Press Releases
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Generosity Leads to Renaming of Civic Stage
La PORTE, IN (Dec. 19, 2025) – The La Porte Civic Auditorium stage has a new name after the generous support by a local family, according to La Porte Park Superintendent Mark Schreiber.At the recent Holiday at the Pops concert, the La Porte City Park Foundation announced the creation of the Bowers Family Fund, established to support the Civic Auditorium for generations to come. Edwin and Karen Bowers made a lead gift of $500,000, with additional contributions pledged for the future. In recognition of their
Red Kettle Ring Off Results Announced: Mayor Angie Wins Battle of the Mayors
MICHIGAN CITY, December 22, 2025 – The results are in for this year’s Red Kettle Ring Off, and Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch of Michigan City has claimed victory in the annual “Battle of the Mayors,” raising a total of $11,414.41 in support of The Salvation Army’s Christmas Campaign. Mayor Tom Dermody of La Porte raised a total of $5,922. The friendly competition took place on Friday, December 19, as Mayor Nelson Deuitch and Mayor Dermody each rang bells and encouraged donations in their respective
Lubeznik Arts Festival Opening Artist Applications
MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. - Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA) is now accepting artist applications for the 44th annual Lubeznik Arts Festival this summer. Artists can apply at https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=13971, and a link to the application can also be found at LubeznikCenter.org/Events. Applications must be submitted by April 2, 2026 to be considered for this 2026 juried festival. Media categories include: Two-dimensional art: Painting, drawing, printmaking, pastels, mixed-mediaFine craft:
Unity Foundation Announces 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholars
LA PORTE COUNTY, IN—Unity Foundation of La Porte County is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for La Porte County: Lupita Osornio-Luna of Tri Township Jr./Sr. High School and Madeleine McCarther of Marquette High School. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are recognized for their community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership. Osornio-Luna is deeply involved in service and student leadership. After volunteering with her local Leos
Presbyterian Church of La Porte Announces Christmas Festivities for 2025
The Presbyterian Church of La Porte, at 307 Kingsbury Avenue, offers three opportunities to celebrate the Christmas season. These events incorporate music and joyful blessings, prayers, and reflections. We would really enjoy the opportunity for the community to share in these festivities. We want to invite you. We offer something unique, intriguing and thoughtful prayers, a diversity of music, and the opportunity to participate in singing. Please join us. The first is Wednesday December 24, Christmas Eve.
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City of La Porte Appoints Ashcraft to Civic Director
La PORTE, IN (Dec. 17, 2025) – City of La Porte Park Superintendent Mark Schreiber and the Park Board today announced the hiring of Rhonda Ashcraft as the new director of the La Porte Civic Auditorium.A Ball State University alum with a Bachelor’s in sales and marketing, Ashcraft’s resume includes more than 20 years of managerial experience, most recently with BlueSky Restoration as their Business Development Manager. Before that, she oversaw the day-to-day operations, personnel and sales for Sterno
Purdue University Northwest Invites Community Members to Join 2026 MLK Day Events
HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) invites the public to join in celebrating the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy through free programming on Jan. 15 and Jan. 19, 2026.PNW will host two opportunities for community members to celebrate and recognize MLK Day 2026. Both programs will feature engaging keynote speakers and opportunities for dialogue. Event and registration information can be found at pnw.edu/mlk-celebration.Jan. 15, 2026 MLK Day Celebration in
Surf Internet Celebrates 250,000 Fiber-Optic Passings After Record-Breaking Year of Growth
ELKHART, Ind., Dec. 16, 2025 – Surf Internet® has reached 250,000 homes passed with fiber-optic internet across Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan, its strongest construction year to date and a defining milestone in the company’s 25th anniversary year. In 2025, Surf brought its fiber-optic service to more than 66,500 additional homes and businesses through November and is on track to exceed 75,000 passings by year-end, driven by construction acceleration, strategic grant funding, and community partnerships
Purdue University Northwest Earns National Recognition for Cybersecurity Education, Career Preparation
HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest has once again received the International Council of Electronic Commerce Consults’ (EC-Council) Academia Circle of Excellence Award in recognition of high-quality teaching that effectively prepares both students and professionals for entering needed areas of the national cybersecurity workforce. This marks the third consecutive year PNW has earned the award.Since 2019, PNW’s College of Technology has partnered with the EC-Council in offering two of
CLH Stengthens Student Career Readiness with Year of Pipeline Development Initiatives
Michigan City, IN – 12/5/2025 – In the wake of significant changes to Indiana’s high school diploma requirements, CLH, CPAs & Consultants has accelerated its pipeline development initiatives this year to help area students not only meet their career-readiness goals but also thrive beyond graduation.Approved by the Indiana Department of Education in December of 2024, the new diploma structure will take effect with the Class of 2029. Under the updated model, Indiana students must complete a diploma program
Northwest Health Announces Physicians who Received 2025 Medical Staff Awards
La Porte and Valparaiso, IN – Northwest Health recognized six members of its medical staffs for their clinical expertise and exceptional dedication during special events held Dec. 2, 2025. Northwest Health – Porter recognized oncologist and hematologist Tareq Braik, M.D., as the Northwest Health – Porter 2025 Physician of the Year for his steady leadership and collaborative approach to patient care. He was selected by the leaders of the hospital’s medical staff. “Dr. Braik is admired for his exceptional
Friendship Botanic Gardens Secures $10,000 Matching Grant to Double the Impact of Emergency Fundraiser
Friendship Botanic Gardens Secures $10,000 Matching Grant to Double the Impact of Emergency Fundraiser Michigan City, IN - Friendship Botanic Gardens is thrilled to announce it has been awarded a $10,000 matching grant from the Barker Welfare Foundation in support of the Emergency Fundraising Campaign. This generous grant will match every public donation dollar-for-dollar, up to $10,000, doubling the impact of each contribution. The Emergency Fundraising Campaign ensures the Gardens remain safe,
Red Kettle Ring Off: Annual Battle of the Mayors
MICHIGAN CITY, December 15, 2025 – The annual holiday tradition continues as the mayors of Michigan City and La Porte prepare for their friendly “Battle of the Mayors” in support of The Salvation Army’s Christmas Campaign. The two cities will once again participate in the Red Kettle Ring Off on Friday, December 19, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., during which Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch of Michigan City and Mayor Tom Dermody of La Porte will each staff a red kettle in their respective communities and compete to
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News Release: 12/3/2025
Paladin, a Northwest Indiana nonprofit serving adults with disabilities, children, and seniors, is proud to announce the grand opening of its first Success Hub, a modern adult learning and community space. Congressman Frank Mrvan will join Paladin and community leaders for a press conference and facility tour in the newly furnished Success Hub—part of the nearly completed 24,000-square-foot facility transformation made possible by $1.5 million in federal funding awarded in 2023. The event will showcase how
The Society of Innovators Launches ''Spark Series''
HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. – The Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest has officially launched the Spark Series, a new video learning library designed to help students, educators and aspiring entrepreneurs learn directly from real-world innovators across Northwest Indiana. These short, documentary-style video interviews with local entrepreneurs and innovators bring real-world business and innovation concepts to life for audiences. The Spark Series highlights authentic stories, challenges and insights
Lubeznik Center for the Arts' December First Friday 2025
MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. - Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA) is hosting its free First Friday on December 5 from 5-8 p.m. (Central). All are welcome to enjoy an evening of holiday songs, spectacular art, hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar. The Holiday Artisan Market will also be open for shopping unique handmade items. LCA members receive 10% off their purchases. The Krueger Middle School's Advanced Chorus, directed by Shirley Allen, will perform at 6 p.m. This select ensemble is made up of talented seventh and
Experience the Joy of Service: Volunteer at Reins of Life in 2026
Reins of Life, Inc. is a non-profit therapeutic horseback riding facility that serves children and adults with disabilities through horseback riding, therapeutic carriage driving, interactive vaulting, special education school programs, and community visits. Each participant requires one to three volunteers for their lesson, so the volunteer need is high. There are also two feeding shifts per day, with three to four volunteers per shift. Reins would love to add you to their volunteer roster, even if you
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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
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
Contact Us
Phone: 219-324-8584
Address: 605 Michigan Avenue
La Porte IN, 46350
