – Mayor Dermody in partnership with IST Distribution, announced plans for a $24 million capital investment to build and equip an 81,000 sq. ft. plastic pellet distribution facility along 39 North at 2321 Progress Drive. IST Distribution will utilize the Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad spur to bring in bulk plastic pellets for distribution to customers across the United States. The company plans to employ 12 new full-time employees making an average wage of $34.00/hour. According
Gov. Holcomb Announces Plans for New $1B Microsoft Data Center in Northwest Indiana
LA PORTE, Ind. – Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced that Microsoft will invest $1 billion to establish a new data center in northwest Indiana. The new facility, which will create up to 200 new jobs by the end of 2032 in La Porte, will accelerate cloud computing infrastructure to support growth in technology and artificial intelligence worldwide. “Indiana is committed to being a central hub in the global economy of the future, and this latest announcement ensures Hoosier communities and talent will
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,
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
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
Maki Precision Machining, LLC Opens in La Porte
LA PORTE, Ind. - Maki Precision Machining, LLC. plans to open in La Porte at 720 Boyd Boulevard. The company has purchased the new location and is preparing to equip the manufacturing space. "The City of La Porte prides itself on being a business-friendly community. We consistently work with businesses both big and small and strive to make sure opening here is an efficient and enjoyable experience. We know communities across the country are competing for this type of development and we have no problem
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
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