Press Releases
2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Application Available
LA PORTE COUNTY, IN—The 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship application is now available on the Unity Foundation of La Porte County website, uflc.net. Applications must be completed and submitted by 11:59 p.m. on September 10, 2025, to be considered. The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program (LECSP), administered statewide by Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) and locally in La Porte County by Unity Foundation, will provide scholarships to two La Porte County students. LECSP scholarships
Northwest Health Launches Enjoy the Ride: Navigating a Longer, Healthier Life
Valparaiso, Michigan City, La Porte, Knox, IN – Northwest Health has developed an exciting new initiative designed to empower our community to live longer, healthier lives. Enjoy the Ride: Navigating a Longer, Healthier Life is a FREE 12-day, longevity-focused email series launching on Sept. 15. Its goal is to share actionable information based on current health and wellness research. According to the CDC, Americans’ average lifespan is longer than ever – 74.8 years for men and 80 for women. But Americans’
Lubeznik Center for the Arts' Fall Education Offerings Open for Registration August 11, 2025
MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – Registration will be opening on August 11, at noon (Central), for fall classes and workshops for children, teens and adults at Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA). LCA's fall 2025 education lineup includes a wide variety of engaging classes for every age and skill level:Abstract Painting I & IIExpressions in Mixed MediaSandcastle WritersGardens in Contemporary Art IIPixels, Patterns & Pop CultureCharacter DesignMixed Media for Young Artists LCA is also offering four new
La Porte County Symphony Orchestra Participates in Carnegie Hall's Link Up Program
La Porte, July 29, 2025 - Link Up Program Participants will present a Live Concert, with teachers and students nationwide for the 2025–2026 season. In collaboration with Carnegie Hall the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra is participating in Link Up The Orchestra Swings, a music education program provided by Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute (WMI), during the 2025–2026 season. The nearly 5,000 students participating in the Link Up curriculum will attend a culminating concert on October 8, 2025
Purdue University Northwest Provides School Supplies on August 7
HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) will host the “Roaring Back to School” school-supply giveaway events from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 7, on both the Hammond and Westville campuses. The events offer area K-12 students an opportunity to gather the supplies they need for a successful academic year.The events are free and open to families with children in kindergarten through 12th grade who are from local school districts in the surrounding communities. Attendees will be
Regional Development Company Names Niccole Zell as Chief Lending Officer
VALPARAISO, Ind. – The Regional Development Company has promoted Niccole Zell to chief lending officer. Zell has been with the organization for 20 years, serving in a variety of roles including underwriting, closing, and servicing. Most recently, she held the position of vice president of lending. “The RDC would not be where it is today without Niccole,” said Matthew Saltanovitz, RDC executive committee member and past board chair. “Small-business lending is about making the numbers work, of course,
2025 Lubeznik Arts Festival to Host over 80 Artists in August
MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – The 43rd annual Lubeznik Arts Festival will showcase 80 artists who work in a variety of media to Michigan City, Ind. on Saturday and Sunday, August 16 and 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Central). The festival draws children and adults from the Northwest Indiana region, Southwest Michigan and beyond to Lubeznik Center for the Arts' (LCA) grounds and galleries at 101 W. 2nd Street. Festival-goers can enjoy fine arts and crafts from artists from across the U.S., indoor exhibits by
Parking, Road Closures Announced for LakeFest Weekend
La PORTE, IN (July 22, 2025) – The LakeFest planning committee has today released important information that festivalgoers will want to know before they go, according to Park Superintendent Mark Schreiber.This Friday, July 25, through Sunday, July 27, a wide array of activities will be held at La Porte’s Pine, Stone and Clear lakes. Featured events will include a free concert performed by global pop sensation Jesse McCartney, a special Friday Night Live at Fox Park, a Family Beach Bash at Stone Lake,
17th Annual Old Car Show Winners
The La Porte County Historical Society Museum hosted its 17th Annual Old Car Show on Saturday, July 19. There were a total of 44 cars that entered the show despite the forecasted awful weather. Thank you to all the participants and visitors for making this year’s car show another great success! We look forward to seeing everyone at the 18th Annual Old Car Show next year! Below is a list of the winners of the 17th Annual Old Car Show: Mayor's ChoiceDan Fear - 1977 VW BusCounty Historian's ChoiceDean White-
CLH Invests in Accounting's Future with Two Summer Interns
Michigan City, IN – 7/23/2025 – Two aspiring accounting professionals are gaining real-world experience through summer internships with CLH, CPAs & Consultants.Charlotte M. Dombrowski of Valparaiso and Kristina I. Sherpitis of Beverly Shores joined the firm’s Michigan City office to further their education and solidify their career plans.Dombrowski, entering her senior year at the University of Minnesota Crookston, is pursuing a double major in finance and accounting. In this second internship with CLH,
New Service Lands at South Bend International Airport
South Bend, IN. – Today South Bend International Airport (SBN) announced American Airlines will connect passengers to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD) beginning October 6, 2025. The service will run four times daily, in both directions, on a luxury motorcoach operated by regional partner, The Landline Company.The 35-seat motorcoach has many of the features customers expect from the first-class cabin of a regional jet, including in-seat power, Wi-Fi, plentiful legroom, and leather seats.The
Institute Launches Medical Debt Know Your Rights Workshops
Indianapolis, IN – Today, the Indiana Community Action Poverty Institute has announced two virtual “Medical Debt Know Your Rights” training workshops. Medical debt is a top barrier to financial well-being for hard-working Hoosiers across the state, and as a result, the state legislature recently announced that lawmakers will be studying medical debt in this year's interim study session. These policy efforts will be complemented by these workshops, conducted as part of a grant from Health Foundation of La
Purdue University Northwest Recognized as Tier 1 Collegiate Purple Star of Indiana Institution
HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) has been designated a Collegiate Purple Star of Indiana institution by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. This designation recognizes PNW’s commitment to supporting the military-affiliated student population at the university – from application to graduation. “This designation sets us apart at the state level and reinforces the strong, comprehensive support we offer military veterans at PNW,” said Anthony Pilota, veteran services
Sinai Forum at Purdue Northwest 2025 Season to Feature Neil deGrasse Tyson, Platon, and More
HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — The Sinai Forum at Purdue University Northwest (PNW) announced the lineup of notable speakers joining its 2025 season. The speaker series will feature renowned personalities who will engage in topics spanning science, geopolitics, journalism, music, photography and storytelling.Platon, a distinguished portrait photographer, opens the season on Sept. 14. Platon’s visual storytelling is illustrious, as he has photographed more world leaders than anyone else in history, including
Grand Heritage Federal Credit Union Holds Groundbreaking in NewPorte Landing
La Porte, IN – Today, in coordination with Tonn & Blank Construction, the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for Grand Heritage Federal Credit Union. The credit union plans to relocate from their current building located at 201 Koomler Drive to the corner of Truesdell Avenue and North Madison Street in NewPorte Landing. “Grand Heritage Federal Credit Union is celebrating more than just a groundbreaking. We are celebrating a commitment to our members and our
PNW Nursing Facility Member Named American Academy of Nursing Fellow
HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) Associate Professor of Nursing Julia Rogers was named a 2025 fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, one of the highest professional distinctions for nurses.Induction as an academy fellow is a prestigious recognition of a nurse’s contributions to health care through innovative, evidence-based solutions and advocacy for health outcomes in their communities. Rogers joins a distinguished cohort comprising nursing professionals who are leaders
Friday Night Live: Cheeseburger in Paradise Rounds Out Event Series in August
La PORTE, IN (July 8, 2025) – Cheeseburger connoisseurs won’t want to miss the final event in the Friday Night Live series, according to Civic & Events Director Gregory Pietsch.Cheeseburger in Paradise will return to Downtown La Porte on Friday, August 8, from 6-10 p.m. Featuring local burger vendors, a beer garden and a live musical performance by the female-fronted yacht rock cover band the Yacht Rock-ettes, this event is free and open to all ages. After two successful downtown events, Pietsch said this
Northwest Health - Starke Launches New Transitional Care Program
Knox, IN – For patients about to be discharged from the hospital, it’s common to worry about whether they are ready to manage their recoveries on their own. The rehabilitation process after some health events is as critical as the treatment itself, often playing a role in long-term outcomes and quality of life. Northwest Health is pleased to announce a new Transitional Care Program at the Northwest Health – Starke hospital aimed at helping patients with this important phase of recovery. Sometimes referred
Unity Foundation Accredited with Rigorous National Standards
LA PORTE COUNTY, IN— Unity Foundation of La Porte County recently received accreditation with Community Foundations National Standards®, the nation’s highest standard for philanthropic excellence. This accreditation confirms that Unity Foundation meets the legal, ethical, and operational standards set for community foundations nationwide. “Meeting the National Standards benchmarks is a rigorous, comprehensive process,” said Susie Nelson, board chair of National Standards. “This accreditation is a
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